Slasher Magazine Summary: Publication No. 307 - Spring 1981
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.
Lochaweside Cabins Open
The Forestry Commission's newest forest cabin holiday scheme which lies in red deer territory at Dalavich Forest Village near Taynuilt in Scotland's Western Highlands has opened to holidaymakers. It is financed by the Crown Estate Commissioners and was built to the Forestry Commission's design on Lochaweside in Argyle, this is the fourth forest cabin development to be managed by the Commission.
Pictures: (1) Two of the new cabins at Lochaweside. (2) Head Forester Tony Burns of Glenorchy sails on Loch Awe. The new cabins are in the background.
Search To Find Ideal Loo!
The search is on to find Scotland's perfect rural lavatory. An Edinburgh firm of design consultants have been asked by the Countryside Commission to design the perfect public convenience, and to help them, the firm has launched a competition inviting members of the public to vote for their favourite loos. Interviewed on Radio Forth, architect John Spencer paid tribute to the Forestry Commission's public toilets. “I have the utmost admiration for the Forestry Commission, they have devised their own prefabricated timber lavatory which fits quite beautifully into their forest areas”.
Forest Worker's Tragic Death
Mr Alistair MacDonald was killed during felling operations in the Glen Duror section of Glencoe Forest on 4th March. Mr MacDonald died instantly after being struck by a 100 foot tree. He had worked for the Commission for 33 years at Glencoe.
Private Sector Expresses Anxiety
Timber Growers England and Wales, the organisation representing the interests of private woodland owners, has expressed anxiety concerning the Forestry Commission Consultative Paper which seeks to reduce the cost of administering the system of felling control and the grant aid schemes which are required to ensure a continuing expansion of forestry. The article includes general comments submitted to the Commission.
Children Plant Avenue Of Trees
In 1892 a mining disaster occurred in the Park Slip Colliery near Bridgend, South Wales. 112 lives were lost after an explosion ripped through the underground workings. Modern methods of opencast coal mining have enabled the NCB to recover coal left unworked when the colliery closed. In the process, all traces of the former Park Slip Colliery have been obliterated.
The site is now being restored for agricultural and forestry use with the Forestry Commission carrying out the planting, as agents for the NCB. Meanwhile, Mid-Glamorgan County Council decided to leave some mark on the land to commemorate the disaster of 1892. They persuaded a quarry company to provide a limestone boulder which the opencast contractors set up on the site, and the Forestry Commission agreed to provide an avenue of trees.
In February, schoolchildren planted 112 red oak trees with a ceremony when the last 4 trees were planted. A plaque was unveiled by Councillor Philip Squire, Chairman, Mid-Glamorgan CC Education Committee.
Picture: The tree planting site.
Join The Commission's Cave Men
In 1965, two Forestry Workers and a Forester discovered potholes under Hamsterley Forest and Bishop Auckland Caving Club was founded. Members are drawn from S(S), NW(E), NE(E), E(E) and W(S). In addition to the exploration of caves and potholes, photography is carried out.
Picture: Thornthwaite Forester, Chris Ross, in Grange Rigg Pot, under the West Yorkshire Dales.
Poem by Shona Ogilvie
A poem “I Am Fire” written by 12-year old Shona Ogilvie, the daughter of Mr J.Y. Ogilvie, Assistant Conservator H&M, South Scotland.
Honesty Brings Reward
A burglary at the Post Office in Broughton, near Chester, on a September morning last year, netted a haul of four bags each containing £250 in 50 pence pieces. The burglars carried the bags across a field at the back of the Post Office and hid them on the embankment of the new Chester southerly by-pass.
During that morning, three forestry workers from Clwyd Forest were weeding the area and discovered the cash bags. Forest Craftsmen Nigel Beales, Philip Lloyd and David Williams reported the find to the police. Recently, at a ceremony, District Officer Euros Jones, accompanied by Head Forester F.A.L. Hytch and Foreman Ifor Peters, the three were each presented with a cheque and a letter of appreciation from the Local Head Postmaster.
At the same ceremony, Ifor Peters was presented with a second bar to his 5-year Good Driving Medal.
The Gospel According To Geoff Southgate
Forester Geoff Southgate, King’s Forest, Thetford, introduces some humour into his work.
New Viewpoint A 'Must' For Visitors
Mounces Viewpoint, a new Forestry Commission viewpoint giving magnificent views over the new Kielder Water has been opened to the public. Conservator for North East England, Mr J.A. Spencer introduced the Rev. J.T. Spence, Chairman of Falstone Parish, who performed the opening ceremony.
Picture: The opening ceremony for the Mounces Viewpoint.
Gwent Bowmen On Target
The Gwent Bowmen, archers who compete on alternative Sundays in Tintern Forest, have archery skills ranging from young beginners to a British Olympic team reserve and the Ladies National Champion. They shoot on a special Field Archers’ Course in Colonel’s Park. Discussions between Head Forester Roy Lewis and the Bowmen enabled them to find a suitable area where there was little risk to the public.
Picture: The Gwent Bowmen in action.
Photo Feature Clicked With Judges
The Slasher has won an award in the 1981 Scotsman/British Association of Industrial Editors’ Competition. The centre spread in the Autumn 1980 issue, “Life Before Life on Earth” on the Silurian fossil discoveries in Mortimer Forest, won second prize in the Best Feature section. Senior photographer Douglas Green and editor Gordon MacNeill were presented with a suitably inscribed copper plaque to commemorate the award.
Go Ahead For Queen's House Restorations
The Forestry Commissioners have agreed to go ahead with plans for the restoration of the Queen’s House in Lyndhurst. Restoration is expected to begin later this year and is likely to take about 18 months.
Postbag
A letter from Ray Cameron, Private Woodlands Section W(Scot), who is appealing for anyone interested in joining him in athletics.
E.G. Richards, former Director, Land Use, adds more examples to Arnold Grayson’s anagrams in the Winter 1981 issue of Slasher.
Andrew Bearhop, Principal Land Agent, HQ, offers “An old sorry nag” as an anagram for Arnold Grayson’s name.
The Living Forest
The theme for this year’s Forestry Commission Exhibition at the various Agricultural Shows throughout the country is “The Living Forest”. The exhibition, produced by Information Branch, describes the wildlife and plant life found in the various stages in the development of coniferous plantations from establishment to maturity. The exhibition will be mounted at eleven agricultural shows by the Commission’s show unit with Head Forester Brian Edwards and Forester Ian Embrey. “The Living Forest” Touring exhibition will be on display in 1981 at these shows: - Shropshire & West Midlands; Suffolk; Royal Bath & West; South of England; Three Counties; Royal Highland; Royal Norfolk; Royal; Great Yorkshire; Royal Welsh; Game Fair.
Pictures: (1) Hen Harrier. (2) Emperor Moth. (3) Foxglove. (4) Roe deer. (5) Short-eared owl. (6) Crossbill. (7) Red squirrel.
Where Things Still Go Bump In The Night by Richard Westlake
In Black Isle Forest, on the Fortrose to Conon Bridge road, hundreds of rags were hung in the branches of trees, denoting a clootie well. Beside the road, for most of the year, a small trickle of water flows out from the ground, as just another spring. But on the Sunday nearest 1st May, tradition has it that anyone who approaches the well, drinks some of the water, and tears off a piece of their clothing, tying it to the branch of one of the overhanging trees, can make a wish. In return the well makes the wish come true.
St Mary’s Well is another clootie well which is in Culloden Forest, near Inverness and has healing powers. Any person seeking to cure a sickness can cast silver into the pool and then sip some of the water, making sure to throw some more of it over their shoulder as they do so. They then retire to the nearest tree, and again, rip off part of their clothing and tie this rag or “cloot” as it is known, to one of the branches. Anyone removing such a cloot later on from the tree, takes with it the ill it represented. A tricky problem for any forest worker trying to tidy the place up!
Another tradition is for arched rowan trees over the front gate of mountain cottages. This was achieved by planting two young rowans on either side of the gateway and tying them at the top, cutting off much of the subsequent upwards growth. This accomplished, witches were unable to enter through the arch and thus cast evil spells over the household. A fine example of this was to have been seen in front of a Forestry Commission cottage in Glenurquhart. When the cottage was sold four years ago, this extra amenity was omitted from the sale particulars.
Picture: The Black Isle clootie well.
Nature News - End of a prickly problem in Devon?
Details and statistics in the tale of the Himalayan porcupines who escaped from a Wildlife Park in Devon in 1969.
Picture: Himalayan Porcupine.
The Woods Will Ring With Arthur's Music
On 18th July, Principal Forest Officer Arthur Sutton, Forest Management Division will appear as one of The Albury Singers at Bill Grant’s Theatre in the Forest, Grizedale. The programme is “An Evening in Vienna”.
Picture: The Albury Singers with Arthur Sutton.
Retired
John Edwards has retired after 40 years’ service with the Commission in Wales. He started working for the Commission in 1939 when Coed y Brenin Forest was being established. In 1957 he was transferred to the “Roads” Department where he built cattle grids and was a Dumper Driver for a time, then returned to forest duties in 1960.
Robert Thomas (Bob Thomas), Forester, Wales, has retired after 35 years’ service with the Commission at Hafren, Dyfnant, Kerry, Llangollen and Coed y Brenin.
Bob organised expeditions to the summit of Cader Idris (2,927 feet) by parties of blind ex-servicemen from St Dunstans. To quote one St Dunstaner, “half a million boots went marching through hell to enjoy the magnificent views that were actually denied to them, but the atmosphere was there”.
Picture: Bob Thomas and his party on “top of the world”.
Harry Todd, Foreman with Durham Engineers, North East England, has retired after 42 years’ service with the Commission. He joined in 1939 as a Forest Worker and lived on a holding within Hamsterley Forest. After War service, he returned to his holding and resumed as Forest Worker, Driver and Clerk. For the last 17 years he was a Road Foreman with a spell as temporary Superintendent of Works for Roads Branch.
David Woodburn, District Officer, Inverness, North Scotland, has retired after 35 years’ service with the Commission. He joined the Commission in 1946 at Lochgilphead and spent time in Perth and Dunkeld before going to Inverness District for the last 15 years.
Mr D.A. MacDonald (Dunkie MacDonald), Forest Craftsman, has retired after 41 years’ service with the Commission, starting work at Inchnacardoch Forest, North Scotland, in 1935.
Harry Seymour, has retired after 39 years’ service with the Commission, working at Thetford and Rockingham Forests.
Ted Waddelove, Chief Forester, Clocaenog, has retired after 34 years’ service with the Commission. He first arrived at Clocaenog in 1947 under the FWTS, and returned after qualifying from Foresters’ School at Capel Curig. He went back there as an instructor and remained for 11 years. He subsequently served in Coed y Brenin and Delamere NW(E) before returning to Clocaenog as Chief Forester 11 years ago.
Picture: Mr and Mrs Waddelove at the presentation with Carol Hughes, Forest Clerk at Clocaenog and Mr Euro Jones, District Officer.
Bert Callan, has retired after 35 years’ service with the Commission at Beddgelert.
Picture: Bert Callan accompanied by friends and colleagues and receiving his Long Service certificate from Chief Forester Allan Powell.
Sem Roberts, Forest Craftsman, Gwydyr Forest, has retired after 38 years’ service with the Commission at Gwydyr. Sem did harvesting work during the 1960s and 1970s, then was responsible for maintaining the Gwydyr picnic sites.
Willie McDonald, Forester, Achaglachgach, Scotland, has retired after joining the Commission in Glenfinart in 1939. After War service, he attended Benmore School and has served in Kilmichael, Inverliever and Inverinan.
Nancy Macfadyen, Clerkess, Glenbranter, has retired after 40 years’ service with the Commission. She started work in July 1940 and was initially employed hand weeding in the Nursery and cutting bracken in the forest. In September 1940, Nancy joined the Home Grown Timber Production Department until 1946. During this period, she measured and recorded timber stocks and carried out clerical duties at Benmore and St Catherine's sawmills. Since then Nancy has been Clerkess Glenbranter Forest.
Picture: Nancy Macfadyen.
Alexander Whitton (Eck Whitton), has retired after nearly 50 years’ service with the Commission at Montreathmont Forest, Scotland. This period included work with the Home Grown Timber Control, then War service abroad. On his return, he was appointed Ganger and ran the local forest nursery. He received the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Medal in 1977. The recent creation of Augus Forest now includes Montreathmont and Braes of Angus, one of the many changes he experienced.
Picture: Eck Whitton receiving his Long Service Certificate presented by Conservator Ian Grant, and surrounded by colleagues at the forest office.
Athole Whayman MBE, Work Study Team Leader, Scottish Borders, has retired after 40 years in Forestry. His career began at the Benmore Forestry School in 1936. After two years, he was posted to Clashindarroch. After War service during which he was awarded the MM in France, Athole worked in Rannoch Forest in 1949. In 1951 he went to Aberdeen as a Private Woodlands Forester, becoming District Forester in 1953 and transferred to Work Study in 1965 to set up the Kielder Experimental Team, and moving to Ae last year. He was awarded the MBE in 1974.
Picture: Athole Whayman with his ever-present whistle.
Dave Pretswell, has retired after over 41 years’ service with the Commission in the Scottish Borders as a Ranger at Cardrona, Eddleston Water and Glentress.
Picture: Dave Pretswell at his retirement presentation.
David Kearney, Glentress, Scottish Borders, has retired after 41 years’ service with the Commission. He will receive his Long Service certificate at the Royal Highland Show.
James Hoggart, Mobile TD, has retired after 33 years’ service with the Commission. He will receive his Long Service certificate at the Royal Highland Show.
Alf Brewer, Executive Officer, South Wales Conservancy Office, has retired after joining the Forestry Commission in 1950, serving at Bristol and Headquarters (London) before transferring to Cardiff in 1961, where he remained for 20 years.
Oliver Roderick, Forest Craftsman at Rheola has retired after 23 years’ service with the Commission.
Obituaries
Owen Edwards, former Head Forester at Inverliever has died. Most of his service since 1950 was in South Scotland Conservancy at Bennan, Garreries, Dundeugh, Glen Gap, Kyle and Kerroughtree. He joined West Scotland in 1976.
Harold Jones who taught botany for 37 years at the Dean Forester Training School has died aged 84.
Mr J.R. Price, former Forest Craftsman, Coed-y-Rhaiadr, has died. He retired last year after 23 years’ service with the Commission.