Slasher Magazine Summary: Publication No. 342 - August 1989
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.
The Royal Welsh Show
When the Duke of Edinburgh visited the Forestry Commission stand during his tour of the Royal Welsh Show, he met Mary Breeze and Brian Prosser who were behind the counter.
Picture: The Duke of Edinburgh on the Forestry Commission stand with Mary Breeze and Brian Prosser.
The Challenges and the Key to Our Success
In his first speech as new Chairman of the Forestry Commission, Raymond Johnstone says too little credit has been given for the Forestry Commission’s positive attitude. But he also said he cannot fail to be conscious of the unease felt by many who foresee a significant decline in new planting following the changes made to the forestry support arrangements in last year's budget. Mr Johnstone was speaking at the opening of the new offices for Scottish Woodlands Limited. He said the forestry industry in Britain is on a sound footing and there is a healthy demand for British timber, and gives details of his observations on environmental matters and vows to keep in touch with grass-roots opinion.
Sir David Montgomery Says His Farewells
In the tradition of past departing chairmen, Sir David Montgomery added his portrait to the gallery of previous chairmen, when he said his recent farewells. Watched by Director General Gwyn Francis and members of staff, he unveiled the picture at Edinburgh Headquarters.
He wrote a letter thanking all members of Forestry Commission staff, which he requested to be published in “Slasher”.
Pictures: (1) Sir David Montgomery with his portrait, watched by Director General Gwyn Francis and members of staff. (2) The new Chairman, Raymond Johnstone, with the Director General, Gwyn Francis and Commissioner Roger Bradley.
Hero of Blaze – Dennis Milsom
Dennis Milsom, Forest Craftsman, Morgannwg FD, South Wales was hailed a hero after rescuing a neighbour from his blazing home. He heard a faint shout from 75 year old William Thomas Rees after the pensioner had returned home and put on a chip pan before nodding off in a chair. When Dennis saw smoke and flames, he rushed to Bill’s house and carried Bill out after finding him collapsed in the hallway, then went back to fight the flames.
Heroine in the Air – Linda Hurlock's Parachute Jump for Guide Dogs for the Blind Charity
Linda Hurlock, AO, New Forest, made a parachute jump 2,500 ft from a Cessna 206, landing in a field near Goodwood. She raised £540 in sponsorship donations for Guide Dogs for the Blind.
Pictures: (1) Linda Hurlock ready for the jump. (2) Linda Hurlock kitted out for training.
Tree Survey Ends
Within a few weeks, we should be seeing the latest tree health survey report. John Innes has completed his 4,500 mile trip around sites throughout Britain, covering 310 plots and examining at least 10,000 trees. Although he is waiting to analyse the records from the districts, he feels that the broadleaved trees are in better health than they were a year ago, but there are signs of a deterioration in Sitka spruce, which might be attributed to the drought conditions of this summer, accompanied by a build-up of spruce aphids.
Picture: John Innes with Ian McNicol and Nick Evans surveying oaks at Loch Lomond (Rowardennan).
Hero on Wheels - Alan Lightly Cycled From Land's End to John O' Groats
Alan Lightly, Chief Forester, Radio and Electronics Branch, Itton Forest, near Chepstow, Gwent, cycled from Land’s End to John o’Groats in June, taking three days. He was a junior time trial champion 30 years ago, holding Dunfermline and District Cycling Club records for 10 and 15 miles, but gave up the sport after National Service. Alan began cycling again last year after a fall left him with injuries.
Alan writes…
After the initial shock of present traffic and road conditions and getting used to the machine, I was soon addicted and made contact with and joined the CTC (Cyclists Touring Club), Audax UK (Long Distance Cycling Association), the VTTA (Veterans Time Trial Association) and Monmouth Cycling Club. By September 1988, I cycled 180 miles from Monmouth to Thetford, East Anglia, and trained vigorously all winter with an indoor trainer.
I commenced time trial racing last March and have so far beaten veterans’ standard times for 10, 25, 50 and 100 miles, with 30 miles and 12 hour events still to come, achieving a personal best at 25 miles of 1 hr 2 mins 7 secs (+ 11 mins 9 secs better than standard), and now qualify for a plaque from the VTTA at the end of the racing season in October. Long distance trials have been completed, along with son Alastair, at all four distances 200, 300, 400 and 600 kms to qualify as a Super Randonneur. These were used as elevation, nutritional and training rides for the End to End attempt.
The Land's End to John O'Groats ride was arranged under the regulations of Audax UK, the UK branch of Audax Club Parisien and Les Randonneurs Mondiaux. Control points and times were planned and approved in advance to a self-imposed gold standard of a total of 80 hours for the 872 miles (including stops for food and rest). The rules also stipulate that the bicycle must be fitted with full length mudguards, lights and carry all necessary spares and tools. Extra clothes, waterproofs and emergency items in front and rear luggage bags plus two x 1 litre water bottles, more than double the weight of the machine to over 50 lbs.
Careful planning was needed to arrange the 18 control locations where my official card (Brevet) could be stamped, signed, timed and dated and my wife Ena and youngest son Andrew drove the support car, which provided the essential food and rest stops needed, particularly in the North of Scotland.
The End to End began from Land's End on Saturday, June 24, Alistair accompanying me (from behind so as not to infringe regulations) back to Llandogo in glorious weather to arrive on schedule at 22.30 (227 miles) despite extensive traffic jams.
Two hours’ sleep followed a bath and excellent meal prepared by oldest son Alan and back on the road at 02:30 am, to travel via Hereford and the A49/A6 with controls at Craven Arms, Whitchurch, Preston (where progress was hindered by a street carnival) and Kendal then over Shap Fell to meet up with the support car and a meal before running into torrential rain in Carlisle and the terrifying dark, busy wet A74 dual carriageway to Gretna Green by 11 pm (264 miles, total 491 miles).
After three hours’ sleep in the car, day three started at 03:30 am nearly two hours behind schedule. A determined effort over Beattock Pass recovered most of the deficit to arrive at Elvanfoot only 4 minutes behind. A hearty breakfast, then via the A73, A80 and a torturous detour to Stirling to avoid the M80. The next control at Radio and Electronics Branch at Dunkeld was followed by a meal prepared by Andrew and Ena before the long climb over Drumochter (1,516 ft) to Newtonmore and via Aviemore to Tomatin over the Slochd Pass (1,328 ft) for a last evening meal before continuing to Inverness.
Kessock bridge was hazardous in a strong wind, visibility was bad, and it took some time to find a suitable control at 11.45 pm, having missed the planned control. Rain turned to sleet as the route left the A9 to tackle the short hillier A836, competing with kamikaze lorries to Bonar Bridge, arriving at control at Migdale Hospital at 3.05 am with only an hour in hand to eat and curl up in soaking clothes in the back of the car for one hour's sleep (284 miles, total 779).
On the road again at 04.30 am for the last 97 miles, still into a strong icy headwind, but gradually drying up to reach Helmsdale on time at 7.30 am. Then a good meal from the support crew and the never ending slog through Caithness and the amazing descent and climb at Berriedale. On and on into an ever increasing headwind, wearing all available clothes to arrive eventually at John o'Groats and obtain the final control stamp at 12.55 pm – 872 miles in 78 hours 55 minutes, a full 65 minutes inside the gold standard schedule of 80 hours.
Alan concludes: The ride would not have been possible without the unstinting support of my wife Ena and the whole family of Alan the chef, Alistair the cyclist and Andrew the chauffeur, butler and odd job man.
Alan estimates that due to the sponsorship from FC offices up and down the country, Cancer Research will benefit by around £1,000 from his End to End spin. Which means he can go into retirement this year from the Commission after 37 year’s service, well satisfied with his efforts.
Pictures: (1) Alan Lightly ready to start at Land’s End. (2) Alan Lightly at John o’Groats after 872 miles cycling.
Commissioner Appointed
Terence Mallinson has been appointed as a Forestry Commissioner for a four-year term, from October 1, to replace Geordie Hutchinson. Mr Mallinson is President of the Timber Trade Federation, Chairman of the UK National Hardwood Campaign, and President of the UK Institute of Carpenters. He is a former Chairman of Timber Research and Development Association (TRADA) and President of the Institute of Wood Science. He has been Chairman of the Epping Forest Centenary Trust since its inception in 1978.
Winners Galore!
Visitors are drawn to FC properties, exhibitions and other events. Each year, hundreds of thousands of people get an inside view of how our forests thrive and how the industry as a whole flourishes. This summer, a galaxy of VIPs have joined the throngs to see the FC at work. The Duke of Edinburgh joined the crowds at the Royal Welsh Show, where the FC won two gold awards; The Duke and Duchess of York visited a joint FC and RSPB exhibition at the other end of Britain; The Minister of Agriculture presented a major award to the Commission’s Low Fell, Grizedale Forest in Cumbria; David Bellamy joined in another FC award winning ceremony; Harry Secombe’s Highway programme will put Roslin on the TV map in September; Gold Medal winner at the Royal Welsh Show was the FC stand which featured training and safety with chainsaws. In charge of the stand was Don Case, Head Training Officer in Wales, who was assisted by Gerwyn James and Jim Sauter; Another Gold Medal winner was the FC display “Welsh Forest Harvest”, the work of a team headed by Brian Pulford and Derek Bayliss from the Wales recreation staff.
Pictures: (1) At the Royal Welsh Show, the Duke of Edinburgh inspects some of the FC publications at the stand where he talked to Mary Breeze, (Newtown FD) and Brian Prosser (Llandovery). He asked them which was the most popular publication and was told the FC recipe book was a best seller. (2) Don Case with the Gold Medal certificate won by the Chainsaw Safety stand at the Royal Welsh Show.
Bird Call
The Duke and Duchess of York were among the thousands of visitors to an exhibition in Inverness, showing how the Forestry Commission and the RSPB are working on conservation projects in North Scotland. The exhibit includes an artificial osprey nest, a bird hide and a computerised audio backing of bird calls.
Later in the summer, a smaller version was the feature of the FC stand at the Black Isle Show, Easter Ross, where it attracted a constant flow of visitors who kept FC and RSPB staff busy answering questions about the conservation programmes.
Picture: Tony Hinde explains FC work to the Duke and Duchess with one of his artificial osprey nests above them.
Ganger’s BA
Ray Beasley, a Ganger based at Hereford beat of Dean and Three Counties Forest District, and employed mainly on DOT work, has received his BA degree in Mathematics after a six-year course with the Open University, studying 15 to 20 hours a week for 32 weeks each year. He also attended summer schools and numerous evening classes.
Picture: Ray Beasley.
Great for Grizedale
The Royal Forestry Society’s Duke of Cornwall award for the management of commercial woodlands in conjunction with wildlife and landscape interests has been awarded to the Forestry Commission's Low Fell, Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. Equal second were the Commission’s Deepdale, Dalby Forest and Viscount Rochdale's Lingholm Woods. The competition, confined to the Northern England counties of Yorkshire, Lancashire, Durham, Northumberland and Cumbria, attracted twelve entries. The 157 hectares of Low Fell, Grizedale Forest was selected as an illustration of multiple land use, “showing imaginative interpretation of landscape and wildlife values, integrated at all levels into the forest management.” Specific wildlife management areas have been a feature for 25 years; ponds have been created; bat and bird boxes erected. The awards were presented at the Great Yorkshire Show, Harrogate.
Picture: Minister of Agriculture John MacGregor with Brian Mahony, FDM, South Lakes, winner of the Cornwall trophy, and John Mackenzie, FDM, North York Moors.
Wildlife Praise by David Bellamy
The success of Foresters’ work in Wildlife Conservation was praised by Professor David Bellamy when he presented FC’s Ron Hoblyn with the top individual award in the Birds and Countryside Awards scheme, organised by the RSPB in conjunction with ESSO. Professor Bellamy said “I welcome the moves that have been made and are continuing to be made by those in the forestry industry to secure the future of endangered species.” The award was in recognition of the work that Ron, Recreation Forester, has carried out in Thetford Forest preserving rare species of birds on the East Anglian Brecklands, including round the clock protection for woodlarks, nightjars, goshawks and red-backed shrike. Through his efforts, a pair of red-backed shrike successfully reared broods in 1986, 1987 and 1988, but this year, only one of the pair returned to the nest site. Ron was also largely responsible for the establishment of the Thetford Bird Trail, which is used by thousands of birdwatchers.
Picture: Ron Hoblyn received his award from Professor David Bellamy.
A cartoon on forests axed for paper supplies.
A Real Battle on Our Hands
In his TUS Diary column, Kenny Murray writes about the Government’s new sell-off policy with its effects on staffing and public access. Other topics are staff morale, the planned reduction in the Commission workforce and representatives on football club boards. Also the experience of an AO in Buchan FD who was unimpressed by British Rail’s slogan, “We’re getting there”. She was helping her sister on to a “Sprinter” train in Elgin, when the train sprinted off. She managed to alight at Keith – 17 miles from Elgin and her car.
Postbag
All part of our service: A letter from Mrs June Somers of Bournemouth who says “Please pass on my grateful thanks to one of your Rangers for rescuing a damsel in distress. My husband and I were walking our two dogs in Hurn Forest on July 8, when I caught my foot in the undergrowth, fell and broke my ankle. This was at 9 pm and my husband had to run the mile back to the car and phone the Verwood Ranger who immediately left home to come to my aid. When he arrived only 45 minutes after my fall, he brought the Land Rover right up the track to where I lay, loaded me, my dogs and my husband on board, and gently conveyed us to our car. All this with utmost courtesy, kindness, good humour and minimum of fuss.”
Editor’s note: The Senior Ranger concerned was Vic Pardy based at the Ringwood block. A month or so earlier, Vic and his wife Pam opened their house, in the middle of the night, to police, FC staff, and relatives of a young timber contractor who had been found dead in the forest.
Lost Tribe: Doug Goddard, Departmental Communications Officer (elect) at HQ, suggests Team Briefing is the answer to the current plea from Blairadam in the last edition of “Slasher”, and hopes any rebellion is contained for a few months, while plans are completed for their salvation. The “Great White Chief” and his advisors have approved plans for the introduction of this form of communication, and hope the Blairadam tribe and all other lost tribes will find it to be the answer to their current problems.
Fly Lads
In their first team competition, David Gilmour, Alan Linday and Alex Bolton of Lothian and Tweed Forest District, swept the board at the Civil Service Sports Association (Scotland) fly fishing competition on Loch Leven, Fife. There were 60 competitors. Alex out fished all rivals to win the best catch trophy, (a brown trout of 1 lb 2 oz) and the best basket trophy. The three lads together then cleaned up the team trophies. Alex Bolton represented Scotland at the National Civil Service Sports Association competition on August 24 at Rutland Water, Leicestershire.
Picture: David Gilmour, Alan Linday and Alex Bolton of Lothian and Tweed Forest District.
Emerys Honoured
Emerys Hughes, retired Forest Craftsman from Llanrwst was awarded the BEM in the New Year Honours. He worked for the Commission for 42 years, was a member of the TGWU for 46 years and beat steward at Deudraeth.
Picture: Emerys Hughes was presented with the BEM by the Marquis of Anglesey, Lord Lieutenant of Gwynedd.
Legal Eagle
Andrew Scarf who heads one of the conveyancing branches in the Treasury Solicitors Department has just bagged his last Munro (Scottish peak over 3,000 ft), having conquered all 277 of them mostly during the last eight years.
Help Others
The Civil Service Benevolent Fund is continuing its recruitment drive by asking senior managers to become more aware of what the fund can do to help staff in difficulty. In each week of 1988, grants totalling £18,000 were allocated to 120 staff and families. The fund provided residential and nursing home care for 286 serving and retired staff and their dependants at 10 homes and gave convalescent care to 50 staff recovering from surgery, illness or injury. Currently, about 22% of the Civil Service support the organisation with regular contributions through deductions from salary.
Fitness Trail
Chiltern FD recently hosted their fourth annual Open Day in Wendover Woods, Buckinghamshire. The event followed a hectic schools week, which gave 1,000 children an insight into forest management. The launch of a 1500 metre Fitness Trail coincided with the Open Day. The trail was opened by Robin Brew, 1984 Olympic swimming team captain and now sports advisor with Aylesbury Vale District Council. The trail was built by local staff, with help from apprentices from RAF Halton.
Felling Contest
The Royal Scottish Forestry Society's national tree felling contest will be held at the FC’s Tentsmuir Forest, Fife, on October 21.
After the Storm
Staff from West Downs FD and the Research Division were kept busy with enquiries at this year's Game Fair, which was held at Stratfield Saye, near Reading. The theme for the FC display was “After the Storm”.
The Creeping Menace That Hit Fourlaws
An account of a major fire at Fourlaws in Northumberland, by Geoff Rostron of Rothbury District. The fire started on July 19 and was finally extinguished 10 days later.
Off to Russia
Dr Peter Gosling, Head of FC Research Division’s Seed Branch, is to lead a “seed dormancy” meeting at the Soviet National Academy of Sciences next year.
Dr Gosling was invited to become Chairman of the International Seed Testing Association’s forest, tree and shrub seed committee at this year's ISTA Congress held in Edinburgh. Forestry featured more prominently on the agenda than at any other of the previous 21 congresses. This year's event was attended by more than 400 delegates from 70 countries, and most came to discuss agricultural and horticultural seed testing.
The post-congress forestry tour was attended by 15 participants representing every continent except Antarctica. It covered Roslin; seed origin and progeny trials at Wark in Kielder Forest; container and bare root nursery production facilities as well as vegetative propagation at Delamere Nursery; a visit to the Oxford Forestry Institute; seed facilities at Farnham; a brief stop at the Royal Horticultural Society's gardens at Wisley; and Wakehurst Place. The programme, covering approximately 800 miles in five days, also squeezed in a look at Hadrian's Wall, a trip on Windermere and a visit to Mary Arden's house, girlhood home of Shakespeare's mother in Stratford on Avon.
Picture: Some of the ISTA delegates at Alice Holt.
Kielder Yomp Sets the Pace
Country dancing, a barbecue, jugglers, music, record breakers, midges and rain all contributed to the fourth Kielder Folk Festival. A local seven-piece group – The Hollybush Dance Band started the festival off with family country dancing. The number of festival goers was well up on last year.
Athletic events the following day included the 17 mile yomp with 20 lb packs. The record was slashed by a staggering 22 minutes to three hours 36 minutes by John Humble. First in the fell race was Les Stephenson, covering the 17 miles in two hours 45 minutes. Over the same course a new event, the Challenge Walk, resulted in a fastest time of 3 hours, 55 minutes for L. Barnes.
First FC competitor home was Graham Pyatt from NRS who won a trophy for his fell race time of 3 hours 8 minutes. The Yomp race involved running or walking the 17 mile route with a 20 lb pack through Britain's largest forest, including a climb of over 3,000 feet.
The entertainment included a bouncy castle, Punch and Judy show, jugglers, music making and a chance to ride in a Shire horse pulled wagon and a barbecue in Kielder Castle courtyard.
Also, a concert given by the folk group Whippersnapper featuring ex Fairport Convention fiddler Dave Swarbrick and ex Level 42 guitarist Kevin Dempsey. Together with support group 2nd String, Whippersnapper enthralled a full house with their professional playing. The grand finale to the entertainment was a Scottish country dance which went on until the wee sma’ hours.
Pictures: (1) Music inside. (2) Music outside. (3) Uphill with the yompers. (4) Down dale with the fell runners. (5) An exhausted competitor.
Butterfly Quiz Plea
The Nature Conservancy Council and the Institute of Terrestrial Ecology are carrying out a joint scheme of monitoring butterflies throughout Britain and would welcome information. Dr Ernie Pollard of the NCC says early indications suggest the number of most species have increased. Some species are exceptionally abundant, but there may be problems in drought areas.
Harry's Here
Harry Secombe and the crew of his TV programme “Highway” visited NRS at Roslin as part of their forthcoming programme about the town. Harry chatted to Bill Mason about the research station.
Picture: Harry Secombe is given a tour around two poly houses by Bill Mason.
Country File
Another TV programme which has already been shown was Grampian TV’s “Country File”, a weekly show which considers various rural communities, industries and wildlife in the North of Scotland.
Norman Davidson, the new FDM at Buchan, explained the role of the Commission and described some of the work that takes place in Clashindarroch Forest. Landscape architect Maggi Gilvray illustrated landscape design techniques. Tom Dunn, chain saw operator, demonstrated felling large trees.
Picture: Chain saw operator Tom Dunn with Norman Davidson, District Manager, Buchan FD.
Letter of Thanks From Charles Blackwood
Charles Blackwood, Cheshire Forest District, sent a letter of thanks to colleagues for their concern, encouragement and “visitations” during his stay in Carlisle Hospital following his road accident. As he was 140 miles from home, his visitors were most welcome, with hardly a day going by without the sight of a friendly face. A potted-up natural regen. SS evoked considerable interest among the nurses.
Suffolk Success
The Forestry Commission stand at the Suffolk Show proved to be a favourite with the crowds, estimated to be in excess of 100,000, and won a “Highly Commended” certificate. The theme centred on the Farm Woodlands and Woodland Grant Scheme, was aimed at land and woodland owners by way of displays and literature inside the Conservancy caravan. The variety and interest of Commission publications won praise. Joe Seichter, long-serving Commission Craftsman provided a crowd stopping display of chainsaw sculpting. Now a Commission campsite warden, Joe has been carving sculptures from logs for many years. Horses’ heads, owls, storks, chains, tables and chairs were all carved from windblown Scots pine, taken from Rendlesham Forest.
Picture: Joe Seichter with his chainsaw sculptures.
Aye … Ae is a Top Centre
The need for a machine operator training centre was recognised in the early 1970s and the decision was taken to establish non residential centres at Ae in Scotland and Rheola in Wales. Staff for the two centres were recruited during 1974 and early 1975 and started training before the buildings were erected.
Jack Wade, Training Manager at Ae Machine Operator Training Centre gives a timeline of the centre from the beginning until the present day, where all training officers are registered in the Forestry Training Council’s list of approved instructors. He says an early memory was seeing George Pyrah, our first mechanical engineer instructor, training a loader operator in the practice yard. Rain was hammering down and the only shelter was under an articulated lorry bed with a log to sit on, a polythene sheet to cut down the wind and communication to the trainee via a radio handset. His red face and blue nose are an unforgettable memory!
The Ae Centre, completed in the Spring of 1976, was staffed by one Head Forester, one Forester and one Mechanical Engineer. Emphasis in the early training was on skidders and independent loaders, both machines based mainly on agricultural tractors. In addition, some chainsaw, sawbench and peeler courses were undertaken.
Pictures: (1) Michael Gentles (York FD) and Hugh MacNeill (Torlundy Repair Depot) with instructor Archie Anderson. (2) Foresters being trained in the use of chemical sprayers. (3) Jack Wade gives instructions to supervisor Neil McKay. (4) John Graves gives instructions on hydraulics to Bob Bathgate and Gordon Robson from Border FD.
Challenge to All Yompers
Coed y Brenin’s 7th annual yomp took place in early June in the hills and valleys of Dolgellau Forest District. Over 100 competitors from North Wales, yomped the 9 miles course over a variety of terrain, which included four river crossings. The men carried 25 lb packs and the women carried 15 lb packs.
Overall winner was Dave Anderson of Dyfi Forest (Dolgellau FD), who also won the inter FC Challenge Cup. Sixty minutes behind the winner was Dai Thompson, a Coed y Brenin chainsaw operator, who was the second quickest Commission entrant, with a time of 2 hours 41 minutes. Dave Barker, pre-OND student at Coed y Brenin and Chris Edwards, FO III at Dolgellau also turned in gritty performances. Although the minimum age of entry was 17, one of the “unofficial” entrants for the seventh year in succession was 13 year old David Owen, who first took part at the age of six, when he was carried through the bog on his dad’s shoulders. “Dad” is a retired Coed y Brenin Craftsman. This year’s event started and finished at the Maesgwm Visitor Centre, where Gwynedd’s Chief Ambulance Officer presented the prizes.
Help Belize Forest Appeal
People are required to help out in an international scheme to save the flora and fauna of Belize. The aim is to acquire and preserve a superb tract of tropical forest and its associated wildlife.
England Hopes? - Cricket
The Forestry Commission team won their annual cricket match against the Timber Trade XI at Dunnington in June, thanks mainly to a first wicket stand of 77 by North York Moors duo J. Richardson (47) and G. Jackson (53), which was more than half the team's total score of 135. The Timber Merchants could muster only 114 against excellent bowling by J. Symons (4 for 49) and J. Wright (2 for 11). R. Ayre, J. Richardson and M. Pritchard each took one wicket.
Keeping the Ball Rolling - FC Retirement Associations (Suffolk and South Wales)
Another FC Retirement Association has been formed, with 50 former FC employees who have banded together as The Breckland Group. Thirty attended the inaugural meeting at Santon Downham and the next meeting will be at the same venue on September 20. The first chairman is Steve Chapman.
The South Wales group had a day out in Afan Country Park. Mike Reaney showed 21 members how the former coalmining and brickmaking area had been transformed from a derelict site to the green and wooded glades of Margam Forest in the first tip reclamation scheme.
Picture: Retired members of the South Wales group on their Margam outing.
Retired
John Fletcher, Conservator W(E), has retired after 37 years’ service with the Commission, spent first in the old NW(E) Conservancy, followed by spells in E(E), HQ and finally 6 years as Conservator W(E).
Picture: John Fletcher and wife Maureen try out their new garden seat.
Mike Reaney OBE, Principal Civil Engineer, Wales Conservancy, has retired. He joined the Commission at Llandovery for a brief period, then spent 20 years as Area Civil Engineer at Neath. He was promoted to Conservancy Civil Engineer for South Wales in 1983. On re-organisation, he became Land Reclamation Engineer, following his interest in restoration methods and land/tip stability problems.
Picture: Mike Reaney with his wife Ann and the Conservator John Morgan.
Richard Denman (Dick Denman), District Manager, Brechfa, has retired after 38 years’ service with the Commission, all spent in Wales. He joined at Coed y Brenin in 1951 and worked in Cynant and Tair Onen Forests before returning to Brechfa as Chief Forester and subsequently completed his career as District Manager. Gwyn Owen MBE, former Press Officer in the old South Wales Conservancy presented Dick with a walking stick he had made and accompanied it with a poem.
A walking stick - not just an aid,
More like a trusted friend unpaid;
A lick of varnish, a polish or two,
It will support you all life through;
And, if in trouble, no need to shout,
You have a friend with a lot of clout.
Picture: Dick Denman with David Hughes, Assistant Conservator, Operations.
Morris Jones, FM, Dolgellau FD, has retired after 35 years’ service with the Commission.
Bryn Morgan, Dolgellau FD has retired after 42 years’ service with the Commission having joined aged 14.
Picture: Bryn Morgan receiving his Long Service certificate from Conservator John Morgan.
Humphra Evans, FM, Dolgellau FD, has retired after 25 years’ service with the Commission. Initially an H&M worker, he completed his service on FM.
Mervin Evans, Mechanic I, St Hilary Workshop, has retired after 23 years’ service with the Commission at both Mile End Workshop and St Hilary, where he was based in the Afan FD.
Picture: Mervin Evans with Michael Toland, Workshop Manager at St Hilary.
Bob Cringean, Workshop Foreman, Heathhall, has retired after 38 years’ service with the Commission in South Scotland.
Picture: Bob Cringean receiving his Long Service certificate from Assistant CME David McQuillan.
Violet Griffith decided to retire at the age of 80, when the Northern Research outstation moved out of its temporary accommodation in May to a new home at the former Talybont-on-Usk Forest Office. She has cleaned the offices since after the war and served with Inland Revenue, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Defence and several changes of FC departments.
Picture: Violet Griffith on her presentation garden seat.
Nancy Smith, AO, Black Isle, North Scotland, has retired after 36 years’ service with the Commission. Since 1984, she was an AA, then AO at the Longman Workshop.
Picture: Nancy Smith with Ken Roscoe, A and FO North Scotland and Nancy Grant.
Mavis Hinds, AO, FD office at Edwinstowe, Mansfield, has retired after 24 years’ service with the Commission.
Picture: Mavis Hinds with her husband Lionel and some of their gifts.
Bill McCook, Forest Craftsman, Moray Forest District N(S), has retired after 41 years’ service with the Commission.
Dave Wright, Ganger, Wykeham Nursery, has retired after 42 years’ service with the Commission, which began at Langdale Forest.
Archie MacFadyne, former Tractor Driver, lately FM Squad, Kilmichael, Loch Awe FD, has retired after 35 years’ service with the Commission.
Bill Taylor, FM Forester, Bennachie, has retired after 45 years’ service with the Commission, which began at Fetteresso when he was 15. After Forestry School, he worked in several Forest Districts in Wales until he became FM Forester at Bennachie.
John Grayson, Market Rasen, North Lincs, has retired after 38 years’ service with the Commission. He joined the Commission at Friston on the Sussex coast in 1951, and apart from several years in mid-Wales, he spent all of his time in East England.
Picture: John Grayson with colleagues, cake and a dog.
Gordon Williams, Ganger Brecon FD, has retired after 37 years’ service with the Commission. He began at the old Coed Taf Forest and worked on a succession of jobs on both forest management and harvesting and marketing, including driving a Holder and Sifer.
Picture: Gordon Williams receiving a Long Service certificate from Bob Farmer, Forest Management Officer.
Denise Stewart, Edinburgh, has retired after 14 years’ service with the Commission. After 3 years in Engineering Division, Denise went to Purchasing Branch.
Ron Marnie, FDM Buchan, has retired.
Picture: Ron Marnie at his retirement presentation.
Obituaries
David Robertson, Chief Forester at Achray Forest until retirement in 1981 died suddenly on July 18. He started his forestry training at the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh before the war. He then joined the Ministry of Supply (timber control) until 1945, when he started work with the Forestry Commission at Barcaldine. He worked in various forests such as Glenduror, Knapdale and Balquidder before going to Achray in 1964.
Bernard Gordon, retired Forester with 30 years’ service with the Commission has died aged 63. After Army service in Burma, he went to the Forester Training School at Lynford Hall in Norfolk and Benmore Forester Training School. His first forest posting was to Thetford Chase in Norfolk, moving to Yardley Hastings, Northampton and then to Ingoldsby in 1967.
Alan Joseph, Mechanical Inspector, aged 41, died at work in Dyfnant Forest on June 29. He had been a Mobile Mechanic and Inspector for over 12 years, outstationed from Chirk Workshop, covering the Dolgellau, Newtown and Ceredigion Forest Districts.