Slasher Magazine Summary: Publication No. 259 - December 1969/January 1970
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.
Golden Jubilee Closing Ceremony
The closing ceremony of the Jubilee commemoration of the Forestry Commission took place in the space spot at and on the same day of December as the Commission's first planting in 1919 in Eggesford Forest.
The group assembled at Eggesford Forest on the 8th December 1969, including the present Lord Clinton, great-grandson of the Lord Clinton who planted the first trees; Commission Chairman Mr Leslie A.W. Jenkins; Mrs Roach, daughter of the late Mr Tom Brown, M.B.E., who was the original Forester of Eggesford Forest; Mr A.G. Fulford, the present Head Forester; Mr G.D. Rouse, Commissioner S.W. (E); Mr M.J. Penistan, Assistant Conservator; Mr S. Forrester, District Officer; and Mr Henry Williamson, the author of "Tarka the Otter" and "Sala the Salmon", who lives near the forest.
Mr Jenkins related the rather disreputable story of how the first planting took place. The Forestry Commissioners held their first meeting in London on 7th December 1919. The late Lord Lovatt, the Commission's first Chairman, had arranged a formal ceremony for the first planting to take place at Monaughty Forest, near Elgin, for the next day. However, Lord Clinton, one of the Commissioners, and later Chairman of the Commission, travelled back to Devon overnight where he and a small group planted some natural seedlings in Eggesford Forest in the early hours of the 8th of December. Lord Clinton was thus able to send off a telegram for delivery to Lord Lovett as he got off his sleeper at Elgin, telling him that the Commission's first trees had already been planted.
After briefly outlining the Commission's achievements since that date, Mr Jenkins invited Lord Clinton to plant the first tree. In all, ten trees were planted, the other planters being Mr Jenkins, Mrs Roach, Mr & Mrs Fulford, Mr Henry Williamson, Lady Clinton, Mrs Rouse, Mrs Penistan and Mrs Forrester, helped by the pupils of the local primary school.
New Year's Honours
Dr J.A. Dickson, Director General, has been made a Companion of the Bath (C.B.)
Mr H.P. Wilbraham HQ (B) becomes a Member of the Order of the British Empire (M.B.E.)
Mr D.A. Jones S (W) has been awarded the British Empire Medal (B.E.M.)
Pension Scheme
Mr N. Batchelor of HQ (B) gives an explanation of the proposed new Superannuation Pension scheme.
Forester Training Scheme
Education at the supervisory level for forestry students is to be established at the Cumberland and Westmoreland College of Agriculture and Forestry at Newton Rigg.
Inverness Education Authority is to make permanent provision for craft level courses and to put plans in hand for a new centre at Inverness Technical College.
It’s Wrapped
A report in the Timber Trades Journal by Nordic timber producers about packaging. A new product named "Timwrap" is reviewed, which is made from specially stout fibre-net reinforced paper, claimed to be moisture proof and re-usable. Timber is first strapped with steel bands.
Ant Antics
Miss I. Piper, HQ (L) describes her observation of an ant's journey transporting a breadcrumb in a pine forest.
Christmas Cheer and Prose by Composer Jean Sibelius
A short history of the celebration of Christmas by "Northerners".
Widespread they stand, the Northland's dusky forests,
Ancient, mysterious, brooding savage dreams;
Within them dwells the Forest's mighty God,
And wood-sprites in the gloom weave magic secrets.
Telegraph Poles
An eye-level plate gives details on each telegraph pole.
The topmost figure is the overall length of the pole in feet and is usually carved 10 feet from the end that is embedded in the ground.
The second figure gives the year in which the pole was proofed against decay. It will have been erected within two or three years of that date.
Scots pine is used for the standard pole which is treated with creosote under pressure and has an average life of 30 years. Most of the poles come from Scandinavia, but some poles are from home plantations and home-grown European larch or Douglas fir are also used.
Report from Down Under
Mr W.F. Stoddart, writing from New South Wales, Australia, provides some statistics on tree species, rates of growth and costs per acre there.
The Forest's Years Poem by D.M. Bemmer
A low sun glinting through the trees,
The robin singing to the breeze,
Not at all like winters day
With sky so blue, no sign of grey.
All is still no noise or fuss,
The forest waiting for the rush
Of children breathless, hushed to see
The special planting of a tree.
Fifty years to the very day,
Other men had passed this way,
To plant a tree and to proclaim
That Eggesford would be a name
To be remembered - with pride.
Here today on that same ride,
We watch and wait and since that pride,
The forest too is quiet, still,
The low sun sinking on the hill,
As we are all remembering
That day so long ago.
Although those fifty years have past,
And men pass on - the forests last,
Trees are planted, trees are cut,
The forest may be changing but
Remains a forest still.
Notes on the Gnoule
Mr H.F. Clarke writes about "That Lion" at Cannock Chase and mentions an article in a natural history magazine which quotes an article in a publication of 1702, entitled "Some Notes on the Characteristics and Habits of the Gnoule" (or so he would have us believe!).
Hover Fly
Forester R.T. Jones of Ffestiniog, Merioneth, mentions Mr Peter Crow's finding in Deuorzeth Forest, of a large hover fly, as yet unrecorded in Great Britain. The fly Eriozona Syrphoides is a "first" here in both genus and species.
Mr C.O. Hammond has produced a fine line drawing of this fly.
Vulture Over Dover
A vulture was first spotted near Sandwich Bay, Kent last August, and flew off towards a secluded area of the Downs, north of Dover.
Do It Yourself
Mr Alan Freeth, Head Forester, S.E. England Conservancy has spent almost 200 hours working on a four piece tea service - teapot, milk jug, sugar basin and tongs, using 37 ounces troy silver.
Mr Freeth made the hammered silver objects after attending the Horsham Evening Institute and received an award of £5 from the Civil Service Council for Further Education.
Jam Label
A contributor to New Scientist decries the use of labels to indicate the wearer's name, rank and place of employment and suggests a British Association for the Abolition of Lapel Badges, with associated actions.
Legion Entranger
Mr J. Penistan, Assistant Conservator, S.W. (E) says his Forestry Commission tie is twenty years old and he finds it is still recognisable among friends, but is also occasionally confused with other organisations. He says he has not been a member of the Brigade of Guards, the I.R.A. or the Foreign Legion.
Deer Can Be Dear
Receipts from permits for culling deer.
Gains for Reserves
Details of the increased acreage and areas of National Nature Reserves by the Nature Conservancy.
Game Conservancy Researcher
The recently formed Game Conservancy from the merger of the Game Research Association and the Eley Game Advisory Station has appointed Mr T.H. Blank, B.Sc. to the post of Assistant Director (Research).
Tree Lovers of Tooting Bec
A few hundred children, aged between 5 - 12 planted a selection of fourteen different types of tree. The children were pupils of the Henry Cavendish School, under the care of their headmaster, Mr L.R. Saunders.
Metrication Aids
As timber will be sold in metric measure in Britain from 1st April 1970, the Timber Research and Development Association will produce various "aids" for the new sizes and a new poster will be available.
Join The "TT" Set
Comments and suggestions on caravans and trailer tents.
Mitcham Cardboards New Laboratory
A new technical services laboratory has been officially opened by Mitcham Cardboards Ltd., - a subsidiary of Thames Board Mills Ltd., - at their Croydon factory.
Speaking at the pre-opening lunch, Thames Board Mill Technical Director Dr S.W. Kingsnorth referred to the uniformity of testing that the new laboratory would ensure.
Appointed to the Mitcham Cardboards Ltd. Board of Directors are Mr Peter L. Herring and Mr C.J. Norris.
"Skulptured" Timber
The Timber Trades Journal of 22nd November 1969 describes a new line called "Skulptured" timber which comes from New Zealand.
The strange effects the climate of New Zealand has on the locally produced Douglas Fir timber has produced attractive decorative planks.
The company handling this product in the U.K. is Alvin Morris Ltd. of Leeds, Yorkshire.
Faskally Student Winners
An open tree felling, snedding and cross-cutting competition on 29th November 1969 by Chain Saws Scotland Ltd. of Perth attracted 33 entries.
Faskally senior student Mike Blackith came First with a score of 169 points out of 200 (13 points above his nearest rival), winning a new chain saw worth £100, a cup and a shield (held for a year).
Faskally junior student John Cox came Third with a score of 151 points, winning saw equipment worth £20.
Our Roots Are Our Branches
The case of a mistaken message when an advertisement for a bank quotes "Our roots are our branches".
To Make a Headline
A misleading headline in a London evening newspaper proclaims "If Christmas makes you cry, then throw away your tree".
The introduction to the article on the Science Scene said people who got watering eyes, a running nose, wheezing and skin rashes, could well be suffering from Christmas tree allergy. The article mentions a doctor from one of America's lesser known universities selected sixteen known allergy-prone patients and exposed them to a mixture of needle scrapings of various types of "Christmas" trees and found twelve of them reacted to this also. The trees included white and red pine, Australian pine and juniper.
It is suggested the patients could have had the same reaction to any other media.
Motorist Tip For Winter
It is suggested an application of Delco General "Liquid Tyre Chain" will last for quite a few miles, and a 12/6d aerosol pack will treat your tyres three or four times.
Top Brass Sand Pit
A sand pit is suggested as a relaxing toy for harassed business executives.
An Appreciation of Life
An appreciation for the life of Mr A.D. Hopkinson who died recently.
Pre-Historic Harvest
A farmer with a 60 acre holding in Bourne, Lincolnshire has discovered bog oak and pine, believed to be the remains of a forest which existed there ten or twenty thousand years ago. Farmer Brian Watts expected to find some bog oak on fen peat, but has dug out several hundred on one 12-acre field during his 13 year tenancy.
Promotions
Mr G. Bartlett of D (R) promotion from Head to Chief Forester.
Mr R.G. Braine of SW (E) promotion from Head to Chief Forester.
Mr J.H. Cooper of New/SE (E) promotion from Head to Chief Forester.
Mr D. Duncan of S (S) promotion from Head to Chief Forester.
Mr R. Main-Ellan of E (S) promotion from Head to Chief Forester.
Mr A.C.W. Evans of N (W) promotion from Head to Chief Forester.
Mr K.B. Harvey of N (S) promotion from Head to Chief Forester.
Mr N.F. Hindley of S (S) promotion from Head to Chief Forester.
Mr E.G. Hollowell of S (W) promotion from Head to Chief Forester.
Mr C.J. Lewis of SW (E) promotion from Head to Chief Forester.
Mr F.M. McAllan of N (S) promotion from Head to Chief Forester.
Mr W.M. McGivern of S (S) promotion from Head to Chief Forester.
Mr T. Morris of War Department promotion from Head to Chief Forester.
Mr J.A. Seaton of E (S) promotion from Head to Chief Forester.
Mr J.H. Thomson of D (R) promotion from Head to Chief Forester.
Mr R.E. Young of SW (E) promotion from Head to Chief Forester.
Resignations
Mr A. Powell, Head Forester, Gwydyr F.T.S. HQ (E. & T) S (W) has left for secondment to Esk Valley College.
Mr P.R. Dewey, Forester, S (W) has left for Voluntary Service Overseas.
Retirements
Mr A. Watt, Commissioner HQ (L) has retired.
Mr D.F.M. Murray, B.E.M. Superintendent of Works (Tech Wks III), Fort William, retired at the end of November 1969.
Mr Jack Legg, Ranger, Queen Elizabeth Forest, SE (E) has retired after 29 years' service with the Commission.
Presentations
Mr D.F.M. Murray, B.E.M., Superintendent of Works (Tech Wks III), Fort William, retirement presentation at the annual Civil Engineering meeting in Inverness.
Mr Jack Legg, Ranger, Queen Elizabeth Forest, SE (E), retirement presentation.
Obituary
Mr A.S. MacNair, D(F)O I, Aberfoyle died on 13th November aged 38 years.
New Appointment
Mr C.J. Ashton, has been appointed T/AEO, D (R).
Transfers: November 1969
Mr G. Forrest, Works Group Directing (Senior Officer - Scotland) from HQ (Edinburgh) to Bristol SW (E) reversion to Assistant Conservator (E).
Mr G.G. Stewart, Conservator from Glasgow W (S) to HQ (L) on promotion to Commissioner (F.M.).
Mr E. Jones, D(F)O I from Llandovery S (W) to Ruthin N (W).
Mr A. Morrison, D(F)O I from Fort William N (S) to Glasgow W (S) on promotion to Commissioner (F.M.).
Mr J.Y. Ogilvie, D(F)O I from Inverness N (S) to Fort William N (S).
Mr W.A. Lindsay-Smith, D(F)O I from Oswestry N (W) to HQ (B) (Est. Man.).
Mr A.H.H. White, D(E)O I from Bristol to Chester NW () end of temp promotion.
Mr W.J. Muddle, Tech Wks Grade I (Mech.) from Mile End HQ (O/S) to HQ (B) (Eng) on promotion to Tech Wks Grade 'B' (Mech.).
Mr F. Farrelly, Head Forester from Clwyd N (W) to Coed-y-Brenin N (W).
Mr D.M. Laird, Head Forester from Achnashellach N (S) to Naver N (S).
Mr R.T. Wheeler, Head Forester from Gwydyr F.T.S. HQ (TTS) to Coed-y-Brenin N (W).
Mr F.A.L. Hytch, Forester from Kerry N (W) to Clwyd N (W)
Mr N. Mackell, Forester from Bush D (R) to Lairg D (R)
Mr S.R. Ratcliffe, Forester from Minard W (S) to Alice Holt D (R)
Mr M. Rodgers, Forester from Tulliallan D (R) to Drumtochty D (R)
Mr K.N. Searson, Forester from Gwydyr N (W) to Lleyn N (W)
Mr A.S. Turner, Forester from Glenbranter HQ (TTS) to Ae HQ (TTS)
Mr J.F. McSorley, E.O. from E (E) to HQ (Edinburgh) (Audit)
Mr R.J. Bell, E.O. from HQ (Edinburgh (A&D) to HQ (Edinburgh) (Audit) on promotion to H.E.O.
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