FCA Magazine (FCAtoday) - Issue 64: Summer 2018
FC staff Retirement Association magazine. The content summary below was very kindly compiled by Diane Birkett, Bedfordshire. See PDF attachment below the text to view the full document. A total of 77 issues were completed between 1997 and the final issue in 2023.
Issue 64: Summer 2018
Articles
Dean FTS Reunion Dinner
There wont be a Dean FTS Reunion Dinner this year, but Gerry Gissop and Martin Fletcher hope to organise one next year.
Forest Fires in the South Wales Valleys
Dave Price was a forester at Cymer forest in the South Wales coalfield from 1971 to 1981. In 1974 he organised the FC stand at the Bridgend Agriculture show. There was an assortment of machinery, information boards, country quiz etc. but the main theme was on forest fires. He had looked back over the previous five years’ FC records for the whole of Britain and found that 80% of the recordable forest fires, i.e. fires over quarter ha, were within a 30 mile radius of Bridgend. Cymer forest had the biggest problem, although forest fires were a major issue throughout the South Wales valleys. Dave recalls many experiences of dealing with fires in the area including some dramatic photographs.
The Road to Gwydyr
Richard Ayre recalls riding a tandem and walking with his father through parts of Dalby Forest. A couple of years later, he was on a motoring holiday in North Wales with his parent and was in awe of the forests around Betws y Coed. He believes these experiences spurred him on to be a juvenile forest worker the FC at Spadeadam Forest which was the start of his career in forestry.
Passing the Buck
Charles Critchley was employed on a farming estate in 1969 before going to agricultural college. He tells the story of transporting a hand reared roebuck that had become increasingly unpredictable and had exhibited some dangerous behaviour. A hair-raising adventure followed until the deer was calmed and covered with sacking, then loaded into a Hillman Imp car for relocation. A two or three hour journey ensued and the buck was released into his new enclosure and disappeared into the trees. Charles joined the FC North West England Conservancy as trainee ranger in 1974 on the Shobdon beat of Mortimer Forest under head forester Bert Brooks and forester Joe Kingsmill. In his article Charles includes some informative drawings of bucks through to maturity.
In the Days Before
Brian Walker joined the Forestry Commission in 1976 and believes it was the best thing he did. He recalls various experiences and characters during his career with the FC. One of the most memorable characters was Jack Taylor.
Look After Number 1 - Life Before the F.C.
Willie Sheridan recalls his career before his 22 year stint in the Forestry Commission, which he joined in 1974, his first FC boss being Brian Tipping. Willie transferred to the FC after 15 years in the Diplomatic Service, serving in the Foreign Office in London and in three British Embassies overseas. He has some amusing tales of his Foreign Office interviews.
Breckland Group Spring Outing
Eric Rogers reports on the Group’s visit to Spalding, Lincolnshire.
The Therapy of Model Railways
Don Amer has found some solace in his model railways after losing his wife after their married life of 63 years.
Letter to the Editor
Luke Hemmings writes that he is currently serving as Woodland Officer for Tyne & Wear, County Durham & Teeside and has worked for the FC for 4 years, including his mid-year placement from Newton Rigg in Thetford Forest. In celebration of the FC centenary, Luke is hoping to conduct some interviews and create a short film focusing on the forestry characters.
From the Editor
A comment from Richard Toleman.
Obituaries
Peter Wood’s daughter, Elizabeth, has told of her father’s death last month.
Piers Voysey, John Voysey’s son has told of his father’s death in July aged 89. He had been an ICF member for 64 years and also was a member of the Royal Forestry Society’s Shropshire branch.
Groups: Forestry Commission staff magazines