Slasher Magazine Summary: Publication No. 216 - December 1965
The digitisation of the Slasher was undertaken by, and images courtesy of, the Forest Research Knowledge and Information Management staff based at both the Northern Research Station in Roslin, Scotland and Alice Holt in Surrey, where the original copies are currently located.
The content summary below was very kindly compiled by Diane Birkett, Bedfordshire. See PDF attachment link below the text to view the full document. A total of over 400 issues were produced between 1948 and the final issue in 2010.
Countryside Conference
Commission Chairman Mr Leslie Jenkins was one of the principal speakers at the closing session of the "Countryside in 1970" Conference in London presided over by H.R.H. the Duke of Edinburgh.
Mr Jenkins spoke of the substantial contribution the Commission is making and has already made in providing facilities for public recreation in the forests. He said the Commission could not forget that its primary job was to produce timber to meet the increasing demands of industry - and produce it efficiently and as economically as possible, in the interests of the taxpayer. "But this does not mean that we have no soul or do not feel ourselves to be part of the countryside - most of our staff live and work in it".
The Commission he said was a pioneer in one aspect of amenity, for 30 years ago the first Forest Park was created, and six more had been opened since. These parks now provided for hill climbing, sailing, shooting, pony trekking, nature study even skiing. Moreover they and other areas under the Commission's control gave splendid opportunities for adventure training for youth, while nature trails provided exercise and education for the less adventurous.
Mr Jenkins gave some impressive statistics. During last season, he said, nearly 600,000 people stayed overnight at the Commission's major camping and caravan sites (mainly in the Forest Parks and the New Forest). Picnic sites were also operated in various parts of the country and it was estimated that about four million people had picnicked on Commission land this year. In all, with the Forest Parks, the camping and caravan and picnic sites, and other facilities, it was estimated that the Commission probably provided recreation for nearly 5 million people.
Mr Jenkins said the countryside must be alive and dynamic, a great force in the economic life of the nation as well as a joy to all who desire the peace and relaxation it can offer.
The chairman's remarks will be of special interest to officers who are so ably "spreading the gospel" through the medium of many talks to voluntary bodies. It is worth recalling that they should be considered against a background where two world wars created a false picture of forestry - a picture of indiscriminate fellings, followed by dereliction, followed in turn by planting on a huge scale. It is perhaps only now, more than 40 years since the Commission was set up, that the true picture of enlightened forest management is really beginning to emerge.
Retirement
Mr R.H. Smith (Dick Smith), Conservator, South East England, has retired after being in charge of South East England since 1949.
Presentations & Tributes
Mr J.A.B. MacDonald, former Conservator, South Scotland, retirement presentation in Dumfries. Attending and paying tribute were Mr J.A. Dickson, Commissioner and Mrs Dickson; Mr J.R. Thom, Director, Research, and Mrs Thom; Mr J. Hunter, Head Forester at Greskins; Mr Frank Oliver, former Conservator, East Scotland; Mr J.W.L. Zehetmayr, Conservator, West Scotland; Mr W.N. Gibson, Assistant Conservator, Dumfries; Mr A.D. Hopkinson, retired Conservator and Miss Betty McGaw, Clerical Officer, Dumfries.
Mr G.J.L. Batters, former Conservator, North East England, retirement presentation.
Mr G.F. Ballance, Assistant Conservator, East England Conservancy presentation on his move to South East England.
Mr Richard Chard, District Officer, Thetford presentation on his move to New Forest.
Press Among the Christmas Trees
A day was set aside this year in Chiddingfold Forest, whose 3,000 acres lie on the borders of Sussex and Surrey, for visitors and the Press to learn about the process of Christmas tree production. The whole process was described, from planting and extraction, removal of the tops of thinnings, through to the loading of trees mainly destined for London. Sussex County Police were in attendance to advise on precautions against theft. Head Forester George Cross of Bramshill brought his Alsatians.
On Christmas Fare
A comparison of the prices of Christmas fare over the years.
Appointment
Mr F.C. Hummel is to fill the post of Controller of Management Services on his return from Mexico next year.
Promotion
Mr J.M. Gwynn, North East England, has been promoted to Assistant Chief Land Agent.
Mr R.M.G. Semple has been promoted to Assistant Conservator.
Praise for Welsh Forestry
The Commission has been thanked by the Ogmore and Garw Urban Council for "bringing back beauty to the mining valleys". The Commission's knowledge, the virtues and benefits of forestry have been featured in the annual report by Dr B.T. Jones, a Medical Officer of Health. Doctor Jones says the forestation schemes had brought about a complete change in form, texture and colour in the locality and this will give great pleasure.
Old Friends Meet
A dinner and conference at Headquarters was attended by senior serving, former and retired executive officers. Among the attendees were Miss Ann Brooks, Mr E.S.J. Hinds, Mr A.D. Palmer, Mr Haldane Charters, Mr W.E. Coggins, Mr Albert Minter, Miss Jean Horsham, Mr A.B. Westcott, Mr L.G. Barter, Mr N.E.D. Burton, Mr E.T. Channon and Mr M.A.E. Gubby.
Kielder Visitors
For the last three years, the "Bellingham Bell" has run from Newcastle to Bellingham, taking visitors to the North Tyne and Redesdale Agricultural Show. This special "run" over a line normally closed was arranged by the Gosforth Round Table. Visitors could also take a coach trip to the Border Forest Park, this is where the Commission came in through the enterprise of the Kielder Community Association, Mr Keith Wilson District Officer and the Round Table, who welcomed over 200 visitors to the Forest Park on the same day.
At Kielder, there was a fire fighting competition for the Willie Forsyth Cup and other festivities including country dancing.
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