Slasher Magazine Summary: Publication No. 310 - Winter/Spring 1982
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.
The Joker Prince
When Prince Charles visited Westonbirt Arboretum on 5th March to plant two trees, an Oregon ash and a red maple, to commemorate his Royal Wedding and the Diamond Jubilee of the Commonwealth Forestry Association, he swapped jokes with Superintendent Forester Jim MacDonald. He was welcomed by the Lord Lieutenant of Gloucestershire, Colonel Martin Gibbs and Commission Chairman Sir David Montgomery and was introduced to Director General George Holmes, Director of Research David Johnston and Westonbirt Chief Forester Les Pearce.
Pictures: (1) Prince Charles meets Superintendent Forester Jim MacDonald. (2) Prince Charles plants a red maple.
Government Answers Research Report - No Chief Scientist
Details of the Government’s response to Lord Sherfield’s Report on Scientific Aspects of Forestry.
Walking in a Winter Wonderland
The farewell party due on 8th January for John Zehetmayr was postponed due to blizzards, with some guests stranded and other trekking miles through deep snow. The party was rearranged for 12th February.
We're Still Adding - … And Subtracting
The Commission is still acquiring land, particularly in the Scottish conservancies. From the beginning of the financial year to the end of December, an additional 414 hectares has been bought in Scotland, with 369 in England and 223 in Wales.
The Commission has sold the Lochar Moss Plantations, near Dumfries, South Scotland, amounting to 2,700 acres of Solway Forest, for over £2 million to John Nixon, landowner and farmer from King’s Lynn, Norfolk. Mr Nixon is Chairman of a company with peat interests in the U.K. and the Continent. This sale is the fifth lot sold to date under the 1981 Forestry Act, a total of 5,285 hectares. A further five lots are currently on the market.
Practical Basis For New Courses
Details are given for the SCOTEC courses in Forestry, which are designed to provide a complete range of forestry education below degree level.
Royal Oaks
The marriage of their Royal Highnesses the Prince and Princess of Wales was commemorated by the Commission in Wales by the planting of a grove of 40 oak in the Afan Argoed Country Park in Margam Forest, near Port Talbot. The Rt Hon Lord Gibson-Watt MC, DL, Forestry Commissioner and Chairman of the National Committee for Wales planted the first tree. The others were planted by a party of schoolchildren from Cymer Afan Comprehensive School and guests.
Picture: John Zehetmayr helping Lord Gibson-Watt plant the first tree.
New Landscape Consultant
Gordon Patterson, Dip LA, ALI, has been appointed Landscape Consultant to the Forestry Commission in succession to Clifford Tandy.
Picture: Gordon Patterson.
Now We're Exporting Christmas Trees!
The Commission has exported a Christmas tree to Singapore. Mrs Julie Patterson, sister-in-law of Perth DO Dick Jackson, was on holiday in Scotland and decided to take a Scots Christmas Tree back with her to Singapore. Mr Patterson approached Chief Forester Jimmy Wilson at Ochil and a tree was chosen, dipped and sleeved for its 6,000 mile journey. Mrs Patterson said the tree lasted very well in the tropics and did not shed its pines, unlike other trees which had been imported from Europe and Japan.
Forest Workers’ Pay
Negotiations are continuing on pay increases for Forest Worker grades.
More Incentives Needed Says RICS
More financial incentives and better technical guidance must be given to both farmers and landowners if the Government’s current policy to increase afforestation is to succeed, says the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors.
Shiver Me Timbers!
Over £2,000 worth of spruce from Kernow Forest will play a vital role in the making of the next James Bond movie. The timber is being used by the film company to rebuild a sailing ship owned by the Marques Sailing Society of Wadebridge.
The Forest of Dean supplied timber for the West Country trading ketch “Irene” which is undergoing a refit in Bristol Harbour.
Literary Fame
Gerry Haggett, Chief Forester, Thetford has gained literary and scientific success with the publication of his book “Larvae of the British Lepidoptera not figured by Buckler”. The book is the rearrangement and reprinting of the eleven papers written by Gerry since 1955 and will be essential by any serious student of British moths.
Welfare Officer
Brian Atwell is the Commission’s new Welfare Officer, taking over from Joe Russell, who has retired.
Picture: Brian Atwell.
Colourful History Of Border Place Names
An article by Richard Toleman, District Officer, Border District, reveals the borderlands between countries often have a colourful history with periods of peace and trading and others of violence, marauding or open warfare. In the history of the Scottish border, famous families who ruled the Borders on the Scottish side had names such as Scott, Elliot, Robson, Douglas, Kerr, Rutherford and Oliver, all with various spellings of the names. On the English side, dominant families were the Percies, whose battle with the Douglases is immortalised in the Ballad of the Chevy Charge, Grahams, Johnstons, Forsters, Fenwicks, Stories, Charltons, Halls and Musgraves.
Jedforest and Ettrick Forest are two new forest names, which originated in the old royal hunting forests.
The Capon Tree, south of Jedburgh is claimed to be the last living specimen of Jedforest.
The article contains many more facts about the origins of place names.
Concern Over Timber Import Figures
The Timber Growers England and Wales has expressed grave concerns over the latest import figures for timber and timber products.
Donald Takes Up Forest Residency
In conjunction with Northern Arts, photographer Donald Jackson from Derbyshire has been given a one year “Residency” in Byrness Village, North East, England.
Picture: Donald Jackson.
Alan's 'Hole in One' Upmanship - Almost!
Alan Papesch from New Zealand, who is studying the relationship between wind turbulence and thinning forests at Northern Research Station, managed a hole in one while playing golf at Newbattle. Then he got news that allowing for time differences, his golfing buddy in New Zealand, Jack Macer also got a hole in one at the same time at Weedon Golf Course in Christchurch NZ. Alan had to fork out for a bottle of whisky for the Newbattle members, whereas his friend Jack was given a £20 prize from the New Zealand club.
Picture: Alan Papesch, a radio ham, broadcasting the message of his skill on the golf course
Harvest Thanksgiving Services
Commission staff in the Dolgellau District of North Wales suggested to the local Rector that a Forest Harvest Thanksgiving Service should be held. The Rector agreed and suggested the church in Llanfachreth in the heart of the forest would be an ideal venue. After discussions with the Church Wardens, Ganger Cyril Jones and Forest Craftsmen Jack Parker and Arthur Jones, who plays the organ, a thanksgiving service was held, attended by Commission employees, their families and friends. The lesson was read by Head Forester (Recreation) Reg Wheeler and Estate Clerk of Works Les Darbyshire. After the service, a splendid tea was provided in the village hall by the forestry wives and the forest clerkesses.
Picture: At the Harvest Thanksgiving Service.
International Conference
Delegates from Russia, Canada and several European countries including Austria, Denmark, Sweden, Germany and Ireland will be attending the international conference on forestry training at Dumfries, South Scotland from 10th – 14th May, which is hosted by the Commission. It is held under the auspices of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation, the International Labour Organisation and the EEC.
Volunteers Wanted To Work Overseas
The Voluntary Services Overseas organisation has received requests for experienced foresters to work in Nepal, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Sudan and Burundi.
Forest Fishing Holidays
A new Forest Fishing Holiday package is being offered by the Forestry Commission. The week-long holidays at Lochaweside in Argyll are a joint venture between the Commission and Inverawe Fisheries. Accommodation will be in Lochaweside Forest Cabins.
On The Run
Due to ice and snow, the venue for the Chester “Round the City Walls Race” was changed to the Roodeye racecourse. Contestants had to run round the Roodeye four times – a total of 5 miles. The winner of the over-sixties section was Walter Simpson, CO in the Conservancy Office. Wally is now considering the local “mini-marathon”, a run of 13 miles. Draughtsman Howard Davies has been accepted for the London Marathon in May.
To All Head Cooks And Bottle Washers
Margaret Kennedy appeals for recipes which would be included in a new Cookery Book to be published for the Forestry Commission’s Jubilee in 1969.
It's Enough To Drive A Man To Drink
Ratagan Forest, North Scotland, has been hit by a plague of voles. Much of the restocking since 1976 has been severely damaged by voles.
Avoiding the use of Warfarin, which could affect other wildlife, Ranger James Grant had the idea of laying down beer cans, but the idea was too costly.
Winch Operator Donnie Morrison left a pair of boots in a shed for a week. The voles found and ate them.
Pictures: (1) OND student David Kennedy with beer can. (2) Donnie Morrison’s boots.
Deer Symposium
The British Deer Society and the Forestry Commission are holding a one-day symposium on 16th June at the Royal Scot Hotel in Edinburgh, to consider Roe and Red deer in British Forestry.
Where Have All The Elms Gone?
Elm trees are stacked in William Holt’s yard. They are from his ten-acre field at Piddington, Oxon. He retired from Bernwood in 1977 after fourteen years with the Commission.
Picture: William Holt with his elm stack.
Deer Problem Is On The Increase
A report on the increasing problem of deer to foresters.
A Short History Of Roe In Craik
Ballantine Bird, Senior Ranger I, has been at Craik Forest, South Scotland since 1948 and describes how the roe problem has grown in Craik Forest.
Picture: Ranger Bally Bird with two deer in Craik Forest.
Willie Shoots Into The Record Books
When Senior Ranger Willie Laurie of South Scotland shot a sick deer in Glentrool Forest last year, he decided the antlers would make a handsome addition to the Clatteringshaws Deer Museum. Conservation Forester John Livingstone saw them and decided they should be assessed by an independent expert.
Deer expert Kenneth Whitehead has given the head a points total of 185.09 which, if confirmed will be a new record for a Scottish Red Deer. It will be mounted and put on show at Clatteringshaws museum.
Picture: Willie Laurie and the antlers.
Largest Ever Cargo Leave Inverness
The largest ever cargo has been shipped out of Inverness. 5755 metric tonnes of timber was loaded aboard MV Ragna Gorthon in the Moray Firth for shipping to Sweden. The pulp wood was floated out of Inverness harbour on dumb barges and anchored off Ormonde Hill to await the arrival of the Ragna Gorthon. 75% of the cargo was Forestry Commission timber.
Picture: MV Ragnor Gorthon at anchor in the Moray Firth.
Japanese Tricycle
The Japanese Honda 185S Cross Country All Terrain Tricycle, original designed as a fun bike for the American market, is being considered for dragging deer carcases from the hills.
Senior Ranger Donnie Cameron on the Honda dragging a stag from the hill at Inverliever Forest.
Forest Fire Posters
Fire prevention posters have been produced by Information Branch and a 60 second television filler on forest fire prevention has been produced.
Pictures: Fire prevention posters and a type “A” poster, warning of extreme fire danger, on a forest gate.
Farewell To The Flying Scotsman
Dr Andrew Gordon, Alice Holt, is leaving the Commission to go into private forestry with EFG. His work with the Commission is extensive and he was the Chairman of the Forest Tree Seed Committee within the International Seed Testing Association.
Picture: Dr Andrew Gordon.
Three Get New Year Honours
Dr Cyril Hart, Senior Verderer, Forest of Dean, was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire.
Ian Watt, Forest Officer, Grade I, in South Wales Conservancy received the MBE.
Gerald Springthorpe, Head Ranger in charge of Conservation and Wildlife at Cannock Chase, North West England, was awarded the British Empire Medal.
Scottish Cap for Jimmy
Jimmy Byth, HEO, Dumfries, skipped a triples which won the Scottish Civil Service Bowling Association championship.
Postbag
Joan Pascoe writes about her gratitude for the treatment she received in the Benenden Hospital in Kent.
Letter from Eric Granfield mentioning his appreciation to former colleagues and thanking them for his retiral presentation.
Letter from Roger Larsen regarding Richard Westlake’s letter about disposals.
Letter from James Ogilvie regarding the change of the Latin name for the Douglas fir from Pseudotsuga douglasii to Pseudotsuga menziesii.
Cattlecade Brings History Alive
An article on cattle droving in Glengarry Forest by Richard Wood.
Picture: Highland cattle in Glengarry Forest.
Chris Booth Appeal
Staff in Headquarters and Conservancies have set up an appeal fund for the children of Chris Booth, HEO in ADP Section, Headquarters, and his wife Marlyn who died within weeks of each other.
Retired
John Keane, Forest Craftsman, Wymersley Forest, has retired after 24 years’ service with the Commission.
Bill Crowther, Lorry Driver, Brandon Depot has retired after 33 years’ service with the Commission.
Tony Petrynski, Brandon Depot, has retired after 30 years’ service with the Commission in the Thetford area, mostly at Brandon.
Ted Acott, Head Forester, Private Woodland, Northamptonshire, has retired after a career spent mainly in the forests of Northamptonshire, his last five years as a Private Woodland Head Forester. Among his other achievements, he will be remembered for his contribution in organising social events and his showmanship which earned one Silver and three Gold Medals in the four years when he was Head Forester at Hazelborough Forest, for the exhibit at the Royal Show.
Picture: Ted Acott receiving his retirement gifts from Conservator Rod Hewitt.
David Morley, Head Forester, has retired after 40 years’ service with the Commission, which began at the Benmore School in 1936. He had been responsible for establishing vast areas of new forest in Grizedale, Hardknott, Thornthwaite and Lindale Forests, and a remarkable few days in Kershope. In 1974 after the amalgamation of Lindale with Dalton Forest, he transferred to private woodlands work over Lancashire and Westmoreland.
George Antcliffe, Tractor Driver, Sherwood, has retired after joining the Commission on a permanent basis in 1938 at Clipstone, with a break for military service.
Hugh McKay, Head Forester, Spadeadam since 1972, has retired after 43 years’ service with the Commission in the forests of NW(E). He worked at Grizedale, mainly in the sawmill and in 1954 he took up duty at Kershope, becoming Forester in charge of Greystoke ten years later.
Jack Pritchard has retired after joining the Commission in 1950 at Upton Grange, Chester. Promotion to EO took him to Savile Row, then Shrewsbury, returning to North West England in 1965.
Bob Ainsworth, Forest Craftsman, Grizedale, has retired after 31 years’ service with the Commission at Grizedale.
Reginald Clarke, Cannock, has retired after 8 years’ service with the Commission.
Dr Don Phillips, Chief Research Officer (South) has retired. Don came from the Channel Island of Jersey and was Head of the Pathology Branch at Alice Holt Lodge from 1962-1967. In more recent years as Chief Research Officer, he spent much time in Brussels, arguing the case for reinforcing the laws governing the movement of trees and timber into and within the EEC.
Picture: Dr Don Phillips.
Bob Ritchie, Mobile Mechanic, South Scotland, has retired after 34 years’ service with the Commission in South Scotland. He joined the Commission in 1947 as a Tractor Operator and became a Mobile Mechanic in 1950.
Horace Hale, Leading Ganger, Queen Elizabeth Forest, has retired after beginning work at Westbury Forest near West Meon 44 years ago.
Eddie Burrows, Senior Ranger I, has retired after starting work at St Leonard’s Forest in February 1958 as a Grade III Forest Worker. Two months later, he was Grade II and made Grade I the same year. He was a Warrener the following year and spent the rest of his service on protection work, mainly deer control.
Edwin Mills, Ranger, Bedgebury, has retired after working at Brightling Forest for the past 27 years.
John Zehetmayr, Conservator South Wales and Senior Officer Wales for the past 15 years has retired after 34 years’ service with the Commission. He joined the Commission in 1948 and served as Assistant Silviculturist North Scotland until 1956 when he became the Commission’s first Chief Work Study Officer. He was Conservator West Scotland from 1964-66, when he moved to South Wales to become Conservator and Senior Officer, Wales. His successor as Conservator, South Wales will be Alan Rix.
Picture: Director General George Holmes, John Zehetmayr and Dallas Mithen, Commission H&M.
Reg Wheeler, Head Forester, has retired after joining the Commission in the New Forest in 1946. As a Forester, he was responsible for forest establishment at Rothbury, Northumberland, before commencing the work on Research, for which he is most widely known. Reg was on the staff of the Gwydyr Training School for some time before transferring in 1968 to his last post in the North Wales Conservancy and beginning his work on recreation, which included the development of the Maesgwm Visitor Centre at Coed y Brenin, which received a Prince of Wales award, and other schemes in the North Wales Conservancy.
Picture: Reg Wheeler with his specially carved shield.
Fred Hytch, Head Forester, Clwyd Forest, has retired after 12 years in charge of Clwyd Forest.
Picture: Conservator Roger Bradley presents a cheque to Fred Hytch, watched by Ifor Peters (Foreman), Euros Jones (DFO) and Mr J.D. Williams (Forester).
Haydn Lloyd, HEO, North Wales Office, has retired after joining the Commission in 1951 as a Clerical Officer in the N(W) Conservancy at the Shrewsbury office, until he was promoted to EO and posted to NE(E) Conservancy. He spent 10 years at Chester before being promoted to East England and in 1971 he transferred back to N(W) Conservancy, now at Aberystwyth.
Dick Stumbles, District Officer, Llandrindod Wells, has retired after 30 years’ service with the Commission. He joined the Commission in 1951 in the South Wales Conservancy and moved to Llandrindod in 1961.
Hugh McFarlane, Driver, Barcaldine, has retired after 40 years’ service with the Commission, broken only by War service with the Scots Guards. During his time with the Commission, he drove a vehicle transporter throughout the country as well as in the West Scotland Conservancy.
Picture: Head Forester Ian MacNicol making a presentation to Hugh McFarlane.
Bob Stewart, A&FO, South Scotland, has retired after joining the Forestry Commission in 1956. He left his post as EO in Dumfries in 1971, returning 5 years later as A&FO after rising through the ranks.
Picture: Conservator John Davies with Bob Stewart at the retirement presentation.
Bob Marshall, Forest Craftsman, has retired after 33 years’ service with the Commission in Solway Forest. Some years ago, he attended a seriously injured tractor driver for over four hours and his skill undoubtedly saved the man’s life.
Alec Symons, North East England, has retired after 25 years’ service with the Commission. He joined the Commission at Kielder and has remained in the North Tyne Valley ever since.
Eric Granfield, Chief Engineer, Headquarters, has retired after joining the Commission in London in 1959 as Directorate Engineer (England), becoming Assistant Chief Civil Engineer in 1966 and Chief Engineer nine years ago.
John Campbell, Forester, Isle of Lewis, has retired after joining the Commission in 1934 and apart from four years War service in the Navy, his career spanned 47 years’ with the Commission. He began working as a Forest Worker at Glen Brittle on Skye and following promotion to Foreman, moved to the Isle of Raasay in 1957, where he remained until 1968. Then he went to Lewis as a Forester on the afforestation scheme on the Island until his retirement 13 years later.
Picture: Conservator Bob Cathie at the retirement presentation with John Campbell.
Frank Pearn, Kernow, has retired after joining the Commission at Davidstowe Nursery in 1964. In addition to doing vast areas of fence and drain maintenance, he has done much of the planting along the A39 at Camelford.
Marjorie Raisey, Forest Clerk, Savernake, has retired after 30 years’ service with the Commission.
Mary Bellamy, Forest Clerk, Quantock Forest, has retired after 15 years’ service with the Commission.
John Arscott, Torridge Forest, has retired after joining the Commission in 1947 at what was then Lydford Forest.
Les Stock, Private Woodlands Section, Bristol Conservancy, has retired after joining the Commission in 1968 and spending most of the following 14 years in Private Woodlands.
Frank Smith, Warden, Savernake Campsite, has retired after joining the Commission in 1953 at West Woods, which was then a separate unit.
Harold Edwards, Research Division, Llanishen, has retired after 19 years’ service at the Forest of Dean Regional Unit, the latter nine years as a Leading Research Worker. He began a long forestry career at Abercarn Forest and served at Penllergaer and Tintern before joining Research. War service was the only break in almost 50 years of service with the Forestry Commission. Harold and his wife Morfydd shared the responsibility for observations at a Meteorological Station at Llanishen.
Jeff Thomas, Chief Forester, Kernow, has retired after 34 years’ service with the Commission. Starting as a Forest Worker in 1947, he worked his way through the grades in the New Forest to Head Forester. Then he transferred to NE(E) and spent five years each at Redesdale and Jervaulx Forests.
Walter Parker, Ganger, Wareham Forest, has retired after joining he Commission in 1946 at what was then Puddletown Forest, and was involved in much of the early planting.
Chris Coles, Brendon Forest, has retired after joining the Commission in 1946. He was skilled in the whole range of forest work.
Vic Glass, Exeter Forest, has retired after a long service with the Commission. He had a wide range of skills and experience, serving some years as a Ganger.
Obituaries
Rev. J.E. Hamilton, Forestry Commissioner from 1948-1953 has died in Edinburgh, aged 101.
Chris Booth, HEO in ADP Section, Headquarters, collapsed and died aged 36. His wife Marlyn had died suddenly three weeks earlier. An appeal for donations to a trust fund has been launched for his two children, Wendy aged 10, and Robin aged 8.
Magnus Bain, Clerical Officer, Inverness Conservancy, has died aged 60. He joined the Commission in 1959 as a Messenger, becoming a Paper Keeper in 1971, In 1974, he was promoted to Clerical Officer and worked in the Supply and Engineering Section.
John Booth, former Leading Ganger at Mortimer Forest has died aged 79.
Tom Brandon, has died aged 72. He commenced employment with the Commission as a boy, then joined the RAF becoming a Radio Operator. He rejoined the Commission at Cannock Chase in 1956 and retired in 1974.
Frank Cameron, Chief Forester, has died. He joined the Commission in 1948 and spent 27 years in North Scotland and 4 years in South Scotland.
Mr E. Howells, retired Forest Worker, has died aged 72. He started work at Vinehall in 1951 and retired in 1974.
Miles Jenkin, Forester at Bramfield Forest, East England, died while at work in Harlow Woods in October aged 49. He had been with the Commission for 27 years, mainly with R&D.
Robert Hugh Jones (Bob Jones), Recreation Ranger at Coed y Brenin, has died. He worked for the Commission for 40 years.
Ted Keen, Private Woodlands District Officer at Okehampton, has died aged 58. He had been with the Commission for 34 years, the last 4 years in the Bristol Conservancy Office.
Bill Kitcher, Forest Craftsman, New Forest, died on his way home from work. He was aged 56 and had spent 32 years working in the New Forest.
Jim McGarrie, Chainsaw Operator and Tractor Driver at Solway Forest for the past 15 years has died.
George Miller, Forest Craftsman, was killed in a road accident on his way to work.
Frank Oliver, former Conservator in Aberdeen, has died aged 81. He joined the Commission in 1926 and retired from the East Scotland Conservancy in 1964.
Hamish Seaton, Chief Forester in charge of Banchory Forest, has died. After training at Benmore FTS, he joined the Commission in 1947 and started work as a Forester at Glenlivet.
Herbert Snare, Tractor Driver, King’s Forest, Thetford, who joined the Commission at Thetford in 1966, has died aged 41.
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