Thornton Sports

New 'first-class' playing surface unveiled at Westholme School

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Project

In Summer 2009 Thornton Contracts Ltd successfully completed the construction of a full size synthetic grass pitch and a block of 6 macadam tennis courts for Westholme School in Blackburn. With these new facilities the school, which has been awarded the prestigious Gold Mark Sports Award, will now be in a position to host high profile tournaments with other schools for hockey, netball and tennis.

Jeremy Hunt MP, Shadow Secretary for Culture, Media and Sport, unveiled the new facilities on Tuesday 29th September.

The Product

The first-class playing surface is surfaced with Thornton Sport's 'Premier 10' sand dressed product, which incorporates an LSR yarn and a unique backing system to improve drainage. Furthermore, the manufacture of 'Premier 10' in the UK helps to reduce carbon footprints.

The Response

Mr John Henwood, Bursar for Westholme School, was so impressed with the works that he commented on the Independent Schools Bursar Association website:

"Having just completed on a complex and technically difficult project to convert a heavily sloping clay field I am very happy to recommend Thornton Contracts Ltd if anyone is considering such work. We are delighted with the work Thorntons have done and their wilco attitute. I am happy to discuss with anyone by email or phone."

The new facilities will enhance Westholme School's reputation as a centre of educational excellence, and add to Thornton Sport's impressive portfolio of independent school clients.

New 3G Pitch at Birchwood Community High School

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Opening:

On Friday 25th of September 2009 the brand new 3rd Generation synthetic grass pitch was officially opened at Birchwood Community High School; by Andy Gatcliffe; the Chief Executive of Super League team and recent Challenge Cup Winners Warrington Wolves.

The ceremony marked the culmination of an excellent partnership between Thornton Sports and the school; with Thornton Sports providing assistance from the initial planning stage including providing detailed AutoCAD design drawings.

The Surface:

The chosen surface was Thornton Sport's "SoccerTurf 40M" 3rd Generation sand/rubber filled synthetic grass which satisfies both F.A. and F.I.H. performance requirements. Furthermore; being manufactured in the UK, this aided in the reduction of the schools carbon footprint.

The Response:

The new surface is already making a major impact. Ralph Johnson; Business Manager at the school commented; "the feedback we have had from our learners and community users has been very positive with everyone raving over the fabulous surface".

During the opening ceremony the Head Teacher; Ms. Anne Bright made a special reference to Thornton Sport's construction works being both on-time and within budget.

The new synthetic pitch marks an exciting time for the school and also another successful "SoccerTurf 40M" installation for Thornton Sports.

Playtime made safe by GTC Sports

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In August 2009, GTC Sports installed a brand new area of Flexiflor® Safety Surfacing at Aughton Christ Church C of E School in Ormskirk. This has given the pupils and staff of Aughton School the chance to enjoy playtime in a much safer environment.

Flexiflor® Safety Surface has been specifically designed by GTC Sports as an impact absorbing system of surfacing for children's playgrounds. This is a multi-component polyurethane/rubber composite, which is formed 'in situ' by chemical mixing, wet pouring and leveling, and a screeding and rolling process. This provides a durable, easy to maintain play surface.

As the photographs show, the surface finish is of the highest quality and the entire area looks wholly suitable for a children's play area. The graphics are also, as you can see, expertly applied to the surface, which makes the play area more enjoyable for the children that will use it.

After reading this article, should you have any enquiries about Flexiflor® Safety Surfacing, please do not hesitate to contact GTC Sports on 01282 777 678.

A Shining Example

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Earlier this year, GTC Sports provided the pupils and staff of St. Peter's High School, Wigan, with a welcome refurbishment of their timber sports hall flooring system.

As you can see from the photographs, the installation at St. Peter's illustrates the excellence of GTC Sports' refurbishment works. The finish is of a high standard and is an example of what a sports hall floor can, and should, aspire to be; aesthetically pleasing and, more importantly, fit for purpose.

The sanding, line marking and re-sealing of timber sports hall floors is just one of the refurbishment services GTC Sports are able to offer. For more information regarding the repair, refurbishment or new installation of point, area and mixed elastic sports hall flooring systems, please call GTC Sports on 01282 777 678.

Sutton Leisure Centre receives welcome upgrade

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Completed in March this year, the new hammer/discus cage installed at Sutton Leisure Centre, St. Helens, is another good example of the high quality products and high standard of workmanship GTC Sports consistently provides.

Supplied and installed to 'UK Athletics' standards, the 9/7m metre throwing cage is a welcome upgrade to the facilities at Sutton Leisure Centre. As the photographs show, both the groundwork and equipment specification have been completed to a very high standard, giving the staff and members an excellent hammer/discus facility.

In addition to the 9/7 metre cage installed at Sutton Leisure Centre, GTC Sports can also offer 10/7 metre cages, which can be installed to 'IAAF' standards, if required.

To compliment the throwing events, GTC Sports are also able to provide a full range of athletics equipment and facilities to suit the following:

Long/triple jump
Pole vault
High jump
Track events
A multitude of supporting equipment: trollies, shelters and covers, amongst others
Facilities for disabled athletes

For more information about any of these products and services, please do not hesitate to contact GTC Sports on 01282 777 678.

Flexiflor gets registered

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In June 2009, GTC Sports' very own sports hall flooring brand, Flexiflor®, became a registered trademark in the UK. This recognition makes the Flexiflor® brand inseparable from GTC Sports as a mark of excellence and dedication to performance.

Flexiflor® is designed and installed to combine high quality multi-sport performance with minimal maintenance requirements throughout the range. Using Flexiflor® P.U. as an example, this desirable combination is made possible by the very nature of the seamless surface itself, which is wet laid onto a suitable sub-base that has been prepared in accordance with installation guidelines set out by BS EN 14904 2006.

The absence of seams and the point-elastic qualities of the polyurethane material make Flexiflor® P.U. the ideal flooring system for multi-purpose use in any indoor sports environment.

Also, when any of the Flexiflor® range is used in conjunction with our own registered floor protection system, Flortector®, the flexibility and versatility of the indoor sports environment is enhanced even further, adding the ability to host examinations and stage various other events without the risk of damage to the underlying floor.

Natural Grass Pitch Construction from Thornton Contracts

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Thornton Contracts Ltd, are able to offer design, supply and construction of Fibrelastic Turf ®, Fibresand®, Fibreturf® and natural grass pitches. We can offer soil analysis, excavation, re-levelling, drainage and irrigation installation, sand slitting/sand mastering, provision of sports markings and equipment.

Fibrelastic® which involves the use of polyurethane fibres in addition to polypropylene fibres, was introduced following an encouraging two year fibre reinforcement research programme by the STRI.

Dr Vic Armond from Mansfield Sand Company says: “The Fibrelastic® Turf surface has all of the attributes provided by a typical fibre reinforced, sand dominant rootzone but most important of all, it is more player friendly because of the reduced hardness and extra resilience of the surface.”

Key Benefits of Fibrelastic® Pitches

Enhanced cushioning effect reducing surface hardness
Player friendly
Increased Live grass cover
Improved traction

Recent projects:

Llanelli Scarletts
Oulder Hill High School
Mellish Fields
Buckshaw Village
Rugby School
Harrow School
Leckwith Stadium

For further information contact info@thorntonsports.co.uk, call 01282 777345

THORNTON SPORTS AWARDED ISO14001 ENVIRONMENTAL ACCREDITATION

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Thornton Sports Ltd, which consists of Thornton Contracts Ltd, Nordon Ltd, Protech AllWeather Ltd and GTC Sports Ltd, have achieved ISO14001 environmental accreditation.

ISO14001 is the current environmental management system standard, designed to help companies achieve consistent environmental compliance, together with continuous improvements in environmental performance. ISO14001 accredited companies confirm that they have recognised the potential environmental impact of their activity and are committed to managing and reducing this impact with meeting or exceeding legislative requirements.

Thornton Sports as a group are committed to reduce, re-use and recycle where possible and have already implemented environmentally friendly initiatives within their construction and manufacturing processes.

David Saxby Managing Director “ With more and more emphasis on sustainability, the achievement of ISO14001 accreditation is a key step in the Thornton Sports objective to minimise our impact on the environment. This is a very important accreditation and we are proud that we are one of the first in our industry to lead in this initiative”.

Thornton Sports Ltd specialises in the design, construction and installation of surfaces for sport, UK manufacture of synthetic grass and provision of maintenance and equipment for sports surfaces.

For further information email Joanna Marshall on info@thorntonsports.co.uk

Thornton Sports Forthcoming Exhibitions

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Thornton Sports will be exhibiting their sports surfaces, construction, maintenance, sports hall flooring and equipment at the forthcoming exhibitions:

Sports and Play Construction Association Exhibition, Tuesday 30th June, Ricoh Arena, Coventry

Institute of Groundsmanship - IOG Saltex, Windsor Racecourse, 9th to 11th September 2009

Come along and discuss with one of our team your sporting project requirements:

If you require any further information please contact info@thorntonsports.co.uk or call us on 01282 777345

Thornton Sports Sponsor Burnley Football Club

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Thornton Sports are proud to Sponsor Man of the Match for Burnley FC Vs Birmingham FC, this Saturday 18th October at Turf Moor.

For further information contact karen@thorntonsports.co.uk or see Burnley FC's official website www.burnleyfc.com

GTC Sports are proud to introduce a new range of maintenance machines and accessories for natural and synthetic grass surfaces.

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The range is manufactured in the UK covering horticultural attachments for estate, garden and sports tractors to aid maintenance of natural or synthetic surfaces.

Bespoke orders are also welcomed as many of the machines have been designed or adapted to suit customer specific requirements.

The range of products is as follows and includes the exclusive TG3 Grooming Machine

SGE-M0300 � TG3 Grooming Machine,
SGE-M0301 � Leaf Blower,
SGE-M0302 � Power Mower,
SGE-M0303 � Towed Sweeper,
SGE-M0304 � Arena Maintenance Unit,
SGE-M0305 � Fertiliser Broadcaster 50ltr,�
SGE-M0306 � Fertiliser Broadcaster 100ltr,�
SGE-M0307 � Guard for Fertiliser Broadcasters,�
SGE-M0308 � ATV/Quad Mounted Sprayer,�
SGE-M0309 � 3 Point Linkage Mounted Sprayer,�
SGE-M0310 � Small Salt Spreader,
SGE-M0311 � Combination Grass Care System,�
SGE-M0312 � Hard Surface Towed Sweeper,�
SGE-M0313 � Triangular Brush,�
SGE-M0314 � Power Sprayer and
SGE-M0315 � Powered Sweeper.�

For further information please contact us on 01282 777 678 or email: gtc@thorntonsports.co.uk

Hinged Rugby Post Assembly Roller from GTC Sports

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Hinged Post Assembly Roller allows you to safely erect and dismantle a set of hinged posts in a controlled manner.

Designed to be mounted onto an appropriate tractor using two heavy duty 'U' Bolt brackets, the upright rolls along the device with the aid of the tractor roll bar before being lifted off by a

suitable number of persons (the tractor must ideally be fitted with an angled or adjustable roll bar, brackets will fit up to a 60mm square bar).

A minimum of two people should always oversee the safe erection or dismantling of the rugby posts. Never allow the tractor's speed to exceed walking pace; we recommend that the tractor moves no faster than 3mph.

The Hinged Post Assembly Roller is manufactured from steel and fitted with a rubber roller, a quick release webbed safety strap and two 'U' bolt

Product Code Ref: OSE-R1490

Please Note: The device is designed for use with hinged uprights only, we do not recommend the use of the Hinged Post Assembly Roller with standard socketed uprights.

For further information please contact us on 01282 777 678 or email: gtc@thorntonsports.co.uk

Artificial Grass for the Garden!

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

As a joint venture between Nordon and Protech AllWeather, we have formed Leave Us A Lawn, a new brand of artificial grass specifically aimed at the residential market. We can provide several different artificial grass turfs that can compliment your garden and save you time and energy without sacrificing beautiful landscaping and environmental effects.

All the artificial grass we supply can be installed by our specially trained staff at a very reasonable cost. Have a look for yourself at www.leaveusalawn.co.uk

Thornton Sports Listed in Top 100

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In a recent report by the Lancashire Business Review, Thornton Sports has been listed 38th in a list of the Hot 100 companies in Lancashire.

The list, compiled by Haworths Chartered Accountants, ranked companies by pre-tax profit. These figures were compiled using the latest data publicly available with additional research based on accounts filed at Companies House.

The short-listed companies were reviewed by a panel comprising Haworths Chartered Accountants and Lancashire Business View.

For further information contact info@thorntonsports.co.uk

Thornton Sports in the News

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Several projects that Thornton Sports have been involved in have recently made the news. Please see links for articles relating to these projects.

STONYHURST COLLEGE

CLITHEROE TENNIS CLUB

LLANELLI SCARLETTS

Thornton Sports Win a number of prestigious projects

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Thornton Sports Ltd have recently been awarded a number of prestigious projects. We pride ourselves in the fact that we provide fully integrated and cost effective sports surface solutions from design, manufacture and construction to maintenance. Our staff are committed to achieving the highest standards of quality workmanship and service to ensure that all installations meet our clients requirements.

We offer an extensive range of products including synthetic grass pitches, tennis courts, athletics tracks and multi use areas. Our synthetic grass pitches have been manufactured in house since 1981 by Nordon Ltd, a member company. With over 30 years experience and the combined expertise of 4 companies we are able to offer our customers a 'total solution'.

David Saxby, Managing Director "Although given current difficult trading conditions, I am pleased that Thornton Sports continue to maintain a significant presence in the market place"

Recent contracts awarded include:

LLanelli Scarletts Stadium - Athletics Track and natural grass pitch plus sports equipment
Warwick School, Redhill, Surrey - long pile pitch plus sports equipment
Corinthians Sports Club, Kent - 3rd Generation Pitch
3 x North Ayrshire Local Authority Schools - 3 x 3rd generation pitches and sports equipment
Salford Schools BSF - 2 synthetic pitches and 2 macadam MUGAs
Bishop Burton College of Agriculture - 3rd Generation Pitch
Stockport Road, Denton - 3rd Generation Pitch
St Johns C of E School, Worksop - 2 x sand-filled MUGA
Scarborough Council -MUGA
Welland Park College, Market Harborough - Sand Filled synthetic pith
Badminton Centre, Hull - Sports Hall floor refurbishment
Leeds United Football Club - Sports Hall flooring refurbishment
Morton Stadium, Dublin - 10/7m hammer/discus cage
Stonyhurst College, Clitheroe - Cricket Wicket refurbishment
Wallsall Sports Club - Cricket Wicket refurbishment
Nonsuch High School, Cheam - Sports Equipment
National Sports Centre, Isle of Man - Full sized pitch replacement using our Premier 20 surface
Reigate Grammar School - Pitch Replacement

For further information please email info@thorntonsports.co.uk

Thornton Sports to Exhibit at IOG Saltex on 2-4 September 2008

Fri, 23 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Thornton Sports will be exhibiting at IOG Saltex on 2nd to the 4th of September 2008. The event is taking place at Windsor Racecourse and is a prestigious event for grounds care, sports facilities, amenities, landscaping and estate management sectors. You can find us on stand LV 09 in the landscaping village and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have about any of our services.

At the event, we will be exhibiting:

Sports surfaces and maintenance operation
Leave Us A Lawn our brand new artificial grass product designed for gardens, pool surrounds, play and all domestic/commercial areas.
The TG3 Grooming Machine for long pile artificial surfaces, exclusive to Thornton Sports

Visit www.iogsaltex.co.uk for further event information

Worldwide Sales Agents Required

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

If you wish to become part of the Thornton Sports team, we have opportuntities for distributors and agents worldwide.

Please email info@thorntonsports.co.uk for further information.

Introducing the New TG3 Grooming Machine

Tue, 08 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Due to the growing popularity of rubber filled synthetic surfaces for football and rugby, Protech Allweather have, with our manufacturer, developed the TG3 Groomer. This machine is designed for the overall maintenance of the rubber filled surfaces and is exclusive to us.

The TG3 is available in two sizes to facilitate full size pitches; small MUGAs and 5 a-side areas where access is limited.

The TG3 has a wide range of functions to cater for all aspects of maintenance of a rubber filled surface. The unit can be coupled to any tractor or suitable motorised unit by means of either 3 point linkage or by tow pin or tow ball. The unit is light and easy to use and can be stored with ease using a minimum amount of space.

OPERATIONS OF THE TG3

The TG3 has been designed for a number of operations and these are as follows;

The tines on the front of the machine will allow decompaction of the rubber which will result in greater drainage and a more level look and feel to the surface.
The levelling bars will replenish the pile evenly to maintain the correct surface level. The rear brush will lift the fibres and brush the granules giving the desired look and presentation to the pitch.

We at Protech Allweather use this machine in our day to day maintenance contracts and are the sole users of the TG3 unit. We would be happy to demonstrate the TG3 and discuss maintenance of rubber filled synthetic surfaces with you.

For further information please contact Protech AllWeather on 01162 886782 or GTC Sports on 01282 777678 or email: gtc@thorntonsports.co.uk