Slasher Magazine Summary: Publication No. 346 - May 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 and assisted by staff at Forest Research, Roslin. Brian Mahony has been instrumental in locating many missing editions and continues the searches to locate all the earlier publication numbers.
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 420 issues or publications were produced between January 1948 and the final issue in 2009.
Roy Gregor Good Wishes
Good wishes for a successful recovery are sent to Roy Gregor, Editor of ‘Slasher’.
Forestry Unions' Action Group
The FUAG held a press launch in London on 29th March and started the campaign against the new disposals policy.
Champion Bill Cook
Bill Cook ACE(S) based at Exeter FD has become joint championship winner in his class at the National Rally Championship of RAC/MSC Autosport. He won his class as co-driver driving a Toyota Corolla.
Winning Ideas
Bright ideas are wanted by South Scotland Staff Suggestion Committee. Mrs W.F. Maloney, of the Private Forestry and Environment section at Dumfries said the Committee discussed four new suggestions from which three awards were made. The fourth suggestion on cash-less pay was rejected.
Spring Clean
During the New Forest Pride Week, a successful “Spring Clean” finished in April. Close co-operation between the organisers, New Forest District Council and the Forestry Commission allowed early collection of 8,000 bags of litter collected by 6,000 volunteers. Many schools took part and various organisations sponsored the provision of educational materials to schools. Total sponsorship amounted to £1,500.
Doug, Life-Saver
Picture: Doug Morrison, Buchan’s Kockums operator is seen replacing sump fluid on the machine. The sump capacity of 17.5 litres, co-incidentally equals his total contribution as a blood donor. BBC TV’s ‘Reporting Scotland’ team reported on the Blood Transfusion Service, tracing the supply from the donor to needy recipients.
Picture: Doug Morrison.
Spring Spectacular
Wales Conservancy Office staff had a spectacular view of storms and high seas in February and March. The sea washed over the road and up to the front steps of the building at Aberystwyth. The waves hit the windows on the second floor and spray went over the top of the four storey building.
Viewpoint for George Francey
A viewpoint, three miles south of Dalavich, overlooking Loch Awe, has been opened by the Forestry Commission in honour of George Francey, MBE, retired Chief Forester at Inverliever. Peter Quelch, District Manager, Loch Awe, paid tribute to George’s work at Inverliever.
Bill Carries the Banner
Bill MacDonald, Lorne FD represented the FC on their stand at the Scottish National Rhododendron Show in Oban.
Proud Pinetum
The upgraded Visitors’ Centre at the Bedgebury Pinetum opened on the 13th April.
Butterfly Safety Net
Staff are working to improve an area in Cropton Forest, near the Keldy Cabins, chosen by the rare Small-Pearl Bordered Fritillary butterfly. FD Manager John Mackenzie is being advised on the best habitat by entomologist Philip Winter of Muston, Filey.
Frogs and Toads - Safety-First is the Conservation Message
An initiative by the Forestry Commission is creating a safer haven for frogs and toads.
At Newtondale, Cropton Forest, in North Yorkshire Forest Park, a winter pond creation programme has been completed in time for the frog-spawning season. More ponds have been created at Sneaton Moor and in the Forest Nature Reserve at Deepdale, Dalby. The work has been carried out by local plant hire contractor, John Martinson of Scarborough. FD Manager John Mackenzie is impressed by the sensitive interpretation of the site requirements by digger operator Sam Featherstone.
In the Midlands, new signs have been erected, warning motorists of toads near the Commission’s Fineshade Wood.
Picture: Forester Steve Cresswell of Cropton with a frog.
Team Rallied Round to Save Rally
Dorset FD staff helped clear the course after a freak storm, so the Mazda Winter Rally could go ahead as scheduled. J.G. Rastall of Environment W(E) reports on the dire weather conditions and the work of the Dorset FD staff, motor club members and residents.
Top Sharp-Shooters, Darts and Quiz
North York Moors FD shooting team of John Mackenzie (FDM), Peter Green (District Forester, FM) and Charles Critchley (Head Ranger) won a trophy at the Malton Rifle and Pistol Club’s annual competition. Charles Critchley had the highest scoring card with 92.
Picture: North York Moors FD shooting team of John Mackenzie, Peter Green and Charles Critchley.
At the North York Moors FD Darts competition, the Cropton team of Alan Hodgson, Paul Jenkins, Andrew Knott and Anthony Stockdale retained the trophy for a second year. Runners up were Dalby Contractors.
North York Moors FD Quiz team were victorious overall against York.
Video on Deer
The Forestry Commission launched a video for anyone with a direct interest in the processing of wild deer. In the video, East England Head Ranger, Roger North, demonstrates exemplary practice in the field and in the larder. Norman Dannatt, Conservator for East England and John Adams of Arun District Council launched the video at a Press conference.
Postbag
FC-speak - here's the answer: A humorous letter from P. Barwick, District Forester FM, Sherwood Forest District, who believes it is time to publish a flippant letter. He has some suggestions for jargon and definitions.
Lonely: Jack Jennings (C/F retired) hears some conflicting views in a conversation with a former colleague.
Prize Pages
‘Slasher’ has won an award from the British Association of Industrial Editors for its Christmas tree spread. The Commission’s publication “British Softwoods: Properties and Uses” has been listed as one of the top ten pieces of literature in demand from “What’s New in Building”.
On the Ball! The Welsh Wizards
The Welsh Civil Service Sports Council football final was played at Penrhyncoch in March and the winning team comprised mostly of Forestry Commission staff from Wales Conservancy office at Aberystwyth.
Picture: Paul John; Gareth Price; Neil Welch; Kevin Jenkins; Mike Over; Alwyn Jones; John Galbraith; Richard Lucas; Keith Jones; Ian Frost; Shaun Mather; and Brian Isaacs.
Masterminds o' the Glens - Tracing our family trees
Dr Ian Forrest, biochemist at the Research Station in Roslin has developed new techniques to classify the Scots pine ‘families’. Some of Ian’s work plays a role in a major extension of native pinewoods in Glen Affric, where Magnus Magnusson KBE, recently planted the first of 15,000 trees. Details are given of the plans for long term re-creation and management.
Pictures: (1) Chairman Raymond Johnstone and Magnus Magnusson are interviewed for the radio and national newspapers. (2) FDM Richard Davies, members of the Royal Scottish Forestry Society, Magnus Magnusson, Conservator Jim Atterson and Chairman Raymond Johnstone. (3) Ranger Mick Canham steadies the dinghy for Magnus, Conservator Jim Atterson, the Chairman and District Forester John Evans. (4) District Forester John Evans, Raymond Johnstone, Magnus Magnusson and Jim Atterson in the dinghy. (5) Dr Ian Forrest. (6) A map of the seven regional boundaries for the Scots pine ‘family’. NW and SW are exclusion zones.
'Detectives' Find Clues
Scientists at the Northern Research Station in Roslin are using scientific fingerprinting methods to identify the various “clans” of Scots pine trees in the latest drive to re-establish the ancient Caledonian pine forests. In an article in the publication ‘Forest Life’, Dr Ian Forrest explains how the analysis of conifer resin can pinpoint genetic variations and help to locate the best woodlands from which to collect seeds for restocking. He points out that there are two distinct “races” of Scots pine with fundamentally different histories and other regional groups.
The article produced much publicity for the Commission’s work on this special species. Ian was interviewed on the radio programme “Good Morning, Scotland”. Graham Gill, Head of Environment Branch talked to John Dunn on BBC Radio 2. On another radio programme, Ron Johnstone, Wester Ross FDM, talked about a project in Skye. The article contains transcripts of the radio interviews with Dr Ian Forrest on “Good Morning Scotland”, Graham Gill on Radio 2 and Ron Johnstone, Wester Ross FDM, on Radio Scotland’s “Around the Belt”.
Safari Sue Heads into the Unknown
Kielder Safaris were launched last month in a partnership with the Forestry Commission, Northumberland National Park, and Northumbrian Water Ltd. Small groups of adventurers will get a glimpse into the hidden depths of Kielder Forest and the reservoir. At the launch, TV, radio and the Press were there to publicise the venture. Sue Larkin, appropriately dressed, was imported for the occasion by the BBC. Brian Long, the FC Kielder Ranger also attended.
Pictures: (1) Safari Sue (2) Brian Long.
Editor Roy Gregor Recovering
After undergoing a major operation, ‘Slasher’ editor Roy Gregor is well and has left Edinburgh City Hospital.
All's Well and Thriving!
There have been successful reunions of groups of the FC Retirement Association.
The Mid Scotland Group’s AGM was held and outings are planned.
The Alice Holt Group held their AGM with the election of Committee members Ron Brown; Lawrie Tee; Wendy Lampard; Alice Taylor; Lena Birchall; Betty Page; and Bill Taylor. Details of outings were given.
Members of the Mid Wales Group visited Coed-y-Brenin with FD Manager Mark Yorke hosting the tour.
The Euro Design
In April, Simon Bell, the Commission’s Senior Landscape Architect, based at HQ, and James Swabey, West England Conservancy Landscape Architect, ran a training course in Herning on Jutland for the Danish Forest and Nature Agency. To understand the Danish forests and their set up, Simon Bell and Richard Broadhurst, Senior Reception Officer (HQ) paid a preliminary visit to Denmark.
Picture: Simon Bell and James Swabey with the group.
Trail-blazers
Trevor Brooking MBE, former football star, officially opened Thetford Forest Park on 11th May 1990 by kicking a football instead of cutting a tape. Ana Chylak, Forest Development Manager for Thetford, praised the new status as a Forest Park. Publicity goods carried the Thetford Forest Park logo, designed by Alan Chalmers, Design and Interpretation Branch. Len Simpson, FD Manager at Thetford, said the opening is in recognition of what the staff have built up over the years.
Dr Jack Cunningham, MP for Copeland, officially opened the 13-mile trail at Ennerdale in the Lake District from Bowness Knott, alongside Ennerdale Water and into the forest. Ennerdale was one of the first areas to be acquired by the Forestry Commission, with the earliest plantings at High Beck in 1926, using labour from the high unemployment areas of West Cumberland. While on the trail with Dr Cunningham, Liz McIntosh explained her role as a Landscape Architect.
In the Chilterns this summer, a woodland walk meandering through 70 acres of FC woodland is set to become a new arts venue to be known as the Chiltern Sculpture Trail, which was initiated by the Oxfordshire Sculpture Group and the Forestry Commission.
The FC will begin work on creating a mile-long “Easitrail” in Wyre Forest, which will feature an all-weather surface and shallow gradients, allowing access for people with walking difficulties and those in wheelchairs and pushchairs.
Pictures: (1) Dr Jack Cunningham, MP unveiling the Ennerdale Trail with FDM Mike Scott and Conservator Andy Neustein. (2) Graphics Officer Ann Baxter, who designed the illustrative panels. (3) Sculptor Timothy Shutter with his stone table and Keith Wallis of the FC at the Chiltern Sculpture Trail. (4) Trevor Brooking and Ana Chylak by the new Thetford Forest sign. (5) Trevor Brooking unveiling the Thetford Forest sign. (6) Group celebrating with balloons under a Forestry Commission sign.
New Walk
Baroness Trumpington, Minister of State for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, visited Kielder Forest to plant a maple tree marking the beginning of a woodland walk. Sponsored by the Federation of Master Builders, the walk is almost complete.
Retired
Mike Williams, Clwyd FD, Ceiriog Forest has retired after 28 years’ service with the Commission, beginning his career at Ceiriog Forest.
Picture: Mike Williams, Mr P.M. Hughes, Ben Williams and Aneurin Davies.
Graham Jeffrey, District Manager, Perthshire, has retired after 26 years’ service with the Commission, the last five years as District Manager.
Picture: Graham Jeffrey with colleagues and Dr Ros Smith of the NCC, signing management agreements for SSSIs.
Alexander Banks, LCEA, Perth, has retired after joining the Commission as a CEA in 1966 and starting work at the old Cairnbaan camp office above the Crinan Canal in West Scotland. In the early 1970s when Lochgilphead office was established at Whitegates, the adjoining area was sold, in a unique FC project, as a fully serviced residential 44 plot development. Alec was involved in the preparation of drawings for utilities in the area. He also acted as Area Civil Engineer’s Clerk of Works and Quantity Surveyor for the contract.
Picture: Alec Banks receiving a gift from R.M. Hay, Director of Engineering.
Peter McKenzie, Easter Ross, has retired from the Commission.
Picture: Peter McKenzie, surrounded by workmates, receives his Long Service certificate from Bob Dunsmore, PF and EO.
Colin McDonald, Easter Ross, has retired from the Commission.
Picture: Colin McDonald, with his workmates, receives his Long Service certificate from Bob Dunsmore, PF and EO.
Ian MacDonald, Kintyre FD, has retired after 44 years’ service with the Commission. Joining after leaving the marines at the end of War, he was almost permanently based at Carradale, carrying out general duties including work at the old Carradale FC nursery.
Owen Ingram, Forest Management, Coed Sarnau, Newtown FD, Wales, has retired after 35 years’ service with the Commission joining at Coed Sarnau in 1954.
Jimmy MacKechnie, Senior Storeman, Glenbranter Workshop, has retired after 27 years’ service with the Commission.
Mrs Carol Weston, Conservancy Office, has retired after joining the Commission in 1968 as a CA in the Accounts Section. Subsequently, as CO, she worked in H&M, Estates, Estabs. and latterly Engineering. She will be moving to Cyprus.
Picture: Carol Weston receiving a bouquet from Iain Miller, on behalf of her colleagues.
Charles Pritchard, Forest Management, Coed Sarnau, Newtown FD, Wales, has retired after 42 years’ service with the Commission, joining in 1947. He has spent his career on forest management at Coed Sarnau.
Peter Westley, Llanrwst FD, has retired after 44 years’ service with the Commission, after joining in 1946 at the former Salcey Forest on the Buckinghamshire / Northamptonshire border. After serving with the RAF, he returned to the Commission and attended Glentress and Gwydyr Forester Training Schools before going to the old North Wales Conservancy. He had spells at Carno and Rheidol Forests, eight years with the Forest Surveys team in Mid Wales and then in 1976, took charge of the Lleyn beat, Beddgelert Forest, now part of Llanrwst FD.
Picture: Peter Westley.
George Parker, Roads Foreman, Llanrwst FD, has retired after 43 years’ service with the Commission. He was originally with the forest side at Coed-y-Brenin and joined the Roads Department in 1956. Recently, he received a certificate for his part in the Llyn Parc Mawr project at Newborough, which won a Prince of Wales Award.
Picture: George Parker.
Cyril Price, Forest Craftsman, Clocaenog Forest, Clwyd FD, has retired after 38 years’ service with the Commission, in the Forest Management gang.
Elwyn Pugh, Ganger, Tywi Forest, has retired after 33 years’ service with the Commission. He was employed on the whole range of forest operations, and in later years, on thinning plantations he had helped to plant.
Obituary
Andrew Barden, Midlands Research worker aged 19, was killed in a car crash during a storm. He joined the Commission in the Research Division, Silviculture, Midlands, last September. A Scout since the age of eight, he was recently given the highest Scouting accolade, the Queen’s Award.