Slasher Magazine Summary: Publication No. 336 - August 1988
The scanned images of the Slasher were produced by and courtesy of the Forest Research library staff based at Alice Holt, Surry, where some of 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.
Woodland Grants: Quality is Pledged
Private woodlands staff throughout the Forestry Commission are getting to grips with applications for the new Woodland Grant Scheme and are preparing for the 1st October start of the Farm Woodland Scheme. Seminars have been held in each Conservancy Office to explain the philosophy behind the schemes. The Woodland Grant Scheme could attract a new type of applicant for grant aid in establishing woodlands, particularly with forestry likely to expand on to better land. With its wider conservation targets, including the creation of wildlife habitat, landscape enhancement and increased emphasis on the protection of archaeological remains and sensitive treatment of water courses, there is a clear need to ensure that the rules and regulations are interpreted in a consistent way in the wide-ranging types of sites that will be eligible.
Full details of the Farm Woodland Scheme to be operated jointly by Agriculture Department and the FC will soon be published. This experimental scheme will be limited to 36,000 hectares over the first three years. It is anticipated that the FWS will prove popular with farmers and landowners who see long term benefits in both cash and amenity values through the planting of small woodland areas.
Our Magic Forest Attracts Millionth Visitor
The Magical Forest at the Glasgow Garden Festival clocked up its one millionth visitor just as we went to Press. Ian and Sally Wilson with 15 month old Emily, from Forfar, were greeted by radio and TV personality Jimmie Macgregor and presented with a prize of a free cabin holiday for two weeks. One of the latest guests at the Magic Forest was the Scottish Office Minister of State for Agriculture, Lord Sanderson of Bowden. Accompanied by Forestry Commissioner Roger Bradley, Dr Alan Low (West Scotland Assistant Conservator) and Bill Blake, who is in charge of running the site, he mingled with the crowds making their way through the exhibit area, and was given a copy of the Children’s quiz sheet by Andy Gallacher.
Picture: (1) Jimmie Macgregor pours champagne for the millionth visitor, Ian Wilson and wife Sally. Bill Blake supervises and Alison Perry presents the flowers with the Wilson’s niece, Emma Bruce. (2) Lord Sanderson mingles with the sightseers on a pathway in the Magical Forest. (3) Lord Sanderson greets a visitor.
North Planting Approved
The Secretary of State for Scotland has approved FC planting on 1059 hectares on four or five sites in Caithness and Sutherland, provided that certain areas of high conservation value (954 hectares) are left unplanted. A fifth FC site of 472 hectares in the heart of the “flow country” in Caithness is to remain unplanted.
Fans Flood in
Despite the torrential rain, keen show fans were not deterred from visiting the Great Yorkshire Show in July, despite being greeted by a sea of mud. Visitors to the Forestry Commission exhibit included Professor Bell of ADAS and the Minister of Agriculture from Zambia.
Early Sales!
North York Moors Forest District marketed over 37,000 Christmas trees last year, and have already sold two trees in July, which are to be featured in a brochure promoting Christmas food hampers.
New Office Opens in Buchan
The Forestry Commission has opened a new office a few miles north of Huntly, in Aberdeenshire. Buchan Forest District, formed by the amalgamation of the forests of Huntly, Bennachie, Forest of Deer and Tornashean, had been run for about three years from a tiny office above a shoe shop in Huntly. “Friends of Buchan” gathered on the opening day to see Lord Lieutenant of the county Captain C.A. Farquharson cut a ribbon held across the door by members of staff. Captain Farquharson planted a Betula jacquemontii to mark the event.
Postbag
Be kinder to our visitors: P.J. Langley from Winchester, who was involved in training after contracting multiple sclerosis in 1962, writes to advise kindness to our rare visitors. After reading the article on Red backed shrike, harrier and osprey in the June issue of “Slasher”, he asks readers how they would persuade people to be rare visitors to their own homes and suggests some useful rules: 1. Do not feed them properly or adequately; 2. Ensure they are thoroughly uncomfortable; 3. Never supply a bed for any purpose; 4. Should all else fail, invest in and use a 12-bore shotgun. Suddenly they will have rare visitors. Even theoretical mothers-in-law may be dissuaded. Since these are the ways in which we have treated our visitors for the last 200 years, it is not surprising they do not care to visit us too often. In the late 1930s, P.J. Langley was living in Suffolk where the Red backed shrike was a relatively common visitor, with six nest sites within four miles of where he lived in the suburbs of Ipswich. All of these sites are now housing estates. There is no adequate food supply in Suffolk, hedges are longer and more sparse, fields are large, chemically controlled monocultures. He believes the comments about the weather are a “human cop out”, weather has varied in Great Britain before now. He has further comments on ospreys, harriers, salmon and a suggestion for the return of the forester’s friend, the rabbit.
A Pen-pals column?: Mrs Doreen Holland from Glamorgan, who has happy memories of her visits to Tair Onen Forest, and suggests a Pen-pals column in “Slasher”. Also included are two quick recipes for Party Ideas.
Ham and Banana Rolls : Make a cheese or parsley sauce; Peel bananas; Roll each in a slice of ham; Spread with a little mustard; Arrange in an ovenproof dish; Pour on sauce; Bake for 30 minutes at 180°C; Garnish with parsley.
Sweet: Slice a Jamaican ginger or chocolate cake; Place on a stand with slices of orange between each portion. Or top with fondant icing and decorate with cherries and walnuts.
Ray sends his thanks: Ray Braine, former Forest District Manager of Cornwall and North Devon District, thanks his friends and colleagues who went to his farewell celebration and contributed so generously to his presentation.
Picture: Ray Braine and his wife Audrey.
Taking a Day Out
The Forestry Commission recently organised a four-day symposium on behalf of the International Union for Forestry Research Organisations (IUFRO). The symposium, entitled “A systems approach to forest operations planning and control”, examined the application of computer systems to forest operations management. Based in Heriot Watt University, Edinburgh, it was formally opened by the Director General Gwyn Francis and FC speakers included Wilma Harper, Alan Betts and Eddie Arthurs. Delegates spent a day in Aberfoyle Forest District and visited restocking and harvesting sites and the David Marshall Lodge.
Picture: Delegates spending a day in Aberfoyle Forest District.
Honours
In a career spanning nearly 60 years, Dame Sylvia Crowe, the Forestry Commission’s first landscape consultant has been honoured at a reception in Boston by the American Society of Landscape Architects. Dame Sylvia, who is aged 86, was presented with the Society’s highest honour, the President’s Medal, during the Silver Jubilee Congress of the International Federation of Landscape Architects, of which she is a founder member. The medal, given for extraordinary service to the profession, recognises the enormous contribution that Dame Sylvia has made to landscape architecture throughout the world. Dame Sylvia is only the second Briton to be awarded the ASLA Medal, the first being Sir Geoffrey Jellicoe in 1981.
Picture: Dame Sylvia Crowe.
Bill Brack, Ganger at Nithsdale Forest District, S(S), has been presented with the British Empire Medal by the Lord Lieutenant, Captain J.G. Milne Home. Bill started work with the FC in 1951 and has been active in Trade Union affairs for many years at local, regional and national level. He has been a member of the FC Industrial & Trade Council since 1979 and a member of the S(S) RAC since 1984.
Picture: Bill Brack and his wife with the Lord Lieutenant, Captain J.G. Milne Home.
That's the Hansa!
Crew from the N(E) Conservancy entered a raft in the annual RNLI/Hansa Lager Raft Race at York. Mike Lawrence, Julia Wright, Hazel Pearson and her daughter Linda, with Ernie Smith providing back-up, set forth on a two-mile course in a raft built by Dalby Workshops. They won the mechanical section, returning with a shield and supply of the sponsor’s product.
Picture: Mike Lawrence, Julia Wright, Hazel Pearson and her daughter Linda on their raft.
First Aid Instructor's Certificates
Four members of the Forestry Commission have won their first-aid instructors’ certificates and are now able to run first-aid courses, appointed person courses, and basic half day courses for all industrial and non-industrial staff in the respective areas. They are Michael Strachan, Hugh Milner, Ian Temple and Andy Smith.
Picture: Newly qualified first-aiders Michael Strachan, Hugh Milner, Ian Temple and Andy Smith with Mrs Cathy Bryson who organised the course.
Yomping Away Kielder Fashion
James Ogilvie, Management Officer, Kielder Forest District gives details of yomping and the 3rd Kielder Folk Festival.
Picture: Off on a yomp are Dai Thompson and Sinclair Carghill.
Note the Date Now
Next year’s event – the 4th Kielder Folk Festival – is scheduled for 12-13 August 1989.
Deer Trophy
Special presentations were made by the Director General Gwyn Francis and his wife Audrey at the Royal Show at Stoneleigh, Warwickshire.
Picture: (1) An award for skill in deer management was made to Fred Courtier, who retired recently after 40 years in the industry. He received the Balfour-Browne Trophy from Gwyn Francis. (2) Mrs Audrey Francis presents Carolyn Potter with the Moxon Silver Medal certificate awarded for the “farm woodland and forestry area exhibit of most interest to the professional visitor”.
One that Got Away
Doug Goddard and Joe Russell from the HQ Angling Club went to Badanloch in Dornoch Forest District, N(S) to fish for wild brown trout, without catching any big fish. But there was a memorable sight of a herd of 200 deer on the way down to Loch Badanloch. Equally memorable was a wasted day in which the intrepid duo made heroic efforts to carry their hired outboard motor over three miles of bog in a vain attempt to locate their boat. Bored by the slow pace, their dogs went off in hot pursuit of a duck. Joe’s 6 month old puppy went swimming across the loch and disappeared over the Caithness border, returning an hour later.
Picture: Doug with the day’s catch on Loch Badanloch.
These Sporty Types
Six female football players represented the FC at the Edinburgh area Civil Service Sports Association big sports day at Muirhouse.
Picture: Footballers Lesley Smallman; Mary Irvine; Sharon O’Neill; Katherine Dewar; Pam Leitch; Joanne McAuley.
Other female members got involved in pool, basketball, tug o’war and were among the winners of the Question of Sport quiz (in which David Niven took over the role of David Vine).
Pictures: (1) Pool players David Goldie, Isobel Cameron, Iain Agnew and Elaine McPhail. (2) In basketball, Mid Scotland celebrate a basket. (3) Commissioner Derek Rutherford (Admin and Finance) checks on his team’s fitness. (4) David Niven with quiz queens and kings. (5) Some Mid Scotland team competitors. (6) Tug o’war team.
Haggis hunting: An FC team of Bob Cartlidge, Cecilia Cartlidge and Ray Batham aided “Telethon 88” in an event with the aim of catching ten haggis in the shortest possible time. The FC team “Highland Haggis Hunters” bagged their limit in 20 minutes and gained second place, winning a bottle of Glenfiddich and raising almost £70 in sponsorship. Bob Cartlidge was the only experienced haggis hunter in the FC team, having gained his experience hunting wallabies in the moorlands of North Staffordshire before joining the FC.
Perfect Score: Vic Pardy, Senior Ranger I, at Ringwood (Dorset FD), won the Kings Cup at the W(E) Rangers training day and shooting test in July with a perfect score of 90 out of 90. This is the first time the maximum has been achieved in the history of the competition. Vic said “I went for all neck shots. It is always chancy. If you miss the target area narrowly, you incur a penalty, or get no score at all. It is everything or nothing and this year it paid dividends”.
Picture: Vic Pardy receives the Kings Cup from Commissioner Roger Bradley.
Running Mate: Another success by Galloway Fun Run competitor Chris AllWald.
Picture: Chris Allwald on his way to success in the Galloway Fun Run.
Golf: Twenty one FC golfing enthusiasts from throughout Southern Scotland and Northern England gathered at Lockerbie for the annual medal play competition for the Fotheringham Challenge Cup, now in its 56th year. It was won by David Gilmour, Harvesting Forester at Peebles with 2 under par 65. Second was Fergus Patterson from Hawick Workshops (66) and third was Rob Swailes, forestry contractor from Newcastleton. President and organiser of the competition was Jimmy Carruthers.
Picture: The FC competitors in the Fotheringham Challenge Cup.
Vince Goes on Trail of Gold
Vince Thurkettle, Training Officer, Ae, is heading for Foix in the South of France to take part in the World Goldpanning championship. Vince has travelled all over Britain panning for gold and has also been to Ireland and Finland.
Picture: Vince Thurkettle panning for gold.
Major Survey Results - Getting the Message Across
The results of a major survey on “Improving Internal Communications With Staff” have been formulated.
With 3,620 questionnaires completed and returned from members of FC staff, the task involved every area of the Forestry Commission. Steve O’Neill reports on the findings. All key recommendations of the survey were endorsed by the Executive Board at a special meeting held at Headquarters in July to consider the final report. Now that the recommendations have the backing of the Commission’s senior management, a consultation exercise to examine how they might work in practice is underway.
Picture: Steve O’Neill and Doug Goddard.
What You Said
Details of the topics and percentages in the survey are given. The staff reaction (in percentage terms) to the question concerning the most useful sources of information is: The grapevine 71; Verbal briefings 69; Slasher 68; Union 53; Office notices 52; Written instructions 51.
Final Recommendations
Full details are given of the final recommendations, which are, at a glance: Introduce verbal team briefings throughout the Commission; adopt more open management style; more work-related seminars; introduce a personnel bulletin; adopt colour-coded summary sheets for all formal instructions; improve distribution.
Unique Chance to Spot Rare Visitors
Tourists and ornithologists have been flocking to a Forestry Commission hide for a unique chance to spot a family of hen harriers at close range. Their discovery led to a major combined operation to safeguard the parents and their chicks, while affording the sightseer a rare sight. The hide is at Strath Rory, Easter Ross in North Scotland. The nest, beside a new FC car park and viewpoint, was discovered during the final stages of the car park’s construction. Details are given of the progress of the hatching.
Pictures: (1) The hen harrier chicks. (2) Pointing the way to the hen harriers at Strath Rory.
The pair of red backed shrikes which nested in a busy FC car park at Thetford Forest, have successfully reared three young to the flying stage. They are believed to be the only breeding pair in Britain.
Falcon Finds New Home
Visitors to Galloway Forest Park’s Fun Week in August had the rare opportunity of seeing a peregrine falcon at close hand. Alan Mealey, recently appointed Conservation Ranger for the park, brought with him a two year old male he found with a broken wing in his previous post in Strathyre. His seven year old daughter is also an enthusiast.
Picture: Conservation Ranger, Alan Mealey, his daughter Jenny and Tom Weir, the broadcaster known for his outdoors programmes around Scotland, such as Weir’s Way, broadcast on radio and television.
Come On You Artists
The first Forestry Commission staff art competition last year was a success. The judges were impressed by the quality of paintings, drawings, woodwork and sculpture. A number of items were offered for sale. Two pictures were donated for display in FC premises. The competition will be repeated this year.
Snakes Alive
Robin Khan, H/R Conservation, West England Conservancy reports on his interest in snakes which began when living in India. His father ensured he was able to identify the poisonous from the non poisonous snakes around their home, how to catch them and their importance in the food chain, particularly as a major predator of rats and mice. But Robin has suffered a few mishaps in this country. He has been bitten twice by adders through careless handling, both bites being extremely painful. He also relates the tale of an incident which took place in a fish and chip shop in Somerset in his last school year. While waiting for his order to be wrapped, he put his hand in his pocket to discover his “pet” female adder had vanished. Robin says there is no need to tell him he was being irresponsible in carrying an adder. He had enough difficulty at the time in explaining all to his headmaster, a police inspector, the shop owner and a gentleman from the local press. The headline in the local paper the following day read “Battered Adder and Chips”. The snake was never found although the whole chip frying equipment had to be dismantled by pest control officers. Occasionally one may come across a melanistic adder (dark skin) as he did on the Brendon Hills.
Picture: A melanistic adder seen on the Brendon Hills by Robin Khan while he was with Eric Smith, Senior Ranger, Somerset and South Devon, and Derek Stocker (H/R).
Helping the So-Shy Dormice
The Forestry Commission is taking steps to create habitat that will protect and encourage the spread of the rare and very shy dormouse. It had been thought that the common or hazel dormouse was only to be found in the southern counties of England, but wildlife enthusiast Barry Ingram from Leicester, found it in eight out of ten Forestry Commission blocks of woodland in Northamptonshire. Dormice are a protected species and need a specialised habitat of hazel, honeysuckle, bramble, oak and ash. To encourage them, the Commission is putting up nesting boxes and forming dormouse “bridges” by training trees to meet over paths.
Mr Ingram's study, carried out on behalf of the Forestry Commission and the Woodland Trust, is helped by the discovery of the distinctive methods the dormouse has of eating hazelnuts. “It is different from the squirrel or the woodmouse, because it makes a neat circular hole in the side of the shell that has a smooth-inside edge. It's foolproof evidence of a dormouse population”, said Mr Ingram, who is one of only a handful of licenced dormouse handlers. He said they are charming creatures about the size of a golf ball when curled up and can be confused with harvest and field mice unless you spot their furry tails. The mystery picture on Page 1 of “Slasher” shows the neat circular holes made in the shells by the dormouse.
Pictures: (1) Dormouse. (2) Nesting boxes which help the dormice to survive. (3) A network of “bridges” is formed by training trees to meet over paths to allow dormice to move easily above ground.
Let's Speak Out More Forcibly
A message from Kenny Murray (TUS) issues a challenge to the Forestry Commission, in the first of a regular series of articles.
Picture: Kenny Murray.
Presentation to Arthur Mills at ITC Meeting
Before the July meeting of the Industrial and Trades Council, Derek Rutherford, Commissioner, Administration and Finance, made a presentation to Arthur Mills to mark his retirement after 28 years as a full-time officer with the Transport and General Workers’ Union. Arthur became a member of the ITC in 1972 having been Chairman of the Industrial TUS since 1976 and Secretary since 1984.
Picture: TGW Union retirement presentation to Arthur Mills.
Skye-High Spot
The otter haven and observation hide created by the FC on the Isle of Skye is a tourist attraction. Thousands of visitors have made their way to Kylerhea in the south hoping to see otters. When the hide was officially opened by the Commission’s Conservation Consultant, Dr J. Morton-Boyd, invited guests and media representatives saw six otters, just as he cut the ceremonial ribbon. Wester Ross Forest District Manager Ron Johnstone, praised the work of staff in creating the new otter ponds and building the observation hide.
Picture: FC Conservation Consultant Dr J. Morton-Boyd; Forest District Manager; Ron Johnstone; and Rosemary Green, Vincent Wildlife Trust, in the otter hide at Kylerhea, Isle of Skye.
Stop This Badgering
School groups visiting the Forest classroom at Haldon are asked to suggest animals that may live in our forests. A typical suggestion is the badger. Philip Chambers, Recreation Ranger in Somerset and South Devon reports on the illegal “sport” of badger baiting and gives telltale signs of this cruel activity and advice on what to look for and reporting the details to police.
Picture: Badgers in their sett.
Can Anyone Help Young Marcus?
Marcus Matthews aged 15 from Warminster is currently involved in writing a book on “Big Cats Loose in Britain”. He has seen a puma on Exmoor and a lynx on the Mendip Hills and suggests that Forestry Commission land provides ideal habitat due to the dense cover offered by many conifer plantations during the early stages of growth. Marcus appeals for information on sightings.
From Sweden
The Chilterns Forest District recently received a request from a Swedish student at the Institute of Archaeology in London. She wanted to borrow an increment borer. Before agreeing to the loan, we obviously wanted to know its purpose. It turned out that some timbers had been recovered from the mud of the Thames when excavating a wharf, which had been rebuilt following the Great Fire of London in 1666. On inspection, it was found that these timbers came originally from the upper deck of a sailing ship. Apparently such timbers are rarely found, not even in shipwrecks, as they usually break up quickly and are easily detached from the wreck. The timbers are being conserved by controlled slow drying and cores are required to be removed from them every two months to estimate the rate of drying. The whole process should take 18 months to complete. Having found this method of control was successful, the Institute have now bought their own borer.
Brian in Final Again
Brian Havill, last year’s winner of the Devon County Show felling competition, came fourth in this year’s finals at Haldon Hill, Exeter. Out of about 25 entries, half of them were FC fellers or contractors. Scots pine were felled in the first round and the five finalists were tested by 2-3m Sitka spruce.
Picture: John Hunt (FDM) of Somerset and South Devon District presents the prizes.
Two New Parks
Two new parks have been opened this summer, with the Tummel Forest Park becoming the fifth in Scotland and the twelfth in Britain. The other was at Moors Valley which, although conceived by the East Dorset District Council, has strong links with the Forestry Commission.
The Tummel project was inaugurated by Councillor Alex Murray, Provost of Perth and Kinross District Council. The park incorporates almost 16,000 acres in Highland Perthshire with the main blocks being Craigvinean, Faskally, Allean, Glen Errochty, Drummond Hill and plantations on both sides of Loch Rannoch, including the ancient Caledonian pines in the Black Wood. FC Director (PF&S) Alistair Scott said “Plans are already being made to supplement these facilities without damaging the essential nature of some of Scotland's finest forests”. Tummel Forest Park woods are close to the tourist centres of Pitlochry, Dunkeld, Aberfeldy and Kinloch Rannoch. The focal point will be Queen’s View which, with its associated visitor centre, draws more than 180,000 visitors a year.
The official opening of Moors Valley Country Park near Ringwood, was carried out in July by Mr William Waldegrave. Paying tribute to the initiative and enterprise shown by East Dorset District Council in conceiving the project and seeing it to fruition, Mr Waldegrave complemented the Forestry Commission on playing their part. W(E) Environment Officer Martin Orrom, who had agreed the initial FC involvement, attended the opening ceremony with Oliver Lucas, Dorset FDM. Two weeks after the opening ceremony, Moors Valley was visited by Mr R.T. Bradley and Mr A.H.A. Scott on their tour of W(E) Conservancy.
Picture: Alistair Scott and Provost Alex Murray study the new Tummel Forest Park leaflet.
Golden Open Days
An Open Day was held in the Forest of Dean in July to mark the Golden Jubilee of its existence as England’s first National Park. With up to 6,000 visitors on the Sunday, it was decided to extend the exercise to the Monday so that schools could be invited. The object of the Open Days was to show the general public, not only FC work past and present, but also to give them an idea of the many and varied groups using the forest for their recreation. All locations received their fair share of visitors, but the harvesting site, showing the contrast between one-horsepower extraction and Forwarder extraction, was popular, as was the work of the Rangers, which gave visitors a rare chance to see snakes at close quarters.
Outside organisations ranged from a demonstrated rally car to the RSPB and the various events including orienteering, chair bodger, rustic work, tent peg-making, local History Society, Gloucestershire Trust for Nature Conservation, and many others. During the same day, more sculptures were shown to the public, an extension to the already well known Sculpture Trails with Environment Officer Mr M.H. Orrom giving over 80 people a guided tour during the afternoon.
Pictures: (1) Forwarder driver Glynn Williams with a group of children. (2) Horse-extraction in the forest.
Edinburgh Oak Presented
The New Forest Museum and Visitor Centre was opened by the Duke of Edinburgh in June. FC Deputy Surveyor David Perry was a member of the welcoming party and New Forest Keepers formed part of a guard of honour. The royal visitor was presented with an oak which has now been planted at Knightwood as the Edinburgh Oak.
Picture: Roger Newland, New Forest Operations Manager, with the Duke of Edinburgh.
Meetings of Old Friends
Plans are moving ahead to bring together retired staff of the Forestry Commission in local branches. Representatives of retired staff from each Conservancy and Headquarters joined the steering committee to discuss the FC Retirement Association.
Just a Few More Coppers
The Post Office & Civil Service Sanatorium Society have announced an increase in membership contribution rates from October. The rates will be 42p weekly / £1.82 monthly for members and 21p weekly / 91p monthly for pensioners and beneficiaries. This means an increase of 6p weekly for members, 3p weekly for pensioners and beneficiaries. During 1987 over 28,000 members and their beneficiaries were helped by the society, the number of consultations increased by 19 per cent and in-patients treated increased by 12 per cent. Major development worked has begun at Benenden which will cost over £4 million. Costs of the consultation service to members increased by nearly £300,000 and further increases in demand are anticipated during 1988 and 1989.
Duke Visits Forest Display
An effort to recreate Rendlesham Forest at the Suffolk Show, was seen by the Duke of Edinburgh and Junior Minister for Agriculture, John Selwyn-Gummer. The FC exhibit was the biggest in the show and was designed by Steve Scott, District Forester (FM), to show the effect of storm damage on the forest and the subsequent operations to restock. It was particularly pertinent with the imminent introduction of the Woodland Grant Scheme and the Farm Grant Scheme. Simon Hodge, FO II, recorded three interviews with local Radio Orwell and television coverage was shown on BBC and ITV. There were also articles in the local newspapers. The Suffolk Show attracts over 100,000 visitors over the two days, and receives many enquiries from farmers, landowners, conservationists and the public. It is one of four events covered this year by Suffolk FD staff. As well as the smaller Essex Show, a joint ADAS / Forestry Commission farm woodlands event and Forestry Commission Open Days are being held in the summer months.
Pictures: (1) Steve Scott, District Forester (FM), guiding the Duke of Edinburgh and John Selwyn-Gummer around part of the site. (2) An aerial view of the Suffolk Show’s FC stand, with windblow in the foreground.
Mud and More Mud
The was much mud at this year’s Game Fair at Floors Castle in the Scottish Borders and many vehicles were bogged down. The theme of the FC stand this year was deer. Despite the initial feeling that the FC stand was rather remote, being perched on a ridge just below the castle, it turned out to be fortuitous as the scene below turned from green to brown. Many people came to see us and get a rest from slogging through the slime. The FC exhibits ranged from research on acid rain, through the management of small woodlands for pheasants, to a display of South Scotland deer trophies. The stand was set up and manned by staff from Borders Forest District. The article contains details of the exhibits and various associated organisations.
Tony Gough of Borders Forest District reports on the details of the FC exhibit and staffing, which included a cross-section of AOs, Rangers, Scientific Officers and Forest Officers. Each part of the exhibition, which contained reference to deer.
Picture: The Duchess of Roxburghe and a friend at the Game Fair, with Forestry Commission Chairman David Montgomery and District Forest Manager Peter Edwards.
Training in Kielder
Over fifty people gathered at Kielder Forest in July for a one-day training workshop. Entitled “Forest 2000 - Training for Countryside Staff”, the course was organised by local FC staff and it was designed to tailor the experience gained by FC Foresters and Rangers to the interests of members of the association of Countryside Rangers. The gathering included Rangers from national parks, water authorities, the National Trust and forestry interests.
Picture: “Forest 2000 – Training for Countryside Staff delegates”.
Retired
Laurie Tee, has retired after 44 years’ service with the Commission. His working life has been almost entirely devoted to wildlife research.
Picture: Laurie Tee and his wife Barbara, with Arnold Grayson, Director, Research.
Peter Hermon, Controller of Finance, was photographed spending his last day in the office. As reported in the last issue of “Slasher”, he retired after 43 years’ service with the Commission, mainly in Audit and Finance.
Picture: Peter Hermon; David Goldie; Derek Stephen; Keith Gliddon and Willie Prest.
Bill Bollard, Head Forester, Sherwood, has retired after joining the Commission in 1949 at Kershope. He went to Gwydyr and Benmore Forester Training Schools 1950-1951. In 1952-1953, he served as ex-school Ganger at Wykeham and Dunnerdale, and was promoted to Assistant Forester at Dalton and took charge there in 1957-1959. His next move was to Foremark as Assistant Forester in charge and was promoted to Forester. Bill was transferred to Delamere in 1965, promoted to Head Forester in 1971 and moved back to Dunnerdale in charge. In 1979 he took charge of Matlock and went to Sherwood as District Forester FM in 1982.
Picture: Bill Bollard at his retirement party, where Norman Dannatt, AC Operations E(E) recalled highlights and firelights of Bill’s career, which included fire fighting.
Ted Baldwin, Regional FOII, Research Division has retired after 39 years’ service with the Commission, spanning sample plots and Silviculture North out-station and region work covering S(S) and N(E).
Jim Henderson, has retired after 50 years’ service with the Commission in the Aberfoyle area. He joined the Commission in Loch Ard Forest in 1937 when he was 14 years old and only had a break for four and a half years War service. Among his many roles was as a winch operator, tree feller, selling trees at the David Marshall Lodge and Warden of the Cobleland Campsite from 1977-1984. At his retirement presentation, he was given a garden seat with a special tribute: “This seat was produced from a Scots pine planted by Jim Henderson to commemorate his 50 years service in Aberfoyle Forest District.”
Picture: Jim Henderson and his wife Muriel on the Scots pine garden seat, surrounded by their friends and colleagues.
Dave Waugh, the last full-time Ploughing Forester has retired after 40 years’ service with the Commission. He joined in S(S) and moved to NW(E), E(S) and finally N(S) in various posts in forests, nurseries and E&T Branch. His involvement in other duties included First Aid training, plant health, school liaison and FC displays at agricultural shows.
Picture: Dave Waugh is presented with a camera from the staff by Sandy Calder, PF&EO N(S).
Arthur Frankland, Senior Ranger, Cleveland Forest, North York Moors Forest District, has retired after 33 years’ service with the Commission. Arthur is a published poet.
Dave Forrest, Craftsman, Lothian and Tweed Forest District, has retired after 33 years’ service with the Commission, both with the Forest Management Squad and the Harvesting Team in the Tweed Valley Forests. One of Dave’s last major projects had been the building of a footbridge on a forest walk in Glentress. The bridge from now on will be known as Davie’s Bridge.
Picture: Dave Forrest with friends, colleagues and District Manager Roger Muhl, who presented Dave with his Long Service certificate and retirement gift.
Bob Kidd, Ganger, Guisborough, has retired after 24 years’ service with the Commission.
John Sivyer has retired after 32 years’ service with the Commission. He joined the Commission as a Driver at Caio Forest, South Wales, and later became Foreman before his transfer to South East England. In 1981 he became a Workshop Manager at Glenbranter, West (now Mid) Scotland.
Gwyn Hughes, Assistant Conservator Operations, Aberystwyth, has retired from the Commission. He joined as an Assistant Education Officer at Gwydyr Forester Training School in 1958 (The Education Officer at the time was the DG). Gwyn subsequently held posts at Cambridge and Neath, then was District Officer at Dolgellau, including the forests of Dyfi and Coed y Brenin, for nine years. He is well known to people throughout the FC and other European Forest Services for his appointment as Chief Work Study Officer.
Picture: Gwyn Hughes with John Morgan, Conservator.
Len Verdin, has retired after 27 years’ service with the Commission. Len is a Welsh speaking Englishman, who was an Irish Guardsman. He was evacuated to Llanddewi Brefi from Liverpool in 1941, where he learned to speak some Welsh. He returned to Liverpool at the end of 1945 and joined the Irish Guards in 1948. Len joined the Commission in 1961 and spent most of his service in Tywi Forest, where he was involved in forest management and harvesting operations. His first job was screef planting in the Cwn Berwyn area.
Picture: Robert B. Donaldson, Forest District Manager, Llandovery with Len Verdin.
Tom McGregor, Head Forester, Easter Ross FD, has retired after joining the Commission in 1949, with a short break in Rhodesia in the 1950s. He spent most of his time in North Scotland.
Picture: Tom McGregor with friends and colleagues at Ardross.
David Parnall, FOIV, has retired after 39 years’ service with the Commission. Dave, who commenced his career in the South East, was a Dean Forestry Training School student. For 16 years, he has been involved in forest management and recreation in South Wales at the former Margam Forest – currently Afan Forest District.
Picture: David Parnall with Mr D.M. Hughes, Assistant Conservator Operations (W).
Kenny Clark BEM, Head Ranger, has retired after over 49 years’ service with the Commission. He worked throughout South Scotland, including Changue, Fleet, Dalbeattie, Ae and Moffat Forests. He was recently awarded the British Empire Medal.
Picture on Page 2 of “Slasher” shows Kenny Clark with his wife and Gordon Cowie, South Scotland Conservator.
Meurig Jones, Forest Worker, Llandovery Forest District, has retired after 40 years’ service with the Commission. He joined in 1948 at the old Cilgwyn Forest, was transferred to Crychan in the same year, moved to Tywi in 1953 and from 1975-1981, he was involved with ploughing and draining before transfer to Caeo in 1981. For his last nine months, he was back at Crychan, where he restocked a clearfell site he originally planted in 1948. Meurig is the last of his family to work for the Commission. His father served 4 years, brothers Tommy and Gilbert both served 35 years, brother Morgan 7 years and brother Vernon 5 years. With one exception, Meurig is the last to be employed by the FC in Upper Tywi Valley. Forty years ago, the FC employed someone from nearly every family in the valley.
Picture: Meurig Jones with Head Forester Duncan Lee.
Valery Vasilieff (Joe) BEM, has retired after 37 years’ service with the Commission at Clatteringshaws in South West Scotland, as reported in the previous issue of “Slasher”. Born in the Ukraine, he came to Scotland and joined the Forestry Commission. A seat in his honour is to be set at the Deer Museum looking over much of the scene of his working life.
Picture: Joe Vasilieff and his wife on the seat presented to him and surrounded by his friends and colleagues.
Obituaries
Roy Collings, who was at Ampthill, part of Chilterns Forest District, died last year. His lifetime links with forestry were marked in May with a special tribute. He joined the FC in 1963 and moved to Ampthill in 1965. He regularly hosted events with the local Natural History Society in a barn close to his house in Maulden Wood. In his memory, the barn has now been renamed the “Roy Collings Barn”.
Picture: Mick Dinning, Conservator for East England, with Roy’s widow Lynn, following the naming of the barn.
John Fyfe, former Executive Officer, Inverness, has died aged 76. He worked in the Glasgow and London Offices before going to Inverness in 1957, where he worked until retirement in 1976.
Bryan Thomas Curtis, (Bryan Curtis), former Skilled Forest Worker, Llandovery Forest District, Wales Conservancy, has died aged 62. He joined the Commission at the old Talybont Forest in 1951, transferred to Crychan Forest in 1966 and retired in 1977.