Slasher Magazine Summary: Publication No. 344 - December 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.
In the Picture
The Forestry Commission’s John Westlake and Douglas Boyd were runners-up in a national photographic competition featuring woodlands. They collected their awards from conservationist and TV personality David Bellamy. More details in another report.
Picture: FC Director General Gwyn Francis, John Westlake, Douglas Boyd and David Bellamy.
Rally Rush to Forests
Car rallies are popular in Commission forests. Information Officer Jill Mackay has become more involved with major rally organisers and has helped to promote the facilities that Commission forests provide for drivers and the supporting public. Engineers consult with FC Harvesting and Recreation staff to ensure the routes are away from felling operations and that the route is safe for drivers and spectators. Over eighty per cent of the stages of the RAC Lombard Rally, Britain’s biggest international rally, take place on Forestry Commission land. This year, North England Conservancy decided to award a trophy to the crew who performed best in the forest stages on one day of the rally. Each year District Offices all over the country organise and prepare routes for over 60 car rallies. Some of the best known rallying stages such as Killer Kielder, Twiglees, Dalby or Grizzly Grizedale may be used many times at international, national or local club level and although a rally car may take only seconds to whizz along a stretch of forest road, it takes months of organisation.
Picture: Area prepared for a rally.
Chairman Hails the Future - Five Points to Success
While the continuing disposals programme attracted the attention of most of the media when the Forestry Commission's annual report was published, the Chairman, Raymond Johnstone directed attention to a five-fold success story: The highest ever planting by private woodland owners of 25,000 hectares; the FC timber harvest record of 3.6 million tonnes; New investments in wood processing, including the £125 million Caledonian Paper Mill at Irvine, the biggest ever inward investment in Scotland; the clearance of timber from the gale of 1987 through an orderly marketing programme; the popularity of our forests shown by a survey which showed that up to 100 million visits were made by the public.
Lift Off
Picture: A 60-footer takes to the air from Kielder on the first stage of its journey to the Marsden Hospital in Blackfriars. More details in another report.
Call Me Spriggy
The request to name the “Handle Plants With Care” character has produced names such as Sylvia, Connie Fir, Elfie, Sprog and Hanwica. Mrs A. MacLeod, Lorne FD suggested SPROUT – Special Plants Require Our Utmost Tolerance. The most popular suggestion came from Tony Egan, Manager of the Chirk Workshop in Wales suggested Spriggy, who said it was the name he uses for his youngest son, James, who apparently bears some resemblance to this little green fellow.
Gwyn is Honoured by Queen
Forestry Commission Director General Gwyn Francis was created a Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB) in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list.
Broomsticks
During the summer, several members of Lorne FD staff were taking lunch outside the Oban office when a car drew up and this conversation ensued: Driver: “Do you have any of those birch fire beaters? My old aunt who lives down South wants one.” Reply: “I don't think so. Most of our beaters have wire netting heads but you can look in the shed if you want.” Driver: “No. It's one of the birch ones she wants if I can get it.” Reply: “The local parks people come here and cut their own birch for brooms during the winter.” A pause, then an un-named FD hardy ventures: “Does she want something for sweeping up the leaves in the garden?” Driver: “Oh no, she's a witch.”
Disposals Details
Forestry Commission Director General Gwyn Francis attended a press conference to give details of the Annual Report, which included the latest on disposals.
Extracts of the report are: -
“Until 1981, the Forestry Commission had no powers at all to sell forest land. Of course, over the 60 years or so of its existence up to then, it had been buying land, and for most of that time, buying land to create a strategic reserve of timber. There was a tremendous pressure to buy land as it became available and like any other large estate, when you look at it 60 years later, you find that there are some things that you are glad you bought and some things that perhaps you are not so glad you bought. The Forestry Act of 1981 gave the Commission powers to sell forest land and in the period from 1981 to the end of March 1989, 72,000 hectares of plantations and 68,000 hectares of other land were sold. This was carried out as a programme of rationalisation, improving land management. This programme will now continue, as was announced in June 1989 by the Secretary of State for Scotland. Between now and the end of the century we will sell 100,000 hectares of our forest land and property (out of a total today of 915,000 hectares that represents about 11 per cent). The purpose of that programme is a continuation of what was happening before to give us opportunities to rationalise and consolidate the forest estate. In the time between now and the end of the century, as we have since 1981, we shall also be planting and buying new land for planting and we expect to continue planting at the rate of 4,000-5,000 hectares a year. So in effect, the net position on that basis would be that by the year 2000, the Commission would still be responsible for managing over 850,000 hectares of forest.
“The programme of disposal is over a period which extends to the end of the century and it will be carried out in an orderly manner. I anticipate that the rate of disposal will be more or less equal annually and in those circumstances, I don't anticipate any job losses in terms of people involved in management of the forest. So far as the people who work in the forest are concerned, there might be examples, although where a forest passes into new ownership, the opportunity for work remains. But I am convinced that by comparison with other things that have happened during the last ten years and other things which I have no doubt will continue to happen over the next ten years, the influence on jobs of the disposal of 100,000 hectares will be small. There is firstly, a very active programme of mechanisation (and we have done that because it is more cost-effective, it's safer and the opportunities for higher earnings are better). That has got the support of our Unions, I might say.”
Pay Wait-and-See
In his TUS Diary, Kenny Murray reports on the current discontent by members about performance pay and Annual Staff Report markings. He advises members to wait and see the summary of ASR markings which are due to be published in February. He criticises the requirement for membership of the Institute of Chartered Foresters for progression beyond FOIII.
Tommy's a Winner
For the third time, Tommy Dodds of Wallace, Barrhill, Ayrshire, was chosen to represent Scotland at the British Border Fancy Canary Show at Winsford, Cheshire. Over 2,500 birds were entered. Tommy won the top award with a canary he bred this year. He received the trophy for the best exhibit from Scotland and a trophy presented by the Border Canary Club of South Australia. Tommy had wins at shows in Girvan, Dumfries, Ayr and Prestwick. He hopes to win at the Scottish National in Musselburgh next month.
Picture: Tommy Dodds with his winner’s trophies.
Tour Takes in Glenmore Park
The President of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, David Male and other RICS officials visited Glenmore Forest Park, as part of the presidential tour of the North of Scotland. Mary McLellan, the Forestry Commission’s first woman Land Agent explained to the party the aspects of management at Glenmore, which came under her responsibility as a Chartered Surveyor. Conservancy Land Agent Brian Mead outlined the Commission’s structure and explained the role of Land Agents in the organisation.
Picture: RICS Deputy Secretary, Bob Sneddon; RICS Senior Vice-President, Douglass Burgess; RICS Secretary-General, Michael Pattison; Area Land Agent, Mary McLellan; Conservancy Land Agent, Brian Mead; RICS President, David Male; RICS Local Area Chairman, Jim Lowe; RICS Scottish Chairman, Andrew Peter, gathered at Loch Morlich within the Forest Park.
Kielder's a Winner
Kielder recently won the accolade “Highly Commended” in the Ford European Conservation Awards. Kielder’s entry was from a joint initiative between the Forestry Commission and the Mountain Bothies Association, according to Bill Burton, Environment Forester. Four derelict cottages within the Forestry District were refurbished and made suitable for use by hikers, mountain cyclists and horse riders. The bothies pre-date the forest by many years and all had lain empty for some time. Kielder Management Officer, James Ogilvie said “This venture underlines the legitimacy of large scale forests in comprising wilderness areas, reflecting the aim of the MBA to maintain simple unlocked shelters in remote country for the use of walkers, climbers and other outdoor enthusiasts who love the wild and lonely places.”
Kielder has become the runner-up in the coveted Laurent Perrier Champagne Award for Conservation, which carried a £1,500 prize and a case of “bubbly”.
The Thieves' Kitchen
From Lorne Forest District, Steve Cooper of Abertay, reports on stolen vehicles dumped during a week in August: - Ford Escort minus wheels; Ford Fiesta burned out; Vauxhall Astra, window broken; A bus.
Sponsors Wanted
Sponsorship from business people and companies is sought in the South West and Midlands for six forest classrooms to provide a fuller range of activities.
Silver 'Pots' for Our Ace Potter
John Griffiths, District Forester, Morgannwg, won the Civil Service National Snooker Championships at the Willie Thorne Snooker Centre in Leicester. John, who won the title in 1985, beat the holder, Scottish International Norman McLachlan 3-2 in the final and also recorded the highest break of 74.
Picture: Snooker Champion John Griffith.
New Reserve is Opened
FDM Syd House and District Forester Steve Cooper welcomed representatives from several local conservation groups to the official opening of Redmyre Forest Nature Reserve at Abertay FD. They also thanked all those who had contributed to the work at Redmyre and invited the outstanding Scottish wildlife artist, Keith Brockie to perform the opening ceremony.
Picture: Keith Brockie and Dr Hugh Muir, Redmyre shooting tenant who gave his backing to the project.
Marafun Magic Among the Hills
A marafun that drew families and friends together from Northern England and all over Scotland owed much of its success to FC workers including FD Manager Jim Hamilton of Minnigagg and Recreation Manager Colin Brookes of the Galloway Forest Park. FC staff and some wives acted as stewards, cooks, car park attendants and gophers.
Pictures: (1) Chris Tracey, Frances McMillan, Margaret Laurie, Ann Hamilton, Annette Phillips, Colin Brookes, Andy Walker and Clyde Phillips. (2) The marafun starting point seen from a helicopter.
Night Hike
Four members of staff from Dorset FD went over the border to the New Forest to take part in a Charity Night-Hike in aid of Leukaemia Research and the West Dorset Children’s Hospital Appeal. The sponsored hike took from 11.30pm to 9.15am and involved completing treasure hunt type questions and assault course events.
Basil Holes Out
Members of the E(E) Golf Society and their guests had a great day out for their Autumn meeting held at the Flempton Golf Club, near Bury St. Edmunds. Basil Carter (handicap 8) won the Matabele Cup with a total of 42 Stapleford points. John Kellie was the runner-up with 39 points.
Cricket Gladiators
The Huntly team played in the annual Trades League competition, coming second to last. Player of the Year Award – the Sitka Spruce Memorial Log – went to Mr B. Cartlidge for what was described as childish enthusiasm.
Charity Swimmers
Four swimmers from Headquarters took part in a “Swimarathon” relay, swimming over 106 lengths and raising £205 for the Royal Commonwealth Society for the Blind. They were Information Officer Howard Hart, Alan Chalmers (Design), John Henderson (Finance) and John Gibson (Drawing Office).
Picture: Howard Hart, Alan Chalmers, John Henderson and John Gibson.
Foresters Horizontal at the Bar(s)
A team from Somerset & South Devon FD took on the Royal Marines assault course at Lympstone in aid of the British Leprosy Relief Association (LEPRA) and scored best of the 30 teams who entered, by raising the most money in sponsorship (£370).
The team of Foresters, Foremen and Industrials finished with the fifth fastest time. With virtually no training, the foursome tackled walls, ropesprings, bars, tunnels, bridges and even the sadistic warm-up by the PTO Marine, which was harder than the event itself!
Picture: The team receiving a shield for their efforts from a LEPRA organiser are Edward Shepherd, Nick Salter, Rory Gogan and Richard Shelston.
Tree-mendous
A report on the many causes the Forestry Commission has helped.
FC staff helped to get a tree down from Kielder Forest to London for the campaign to raise £1 million for the Royal Marsden Hospital which specialises in the treatment of cancer. The request came from Brian Hitchen and Ken Bennett of the Daily Star newspaper. James Ogilvie and Mike Strachan, on location in Kielder, offered a tree which was checked and approved by a Star reporter. Transportation out of the felling site by road was unsuitable, so the newspaper contacted Dollar Helicopters, and they agreed to airlift the tree to Bellingham Depot in Northumberland, where the transporter would be waiting. The helicopter lift went ahead after a delay due to fog. After arrival at the Bellingham Depot, the tree was taken to London and at daylight the following day, it was winched by mobile crane on to the site.
A rooted tree from the Glentress Sales Centre, was planted in the grounds of Tynecastle High School, in Gorgie, Edinburgh. Keith Wishart of the FC said the tree was planted as a symbol of Christmas and hoped it would help pupils to appreciate and care for trees in their environment.
The FC's local Forest District and the Navy came to the aid of Dorset County Council who needed an 80 metre pole for a world record tree-climbing attempt at a new visitor centre in the Council’s Forest Park. The tree used was a 55-year old Douglas fir weighing over 2 tonnes, from Dorset's Puddletown Forest. Due to its size and the narrow roads, extraction looked to be a problem, until 772 squadron RNAS were brought in to airlift the tree 25 miles by Sea King helicopter.
Pictures: (1) A rooted tree is planted at Tynecastle High School. In the picture are John Simpson of the Commission with head boy Colin Emm and head girl Wendy Knox, with Joanne Nicholls and Ros McCathie. (2) The helicopters wait in the mist for the all-clear, so the Kielder lift-off could start. (3) The Royal Navy’s Sea King helicopter going into action in Dorset County Council’s Avon Forest Park. (4) On a high perch, lighting specialist Chris Tyman prepares the bright lights for the benefit of the Royal Marsden Hospital and thousands of daily commuters in London. (5) Kielder Foresters Mike Strachan and Jim Potts said “We have never harvested a bigger Christmas tree. We are delighted it’s going to such a good cause.” (6) The tree lit up.
Shop Talk Aiming to Make Friends
From Glenmore in the north to Bedgebury in the south, shop managers and buyers from the Commission's 17 forest shops met near Grizedale (Lake District), in the first Forest Shops meeting to be organised. Forest Shops make a profit (turnover of more than £300,000) and provide a friendly face for the customer. Delegates were welcomed by Graham Gill (Environment), who stressed that this was an opportunity for everybody to learn through participation. The two-day meeting saw lively debates and a vast wealth of experience and ideas shared. Topics discussed were shop identity, merchandising, stock control and customer care. On display were goods which provided ideas and the chance to test a wide range of products of Forest Shop sales. Bob Jones (Design Branch), presented (and modelled) a range of proposals for FC products. The meeting organisers, Richard Broadhurst and Peter Ford (Environment) plan an annual get together.
Picture. Two of the delegates at the display of goods, Caradoc Evans and Paul Sherrington from Maesgwm Visitor centre.
The 12 Days of ……
From E(E) Conservancy, a light-hearted ditty to the tune of the 12 days of Christmas.
Making Friends With Our Wildlife
In a joint project, bird boxes were made by students at the college in Newton Rigg and installed by the FC in Thetford Forest.
Picture: Senior Rangers Desmond Green and Tony Reeman installing the bird boxes in Thetford Forest.
Postbag
History of the Mires: Jack Chard writes about the history of the Border Mires. He first knew Butterburn Flow in 1951, when it held widgeon, greenshank, dunlin, golden plover and other species and drew great packs of blackgame to feed on cranberries in the Autumn.
Can anyone replace John’s stolen spudder?: John Hooper, FC Land Agent in North Wales Conservancy from 1952 into the 1960s is trying to obtain a spudder blade. His walking stick, which had a spudder blade attached, was stolen from his car.
Big Clean-Up - Keep It Going: A reader in Ewell, Surrey, congratulates the FC on the clearing up process after the “great storm” in 1987, and asks if there is a picking brigade that pick up seeds to plant in the restoration, and if tree-felling has been reduced or could be banned temporarily.
Promotions
Hugh Insley, Head of Economic Planning Branch, HQ, has been promoted to Assistant Conservator, Operations, North Scotland. Taking over his post is David Henderson-Howat, who moves from FDM Aberfoyle.
Our Veterans Renew Old Friendships
The Retirement Association is gaining members and increasing their activities. Particularly active in the Autumn have been the group members of Alice Holt; Peninsula (Devon, Cornwall & West Somerset), Forest of Dean and Mid-Wales.
Photographic Competition Results
A photographic competition aimed at capturing the beauty of woodland, attracted more than 2,000 entries. Forestry Commission Director General, Gwyn Francis said the winning entries conveyed the peace and tranquilly of our forests. Competition winner was Roy Fowler, who photographed the bluebell carpeted piece of coppice in Forest of Dean. Among the runners up were two keen FC amateur photographers, John Westlake (Wales) and Douglas Boyd (Argyll). The awards were presented by David Bellamy.
Pictures: (1) John Westlake, David Bellamy and Douglas Boyd. (2) Winner – Coppice scene in the Forest of Dean. (3) Runner-up - A Welsh scene by John Westlake at Felindre Pennal. (4) Runner-up - A forest walk by the River Avich, submitted by Douglas Boyd of Argyll.
Leavers
With the amalgamation of Brechfa and Llandovery, three administrative staff in the Brechfa office were made redundant. They are: - Mrs Ceinwen Johnson (nee George), AO, who joined the Commission in 1966 as a Forest Clerk; Mrs Angela Douch, Typist and H&M Clerk, who joined in 1976 as a Forest Clerk; Mrs Jean Jenkins, AA (part-time), who joined at the Treglog Workshop in 1978.
Pictures: (1) Ceinwen Johnson makes a presentation to her office colleague, Angela Douch. (2) Ceinwen Johnson and Jean Jenkins.
Roger Larsen Appointed Red Deer Commissioner
Roger Larsen, former Head of Conservation and Recreation Branch, and now in retirement in Glendarroch, Argyll, has been appointed to the Red Deer Commission from 1st January 1990. He was nominated as a Commissioner by the Institute of Chartered Foresters to represent the forestry interest.
Retired
George Marshall, District Forester, East England Conservancy, has retired after 45 years’ service with the Commission, all spent in the East England Conservancy. He joined as a forest worker at Rendlesham Forest in 1944 and was promoted to Forester at King’s Forest, Thetford in 1960. Following spells in Lincolnshire, North Norfolk and back to King’s as Chief Forester, George transferred in 1985 to Thetford FD office at Santon Downham as District Forester H&M. He was involved in the clearing and marketing of windblown timber from the 1987 gale and was responsible for the creation and management of this country’s first log store at Thetford, which now contains 73,000 tonnes of timber.
Pictures: (1) George Marshall plants a Canadian Maple at Lynford Arboretum (to redress the balance by replacing at least one of the estimated three million trees he was responsible for felling at Thetford). (2) George Marshall with former colleagues together with Conservator Norman Dannatt and District Manager Len Simpson.
Harold Cutler, Keeper, New Forest, has retired after 37 years’ service with the Commission in the New Forest. He was a fourth generation New Forest Keeper.
Picture: Harold Cutler, his wife Thelma, Deputy Surveyor David Perry and Recreation and Range Manager Roy Hughes.
Wilf Meek, Weald FD, has retired after 41 years’ service with the Commission. He started part-time in August 1941, a couple of months before his twelfth birthday. He continued to work during holidays throughout the war and recalls having coupons for extra cheese rations and points for essential items such as wellingtons, alarm clock and thermos flask. He began working full time on the old North beat for Head Forester George Lees. After National Service during 1947-49, he returned to North beat before going to Lynford Hall in 1951, then spent the rest of his career in the old SE England Conservancy. He worked in Alice Holt, Bramshill, Rogate Nursery, Challock, Bedgebury and latterly on private woodlands and plant health in Kent.
Picture: Wilf Meek and Norman Dannatt.
Bob Gladman, North Lincs FD, has retired after 35 years’ service with the Commission. He was well known throughout the Commission in the late 1950s and early 1960s for his work on Heterobasidion annosum in the pathology section at Alice Holt. Since then, apart from a short spell at Wareham, he has spent his career in the old East England Conservancy, with the last 13 years at North Lincs.
Joe Hannah, North Lakes FD, has retired after 35 years’ service with the Commission. At North Lakes, Joe worked on all aspects of forest management and harvesting. He worked on the skyline for 15 years and was operating chainsaws right up to his retirement.
Picture: Joe Hannah and Andrew Neustein.
Ces Jacques, Forest Craftsman, Hamsterley, Durham, has retired after 31 years’ service with the Commission. He was involved with most aspects of forest work, and trunk road planting and maintenance for the Department of Transport in East Durham.
Picture: Ces with FDM Mark Pritchard and colleagues.
Stan Scott, Forest Craftsman, Bellingham, Northumberland, has retired after 42 years’ service with the Commission. Since he joined the Commission in 1947, he has undertaken almost every type of forestry job in Kielder Forest.
Picture: (1) Stan Scott and his wife planting a tree. (2) Stan Scott and his wife with Alan Wood, Craftsman; Bob McIntosh, FDM Kielder; Andy Neustein, Conservator; and Andrew Thompson, Craftsman.
Bill Hendry, Senior Ranger I, Scotland North, has retired after many years service with the Commission.
Picture: Bill Hendry presented with his Long Service certificate by FDM John Keenleyside.
Dennis Evans, Storeman at Maesnewyddion Depot near Betws y Coed, Llanrwst FD, has retired after 37 years’ service with the Commission.
Dai Roberts, Leading Ganger, Llanrwst FD, has retired after 49 years’ service with the Commission. He started his career on the Penmachno beat of the former Gwydyr Forest.
Maldwyn Owen, Llanrwst FD, has retired after 36 years’ service with the Commission. He was originally on the Roads Squad with the major part of his career in Gwydyr Forest.
Hugh Morgan, Lleyn Forest, Llanrwst FD, has retired after 32 years’ service with the Commission. Most of his career was spent as a Ganger in charge of the team on the large nursery which closed down in 1975. Since the mid-70s he was involved with the silvicultural work in the Commission’s woodlands on the Lleyn peninsula.
Alf Brandon, Survey Assistant, Aberystwyth and Newtown, has retired after 48 years’ service with the Commission, starting as a general forest worker at Cannock Chase and later as a plough operator in Mid and North Wales. Alf transferred to Mid Wales Roads Department in 1963 and operated excavators and dozers for several years. He received the Queen’s Silver Medal.
Picture: Alf Brandon with John Morgan, Conservator, Wales.
Leslie Cran, North Scotland, has retired after 29 years’ service with the Commission, working all over the Highlands on earth moving machines.
Picture: Leslie Cran, his wife, and colleagues.
Peter Buss, Industrial Foreman, New Forest, has retired after 38 years’ service with the Commission. In addition to working in the New Forest, he has also worked at Alice Holt and Ringwood Forests. In recent years, Peter took charge of the vegetation management on the Open Forest (the cut and burn programme). On many occasions, it was due to Peter's experience and expertise with firefighting equipment that many wildfires were dealt with so effectively. Because of his youthful appearance, it came as a surprise to many that Peter was of retirement age. When he turned up early at the venue for his retirement send off, no one else had arrived. He enquired of the steward if some “do” was on, the reply was “Oh yes, some old bloke is retiring.”
Picture: Peter Buss.
Obituaries
Eric Wynne Jones has died in Dolgellau, aged 75. He retired in 1979 after serving with the Commission as a Foreman and Forester in North Wales for 33 years.
Tom Fraser, former Head Forester, old Rowardennan Forest, who retired in 1970 has died.
Davy Masterton, former Executive Officer, old West Scotland Conservancy, who retired in 1975 has died.
Ken Mayhew, former A&FO, North Wales died in Aberystwyth Hospital, aged 78. A tribute has been sent by E.H. Bradford, from Toronto, Canada, who writes: “Ken and I joined the office of the Assistant Commander for E&W at No. 1 Whitehall in July 1928. He has been my very good friend ever since.” Ken was appointed Divisional Accountant to North Wales Division in 1937, where he met his future wife. At the outbreak of War he was transferred to the Home Grown Timber Department and set up the office in Shrewsbury, which he ran until his call up in 1941. He did his military service in the Navy and when the Shrewsbury office was amalgamated with Aberystwyth, Ken elected to accept demotion rather than leave Wales. He retired after 43 years’ service with the Commission.