Slasher Magazine Summary: Publication No. 327 - February 1987
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.
£215M Paper Mill a Boost for UK Industry
Finnish company Kymenne-Stromberg is investing £215 million in a new pulp and paper mill at Irvine, Ayrshire, which is expected to be in production by 1989.
Director General's Reaction
A response by the Director General.
Talking Shop on Careers
The Forestry Commission took part in a major careers convention and seminar in Aberdeen as part of “Industry Year ’86”. Over the four days, Calder Miller dealt with nearly 1,000 enquiries.
Picture: Calder Miller with visitors to the Aberdeen convention.
Bridge to Yet Another Award
Puck’s Glen forest walk in Argyll has earned the praise of the Association for the Preservation of Rural Scotland.
Picture: The bridge at Puck’s Glen, Argyll.
Notes from Westminster
Relevant topics from the House of Commons and House of Lords during 1986.
Moving on to Lockerbie
Graham Haddock is transferring to Lockerbie. He returned from Tanzania in 1968 and commenced a “working tour” of the North of England via Falstone, Mounces, Kielder, Harwood, Ampleforth, Rievaulx, Hambleton and Don, which was reconstituted with others in 1983 to form York Forest District.
Fishing: Lead is Banned
Forestry Commissioner Roger Bradley announced a ban on the use of lead weights on its fisheries. Anglers will be required to use non-toxic substitutes.
Four Wheel Drive and Bert Lends a Hand
During the January snow, Bert Campbell used his Land Rover to take Social Workers and supplies to elderly folk in the Hillfoots area in the central Scottish Ochil Hills.
Chairman's New Year Message
A message for 1987 from the Chairman.
Picture: The Chairman.
Orienteering a Sport With Family and Forest Appeal
Details of orienteering and the Scandinavian sport of wayfaring.
Pictures: (1) Schoolchildren and their teacher on an orienteering course starting from Whinlatter Visitor Centre. (2) A family wayfaring in Achray Forest.
Interesting Facts About Red Deer
Facts involving Red deer in Galloway by Conservation Forester John Livingstone.
Postbag
The Rt. Hon. Lord Gibson-Watt thanks the members of the Forestry Commission he has met during the past ten years, while serving as a part-time Commissioner.
Sport: Innes Hits a Double
At the Forestry Commission Golf Championships held at Silloth-on-Solway Golf Club in Cumbria. John Innes, a Forester from Scotland, won the Open Handicap Championship Cup and Tom’s Tankard for the best scratch score. Stephen Stables, a Research Forester M(S) won first prize for the Sutherland Cup. The team trophy was won by North Scotland, comprising of John Innes, Don Holmes and Len MacRae.
Sport: North York Shoots Ahead
North York Moors Forest District staff won the Malton Rifle and Pistol Club Business House Cup for 1986. Members of the winning team were John Mackenzie, Charles Critchley and Andrew Cameron. The Conservancy Office team of Brian Mahony, Frank Clough and Debbie Clough reached the semi-finals and the highest score of the competition (95) was shot by Frank Clough, Conservancy Civil Engineer, York.
Sport: Nice One, Richard
Forester Richard Barker of Forest Management Section, New Forest, was the winner of the national Garlon 4 competition. The competition required entrants to answer a list of questions on the product. Richard hasn’t the product, but said he read the advertising material.
Sport: Steve's Ace of Clubs
For the East England section of the FC Golf Society, guest player Steve Lawlor, son-in-law of George Marshall, scored a hole in one at the autumn outing in Flempton. Winner of the FC Matabele Cup at Flempton was John Redford with Mark Southgate as runner-up. The Spring meeting winner was Lewis Hunt with John Redford as runner-up. Steve Lawlor won both guest trophies.
Science is Golden: Honours
Dr Bill Binns, Principal Scientific Officer, Research Division, who has been involved in the subject of air pollution, was awarded the OBE.
Ifor Peters, foreman at Clwyd, who is involved in a number of major landscaping, planting and community support projects, was awarded an MBE.
Gerald Blunt, foreman, Forest of Dean, an active member of the St John Ambulance Brigade, was awarded the BEM.
Florence Edmonds of Kidlington, a District Clerk with FC for 17 years, was awarded the BEM. She has run many first-aid courses as a qualified lecturer in east England since her retirement in 1977.
Morton Boyd, former director of the Nature Conservancy Council, Scotland, and now a consultant to the Forestry Commission was made a CBE.
Michael Harkey, President of the Royal Forestry Society and former President of the Timber Growers England and Wales was awarded the OBE.
Picture: Roger Lines, Principal Scientific Officer at NRS, pictured with his wife after receiving his OBE.
Great Cash Effort for Blue Peter
The NRS Sports and Social Club raised £124 during their “Bring and Buy” sale in aid of the Blue Peter Sight-Savers Appeal.
Richardson is Council Chairman
The new chairman of the Tree Council is Major General Tony Richardson.
Picture: Major General Tony Richardson.
DG Defends Policy
Director General Gwyn Francis answered questions on the return on investment in forestry, asked by the House of Commons’ Public Accounts Committee.
Projects in the Running for a Prize
Forestry Commission projects to provide artificial nests in Kielder Forest and the management of timber production and tourist attractions in Strathyre Forest, have been shortlisted by Prof. David Bellamy and his panel of judges for a Conservation Foundation Award.
Picture: Setting up one of the nest boxes which have been installed throughout Northumberland and Northern Scotland.
Union Support Staff Communications Survey
Doug Goddard, leader of a survey team appeals for responses to a questionnaire being circulated, dealing with job satisfaction.
Puck's Glen is a Big Winner
The Association for the Preservation of Rural Scotland has given a prize to the reconstructed Puck’s Glen forest walk in Cowal Forest District.
Puck’s Glen near Benmore in Argyll has a history of pathways dating back more than 100 years, but due to storm damage became impassible. Now, through FC sponsorship involving a Manpower Services Commission community programme, many paths have been cleared and new ones created in the glen. FDM Bob Selmes received a third prize in a scheme which normally honours buildings rather than nature conservation projects.
Picture: John McKay, MP, Under Secretary, Scottish Office presents the award to Bob Selmes and H&M F Tony Rees.
Your “Slasher”
“Slasher” will be published six times a year instead of quarterly.
An Art Spectacular in the Forest
The Forest of Dean Project, involving leading artists was launched last year in conjunction with Arnolfini of Bristol, an educational charity. Chief motivator was Martin Orrom, PF&EO, West England. Elephant Trust, the Forestry Commission, Henry Moore Foundation and the Carnegie UK Trust were all involved. Sculpture projects were sited at the centre of the forest near the 17th Century Verderer’s Court (now the Speech House Hotel) and the Beechenhurst picnic site. John Fletcher, West England Conservator, commented on the positive aspects of the exhibition.
Pictures: (1) David Nash’s Fire and Water Boats. (2) Jeff Carter, Sue Tomlinson and Martin Orrom study Maghdalena Jetelova’s 20-foot chair. (3) Andrew Darke’s Sliced Log Star. (4) Stuart Frost’s Bracken Forms. (5) Kevin Atherton’s Cathedral.
New Techniques in Pollution Probe
The effects of atmospheric pollution on trees are being studied by the Forestry Commission in specially designed “greenhouses” in south east England, north England and Scotland. Arnold Grayson, FC Director of Research comments on the survey findings.
Timber Topics
John Oakley talks about the primary objectives of Forestry Commission.
Picture: John Oakley.
Security Tight for Grizedale's VIPs
Security was tight when European farm Ministers arrived at Grizedale Forest District Office during a visit to the Lake District. Forest District Manager John Voysey and Chief Forester David Hawkes guided the ministers on a short tour in the forest. Alan Rix, Conservator N(E) reported on the visit and repeated comments made by ministers.
Pictures: (1 & 2) Security checks. (3) European VIPs at Grizedale. (4) Ex-Chief Forester Bill Grant beside Alan Rix collecting the Art in Works award.
Grizedale Forest Sculptures
More awards for the Grizedale Forest sculpture and theatre facilities. Ex-Chief Forester Bill Grant, who dreamed up the Theatre in the Forest talked about the reality of it all to the visiting European ministers.
Learn the Secrets
Two winners of a competition will get a copy of “The Secret Forest of Dean”, a new book by Fay Godwin.
Party Time in Edinburgh
Tributes to George Holmes when he retired as Director General.
Pictures: Mr & Mrs Holmes with Gwyn Francis and presents.
All Aboard HMS Farewell
On his farewell tour in Argyll, Loch Awe Forest District invited Director General George Holmes on board the wooden steam launch Lady Rowena which chugged along the loch. FDM Peter Quelch reports on the trip which was met on the pier by George Francey MBE, ex-Chief of Inverliever.
Picture: George Holmes on board the wooden steam launch Lady Rowena with the owner and captain Harry Watson.
English Oak for Alice Holt
On his last visit to Alice Holt as Director General, George Holmes planted an English oak in the paddock and Mrs Holmes planted a tulip tree nearby.
Picture: George Holmes and wife plant trees in the paddock at Alice Holt.
Retired
Meirion Williams, Corris Forest District, has retired after 40 years’ service with the Commission. Recently, he has worked on forest management, but previously he was a Cable Crane Operator and assisted with training other winch operators in North Wales.
Picture: Mrs Gillian Thomas, CO at Corris FD, presenting Meirion Williams with his Long Service certificate.
Harold Walker (Harry Walker), Blengdale (North England), has retired after 46 years’ service with the Commission, all spent at Blengdale, apart from War service.
Jack Ellwood, Blengdale (North England), has retired after 24 years’ service with the Commission.
Picture: Harold Walker and Jack Ellwood at Blengdale.
Joe Russell, Personnel, has retired from the Commission. He worked in Personnel at Basingstoke and Edinburgh and was Welfare Officer from 1977-1981.
Picture: Joe Russell and colleagues at his retirement presentation.
John Morris (Jack Fedw Deg), Tipper Driver, Roads Department, has retired after joining the Commission as a Tipper Driver in 1960.
Picture: Mr D.J. Killer, Area Civil Engineer with John Morris at his retirement presentation.
Danny Younie, Moray District, has retired after over 50 years’ service with the Commission in East (latterly North) Scotland. He started at Newton Nursery in 1936, later moving to nearby Monaughty. After working with the Home Grown Timber Production Department, he joined the 7th Seaforth Highlanders in 1943 and was wounded in action in Arnhem. After his demob in 1947, Danny continued his career with the Commission, covering such aspects as nursery, establishment, harvesting and haulage.
Picture: Lachie MacCallum, Chief Forester Harvesting; Mrs Younie, CO at Moray; Danny Younie; Alan Mackay, Assistant Cons. Ops. N(S); Lesley Hutcheson, CO, Moray.
Morris Hughes (Moi Hughes), Roads Department, has retired after 38 years’ service with the Commission. He has operated various machines during his career with the Commission, the last 15 years have been spent on operating a motor grader.
Picture: Conservancy Engineer Mr T.P. Summers with Moi Hughes.
Richard Roberts, Grader Operator, Roads Department, has retired after joining the Commission in 1946. He has been with the Roads Department since 1950.
Picture: Mr D.J. Killer, Area Civil Engineer with Richard Roberts.
Dennis Williams, Corris Forest District, has retired after 35 years’ service with the Commission. He joined the Commission in 1950 as a Harvesting Worker and later moved to forest management duties, and has spent all of his service in Corris Forest District.
Picture: Dennis Williams.
D. Henderson, Bellingham Engineers, has retired after 32 years’ service with the Commission. He was formerly in NW(E).
Gerry Ridley, has retired after 34 years’ service with the Commission.
Pat Lyons, Forest Craftsman, has retired after joining the Commission in 1952 where he planted some of the first trees in Bowland.
Jimmy Co Co Naismith, has retired after 32 years’ service with the Commission in the Aberfoyle Road Squad in Mid Scotland.
P.R. Wilkinson (Dick Wilkinson), Forest Craftsman, has retired after 31 years’ service with the Commission. He joined the Commission in Bowland in 1955 and later moving to Dunnerdale Forest. He was a member of the Local Consultative Committee for many years. He retired early to devote his time to “creative indolence and reading poetry”.
W.T. Pickavance, has retired after 49 years’ service with the Commission.
Bobby Mitchell, has retired after 30 years’ service with the Commission.
Jack Ellwood, Forest Craftsman, North Lakes, has retired after 22 years’ service with the Commission in Harvesting and Forest Management. Jack was also a good shepherd, and was expert at removing sheep from plantations.
Kasper Heitz, Glenbranter, has retired after 25 years’ service with the Commission.
Alex Reid, Head Forester, has retired after 35 years’ service with the Commission. He joined as a Forest Worker at Midmar and most of his work was in Silviculture Research, latterly at Perth.
John Armstrong, A&FO, N(E) has retired after 35 years’ service with the Commission. He worked in Woking, Dumfries, Chester, Basingstoke and Edinburgh before moving to York in 1981.
Picture: John Armstrong and Mrs Armstrong with Conservator Alan Rix.
Alan Weighell, Ganger, North York Moors Forest District, has retired after 31 years’ service with the Commission.
Picture: Alan Weighell with his original issue Spear & Jackson spade.
Malcolm Macpherson, FOI, Scotland, has retired after joining the Commission in 1950.
Picture: Malcolm Macpherson seen with Glencoe Forest staff, planting one of the trees that he wished to plant in each forest beat.
Neil Balfour, Chainsaw Operator, Blairadam, has retired after 22 years’ service with the Commission.
Picture: Neil Balfour with colleagues at his retirement presentation.
Andy Gallacher, has retired after 28 years’ service with the Commission, mostly in the Mid Scotland Conservancy Office.
Picture: Andy Gallacher at his retirement party at Zaks in Glasgow.
Harold Turley, Forest Craftsman, Forest of Dean, has retired after 30 years’ service with the Commission. He joined the Commission in 1956 and carried our all forest operations, but was employed on harvesting for most of his service, being on forest management for the past few years.
Jim Chelnick, Forest Craftsman, Marches, has retired after 46 years’ service with the Commission in Marches.
Stewart MacKenzie, has retired after nearly 36 years’ service with the Commission. He joined the Commission in 1950 as a Mechanic in N(S) and in 1966, he moved to Work Study Branch at Kielder, then to Alice Holt. In 1983, Stewart returned to N(S) as Assistant CME.
Gerald Ridley, Forest Craftsman, has retired after 34 years’ service with the Commission.
George Moon, has retired after 36 years’ service with the Estates Staff at Kielder Forest. He joined the Commission in 1950 and has seen the creation of the three forest villages and the expansion of Kielder Forest in the 1950s and 1960s, and more recently, the creation of Kielder Reservoir. For the past few years, George has been the Estates Foreman.
Ron Evans, Forester, Forest Surveys Branch, Banchory, has retired after over 38 years’ service with the Commission. After working at Tillyfoure and Kirkhill in Aberdeenshire, he attended Forester Training School at Glentress for two years before taking up his first post at Shin. He spent most of his subsequent career in North Scotland at Farigaig, Glengarry, Balbair and Ardross before returning to Shin. He joined Field Survey Branch in 1976.
Mrs Jean Morris, Marches Forest District, has retired after 28 years’ service with the Commission, 27 years of which were in Wyre Forest Office and Visitor Centre, with her last year in the Forest District Office in Ludlow.
Bobby Beames, Ganger, Tair Onen, South Wales, has retired after 44 years’ service with the Commission, much of which was served as a Ganger in Tair Onen.
Picture: Bobby Beames at his retirement presentation.
Rhufon Jones, has retired after 37 years’ service with the Commission. He joined the Commission in 1949 at Corris where he remained until his retirement.
Picture: Rhufon Jones and his wife.
Austin Jones, Ganger, Coed Sarnau, has retired after 39 years’ service with the Commission. He joined the Commission in 1947 on forest management in Coed Sarnau.
Picture: Austin Jones at his retirement presentation.
Obituaries
Robin Carnell, has died aged 45. He originally joined the Commission with the forest squad at Bramshill. Robin went to Australia for three years and returned to the Commission in 1969, to take a job as an Assistant Experimental Officer in Soils (now Site Studies). Two years ago, he took over the responsibility for liaison and briefing on forestry-freshwater interactions.
Picture: Robin Carnell.
Jim Empson Caretaker, Alice Holt Lodge, has died. He was a Clerical Officer at Alice Holice until he retired in 1981, but continued with his caretaker duties which he began in 1948.
Ken Williams, retired Forester, North York Moors has died. He retired from the Commission in December 1984 after 36 years’ service.
Don Whieldon, Chief Training and Development Manager of the Forestry Training Council has died. He joined the Commission from Fountain Forestry three years ago and was particularly involved with the YTS Scheme in Forestry.
Thomas Ridley (known locally as Tucker), has died. He joined the Commission in 1953, originally working on ploughing then harvesting. For the past 10 years he had been working on forest management and DOT work. He helped to clear the ground on which Whinlatter Visitor Centre has now been built.
Stewart Jones, former HEO, South Wales, has died aged 57. He served with the Commission for 29 years, joining Dean Office at Whitmead in 1950 and in 1952 moved as EO on promotion to Aberystwyth on Land Acquisition. He was promoted to HEO at HQ, Basingstoke in 1972, then moved to Edinburgh in 1974. Stewart returned to Wales in 1979 then left to take over a dairy business with his wife Hilda in the Forest of Dean.
Frank Pemberton, retired Head Forester, has died. He retired in 1980 after 37 years’ service with the Commission. Frank studied at Parkend and Benmore FTS and worked in Wales, NW(E) and N(S) before going to Wareham Forest in SW(E) in 1970.
Frank Barcham, former SEO, Acquisitions and Disposals, Basingstoke has died. He worked at Basingstoke and Aberystwyth.
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