Wednesday 30 July 2025

Bowls England Greenkeeper of the Year 2025 visits Dennis & SISIS

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DERBY, UK – 22 July 2025 – Brian Taylor, the proud winner of the 2025 Bowls England Greenkeeper of the Year award was welcomed for an exclusive visit by the Howardson Group, where Dennis and SISIS products are made, in Derby – part of his prize for receiving the prestigious national accolade.

Brian, who has been the dedicated greenskeeper at County Arts Bowls Club in Norwich since 1992, a player since 1958 and a member since 1967, described the visit as “mind-boggling” and “fascinating,” adding: “I've never seen anything like it before. It was brilliant to see all the modern equipment and how it’s being manufactured right here in Derby. It was a very good tour; it exceeded my expectations.”
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The club, which boasts one of the highest memberships in Norwich with over 650 members and both indoor and outdoor greens of six rinks each, is a hub of activity year-round. Brian has been a member of County Arts since 1967 and was first shown the ropes in greenkeeping by former groundsman John Hawkins, before taking over the role himself more than three decades ago.

Reflecting on the surprise of receiving the award, Brian said: “I was over the moon when I found out I’d won – very pleased and rather surprised. The club were really pleased too, and I think it’s great recognition not just for me, but for the county of Norfolk.”

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During his visit, Brian was especially excited to witness the production of the Dennis FT610, the mower he uses at County Arts: “It was brilliant to see it being made in the factory. I love that machine.”

When asked what he finds most rewarding about being a greenkeeper, Brian shared: “It’s when players tell me how well the green has played. Sometimes you get the odd complaint but most of the time it’s positive – and I’ve had loads of lovely messages of congratulations on winning the award.”

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Darren McMahon, Head of Marketing at Howardson Group, commented:

"It was an absolute pleasure to welcome Brian Taylor to our facilities, alongside The County Arts Club Secretary, John Mason, and long-term member and friend, Malcolm Nicholson. Brian’s dedication to greenkeeping over more than 30 years is truly inspiring. His passion for bowls and the surfaces he maintains really reflects what the Greenkeeper of the Year award is all about and I am not surprised membership at his club is thriving. We're very proud to play a small part in supporting the work of greenkeepers like Brian across the country."

Dennis and SISIS, part of the Howardson Group, were delighted to host Brian and guests. We congratulate him on the much-deserved recognition for his decades of dedicated service to the sport and the greenkeeping community in Norfolk.