Well, that's narowing the field for the start of the mulch'n'catch... it's another story as to wether any use of a mulching specific... well anything... predated the much'n'catch, however, I'd guess the Mulch'n'catch to be a good one to pin down as a guide, plus it seems to be the flagship for the idea!
So we can say it was there fro sure by Sept 1996, and studying the model records I have, I can confirm it was not there prior to the new model releases during 1992 (Sept as well I believe) as this book covers up to the mowers released late 91.
So it's likely we've narrowed the M&C's release down to a 5 year window, and it's likely to be at the later end of the window by the discussion.
...At work, I've been organising old paint catalouges, the ones released each year or so with the popular colours, the library of pamphlets at work covers a lot of brands, and in some cases goes as far back as '83... the owner kept the library as it proves usefull when someone comes in wanting a paint tinted to... "Oh... well, we picked the colour about 30 years ago... it was a Haymes colour... I just can't remember the name..."
I wonder if any of the still around, old and opened gold dealers have kept any such old things for any reason... I'll find the moment to go chat to the one near me, as that shop has been there at least 25 years, probably longer... anyone else got a moment and an old gold dealer nearby to ask?
