Slasher Magazine Summary: Publication No. 258 - October/November 1969
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.
Cardiff Meeting
A meeting of the Board of Commissioners was held on 21st October 1969 in one of the Council Chambers in the County Hall, Cardiff. Among those attending were Alderman E. Gwynfryn Davies, JP, Forestry Commissioner and Chairman of the Glamorgan County Council; Mr Gareth Jones, Deputy Clerk of the Council; Sir Cennydd Traherne, Lord Lieutenant of Glamorgan; Alderman Lincoln Hallinan, Lord Mayor of Cardiff; Mr Leslie Jenkins, Forestry Commission Chairman; and senior officials from the Welsh Office and from Glamorgan County Council.
Tour of South Wales
On the 22nd October, a tour in South Wales by Commissioners began with a misty morning in St Gwynno and St Tydfil Forests and meeting Head Foresters Mr W.E. Powell and Mr I.O. Evans.
The tour continued past the memorial planting by the late Mr Fitzherbert on a bill overlooking the site of the Aberfan disaster and on the way to Taf Fechan.
At Taf Fechan Forest, the group including Commissioners and Mr J.L.W. Zehetmayr, Mr J.R. Hampson, Assistant Conservator, Mr E.G. Owen and Mr J. Hogarth were met by the District Officer Mr J.H. Currie and Head Forester Mr J.F. Bowen.
Details are given of the planting in the area and the purpose of the tour.
The tour ended the day in Brecon Forest where the group was met by Head Forester Mr G.H. McMillan and Forester Mr J.F. Chambers.
The night of the 22nd/23rd October was spent at the Hotel Metropole, Llandrindod Wells, where the party was met by Mr Ted Rowlands, MP, the newly appointed Under-Secretary of State for Wales who has special responsibility for forestry.
On To North Wales
On 23rd October, Mr Ted Rowlands, MP, accompanied the Commissioners on their morning tour of North Wales, beginning in Kerry Forest meeting Conservator Mr J.H. James, his two Assistant Conservators, Mr Bannister and Mr Crowther, and the A. & F.O. Mr J.W. Elliott. The District Officer Mr R.E. Stumbles and Head Forester Mr A.C.W. Evans gave the party a description of the forest and windblow problems.
Radnor Forest was visited in the afternoon and Mr Stumbles and his Head Forester Mr A. Maxwell suggested ways of effecting the replacement or enrichment of uneconomic broad leaved crops.
Contributions to the discussions during the tour were made by Dr Margaret Brough, Dr Margaret Davies, Mr Tudor Watkins, MP, Mr M.L. Bourdillon and Mr R.E. Griffith who accompanied the Commissioners.
Artistic Toads - The Peacock Players
At Bakewell, NW (E), in conjunction with a Forestry Exhibition at the local Town Hall, The Peacock Players, a local dramatic society, produced the play "Toad of Toad Hall". The combination of events filled the Town Hall to capacity with a total audience of about 600 people. Head Forester H. Bennett and Forester A.A. Ward of Matlock were responsible for the preparations which made the exhibition a success.
Seat Belt Safety
Mr M.J. Penistan, Assistant Conservator SW (E) recommends the use of seat belts on car journeys. He recounts his experience of a severe collision during a recent holiday in Canada, in which the car's occupants escaped with relatively minor injuries due to their seat belts.
Epitaph To a Careless Woodman by Jack Jennings
Beneath this tree lies poor old Fred
Who wore no helmet on his head
If you just mentioned "Safety first"
He'd laugh his sides out, fit to burst.
A branch cracked off and struck his bonce
It only happened just the once.
The Future of Slasher
It is intended that The Slasher should develop into a more comprehensive form of house journal. Some of the less technical articles in the Forestry Journal will also appear in The Slasher.
Jubilee Activities
Murray Forest Centre: Local landowner Mrs E. Murray Usher of Cally presented a Scandinavian style log cabin to the Forestry Commission for use as an information centre at Fleet Forest. The presentations was attended by 140 guests including the Earl and Countess of Galloway, Her Majesty's Lieutenant for Kirkcudbright, representatives from the Stewartry of Kirkcudbright and County of Dumfries, the Chairman of the South West Scotland Consultative Group and representatives from organisations connected with land use.
North East England Conservancy: Over 150 school children from 42 schools in the Yorkshire and Teesside areas took part in the Commission's Jubilee Essay Competition. The children wrote their essays after visiting Dalby Forest.
Congratulations on Honours
Mr H.D.R. Largent was presented with the British Empire Medal by the Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk, the Earl of Stradbrooke, at a ceremony in the Santon Downham District Office E (E) on 28th October 1969. The medal was awarded to Mr Largent in the recent Queen's Birthday Honours List.
Mr David More of Achray Forest W (S) was presented with the British Empire Medal by Lord Mansfield, the Lord Lieutenant of Perthshire at a ceremony held at the David Marshall Lodge, Aberfoyle.
A Thank You Gift
Mr Arnold Rumbold, District Officer at Taunton, was present at the Somerton rail crash last June. Now he has received an unexpected gift, in the form of a wallet from some people he helped at the time.
Despite injuries to himself, Mr Rumbold carried an American couple, Mr & Mrs Robert Fruhling of Florida, to safety from their shattered rail compartment.
Driving Certificate
Mr B.F. I'Anson of Ilton, near Masham, Yorkshire, NE (E), has been awarded a second National Safe Driving Certificate. The presentation was made by Head Forester Mr J. Cumming.
Promotions
Mr S. Gawn promotion to Technical Works, Grade I (Mech.), HQ (O/S).
Mr R. Raisborough promotion to Senior Clerk of Works (T.W.G. II), W (S).
Mr C. Ridley promotion to Senior Executive Officer, HQ (B).
Mr W.J. Muddle promotion to Technical Works Grade B (Mech.), HQ (O/S).
Mr F.D. Barrett promotion to District (Estate) Officer I, E (E).
News from Mortimer Forest NW (E)
The third and last of long established Head Foresters at Mortimer, Mr Joe Brandon, has just retired.
To take his place, Mr B. Brooke has come from Kinver where he ran a successful nursery.
Forester Terry Birch has left Mortimer for Grizedale and to exchange with Forester D. Wood. Forester C.W. Wood has also joined from Rowland.
The year was saddened by the death of Mr Horace Galliers.
Mr Jack Booth and Mr Bill Marsh have retired.
A Curling Club with a membership of 36 has been formed among the South Scotland Conservancy Office staff, curling at the Lockerbie Ice Rink. Conservator Mr J.E. James, President of the club, has donated a trophy to be played for during the season.
The South Scotland Conservancy held a golf outing on the Dumfries and County Course, Dumfries on Friday, 12th September. Out of seventeen players, the winner was Mr S.K. Ferguson of Bennan Forest, S (S). Second equal were Mr. T. Kirkup (Kielder) and Mr F. McNicol (Wauchope). Mr R. Sloper W (S) Conservancy Office, won the sweep.
Loch Ness Monster
The characteristic wave patterns connected with sightings of "Nessie" were captured by the camera of Mrs Rena Thomson, wife of a member of the Commission's staff at Aberfoyle.
Mrs Thomson's photograph of "Nessie", taken from a vantage point at Inverfarigaig, overlooking Loch Ness, was printed in the Scottish Daily Express.
West Conservancy Scotland Annual Visit
A report by Tom Robbie, Assistant Conservator, H & M, on this year's educational visit to Loch Ard and Strathyre Forests by staff in Scotland's West Conservancy.
At Loch Ard, Mr R.T. Hurst, District Officer showed the products prepared from the wind blown timber from the gale of 15th January 1968.
Lunch at the David Marshall Lodge was followed by a journey over the Duke's Pass (Duke of Montrose) to the Trossachs and Strathyre. Of interest was the new log cabin designed and built by Head Forester Donald MacGregor and his staff.
Police Assistance
Mr William Ross, M.P., Secretary of State for Scotland, hosted a reception in the Great Hall, Edinburgh Castle, for 140 people from all over Scotland who have assisted the police in the past year. Among those invited was Mr Donald MacGregor, Head Forester at Strathyre, West Scotland.
New Game Conservancy
The Game Conservancy has been created through the merging of the Eley Game Advisory Station with the Game Research Association.
The new Conservancy will be based at Fordingbridge. H.R.H. The Duke of Edinburgh has consented to become the first President. The Chairman will be Colonel Peter Fleming and the Director will be Mr Charles Coles.
Northerwood House Social Club Committee
Mr R.P. Langley, D.O.I. at HQ Basingstoke and Mr E.G. Winterflood, D.O.I. (New) have offered to stand for re-election to the Committee.
Campsites
Compliments and suggestions have been received from satisfied campers on Forestry Commission sites.
Genuine Antique 2,000 Year Old Olive Tree
Sir Anthony Lambert reports on a two thousand year old Olive tree which he planted in the garden of the British Embassy in Lisbon.
The tree, weighing nearly two tons, came from a grove at Serpa in the Alentejo, a distance of several hours by truck, and is putting forth new shoots.
Retirements
Mr Lawrence Sinclair, Head Forester, Glenduror W (S), has retired after joining the Commission in 1926.
Mr W.R. Doherty (Bill Doherty), South Wales Conservancy, has retired after 46 years of Government service. He joined the Commission in 1926.
Mr Joe W. Brandon, Head Forester, Mortimer NW (E), has retired. He started work as a Forest Worker at Cannock in 1926.
Mr D. McFadyen, Forester, Inverliever W (S), has retired.
Mr William S. Douglas, Forester, Whitehaugh E (S), has retired after serving 45 years with the Commission.
Mr B. Sensical, Forester, Newton & Rose Isle E (S), (medical retirement).
Mr J. French, T.W.G.I. (Civil) Eng., Cardiff S (W), (medical retirement).
Mr S. Batko, Exp. Office D (R), has retired.
Presentations
Mr Lawrence Sinclair, Head Forester, Glenduror W (S), retirement presentation at Duror. In his honour, the "Spruce Cathedral" area of Glenduror Forest, containing the finest stand of Sitka spruce, planted in 1923 and now rising to 100ft in height, is to be known as "Sinclair's".
Mr W.R. Doherty, South Wales Conservancy, retirement presentation at the Brynffynon Inn, Llanwonno.
Mr Joe Brandon, Head Forester, retirement presentation at the Lion in Leintwardine.
Conifer Regeneration
Mr S.A. Neustein, Research, Scotland, is drafting a paper on the Natural Regeneration of Conifers in Great Britain for the Conifer Conference, 1970.
Slides for Lectures
The official colour slide collection at Alice Holt is being reorganised.
Schools Forestry Countryside Awards Scheme
The Countryside Awards Scheme is being organised as a U.K. contribution to European Conservation Year 1970. The scheme is being organised jointly by the Standing Committee of "The Countryside in 1970" and the Council for the Preservation of Rural England, the Council for Nature and the County Councils' Association.
Awards for a wide range of subjects will be in the form of special plaques.
BBC "Down Your Way" Programme
The BBC's radio programme "Down Your Way" is preparing its schedule of programmes for 1970 and suggestions are invited for "interesting people" to be included in the programme.
Commission Visitors' Book
The Visitors' Book which was started at the Bush Exhibition and is now lodged in the Chairman's office is available for distinguished visitors to sign.
Obituaries
Mr A.D. Hopkinson, former Conservator East (E) who retired 20 years ago has died aged 80.
Mr James Laidlaw (Jimmy Laidlaw), E.O., S (S) died suddenly on 1st September.
Mr John Martin Wiblin, MM, Head Forester, Coed-y-Brenin N (W) has died aged 45.
New Appointments: September 1969
Mr M.A.E. Gubby, C.E.O., HQ (B) appointment on promotion after return from secondment to N.E.D.O.
Mr J. Dewar, D(F)O II, Lincoln E (E) appointment through open competition.
Mr R.E. Selmes, D(F)O II, Brampton NW (E) appointment through open competition.
Miss S.A. Tindall, T/Cart. Draughtswoman, HQ (P&E) Basingstoke new appointment.
New Appointments: October 1969
Mr A.D.S. Miller, D(F)O I, Llandovery S (W) appointment on return from secondment to Trinidad.
Mr R.O. Smith, D (F) ) II, Hambleton NE (E) appointment through open competition.
Mr L.C. Wood, Supt. of Works T.W.G. III, Cairbaan W (S) appointment through open competition.
Dr C.M. Brasier, S.S.O, D (R) Alice Holt appointment through open competition.
Resignations: September 1969
Mr J.A. Saunders, Forester, Hazelborough N (W) resignation to take up Teacher Training).
Mr T.P. Niven, E.O. HQ (L) resignation.
Mr J.F. Varley, A.E.O. D (R) resignation.
Mr A.W. Rolfe, H.E.O., HQ (L) transfer on loan to Civil Service Dept.
Mr B. Holland, E.O., NW (E) transfer to Civil Service Commission on promotion to H.E.O.
Resignations: October 1969
Mr A.P. Bennett, D(E)O I, Aberdeen E (S) resignation.
Mr A.K. Oram, D(F)O I, Cardiff S (W) on secondment to Fiji.
Mr J.R.H. Dixon, D(F)O II, Lyndhurst New, resignation.
Transfers: September 1969
Mr C.A.H. Gascoigne, Assistant Conservator (E) from Aberystwyth N (W) to Aberdeen E (S).
Mr G.J. Francis, D(F)O I from Ruthin N (W) to Cardiff S (W) on promotion to Asst. Conservator (F).
Mr J.F. Wilson, D(F)O I from Chester NW (E) to York NE (E).
Mr A.T. Jones, D(F)O II from Gwydyr F.T.S. HE (E & T) to Faskally F.T.S. HQ (E & T).
Mr R.C.B. Johnstone, D(F)O II from Lincoln E (E) to Alice Holt D (R).
Mr B.L. Brooke, Head Forester from Kinver NW (E) to Mortimer Shobdon NW (E).
Mr J.H. MacKenzie, Head Forester from Haughmond NW (E) to Kinver NW (E).
Mr F. Pemberton, Head Forester from Oakamoor NW (E) to Leanachan N (S).
Mr F.C. Skinner, Head Forester from Bovey SW (E) to Somerset SW (E) on P.W. duties
Mr J. Webster, Head Forester from Clocaenog HQ (M/S) to Coed Sarnau HQ (TTS)
Mr D.J. Billany, Forester from Rheola S (W) to Alice Holt D (R)
Mr I.A. Blake, Forester from Cymmer S (W) to Rheola S (W)
Mr M. Blud, Forester from Ebbw S (W) to Margam S (W)
Mr H. Dickinson, Forester from Wendover E (E) to Eveden E (E)
Mr B.F. Edwards, Forester from HQ (L) (ASU) to Neroche SW (E)
Mr D. Griffiths, Forester from Rhondda S (W) to Coed Abertawe S (W)
Mr H.O. Ham, Forester from Laughton E (E) to Hazelborough E (E)
Mr H.K. Hollingsworth, Forester from Wykeham D (R) to Inchnacardoch D (R)
Mr P.F. Jefferson, Forester from Kirroughtree S (S) to Bareagle S (S)
Mr J.N. Judge, Forester from Wareham SW (E) to Malvern SW (E)
Mr W.R. Kinsey, Forester from Glengarry N (S) to Fiunary N (S)
Mr R.G. Lloyd, Forester from Brechfa S (W) to Cymmer S (W)
Mr J.P. MacLean, Forester from Hallyburton E (S) to Pitfichie E (S)
Mr J.B. McNeil, Forester from Inchnacardoch D (R) to Bush Nursery D (R)
Mr G.K. Robertson, Forester from Dovey Corris N (W) to to Myherin N (W)
Mr H.O. Sharp, Forester from Parkend HQ (TTS) to Dean HQ (E&T) Temp post T/Hd Forester Dean F.T.S.
Mr J.B. Spencer, Forester from Hamsterley NE (E) to Wark NE (E)
Mr F.W. Thick, Forester from Cotgrave NW (E) to Haughmond NW (E)
Mr G.D. Watt, Forester from Fort Augustus HQ (W/S) to Inverness HQ (W/S)
Mr C.W. Webber, Forester from Bettws-y-Coed D (R) to Westonbirt D (R)
Mr J.F. Morgan, S.Supt of Works T.W.G. II from Dalby NE (E) to Brampton NW (E)
Mr E.G. Shea, E.O. from SE (E) to HQ (L)
Mr B.H. Atwell, E.O. from HQ Audit Edinburgh to S (S)
Mr D.G. Gowler, E.O. from HQ (L) to NW (E)
Transfers: October 1969
Mr R.P. Illingworth, D(E)O I from HQ (B) to Aberystwyth N (W) promotion to Asst Cons. (E)
Mr J.A. Campbell, Head Forester from Creran W (S) to Glenduror W (S)
Mr N.P. Danby, Forester from Ardross D (R) to Northern Research Station Reslin D (R)
Mr F.J. Roe, Forester from Monmouth S (W) to Rhondda S (W)
Mr J.F. D'Arch Smith, Forester from Dartmoor SW (E) to Exeter SW (E)
Mr M.R.T. Spernagel, Forester from Dovey Valley N (W) to Lake Vyrnwy N (W)
Mr A.A. Tait, Forester from Craigvinean E (S) to Strathardle E (S)
Mr R.O.J. Webb, Forester from Kesteven E (E) to Mundford E (E)
Mr J.E.J. White, Forester from Drumtochty D (R) to Wykeham D (R)
Mr B.L. Williams, Forester from Lleyn N (W) to Gwydyr N (W)
Mr I. McW. Turnbull, C.E.A. from Cairnbaan W (S) to Aberdeen E (S) promotion to Leading C.E.A.
Mr R. Smith, E.O. from HQ (B) to E(E) Santon Downham
Mr W.E. Pearson E.O. from SE (E) to HQ (L)
Staff on Visits Overseas
Dr J.A. Dickson, Director General, Mr G.D. Holmes, Director Research, Dr D.H. Phillips, S.P.S.O., Mr G.G. Stewart, Conservator, Mr J.N. Kennedy, Assistant Conservator, Mr W.P. Thompson, D.F.O. I, Mr R.M. Brown, D.F.O. II: Forestry Study Tour - Germany 29th September - 3rd October.
Mr J.G. Grevatt, D.F.O. I: Study of Swedish Forestry. Use of Computers - Sweden 29th September - !8th October.
Mr A. Whayman, D.F.O. I & Mr R.T. Bradley, D.F.O. I: I.U.F.R.O. Meeting on Thinning and Mechanisation - Sweden 7th - 154th September.
Mr J.Q. Williamson, Director: Lecture to Austrian Forestry Service - Austrian 15th - 19th September.
Mr E.G. Richards, Conservator, E.C.E. Timber Committee: Switzerland 6th - 10th October.
Mr D.R. Johnston, Conservator, Consultant on Forest Management: Yugoslavia 19th October - 2nd November.
Mr R. Faulkner, Assistant Conservator, O.E.C.D.: Meeting - Control of Forest Reproductive material moving in International Trade - France 14th - 16th October.
Mr G.D. Keighley, D.F.O.I. & Mr D.A. Bardy, Head Forester: FAO/ECE/ILO International Seminar on Forest Worker, Training for Highly Mechanised Forestry Operations - Finland 6th - 17th October.
Dr D.W. Phillips, S.P.S.O.: European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organisation - Italy 16th - 17th October.
Download Large Version (1.4MB)
Groups: Forestry Commission staff magazines