Slasher Magazine Summary: Publication No. 298 Autumn 1978
The scanned images of the Slasher were produced by and courtesy of the Forest Research library staff based at Alice Holt, Surry, where the original copies are 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 2009.
Harvesting And Marketing - The Future Challenge
Lord Peart, the Lord Privy Seal and former Minister of Agriculture, spoke about a “major challenge” ahead in the harvesting and marketing of timber, during the opening of the second National Forest Machinery Demonstration, held at the Lowther Estate, Penrith, Cumbria.
End Of An Era?
When Willie MacLennan of Torrachilty Forest, North Scotland, retired in September, a whole era of the Forestry Commission came to a close. Willie was the last Forestry Commission employee to have the designation of “horseman”.
Picture: Willie MacLennan and his horse Paddy at work in Torrachilty.
What On Earth Is This?
Picture: Goodyear airship.
Misplaced Thanks
The new stone-built honesty box at Newgate Bank Car Park and Picnic Place in Hambleton Forest has had to be demolished. When the tube inside the cairn became blocked, head forester Brian Maughan thought vandals had been at work. No amount of jiggling bits of wire through the top and bottom would remove the blockage so down came the cairn and out came the metal tube which, when wrenched apart, was found to contain, in addition to money, the following letter wrapped around a 50p piece. Dear Sir, Thank you for having such a lovely place to stay and clean toilets. My family enjoyed it very much. Thanks to all the workers for keeping it so nice and clean for us to enjoy. The note was addressed and signed. The Conservancy had not the heart to send this generous family the bill to build a new cairn, which this time will be both vandal and generosity proof.
John Becomes Union Chief
John Hose of Sherwood Forest is the first forestry worker to be elected president of the National Union of Agricultural and Allied Workers.
Can You Help?
Mrs Kathleen Cahill (nee Kathleen Binns) from Sparkford, Yeovil, is looking for her friend Violet Goodier from Gorton, Manchester, with whom she worked during the Second World War at the Bruarfield Convalescence Home in Arnside, Westmorland. After they lost touch, Violet married a Scotsman who worked for the Forestry Commission.
Exchange?
Christopher John from Munich, who spent several years under German Aid in Indonesia and Afghanistan is moving from the headquarters of the Bavarian Forest Service to take over a district in Northern Bavaria. He has invited friends from Britain for vacations and possibly exchange visits for his children aged 14 and 16.
Chairman's Christmas Draw
The names of all staff in Conservancies East (England), North (Wales) and West (Scotland) will be entered for the Chairman’s Christmas draw. Chairman John Mackie drew the winning locations.
Special Offer To Readers
A discount is offered to “Slasher” readers for holidays by Grand Metropolitan Hotels.
Boot Saves Foot
Michael Thompson, an experienced chain saw operator, avoided serious injury when his chainsaw “kicked” back off the branch he was snedding, and the fast-moving chain struck his left leg hard, just above the ankle. Fortunately he was wearing a pair of Metsuri Safety Boots supplied to the Forestry Commission by Chieftain Forge Ltd. and he only sustained a bruised leg.
Picture: Michael Thompson shows Forester David Gregory the cut in the boot which saved his leg from serious injury while working in Ardgartan Forest, Near Arrochar.
Canadians Train In Scotland
Courses in cable logging may be introduced in Newfoundland after four Canadian operators attended a successful training session in Scotland. Forestry Commission instructors Hugh Thom, Mike Shuttleworth and Piers Simon, of Inverness were praised by Warren Strong, Forest Engineer from the Newfoundland Forest Service, who wrote to E. & T. Branch.
Names Again
Aptly named staff at Glentress are Forest Craftsman Sandy Fell and Dave Forrest, and Tractor Driver Jim Hewitson. District Office Clerkess is Mrs Cheyne (pronounced “chain”).
The Benevolent Fund - Why Not Help?
Joe Russell, Welfare Officer, gives details of the work of the Forestry Commission Benevolent Fund, invites contributions and publishes a summary of the Balance Sheet at 31 March 1977.
Spot Checks At Forests - More Accidents Reported
After an increase in the number of industrial accidents last year, steps are being taken to introduce spot checks at forests to make sure safety procedures are being followed. Don Bardy, Safety Officer said in his report for the year “This is disappointing by comparison with the preceding year and the much hoped for downward trend has not been sustained”.
Up, Up And Away - Will This Replace Land Rovers?
John Inglis, Conservancy Mechanical Engineer at Bristol, flew over the Mendip Forest in the Goodyear airship “Europa”. He said the view from the gondola and the airship’s ability to hover indefinitely would be an ideal vehicle for forest supervision, but the cost would be prohibitive.
Picture: The Goodyear airship.
Forest Classroom For Youngsters
An open air “classroom in the forest” has been designated at the forest of Ae in South Scotland, in a bid to increase children's understanding of woodlands and forests. “This is making a great impact on the life of the younger generation in the area” said South Scotland Conservator John Davies.
Outing to Ae
One hundred and fifty members of staff at Headquarters went on the annual staff outing to the Forest of Ae in Dumfriesshire. They passed their thanks to Chief Forester Alan Young and all the members of staff at Ae, who made the visit educational and enjoyable.
Forester's Farewell
A poem by Iain Metcalfe written for his father’s retirement.
World-Wide Interest in IUFRO Conference
Division 1 of IUFRO, the International Union of Forest Research Organisations, met in Edinburgh in September. Division 1 is concerned with research in silviculture and the theme of the Edinburgh meeting was “The ecology of even-aged plantations”. The Forestry Commission took a major part in the meeting.
Rhondda - A Unique Project
Forestry Commission staff have given help and support to a scheme to encourage people from the industrial towns of South Wales to visit upland areas of the nearby Rhondda valley and enjoy its spectacular scenery of hill and forest. Trips by Land Rover, minibus and guided walks are part of the scheme.
Pictures: (1) Looking north from the Graig Llyn ridge walk, the highest point of Glamorgan. (2) The view from one of the walks down towards Blaenycwm and Treorchy. (3) Forest Craftsman Warren John with a Land Rover and visitors at the Rhigos Mountain Visitor Centre. (4) Head Forester Bob Powell on a guided walk, with the Rhonda Valley in the background.
Turning Eyesores Into Beauty Spots
The Rhondda Forest is on the doorstep of industrial South Wales. Land reclamation schemes involving the old coal tips have been undertaken with the tip at Ty Darw being landscaped and planted by the Forestry Commission as a contribution to Plant a Tree Year in 1973. Landscaping is also being undertaken by the Forestry Commission at Lady Margaret Tip.
Pictures: (1) Lady Margaret Tip is being re-shaped by the Forestry Commission and will be planted. (2) A group of young people visit the Blaenrhondda Waterfall.
Award
The Rhondda Forest Project has received a Prince of Wales Award for its contribution to the interpretation of interesting features of the valleys of South Wales.
Praise For Staff
Praise for the role of the Forestry Commission and staff taking part in the Rhondda Forest Project, came from organiser Phil Jayne of the Planning Department of Mid Glamorgan County Council.
Nature News - Batman Extraordinary
In 1975 the Forestry Commission agreed to cooperate with the World Wildlife Fund in a project to research into the conservation of bats in woodland. An appeal on the BBC Nationwide programme produced many donations from the general public who wished to sponsor the project, and the Forestry Commission “bat box survey” was born. The survey organised by Dr Bob Stebbings, who works for the Natural Environmental Research Council, is going well. The species more frequently found are Common long eared and Pipistrelle bats, although Wiskered, Brandt’s Natterer’s, Leisler’s and Noctule bats have also been recorded. Despite their main sense of echo location, they still have eyes. A female is not mature until at least two years of age, after which she is able to rear one young each year. The lifespan of a bat varies between sexes, being up to about 16 years for a female and only seven years for a male.
Pictures: (1) Dr Bob Stebbings scales a ladder to see if any bats are “at home” in the boxes at Ardross Forest. (2) A Pipistrelle bat, a natural resident of woodland, but now sometimes living in the roof spaces of modern, centrally heated houses.
Bats In Your Belfry? Bob Stebbings Is Interested
Dr Bob Stebbing of the Natural Environmental Research Council, near Cambridge appeals for news of bats roosting near you. The pamphlet “Focus on Bats” is available from the Research Council.
Photographs
Information Branch are seeking good quality colour slides of forest (especially scenic views), other woodland, harvesting, recreation and wildlife for the Headquarters Slide Collection.
More Ideas Means Bigger Savings
Out of 122 suggestions submitted in the year up to 31st March, 23 suggestions were adopted.
They include a quick fit frame for a forwarder trailer; Development of Swing Saws; Husqvarna Chainsaw 162SG modification to exhaust; Cundy Peeler blade sharpening device; Safety and climbing in forest operations; Device for obtaining “Slack Rope” on Cable Cranes.
Minister's Assurance On Use Of 2,4,5 – T
Further assurances on the use of the herbicide 2,4,5-T have been given in the House of Commons by Gavin Strang, Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.
To The Woods - By Boat!
Bagot Forest, Staffordshire, now has waterborne visitors arriving from the Caldon Canal. A landing stage has been constructed and a picnic area and waymarked walk have been laid out for visitors. Design and construction of the scheme was carried out by the Estates Clerk of Works, Ron White, the Head Forester, Ernie Jones and the men of Bagot with assistance from Tom Barkley of British Waterways Board.
Sale Nets £150,000
The first major sale of Forestry Commission vehicles, machinery and equipment, to be held in Scotland was very successful with receipts totalling almost £150,000, reports Chief Purchasing Officer Jack Wood. The sale at Newmains in Lanarkshire, was attended by a large number of people from throughout the country.
Cabin Cruiser
In their spare time, low loader driver Ernie Smith and his wife Magda have built a luxury glass fibre cabin cruiser.
The boat was launched on the River Ure at Boroughbridge. Ernie, who is based at Helmsley, Yorkshire has worked for the Forestry Commission for 20 years.
Picture: Ernie Smith and his family on the cabin cruiser.
Milton Club at Coed Y Brenin
A report on the members of The Milton Mountaineering Club visit to Coed y Brenin. The members, who are all blind, climbed Calder Idris and the following day, took the more leisurely method of a Forestry Commission minibus to places in the forest.
A Big 'Thank You' From The Public
Letters from the public, thanking the Forestry Commission staff for creating and running the recreational facilities and making the forests such lovely places to visit.
Postbag
Letter from H. Duncalf, Forest Craftsman, Ampleforth Forest about rabbits.
Letter from Caroline Jones, Barbara Maher, Carol Weston, Emlyn Lumley and Jane Howells on British Nuclear Fuels Ltd.
Letter from Dorothy Cooke with thanks for “Slasher”.
Retired
Evan Richard Jones, Forest Craftsman, Dyfi, North Wales, has retired after 42 years’ service with the Commission.
Thomas Davies, Forest Craftsman, Dyfi, North Wales, has retired after 31 years’ service with the Commission.
Rex Wagg, has retired after joining the Commission in 1953. He worked in HQ (London), then moved to N(S) Conservancy in 1959 and became E.O. for the Estate Section in 1962.
Trefor Jones, Private Woodlands duties in the Ruthin and Oswestry Districts for the last 10 years, previously in charge of Breidden Forest, has retired after 45 years’ service with the Commission.
Bob Edwards, Head Forester, Dyfi, North Wales, has retired after 43 years’ service with the Commission. He joined the Commission as a Forest Worker in Coed y Brenin in 1935. In recent years he has been Head Forester at Llambed (now part of Aeron), Dyfi Twymyn (now part of Rheidol).
J.E. Ward, Tractor Driver, Wykeham, North East England, has retired after joining the Commission in 1931.
J.E. Stones, Civil Engineering Labourer, Dalby, North East England, has retired after joining the Commission in 1948.
J.R. Taylor, Handyman, Hamsterley, North East England, has retired after joining the Commission in 1943.
Dick Woods, Forest Craftsman, Queen Elizabeth Forest, South East England, has retired after joining the Commission at Queen Elizabeth Forest in 1959.
Picture: Dick Woods at the Queen Elizabeth Forest Office retirement presentation.
Harold Pickhall, Forester, Clatteringshaws, South Scotland, has retired after joining the Commission as a boy at Fleet Forest.
Walter Hamp, Forest Craftsman, Hazelborough, East England, has retired after joining the Commission in 1933 and except for war service, he served all of his time at Hazelborough.
Bill Abbott, Forest Craftsman, Bardney, Lincolnshire, East England, has retired after 18 years’ service with the Commission at Bardney.
Jim Thomas, Lorry Driver and Forest Craftsman, Coed Duefor, South Wales, previously working at Brechfa, has retired after 42 years’ service with the Commission.
Mrs May Owen, Forest Clerk, Tair Onen, South Wales, has retired after 30 years’ service with the Commission. She started work at Tair Onen as a Forest Worker in the Nursery and became Forest Clerk there in 1954. She received the Jubilee Medal for Trade Union services.
Ron Vest, Superintendent of Works for Brecon and Gwent Districts, has retired after 22 years with the Forestry Commission in South Wales.
Picture: Conservancy Engineer Ron Bromley with presentation to Ron Vest.
Ray Palmer, SEO and Manager of Headquarters Computer Centre, has retired after 32 years’ service with the Commission. He began at Chopwell Forest Office, then worked in the former Scottish Headquarters at Drumsheugh Gardens, Edinburgh, York Conservancy Office, Basingstoke and finally Headquarters in Edinburgh.
Jan Gawzial, Senior Ranger II, East Scotland, has retired after joining the Commission in 1947 in the Craigvinean Forest.
Johnny MacAlpine, Forest Craftsman, Achaglachgach Forest, West Scotland, has retired after 24 years’ service with the Commission at Achaglachgach Forest. He joined the Commission as a Tractor Driver, then became a Forest Lorry Driver until 1965.
Henry Hinds (Harry Hinds), North West England, has retired after 37 years’ service with the Commission. He plans to spend time writing children’s stories.
Roland Berridge, Tractor Ploughman, North West England, has retired after 28 years’ service with the Commission.
Picture: Harry Hinds and Roland Berridge.
Alfred Williams, Forest Craftsman, Tywi, South Wales, has retired after 29 years’ service with the Commission.
E.C.H. Jones, Ganger, Brycheiniog, South Wales, has retired after 41 years’ service with the Commission.
Dai Ludlow, Forest Craftsman, Rheola, South Wales, has retired after 32 years’ service with the Commission.
Tom Humphreys, Forest Craftsman, Tair Onen, South Wales, has retired after 29 years’ service with the Commission.
Dewi Innes, Ganger, Crynant, South Wales, has retired after 32 years’ service with the Commission.
David Phillips, Tractor Driver, Brechfa, South Wales, has retired after 30 years’ service with the Commission.
Obituaries
John Anderson (Jacky Anderson), former Ganger, Fearnoch Forest has died. He retired from the Forest Squad in January this year after spending 12 years at Fearnoch.
W. Sid Baker, Warrener, Mendip Forest, has died. He joined the Commission in 1950.
John Gargett, Ganger, Hamsterley Forest, has died, He joined the Commission in 1951.
Hugh Stout, Head Forester, Inverliever, has died aged 56. Most of his service has been in West Scotland, which followed his training in Benmore in 1940-42. At aged 26, he was in charge of Glendarvel Forest, then 10 years later, he served at Knapdale, Loch Eck and Glenbranter.
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