Slasher Magazine Summary: Publication No. 326 - Autumn 1986
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.
Royal Assent
During her visit to the Black Isle Show, HM The Queen Mother viewed the Forestry Commission’s wildlife conservation display, which was organised by North Scotland Conservancy. She met Conservator Jim Anderson and discussed with Conservator Wildlife Ranger Tony Hinde, points raised in the FC exhibition and her experiences at Castle of Mey and Balmoral.
Picture: HM The Queen Mother viewing the Forestry Commission exhibit.
Research Puts the Accent on Our Wildlife
The Forestry Commission and the Nature Conservancy Council announced two new initiatives for research into wildlife conservation in forests and woodlands. Andy Neustein, the Commissioner’s Chief Research Officer (North) commented on the project’s challenges.
Lost Opportunities Says Minister - Vital Role of Farming
John Mackay, Ministry of Agriculture at the Scottish Office said farm forestry will have a vital role in supplementing traditional types of forestry, and as an important alternative source of income for farmers.
HRH The Duke of Edinburgh at the Royal Norfolk Show
HRH The Duke of Edinburgh viewed the Forestry Commission exhibit during a visit to the Royal Norfolk Show.
Picture: Gerry Haggett, District Forester, Thetford, and the Duke of Edinburgh at the Royal Norfolk Show.
Sports Club Crisis Looms - New Appeal to All Members
Derek Benoy, Chairman of the FC (Edinburgh) Sports and Social Club, has appealed for more financial and physical support for the club’s activities by members.
Commission Backing for New Information Centre - 145,000 Visitors are Expected
With financial assistance from the Forestry Commission, New Forest District Council has opened a new information centre in Lyndhurst to replace the existing caravan, which was originally donated by the Commission. The English Tourist Board also contributed.
Picture: Recreation and Range Manager Roy Hughes, Head Forester Martin Fletcher and staff from the District Council and Tourist Board.
Bellamy on His Knees to Open a Picnic Site
David Bellamy opened the Hamsterley Forest Grove picnic place – a new public recreation area, created by the Community Task Force, sponsored by the Manpower Services Commission. District Manager Malcom Shirley asked David Bellamy to open The Grove by sawing through a pole.
Picture: Onlookers watch David Bellamy performing the opening ceremony at The Grove by sawing through a pole.
It's a Deal
The Commission and the British Herpetological Society signed an agreement to protect some of the last surviving patches of countryside in Devon inhabited by all six native reptiles. Martin Orrom, Environment Officer for West England, commented on the role of forest management.
Picture: Keith Corbett of the British Herpetological Society and Martin Orrom.
Open House
Lammermuir House opened in May 1986 and the Queen officially declared the house open in 30th July. Among the guests were Ron Brown, MBE with wife Christine, Caroline Jones with husband Tony and Brian Atwell, Departmental Welfare Officer and Chairman of Osborne House Committee.
Time to Stop This Waste
The Tree Council is concerned about the lack of attention given to thousands of acres of derelict waste land. During National Tree Week (29th November – 7th December) the Tree Council is demanding rehabilitation starts on the derelict areas.
Call for Action
Sir Derek Barber, Chairman of the Countryside Commission has called for a new approach to forestry, which would benefit recreation, landscape and nature conservation as well as timber production.
Letter from Africa
Fodayba Jaiteh, a fatherless 15 year old boy from Gambia has appealed to the Information Division of the Forestry Commission, Edinburgh for a penpal.
Shooters on the Mark
The shooting competition at the Malton Rifle Club attracted teams from North Yorks Moors and Yorkshire Forest District Offices, and the N(E) Conservancy Office. Individual trophies were won by Charles Critchley and Penny Clark.
In for a Penny, in for a Pond!
During the large scale clearing at Whitcliffe due to Dendroctonus micans, Marches Forest District staff are creating an artificial pond which will be landscaped. Plans include the planting of oak, ash and alder with the first planted by Glynn Price, a pupil at Ludlow School.
Pictures: (1) Glynn Price and Mike Webster. (2) Martin Lipscombe and Tim Sawyer.
Forest Open Day Success at Wendover
Hundreds of visitors attended the Open Day at Wendover Woods. The organiser was Chief Forester Keith Wallis. There were various demonstrations of forest work with tools and machinery, with displays of forest produce and also a wildlife diorama with stuffed animals, which particularly appealed to children. Forester Andrew Medhurst made a model of a badger sett.
Picture: Visitors to Wendover Woods Open Day.
Head Forester Dave on Right Track - Scramble Course to Help Beat the Wreckers
Credit for a new motorcycle scramble course in Llanwynno FD goes to Head Forester Dave Williams and community policeman Brian Griffiths. The scramble course is intended to lure motorcyclists away from other areas of the forest where damage is caused. Earlier in the year, Forester Alan Bath found two stolen bikes hidden in the undergrowth.
Picture: Head Forester Dave Williams rides the new scramble course.
Coach Trips in Top Gear
John Griffiths, Community Forester at Llanwynno has organised another series of coach trips enabling the public to have an insight into the work of the Forestry Commission in the industrial South Wales valleys.
A Crossword
New Mill Proposed
An application from the Finnish Company Kaukas to build a £200M paper mill at Irvine, Ayrshire has been approved by the New Town Development Corporation.
Don't Throw Away Forestry Commission Journals
Bill Wittering of the Cambridge Conservancy Office, appeals for copies of Forestry Commission Journals No. 1 to 16 and 18.
Write an Essay - Win £300
A forestry essay competition for young people has been launched by the Forestry Commission.
Atlas for Observer Grace Russell
Grace Russell, CO, was presented with an atlas by Marjory Roy, Superintendent, Meteorological Office, Edinburgh, in appreciation for 15 years as an observer at Mull Forest Meteorological Station.
Picture: Grace Russell receiving an atlas from Marjory Roy.
Promotions
Dr Clive Brasier, Principal Scientific Officer, Mycologist, Research Division has received individual merit promotion for his research work especially on Dutch elm disease.
Dr Michael Coutts, Principal Scientific Officer, Physiology, NRS, has received individual merit promotion for leading projects which are fundamental to the silviculture and breeding of commercial forest tree species, and their protection against insects and diseases.
Timber Topics by John Oakley
John Oakley talks about Christmas and Christmas trees.
Picture: John Oakley.
And so it's Goodbye to our 'Guests' in the New Forest
Anger at the mess left by “hippies” when their “peace convoy” invaded the New Forest.
Pictures: (1) Miscellaneous artefacts in the camp including a harmonium. (2) Commission litter bags used to keep the rain out. (3) A deserted campfire in the morning. (4) A unwelcome “Welcum” sign.
Labour MPs Visit Straiton FD
Scottish Labour MPs visited Straiton FD, Ayrshire.
Picture: Scottish Labour MPs with FC Chairman Sir David Montgomery and George Taylor, Conservator, South Scotland.
They’re all Sparklers at Kielder
Kielder Forest staged its Diamond Jubilee celebrations with a folk music festival, a yomp and a fell race.
A letter was received from Mrs E. Hope, the Honorary Secretary WI and Parish Council Chairman, which included compliments and suggestions for improvements.
Pictures: (1) Party time at one of the music sessions. (2) Paul Hill-Tout gets the yompers under starting orders. (3) Fell runners Ian White 3rd, John Stannard 1st and Bruce Loudon.
Sorry to Badger but Your Help is Needed
An appeal for sightings of badgers to be used in a national survey.
You're Tops Fellas
Forestry Commission workers Hugh Duffy, Michael Grieve and Duncan Gillies won trophies at the National Tree Felling Contest in Dalbeattie, South Scotland.
Picture: Michael Grieve and Duncan Gillies.
Chips? They're Very Important
There are five chippers working regularly in FC forests, harvesting lop and top from felling operations. The material being produced is sold as a horticultural mulch in East Anglia, fuel for the Tormore Whisky Distillery, Speyside, Scotland and paper making at Ashton Paper Mill, Gwent. Other uses are being investigated.
Pictures: (1) Chips pile (2) Tormore Distillery.
Cricket Win for North
The North England Conservancy cricket team successfully defended the Place Trophy against the North East Timber Merchants at Boroughbridge.
Picture: G. Jackson; J. Richards; R. Little; A. Beardsley (captain); A. Rix; J. Amor; R. Hodge; K. Stockhill; B. Atkinson; D. Ayre; J.F. Morgan.
Game for a Laugh
Sixty people attended the FC Sports Day which was organised by the DP Division, and the event was co-ordinated by Clare Cooney. Derek Rutherford gets a special mention for wielding a mean hockey stick and throwing at least one straight skittle bowl. A ditty has been composed for those who missed it.
Scoreline
The Aberystwyth branch of the Civil Service Sports Council team won the Civil Service 11-a-side national competition. The team is composed of Civil Servants from the DHSS, Inland Revenue, UBO and four members from the Forestry Commission – Kevin Jenkins, Huw George Evans, Tony Meyler and Shaun Mather.
Cashathon
Gwenda Purslow, Typist in the Wales Conservancy Office in Aberystwyth completed the Western Mail Marathon in Cardiff and has helped to raise £90 in aid of Cancer Research.
Kennedy Award is Won by Ardgarten
The winner of the Forestry Commission John Kennedy Memorial Trophy was the FC’s Ardgartan Forest, Argyll, with Glenurquhart Forest, Inverness-shire, the runner up.
Picture: Margaret Kennedy presents the trophy to Mr G.W. Blake, Ardgartan, with Roger Larson (ex FC) co-ordinator of the award scheme; Mr G. Paterson, Glenurquhart; Sir David Montgomery, FC Chairman.
Day Out for Alice Staff
Picture: Staff from Alice Holt on their summer educational outing to Westonbirt, snapped by Jim Bodkin of Instrumentation Section.
Hazel Legs it to Her Scottish Retreat
Hazel (Pottinger) Clowes encouraged colleagues at HQ to “show a lively leg” at the Edinburgh Press Club when she left Information Division after 14 years to move to the Island of Seil, near Oban, Argyll, for new business ventures.
Picture: Hazel with Moira Kidd, Chris Hogg and Elma Smith.
Easitrail Bonus for Disabled
Easitrail, a joint project between the Forestry Commission and Delamere Forest Round Table, was officially opened by the Duke of Westminster. The idea, conceived by Jerry Gissop, then H&M Forester and Round Tabler at Delamere Forest, was backed by the Round Table who agreed to raise the money to build the trail which is specially designed for disabled people. An appeal committee was set up, with District Forester Roger Coppock as the liaison officer and £25,000 was raised in 12 months. The Forestry Commission gave permission to build the trail in Delamere Forest and agreed to manage and maintain the trail on completion. Alan Rix, Conservator, N(E), accepted Easitrail on behalf of the Commission.
Pictures: (1) Alan Rix accepts Easitrail. (2) The Duke of Westminster and Alan Rix lead the first walk on Easitrail.
Retired
Lord Gibson-Watt is to retire after 10 years as a part-time Forestry Commissioner.
Picture: Lord Gibson-Watt seen presenting the Forestry Awards at the 1986 Royal Welsh Show in Llanelwedd, Builth Wells. Also in the picture is Mark York, Forest District Manager, Dolgellau, receiving a Certificate of Merit for the Duke of Cornwall’s Award for Forestry and Conservation for Penaran, Dolgellau.
Rod Hewitt, Conservator, East England Conservancy, has retired after a long career with the Commission at Dean, Savile Row, Lyndhurst, York and Cambridge.
Picture: George Holmes, Lord Manners and Rod Hewitt on the terrace of the Queen’s House at Rod’s retirement presentation.
Aubrey L. James Hewitt, Forest District Manager, Suffolk Forest District E(E), has retired after joining the Commission in 1940, with a break for War service. On his return to the Commission, he went to the Dean Forester School, then to the New Forest as a Forester. He was Regional Training Officer South for 7 years. In 1976, Aubrey went to Suffolk as Chief Forester, Aldewood, then as Forest District Manager for Suffolk and Essex.
Picture: Aubrey Hewitt.
Neil Macfadyen, Forestry Workshop, Glenbranter, has retired after 46 years’ service with the Commission.
Picture: Neil Macfadyen, Mr F.M. Compton, friends and colleagues in the Memorial Hall, Strachur.
Anthony Loosemore (Tony Loosemore), Skilled Forest Worker and Ganger, Rheola Forest District, has retired after joining the Commission at Rheola in 1955.
Picture: Jim Jones (Llandovery Forest District) presents Tony Loosemore with his Long Service certificate.
R.W. Thomas (Bob Thomas), Forest Worker, Brecon Forest District, has retired after 26 years’ service with the Commission at the Mynydd Du Forest. He was closely involved in the early development of picnic areas and forest walks at Mynydd Du.
Tom Meredith, Forest Worker, Brecon Forest District, has retired after 26 years’ service with the Commission. He was originally employed at the old Talybont Forest and has spent his career on forest management duties.
Trevor Jenkins, Forest Worker, Coed Brecon Forest District, has retired after 20 years’ service with the Commission. Originally employed at Brycheiniog Forest, Trevor has spent most of his service at the Coed Taf beat of Brecon Forest District. For the past 10 years, he has been Beat Safety Representative and was one of the original members of the District Safety Committee.
George Tomlinson, Leading Research Worker, North York Moors, has retired after 36 years’ service with the Commission in the Research Division at Wykeham and Broxa on the North York Moors.
Denzil Evans, Brechfa Forest, has retired after joining the Commission in what was then Coed Gwili Forest, working mainly on harvesting duties. He transferred to Brechfa Forest, working on H&M duties, chainsaw operating, felling and cross-cutting.
Harold Walker, has retired after joining the Commission in 1940. He has worked on most forestry operations in the Gosforth/Eskdale areas. On his daughter Linda’s first birthday in 1953, Harold planted a silver fir at Blengdale and this tree is now a major feature at the entrance to Blengdale.
Jack Ealing, Head Keeper, New Forest, has retired after 24 years’ service with the Commission, joining as a Trainee Keeper, rising to Head Keeper in 1971.
Picture: Jack Ealing with his wife, son and daughter, Roy Hughes and New Forest keepering staff.
Richard Jones (Dick Bach), Mechanics Assistant, Corris, has retired. He joined the Commission at Corris in 1952, then went to work for Dovey Woodlands, the First Forestry Co-operative Society formed in Wales. He re-joined the Commission at Corris five years later, where he has remained, the last few years being spent in the garage as a Mechanics Assistant and undertaking chainsaw maintenance.
Picture: Dick Jones.
John Gradwell, Land Agent, has retired. He has been in the Conservancy since 1972 and the Dean has been “His patch” for most of that time. He had previously worked at Woking, Lyndhurst and in South Scotland.
John Thomas, HEO, W(E), has retired after 19 years’ service with the Commission.
Colin McCormick, South Scotland Road Squad, has retired after 35 years’ service with the Commission. He has operated heavy machinery almost all of his working life, the last 20 years being spent as a D6 and D7 driver in South Scotland’s Road Squad.
Guiseppe Terzo (Joe Terzo), Clocaenog, has retired after 38 years’ service with the Commission at Clocaenog Forest. He arrived in Britain in 1943 as an Italian prisoner of war and spent several years in farming before joining the Commission in 1948. In the early 1950s, he was one of five “Axe Men” with a rumoured individual output of 90 trees per day. More recently, Joe is best known as the Clocaenog handyman.
Picture: Joe Terzo at his retirement presentation.
Ted Saunders, has retired from the Commission after a career which took him from the New Forest to Inchnacardoch, then to Boblainy, Glenloy, Achnashellach, Shin and finally to Glenmore, where as Forester for 10 years, he was involved in all aspects of forestry, but particularly in the running of the Glenmore Campsite.
Andy Miller, Kershope Forest, has retired after 33 years’ service with the Commission, almost entirely spent at Kershope Forest on H&M operations. He is a long term Officer of the Agricultural Trades Union and was Chairman of the NUAAW North West Counties Committee.
John Wylie, has retired after 46 years’ service with the Commission at Kershope and Inglewood Forest.
David Moir, has retired after 36 years’ service with the Commission. His service has taken him from Chester, where he started as a Temporary District Estate Officer in 1950, to Bristol, Basingstoke, Edinburgh and Peebles.
Fred Roberts, Timberjack Operator, Gwydyr Forest, has retired after 35 years’ service with the Commission at Gwydyr Forest. He was a harvesting worker for most of his career.
Mrs Sheila Smith, Llandrindod FD, has retired after joining the Commission in 1960 as District Office Clerk at Llandrindod Wells.
Islwyn Price, Forest Craftsman/Ganger, Cilgwyn Forest has retired after 31 years’ service with the Commission. He spent his career at Cilgwyn Forest, working mainly on forest management operations. During the last three years, he has been Ganger in Charge of the Forest District Standing Sales Marking/Measuring Team.
Picture: Islwyn Price sitting on the bench presented to him and shaking hands with Mr R.B. Donaldson, Forest District Manager, Llandovery.
Lindsay Proudfoot, has retired after 14 years’ service with the Commission. He was best known for his work on the Isle of Arran where he pioneered afforestation. The results of his earlier work are evident at Coalsnaughton, Clackmannanshire and Glendochart, Tayside. He also worked in Fife Forest District.
Jack Featherstone, Forest Worker, has retired after 33 years’ service with the Commission. He worked with all types of Forestry Commission machinery including tractors and pumps, during peak periods of major fires and the Stape Water Supply maintenance. He was also involved in the development and maintenance of Keldy Castle Forest Cabins and Spiers House Campsite.
Charlie Hillidge, Ganger, Mathrafal Forest, Newtown Forest District, has retired after 31 years’ service with the Commission. He spent most of his service helping to establish the thriving plantations on the Breidden hills on the Powys/Shropshire border.
John Rogers, Ganger, Newtown Forest District, has retired after 36 years’ service with the Commission, mostly spent on the establishment of the old Bechan and Carno Forests before their amalgamation with Ceri Forest. John’s expert knowledge of the locality proved invaluable during the Dendroctonus surveys of 1982-1984.
Charlie James, Forest Craftsman, Ceri Forest, Newtown Forest District, has retired after 39 years’ service with the Commission. Charlie spent all of his time at Ceri Forest, being a production worker until five years ago.
Tom Parry, Tipper Driver, Roads Department, has retired after joining the Commission in 1947. He was employed on planting, draining and other general duties for several years before spending three years driving a tractor extracting timber. Tom transferred to the Roads Department in 1951 to drive a dumper before becoming a tipper driver.
Wilf Stratford, has retired after 26 years’ service with the Commission in Grizedale, mostly in the Genetics Branch. A skilled woodworker and stone wall builder, his last project was the building of a “hide” and viewing platform for the Liverpool Garden Festival.
Ian Tay, Skilled Forest Worker, Coed y Rhaiadr Forest, has retired after joining the Commission in 1964. He was particularly involved with shepherding and part-time Ranger duties.
Ynys Meredith, has retired after 38 years’ service with the Commission, of which 26 years were spent in the Llanidloes area.
Alan Guile, Conservancy Acquisitions Officer, Aberystwyth, has retired after 39 years’ service with the Commission. He started his career in 1947 as a Survey Assistant in South Wales and worked in Cardiff (as DOII), Pembrey, Devizes, Bristol, Isle of Wight, South West England, South East England, then in North Wales and (the) then HQ in London before being made DO I in London. He went to North Wales Conservancy, Aberystwyth in 1968, where he has remained as the Conservancy Acquisitions (and Disposals) Officer.
M.J. Rees (Moc Rees), Aberystwyth Forest District, has retired from the Commission.
Maggie Thomas, Private Woodlands Section, has retired after 12 years’ service with the Commission.
Bob Pearce, Senior Ranger, Afan Forest District, has retired from the Commission. He was a Forester from 1950-1960, but left the Commission to work for the Nature Conservancy Council in North Wales. He rejoined the Commission in 1967 at the former Cymer Forest, was appointed Ranger in 1969 and moved to the Margram area.
Picture: Bob Pearce receiving a retirement gift.