Slasher Magazine Summary: Publication No. 345 - March 1990
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.
Super Record of Service
Bob Hendrie, retired Chief Forester (Research) has written from Ross-on-Wye wanting to know if his family holds the record of service to the Forestry Commission. Three generations of his family provided two centuries of service to forestry.
Bob’s father Thomas joined the Forestry Commission in February 1926, when he took charge of the Santon Downham area of Thetford Chase and retired in 1946.
His five sons followed him into service.
Hugh Hendrie has 4 years with the Commission and 3 years with the Home Grown Timber Department.
Thomas Hendrie has 12 years with the Commission as Forester in Charge of Buriton Forest (now Queen’s Forest). Then he moved into private forestry until retirement.
Bob Hendrie has 40 years with the Commission, starting as a nursery boy aged 14 on Thetford Chase, He retired as Chief Forester (Research) at Alice Holt.
Arthur Hendrie has 41 years with the Commission, retiring in the Head Forester grade at Marefield in Sussex.
Rex Hendrie has 3 years with the Commission after leaving school.
In the third generation:
Bob’s son John has 23 years with the Commission. He is Forester in Charge at Laughton Forest.
Arthur’s son Robin has 27 years’ service. He is Head Forester in Private Woodlands based in Alice Holt.
Arthur’s son David has 30 years’ service. He is a grade III Forest Officer at Santon Downham.
Bob’s grandfather was a Forester at Dalquharon Castle estate near Maybole, Ayrshire, and although his son Thomas had 20 years’ with the Forestry Commission, he worked for 55 years in the industry.
Carnage Strikes Again - 5 Million Trees Feared Lost
High winds caused havoc with another windblow in the first two months of this year with an estimated five million trees affected. Worst hit areas were South East England and Wales, with three million trees felled in those two areas alone, but unlike the October 1987 storm, this year has seen a prolonged and frequent reoccurrence of the high winds, which could bring the final tally up to the five million mark.
Westonbirt Arboretum Superintendent, Tony Russell, gave a preliminary report: It is estimated that approximately 250 trees have been lost, another 150 seriously damaged, some of which will undoubtedly go, and a further 150 with some damage such as broken limbs, and crown reduction. The majority of trees blown down were large mature specimens, many in excess of 100 years. One of them was an Algerian fir planted in 1853.
Elsewhere, a 200 year old beech was brought down at Savernake and bridges were swept away in Scotland. Areas were flooded and FC workers in Perthshire Forest District went to the rescue of a family of four trapped in their house in Dalguise, Dunkeld, by rising floodwater. Mike Cheesewright, the H&M District Forester in Perthshire offered Tayside police the use of a Bruunett 678F Forwarder operated by Brian Graham and John Wilkinson.
Pictures: (1) A victim of the high winds. (2) The Drumclunes Bailey bridge, which at one time was completely submerged by the raging torrent. One of the abutments was washed out. (3) The Delshaugie Bridge was washed away. (4) Baroness Trumpington, Minister of State for Agriculture, on her visit to West Downs Forest District and Alice Holt Research Division with Assistant Conservator G. Hatfield. (5) A 200 year old beech which fell across the Grand Avenue at Savernake.
DG at Palace
Director General Gwyn Francis received his CB award from the Queen.
Picture: Gwyn Francis at Buckingham Palace with his wife Audrey, son David and daughter Kay.
Future of the New Forest
Management of the New Forest is to remain with the organisations and local traditions that have helped to shape it over the centuries. A New Forest Heritage Area Committee will be set up and the New Forest Consultative Panel will be reconstituted to represent all interests. Recommendations in a new report by a review group, represent a clear vote of confidence in the traditional way the forest has been run and recognition of its unique importance. The concept of a heritage area and the setting up of a committee should encourage new ideas, with everyone pulling together. Chairman of the Commission, Raymond Johnstone CBE, said at the launch of the report that it represents a very considerable achievement. The Review group was chaired by David Perry, Deputy Surveyor, with membership from the Commission, the New Forest Verderers, Hampshire County Council, the New Forest District Council, the Nature Conservancy Councill and the Countryside Commission.
Paw Thing!
The Kielder Husky Race attracted 250 Siberian huskies from all over Britain. There was a four mile race and a 13 mile event the following day. James Ogilvy, Management Officer of Kielder Forest, told Slasher that despite torrential rain, this year's event built on the success of last year's inaugural race and several hundred spectators ignored the downpour to see the teams in action. Sponsored by Labatts Canadian Lager, the rally attracted international recognition from American magazine “The Racing Siberian Husky”, which designated the Kielder event as the approved site for the whole of Britain. The race was organised on a time-trial basis, and teams were seeded so that the faster dogs and drivers - called mushers - led the way. The previous month, another husky event was held at Glenmore over three days, during which, the snowy conditions made it ideal for the many competitors.
Pictures: (1) Husky being fitted with boots. (2) Another entrant getting paws washed. (3) One of the many teams that took part in the second great husky race in Kielder Forest last month. (4) A husky team racing at Kielder. (5) At Glenmore the combination of snow and huskies provided an appropriate setting. (6) Another husky team at Glenmore.
Appointments
David Grundy, who joined the Commission in 1982, has been named as the new Commissioner for Administration and Finance to succeed Derek Rutherford, who is retiring.
Picture: David Grundy.
David Bell has started work in the Midlands as the Commission’s first Community Forester. He will spend about half his time working with the newly-created Black Country Urban Forestry Unit and will help with the South Staffordshire Community Forest, which the Forestry and Countryside Commissions are promoting in conjunction with local authorities. He will give advice and assistance to land owners, schools and voluntary groups within the area, to promote tree planting in built up areas. A forester for over 35 years, David has worked the length and breadth of Britain from Glen Affric in the Highlands, to the Lake District and Shropshire, with eight years also spent in forestry research.
Marathon Man Colin Runs for Tree Aid
Colin Saunders, Industrial Foreman, Sherwood, is hoping for a big boost towards Tree Aid funds when he runs in the London Marathon on 22nd April.
Close Liaison Answers Critics
In his TUS Diary, Kenny Murray says the House of Commons Select Committee on Agriculture published its report which contained a strong rebuke for the Government over their handling of forestry policy. Many points were made, including a statement to the effect that disposals are contradictory to a positive forestry policy. He say the unions disagree with the proposal to separate the FC’s Authority and Enterprise functions.
The Forestry Unions Action Group (FUAG) came into being on 31st January, replacing the Forestry Commission Trades Unions Working Group on Privatisation and Disposals. The FUAG comprises CPSA, GMB, NUCPS and TWGU.
MP Opens Walks
Ian Lang MP, opened two forest walks for the disabled in Mabie Forest, Dumfriesshire. Constructed under the first scheme of its kind in Britain, “Paths for Easy Ways” were designed by the Forestry Commission with advice from Dumfries Council on Disability. Funded by the local authority, 12 mentally handicapped young men started work with the FC, undertaking minor clearance and tidying up tasks and helping to build a bridge at a picnic site. The scheme was designed to offer the youths the chance to acquire new skills and self-confidence as well as develop their physical fitness, and as a result, several obtained full-time employment.
Picture: Ian Lang on a “test run” on the forest walks.
Leg Work
Among phone calls to Dumfries office in South Scotland following the recent gales, was one from a worried house owner. Her concern was whether a large tree in her garden would damage her house if it fell. What was the best method of measuring its height? She had been told to stand facing her front door and observe the tree from between her legs. If she could see the top, all was well, or so the advice had it! If the method gains credibility, Forest Surveys should go into training.
Motorway Trees
National Tree Week was celebrated in Somerset and South Devon Forest District by a combined planting of motorway trees to launch a major scheme to plant thousands of trees alongside roads in the South-west. The first of the trees was planted above the M5 at Sandygates. Interchange.
Conservation and You - Wanted: 16 Guides
Sixteen vacancies exist this year for retired foresters to help sell our woodlands to the public. Vacancies are available in 10 areas of England and Wales. The idea is from the Forestry Trust for Conservation and Education, which was registered as a charity just over two years ago to promote a better understanding of productive forestry and to show how it is compatible with conservation.
Congratulations
Congratulations to North (England), particularly Kielder FD on their success in the Laurent Perrier Awards.
Yomp Challenge
Coed y Brenin has issued a challenge for its eighth annual yomp on 2nd June. The test of fitness is limited to ages 17 and over, and involves a 10 to 15 mile route over forest tracks, tarmac road, open hill, bog and rock terrain, with an inter-FC Challenge Cup for the fastest FC finisher.
Alice Holt Cleans Up
The Sandwich student body at Alice Holt raised £330 for the TV’s “Children in Need” appeal, by holding a sponsored car wash. Private cars, Commission cars and other vehicles were targeted. David Burdekin sponsored the washing of all pool vehicles at Alice Holt. Paul Ives and the nursery boys helped with buckets, hoses, sponges, etc. They even washed a tractor.
Picture: Car washing duties.
And That's Snow-Biz
For the “Going Live” TV programme, presenters Sarah Green and Philip Schofield had been called on to sing “I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas” in a snowy forest setting. It was difficult to find snow in one of the mildest Decembers in memory, but staff at Chilterns FD found a location in Wendover Woods and the local RAF fire tender provided “snow” in the form of foam.
Pictures: (1) Sarah Green and Philip Schofield being showered with foam, between two snowmen. (2) Sarah Green and Philip Schofield under umbrellas.
Tree Tops
Wales Conservancy’s Christmas tree competition produced a Morgannwg FD winner. Entrants had to phone the Roy Noble Show on Radio Wales and answer questions based on the Christmas theme. The prize of a tree and various decorations was presented by FOI Alun James, on behalf of the FD manager, to Mrs Mair Merrill of Llansamlet, Swansea.
Sawlog Grading in Red and Green
A new system of Sawlog classification will be introduced in April for log sales in all seven Conservancies. The new grading rules, which have been devised by a working party of representatives of the Forestry Commission, the British Timber Merchants’ Association (England and Wales) and the UK Softwood Sawmillers’ Association, will replace the system described in the “Brown book”. The old classification offered three log grades (select, standard and merchantable), plus an unclassified option. In the new system, the unclassified option has been dropped and there is a choice of only two categories (designated Green and Red) for the quality, length, straightness, knot size and frequency etc.
Poachers are Fined £2500
Two men tracked by Forestry Commission wardens as they attempted to shoot deer in Kirroughtree Forest, Newton Stewart, were each fined £1,250 at Stranraer Sheriff Court. The poachers, who had failed to hit a deer, were warned that failure to pay the fines would lead to 90 days in jail.
New Courses
A course in forest operations and conservation for supervisors was launched in December and four more are already planned for this year, each to last one week.
Picture: Course members discussing habitat types in a Welsh upland forest at Mynydd Du are Andrew Campbell (Wester Ross); Vince Thirkettle (E&T); Jim Ralph (North York Moors); Dave Lowe (Marches); Simon Leatherdale (Suffolk); Bob Clark (Morgannwg).
To the Rescue
In the last issue of “Slasher”, John Hooper, retired FC Land Agent of Shrewsbury, appealed for the replacement of his stolen spudder. John has now received a replacement from a forester.
Forests Forever - Campaign for Wood Launched
The Forestry Commission is supporting a public awareness campaign led by the Timber Trade Federation entitled Forests Forever, a Campaign for Wood. TTF President Terence Mallinson, called together 150 people representing timber merchants, importers, joinery firms, furniture makers and other users to launch the campaign. He stressed that the role of the TTF was to act as a catalyst in promoting the cause of timber on behalf of all producers and users. The campaign organisers hope to raise £400,000 each year for the next three years, and in the first three months the appeal reached £114,000, with pledges for similar amounts in the second and third years. The Commission is not donating funds to the campaign, but has agreed to support it and its primary messages. The FC’s Head of Information is also a member of the campaign steering committee.
Bat Box Policy Great Success
The policy of encouraging the bat population by providing bat boxes in FC forests throughout Britain is paying dividends. From all parts of the country comes success stories featuring the safeguarded species.
For the first time in Britain, a Natterer’s bat has bred in a man-made box in Tentsmuir Forest near St Andrews in Fife. Careful management of surrounding woodland, involving the protection of trees containing bat roosts and the retention of broadleaved trees around ponds, has resulted in the bats coming to Tentsmuir. Bats are faithful to their roost and breeding sites and Commission staff are confident they will continue to use the site for the foreseeable future. The bats usually find their way into a box’s narrow entrance using a combination of visual and sonar detection. They feed by ponds, along stream sides and through the open conifer plantations.
Syd House, FD Manager for Abertay, is delighted with the success of their bat box scheme and hopes this will encourage more woodland owners to follow their example. The boxes were mounted by members of Fife Bat Group who monitor the results to provide data for future conservation measures.
In North Scotland, FC civil engineers and wildlife officers are safeguarding roosts in bridges and developing methods of incorporating roost sites into new bridge construction for the Daubenton’s bat which frequents streamside habitats. This month, the Commission published guidelines on the conservation of woodland areas. A new publication “Habitat Management for Woodland Bats” (Research Information Note No. 165) by Brenda Mayle, describes the identification and protection of natural roost sites, and the provision of artificial sites.
The guidelines give practical advice on how to improve management of woodlands to create more suitable bat habitats. Caves and hollows and dead or dying trees are all extremely valuable roosting sites and should be conserved in areas where natural roosts are lacking. Artificial bat caves and bat boxes can be provided.
FC projects include the construction and monitoring of a bat cave in Newborough Forest, Anglesey. In forests near Wareham and Ringwood, the boxes have proved successful over several years. At Prideaux Forest near St Austell, both greater and lesser horseshoe bats are roosting in former tin mine shafts in a project undertaken with Cornwall Bat Group and the Nature Conservancy Council. Grills have been installed at entrances to three disused mines, preventing public access but allowing bats to fly in and out.
Island Challenge
Boyd Mackenzie has supplied a photograph he took of the clerical staff of Cowal Forest District, Isle of Lewis, when he left the FC a couple of months ago.
Picture: Cowal Forest District clerical staff Rita, Jessie, Kate, Margaret and Mary.
Memory Time – Retirement Association
A Christmas dinner in Aberystwyth was attended by 20 members of the Mid-Wales Group of the Retirement Association.
The Hard Life
Twelve youths and three leaders spent three days in Dalavich, Loch Awe Forest District on various projects such as clearing and burning brush from the Dalavich Oakwood Trail and clearing and improving paths around the cabins. Despite the February weather, the youths stayed in a disused barn without heating, electricity and basic sanitation and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The youths were from the Fairbridge Drake Society, a registered charity which runs a ten-day basic Outward Bound course for deprived and under-privileged city youths between the ages of 13 and 25.
The courses are split into six days in various activities like canoeing, caving, or abseiling in Glasgow, and four “wilderness” days where they camp, or are centre based depending on the weather. The idea is that youngsters from genuinely deprived homes, are given hope and the chance to see that there is more to life than drugs, glue sniffing and crime. Peter Quelch, FDM, Loch Awe, said he was delighted to be able to give the hardworking youngsters the opportunity to work.
Recipe (Elderberry Syrup)
A request for recipes was answered by Joan Pascoe in Whitchurch who gives a recipe for Elderberry Syrup, which should deal with colds and sneezes.
Pick elderberries from a long established hedgerow, not sprayed with herbicides.
Cover elderberries with water and leave for a few hours, then stew well. Strain and to every pint of juice add these other ingredients: 1 lb sugar; 12 cloves; a teaspoon of ginger; a teaspoon of cinnamon.
Boil for half-an-hour. Bottle when cool. Dilute to taste in hot water.
The Yellow Peril
The Formation Dance team of Alice Holt was a highlight of the Christmas party.
Pictures: The Alice Holt drag dancers.
It’s the Place to Be to Spot Birds of Prey
In Haldon Forest, near Exeter, the Forestry Commission has provided birdwatchers and the general public with a viewpoint which allows them to see a minimum of seven different species of birds of prey, including the rare Honey Buzzard. Since the site was opened last May, it has attracted approximately 200 visitors each week from as far away as Glasgow in the north and many hundreds from the Midlands and London areas. Robin Khan, Head Ranger Conservation, West England, said “Individual bird watchers and country bird societies have shown their appreciation of the work carried out by the Forestry Commission, by sending in letters of thanks and contributions to help with the upkeep of the site”. The viewpoint is open from March until October each year. Robin advises the best time to be on site is from 9am until 1pm on a fine, warm day when the rising thermals allow the raptors to display or soar above the hillside. Common Buzzards, Honey Buzzard, Hobby, Goshawk, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel and an occasional Peregrine may all be seen and during migration, particularly in August and September, Osprey, Black Kite, Red Kite and Montagu’s Harrier have all been recorded.
Ode to the Visitor to Our Forests
Jack Jennings writes an ode about the trees, birds and visitors to the forests.
Spitfire Link With Forest Workers - Memories of a Great Battle
This summer will see the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. A small commemorative shield, found in a drawer a few years ago is on display in the Public Information Division in the FC’s Edinburgh Headquarters. The shield is to be renovated and displayed in a more prominent position. It is a reminder of the part the Forestry Commission played in helping to secure these islands from invasion.
Forestry Commission workers responded to an appeal from the Ministry of Aircraft Production to help to supply aircraft. Their donation of £5,685.5s.10d helped to buy a Mark 5 (c) Spitfire aircraft which was ordered on 19th July 1940.
In November 1941, Spitfire aircraft number AB-188 rolled off the Vickers Armstrong production line at Eastleigh, near Southampton. The aircraft was named “Forestry Commission” and entered service with 609 Squadron on 11th December 1941 under the command of Wing Commander M.L. Robinson, DSO, DFC. It had a short life.
The squadron itself, with the motto “Tally Ho” flew patrols over Dunkirk to cover the evacuation of the British Expeditionary Force. In 1944, the squadron moved to Normandy to provide the 21st Army Group with air support after D-Day, but by then AB-188 was no more. Little can be traced about the history of Spitfire AB-188. It is thought it possibly did not take part in operations - but on 22nd January 1942, just a few weeks after coming into service, “Forestry Commission” was involved in an air accident at Digby, the squadron’s base near Lincoln, and was so severely damaged it never flew again.
Later that year, the Ministry of Aircraft Production issued the Shield of Merit to the staff of the Forestry Commission. It reads: -
In the hour of peril H.M. Forestry Commission earned the gratitude of the British nations, sustaining the valour of the Royal Air Force and fortifying the cause of freedom by the gift of Spitfire aircraft. They shall mount up with wings as eagles. Issued by the Ministry of Aircraft Production, 1942.
Picture: The Ministry of Aircraft Production shield.
First-Class First Aid from Rescuer Dave Robinson
Dave Robinson, Forester, Llanrwst FD, is a qualified instructor in First Aid and nursing with the British Red Cross Society, with over 12 years experience of instructing. As such, he is one of our “in house” instructors visiting Forest Districts in Wales Conservancy, giving one-day First Aid courses to FC personnel. In December, he was returning home after a course at Dolgellau FD, when he came across a serious four vehicle “pile up” on the Crimea Pass outside Blaenau Ffestiniog. His training helped him cope with the aftermath of the accident. He radioed his district office to arrange ambulances and police and organised some by-standers to rescue trapped people in the cars. He treated the more seriously injured.
Retired
George Jones, Mobile Mechanic at Ceredigion FD has retired after nearly 51 years’ service with the Commission. He began working in Llanafan Nursery straight from school at the age of 14, and later became a lorry driver. After War service, he returned to the Commission in 1947, and continued driving. George became a mobile mechanic, outstationed from Chirk Workshop. A few months before retirement, he was transferred to Crychan Workshop at Ceredigion FD (previously Ystwyth Forest).
Picture: George Jones receiving his Long Service certificate from David Hughes.
Elwyn Claude Thomas (Claudie Thomas), Ganger, Dolgellau FD, has retired after 42 years’ service with the Commission, having joined immediately following War service in the Navy.
Picture: Claudie Thomas receives his Long Service certificate from John Morgan.
Audrey Child, HEO Administration, W(E), has retired after 40 years’ service with the Commission.
John Keenleyside, FDM, Culloden, has retired after 36 years’ service with the Commission. Starting at Coldstream, he went through Forestry School and had spells at Wykeham, Ardross, Lairg, Newton and Ardgartan in West Scotland Conservancy.
Picture: John Keenleyside with his wife Margaret and Calvin Booth.
T. Iorwerth Jones (Iorrie Jones), Llanrwst, has retired after 36 years’ service with the Commission. In recent years, he has been responsible for the repair and cleaning of picnic sites and other recreation facilities on the Gwydyr beat and was usually accompanied by his dog Jacko.
Picture: Iorrie Jones with colleagues after receiving his Long Service certificate from David Hughes.
Arthur Jones, Newtown, FM, has retired after 30 years’ service with the Commission, beginning at Caio Forest in the old South Wales Conservancy in 1959. He later transferred to Hafren and occupied a Commission house at what was the Llwynygog Forest village where one of his first experiences was being cut off for 13 weeks by the snow in 1962. Most of his service was on forest management, except for a spell on H&M when harvesting started at Hafren.
Picture: Arthur Jones with Bob Farmer, Forest Management Officer.
George Goulding, Roads Foreman, Civil Engineering Department, Llandovery, has retired after over 40 years’ service with the Commission.
Picture: George Goulding with David Killer, Civil Engineer.
Viv Williams, Llandovery, has retired after 38 years’ service with the Commission, beginning in 1951 at Crynant Forest before going to Gwydyr Forestry School in 1952. Apart from post-school work at Alice Holt from 1954-61, he spent the rest of his time in South Wales, beginning at Brechfa in 1963, then moving to Rheola in 1964, Work Study Brecon as Forester, then promoted to Head Forester and Team Leader in 1971. His remaining years were spent back in Brechfa from 1974 where he managed FM work and was responsible for the Sign Unit and FC picnic furniture manufacture.
Picture: Viv Williams with David Hughes.
John Davenport (JB), District Manager, Aberystwyth FD/Ceredigion FD, has retired after 39 years’ service with the Commission after beginning his career in 1950 as a Forest Worker in Cynwyd. He went to Gwydyr Forestry School, and worked at Coed y Brenin, Work Study, Gwydyr, Hafren South, Education and Training, Dyfi, Ystwyth and Corris FD.
Picture: John Davenport with wife Iola and Conservator John Morgan.
Barbara Hayden, AO, Publications Branch, Alice Holt, has retired after 26 years’ service with the Commission.
Picture: Barbara Hayden.
Gordon Derrick, Private Woodlands Officer W(E), has retired after 35 years’ service with the Commission. He has served in field posts in Scotland, Wales, East England, West England and in Forest Management Division, Headquarters and Sarawak.
Cecil Snowden, Mechanic Grade I, Dalby Repair Depot, has retired after 40 years’ service with the Commission.
Jock Gunn, Leading Ganger, Perthshire FD, has retired after 41 years’ service with the Commission. He spent the early years in Keillour Forest. When the hurricane hit the Strathearn area in February 1984 and brought down the best of the Keillour plantation which he had tended, it required his supervision of the felling of trees he had planted.
Martin Gott, South Lakes FD, has retired after 44 years’ service with the Commission, working on establishment, extraction with his own tractor and latterly, restocking DOT work and marking for standing sales.
Peter McKenzie, Easter Ross, has retired after many years’ service with the Commission.
Colin McDonald, Easter Ross, has retired after many years’ service with the Commission.
John Frankcom, Keeper, New Forest, has retired after 28 years’ service with the Commission after initially joining aged 17. He learned his keepering skills during six years working on Lord Montagu’s Beaulieu estate and returned to the Commission as a Keeper in 1961.
Picture: John Frankcom with his wife Sylvia and Martin Noble, Head Keeper.
Jim Chalmers, Kincardine, has retired after 26 years’ service with the Commission, after joining the clerical staff at Queen’s Gate, Aberdeen in 1964. He worked for short spells at the old FD office in Banchory and at Huntly before moving to Kincardine in 1988.
Picture: Jim Chalmers with Kincardine Admin staff Morag, Audrey and Joan.
George Smith, Craftsman, Lorne FD, has retired after 22 years’ service with the Commission, all served in Glen Orchy District.
Picture: George Smith with wife Mary and colleagues.
Alan Mackay, Assistant Conservator, Operations N(S) has retired after 37 years’ service with the Commission, of which 32 years were spent in North Scotland. His forte was harvesting and marketing.
Picture: Alan Mackay with his colleagues.
Obituaries
George Cross, former Chief Forester in the New Forest, was killed by a falling branch during the storm on 25th January. He had 46 years’ service with the Forestry Commission in Micheldever, Arundel, Challock, Alice Holt and Bramshill.
Catherine Stoddart (Kay Stoddart) died on 1st December. Generations of budding foresters at Benmore, Glentress and Faskally will remember her kindness and hospitality. Her generous and unstinting help extended from 1946 to 1967, when husband Bill Stoddart left the FC and embarked on a new life in Australia. They returned in 1971, with brief stays in Inverness, Cullen, Comrie and finally Forres.
Reginald Meech, former Head Forester, died on 2nd November. He was known for his expertise in the Ferndown Nursery and was promoted to Head Forester in the 1960s. He moved to Ashley Heath after Ferndown and Ringwood were amalgamated, and retired in 1973 after 26 years’ service with the Commission.
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