Slasher Magazine Summary: Publication No. 350 - January 1991
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. To read the full edition please see the PDF link below this text.
Flippin' Heck
Picture: Staff at the Mid Scotland Conservancy don appropriate footwear in the cause of fundraising for “Children in Need”.
Important Advances - Chairman - Better Days are Ahead
Despite private planting falling by almost a third last year due to the removal of tax reliefs, Forestry Commission Chairman Raymond Johnstone is hopeful of an improvement when the economic situation improves.
Director General Robin Cutler said “As I take over, we stand at the threshold of a new phase in British Forestry”.
Pictures: (1) Forestry Commission Chairman Raymond Johnstone. (2) Director General Robin Cutler.
Double for Philip
Dr Philip Ratcliffe (Wildlife and Conservation) has won the Balfour Browne Trophy for deer management and also a £1,500 prize in the Laurent Perrier Champagne Awards.
Picture: Dr Philip Ratcliffe.
Branch Out … Let Tree Aid Grow
Tree Aid Director John Fletcher has appealed for Forestry Commission staff and their associates to give more support to the international charity Tree Aid.
Picture: John Fletcher.
East's New Chief Named
When Norman Dannatt, Conservator (East England) retires in May, he will be succeeded by Richard Smith, Assistant Conservator (Ops), North England.
David Paterson, Silviculturist (N) who retires in June will be succeeded by William Mason.
The German Connection - Air Pollution at High Levels
Pollution at 800 metres above sea level and a fungus difficult to eradicate were the main problems that Senior Ranger Andy Patmore of Northants FD came across during a visit with ten colleagues to West Germany. The article includes excerpts of his report.
Pictures: (1) Herr Fischer and his Forestry Commission visitors at Schaumberger Wald. (2) The effect of air pollution and the dendroctonus show their effect on the Norway spruce in West Germany’s Harz Mountains. (3) Herr Fischer shows a fine example of a 7m oak veneer log at Schaumberger Wald.
Graham Has Words of Advice
Graham Tuley has been appointed to the new post of Highland Woodland advisor.
Picture: Graham Tuley.
The Finnish Connection - Surprise Gifts to the Men o' Wales
Dolgellau were host to a party from the Society of Finnish Foresters in Coed-y-Brenin. Mementoes and gifts were exchanged.
Picture: Finnish visitors.
Surprise Safety Checks
The Forestry Safety Council are to conduct a survey this year to assess how aware those engaged in forest operations are to all safety measures, particularly working practices.
The Kenya Connection - White Hunter With a Mission
Former Commission man Richard Prickett, who was at Lynford Hall, Kershope, Grizedale, Hardknott and Mortimer, has spent the past 35 years in Kenya and gives a fascinating insight into the problems of conservation there. His close links with the Royal family are helping to keep his campaign in the spotlight. Back in 1952, he was Princess Elizabeth’s guide when she was at Treetops in Kenya and learned of the death of her father, King George VI. Richard was known as the ‘White Hunter’ who escorted the Queen back to Treetops in 1983.
Pictures: (1) A young bull elephant trundles past a new fig plantation. (2) Richard Prickett seven years ago when the Queen returned to Kenya.
Now The Boot’s on the Other Foot
Winston Davies has written some verses addressed to “Mr Wilson” following an issue of different sized boots from the Superintendent of Works to the Site Foreman at Llandovery Roads, Wales Conservancy.
A Few Tips …
Doreen Holland gives some hints for around the home and garden.
Horse Ride Raises £1210
A 15-mile sponsored horse ride took place in Clwyd FD in mid-September to raise funds for the Arthritis Research Council. Mrs Menna Jones and Mrs Carol Jones took part and helped to raise £1,210. Gordon Griffiths and Steven Burrows organised the route and Ken Jones helped on the day.
You're All Wet
The BBC Children in Need appeal prompted staff from M(S) Conservancy Office to participate in the fundraising effort.
Pictures: (1) Staff from M(S) Conservancy Office ran a “Soak-a-Bloke” fundraiser. (2) The Conservator couldn’t resist throwing a wet sponge at Howard Davies (Drawing Office).
Pupil Power
Children from three primary schools in the Lochawside area (Dalavich, Ardconnel and Kilchrenan) joined in the Loch Awe FD’s contribution to National Tree Week by planting oak trees and acorns in the Dalavich Oakwood.
Lessons of Storms
A symposium supported by the Arboricultural Association is to be held at Wolverhampton Polytechnic on 16th March.
TGUK's New Chief
The new Chief Executive of Timber Growers UK is Sandy Murray who took over from Ronnie Williams, who has become Executive Director of the Forestry Industry Committee of Great Britain. Peter Wilson, currently Land Use and Environmental Officer, becomes Technical Director of TGUK.
Picture: Sandy Murray.
Week of Pride
There are plans for another campaign following the 1990 New Forest Pride Week litter clear-up.
Log Mob's Good Deed
Trainee Forester Alan Campbell and Admin Officers Corinne Cheetham, Michelle Davidson and Jane MacPhail were among 33 teams who tackled an Army assault course at Fort William in aid of the British Leprosy Relief Association.
French Tarts and Not a Few Mince Pies!
Christmas celebrations and seasonal events. The Nativity scene won the day at the W(E) Conservancy seasonal competition.
The best decorated room award had the PW/Estates sections reconstructing the scene of Rene’s café from TV’s “Allo, Allo” (the series is partly filmed in Thetford Forest). Similar fun at Alice Holt who celebrated the Twelve Days of Christmas in fancy dress.
Pictures: (1) The winning Nativity scene at the W(E) Conservancy seasonal competition. (2) PW/Estates sections’ scene of Rene’s café from TV’s “Allo, Allo”. (3) Alice Holt’s Twelve Days of Christmas glamorous group.
Alwyn Hopes to Trace Van History
Living vans were used in the forests, particularly in Wales, at least 50 years ago. Alwyn Rogers of Colne, Lancashire is keen to trace the history while restoring one to its original condition to operate alongside his steam-ploughing engine.
Pictures: The stages of Alwyn Rogers’ “living van” undergoing restoration.
Echoes of '41 And The 50s
Comment on Alwyn Rogers’ van from Miss C.I. Derrick of Engineering and Operations, about records not going back that far, and details of the paperwork found in the van.
Still Down Memory Lane
A Fordson tractor which was last seen in FC hands powering a band-driven saw in North Scotland, bought for £10,000 in 1954 was sold for £325 last November.
Picture: The 36 year old Fordson OXO 872.
Pull, Tiger … Pull!
Wits’ Corner photographs with humorous tags.
Pictures: (1) Dog “pulling” a truck with the winning tag line “She’ll do anything for a biscuit, Glennis”. (2) Picture sent in by H. Davies, M(S) Drawing Office shows Mike Bentley and Tony Rees of Cowal FD at the Royal Highland show last year.
Cyclists Are In The Saddle
Clocaenog Forest, Clwyd FD, hosted the North Wales Mountain Bike Association’s third race event attracting nearly 200 entries. It reinforces the recently announced change of emphasis on policy regarding cycles on FC property. Richard Broadhurst, FC Recreation Officer, said the policy would vary depending on local characteristics, but generally, pedal cycling would be encouraged, except in conservation areas.
Picture: A competitor negotiates a ford.
A Small Silver Lining
Martin Gale of Harvesting and Marketing Division assesses the prospects for the year ahead.
Questions on Public Access
In the TUS Diary, Kenny Murray comments on the policies of public access.
In the build-up to the AGM, Kenny Murray urges members to participate in the conferences for Non-Industrial Unions in the Commission.
Kenny Murray ponders on the reporting of the current war in Iraq.
Picture: Ken Murray.
Leaving
Keith Swiers, North York Moors FD has left the FC after 18 years to go into private contracting. He joined the Commission at Dalby in 1972, having previously worked with his brothers in a direct contract harvesting team based at Wykeham Forest. Keith helped to install the new Kockums 83-35 Forwarder in 1981 and was also a beat steward at Dalby.
Picture: Keith Swiers with FDM John Mackenzie and friends.
Three Big Cheers for New Awards
Sculpture in Grizedale Forest Park has won the country’s top art award.
Dr Philip Ratcliffe of Wildlife and Conservation branch has received second prize of £1,500 in the Laurent Perrier Champagne Awards for wild game conservation.
Tony Hinde’s man-made islands to aid breeding birds have been highly commended by the Ford Conservation Award judges.
Great Grizedale
The Grizedale Society’s director Bill Grant MBE, picked up the £75,000 Prudential Award for the Arts after winning the category prize of £25,000 for the Visual Arts. The £25,000 has been used to create a new trail suitable for the disabled and has been developed in conjunction with the Commission.
Pictures: (1) Sound of Running Water by Kees Bierman. (2) Waiting for Lunch by Michael Winstone.
Islands Idea
Tony Hindes, Chief Conservation Forester, North Scotland has designed polystyrene floating islands to provide a safe home for rare breeding birds, such as the Black-throated diver and Red-throated diver.
Last Spring and Summer, of twelve of the available islands, seven were used with a total of ten chicks hatched. The RSPB has undertaken construction of similar islands.
Picture: Man-made floating island.
Deer Double
The Forestry Commission has been presented with a major conservation award for a new system for the management of red deer in upland forests. Second prize of £1,500 in the Laurent Perrier Champagne Award for wild game conservation has been awarded to Dr Philip Ratcliffe (Wildlife and Conservation Research Branch) whose 13 year project provided a scientific basis for management of red deer in Scottish forests.
Picture: Scottish forest.
Postbag
John H. Hose, Chairman, Forestry Unions Action Group says the Government’s decision not to protect public access to woodlands sold by the FC is a disappointment worsened by its attempts to pass responsibility to local authorities.
All Mod Cons in Man-Made Des-Res for the Osprey
Mick Canham, Head Conservation Ranger, is a master eyrie-builder. Mick and his team Senior Forester David Macdonald, Trainee Martin Mackenzie and Area Manager Janet Scott have constructed fifty man-made osprey nests.
Pictures: (1) Mick Canham. (2) Janet Scott.
Navy to Rescue With Gift of a Tree
A crew from HMS Gannet used a Sea King helicopter to deliver a 16 ft Norway spruce, provided by Aberfoyle FD to the Southern General Hospital in Glasgow. Craigvinean Forest supplied trees for Glasgow George Square, Motherwell Civic Centre and Stirling.
Picture: Santa and his helpers with the tree.
Forestry Honours
John Zehetmayr, former Conservator for South Wales and Senior Officer for Wales, who is currently Chairman of the Forestry Safety Council, has been awarded the OBE in the New Years’ Honours list.
Ronnie Williams, formerly Chief Executive, TGUK, and now Executive Director FICGB, has been awarded the OBE.
Albert Edwards, Llanfairpwll, Gwynedd (Ganger at Newborough Forest), has been awarded the British Empire Medal.
William Fennel, Burley Lodge, Ringwood (Forest Craftsman, New Forest), has been awarded the British Empire Medal.
Mrs Euphemia (Phemie) Mackinnon, Strontian, Argyll (recently retired AO), has been awarded the British Empire Medal.
Retirement Association
During December, members of the Alice Holt Retirement Association had a party and buffet. Entertainment was provided by the Harmony Mark IV Singers from Four Marks. Mrs Joyce Smith ran the raffle. The 1991 programme began with a visit to the theatre, followed by a social meeting at Alice Holt.
Picture: (1) Alice Holt Retirement Association Chairman Ron Brown and some of the members listen to the singers. (2) The seasonally-clad singers of Four Marks.
Twenty four members and wives gathered for the Mid-Wales Group’s Christmas Dinner.
Picture: Mid Wales member on an outing.
Twenty members and friends met for the Edinburgh HQ branch Christmas lunch and also had a theatre night out. Future activities include a visit to the Gallery of Modern Art, the Annual General Meeting and a Coffee Morning.
Retired
Dai Williams (Dai Shemmi), Llandovery FD, has retired after 38 years’ service with the Commission, all spent in the Conwyl Elfed and Brechfa areas. He spent the last three years working with the Brechfa fencing gang.
Picture: Dai Williams with his Long Service certificate, which was presented by Robert Donaldson, Llandovery FDM.
Elwyn Davies (Elwyn “Fence” Davies), Llandovery FD, has retired after 37 years’ service with the Commission, mainly in the Brechfa area. He was involved in the original site preparation work there before working on the initial roading of the forest, and he was involved in the building of the Forestry Pavilion at the Royal Welsh Showground in Builth Wells. In latter years he worked mainly with the Brechfa fencing gang.
Picture: Fence Davies receives his Long Service certificate from FMO Bob Farmer.
Jason Griffiths, Forester, Llandovery FD, has retired after 35 years’ service with the Commission. His first posting was in Slebech, West Wales before transfer to Brechfa on Forest Management duties. In 1964 he was posted to Coed y Rhaiadr for nine years, then to Rheola for seven years where he was involved in Harvesting and Marketing. In 1980, he moved to Pembrey where he was responsible for Forest Management and Agency work in conjunction with the Welsh Office.
W.D. Edwards, Llandovery FD, has retired after 29 years’ service with the Commission in West Wales, mostly in the old Coed Deufor, formerly Llanddowror Forest. From 1983, he was employed mainly on agency work on motorways and trunk roads, establishing and maintaining landscape schemes.
W.G.F. Morris, Beat steward, Llandovery FD, has retired after 28 years’ service with the Commission in the old Coed Preselli Forest. He was involved in forest management work in West Wales and in the Old Slebech Nursery area.
Picture: Beat steward W.G.F. Morris with Charles Wilde.
John Clatworthy, Morgannwyg FD, has retired after many years’ service with the Commission.
Roy Davies, Morgannwyg FD, has retired after many years’ service with the Commission.
John Nicholas, Morgannwyg FD, has retired after many years’ service with the Commission.
Picture: John Clatworthy, Roy Davies and John Nicholas with their Long Service certificates.
Bob Prosser, South-east Wales FD, has retired after 35 years’ service with the Commission. He was a Converter with the H&M squad at Brycheiniog Forest before its sale and later was FM Ganger in the new South East Wales FD.
John Scott, Rothbury FD, Northumberland, has retired after 49 years’ service with the Commission. Based at Swarland, he spent much of his recent years in the tariffing squad and on landscaping the A1 between Newcastle and Berwick.
Picture: John Scott presented with his Long Service certificate by FDM Clive Large and surrounded by his colleagues.
Derek Davies, Regional Training Officer, RTO South, has retired after 38 years’ service with the Commission. Derek was a student at Gwydyr FTS in 1953 when he first applied to join E&T Branch. Thirteen years later, he was transferred from Wales to the Dean School in Parkend. He became Management Training Officer at Dean MTC when it opened in 1972 and five years later was appointed Regional Training Officer.
Picture: Don Bardy, Jim Santer and Derek Davies with wife Myfanwy, who was presented with a bouquet by Derek’s typist Carol Simonds.
Bill Hunter, FDM, Strontian FD, has retired.
Phemie MacKinnon, AO, Strontian FD, has retired.
Strontian FD has now been split between Lochaber and Mull, North Scotland.
Picture: from left Moira Hunter, Bill Hunter with Phemie MacKinnon and her husband Alastair MacKinnon and Jim Atterson. Conservator Jim Atterson made the presentations.
Alistair Chambers, Tighnabruaich, has retired after joining the Commission on a temporary basis in 1954 in the early years of Tighnabruaich Forest.
Picture: Alistair Chambers, his wife Christine (Totie), and colleagues after being presented with his Long Service certificate by Cowal Forest District Manager, Angus Murray.
Charlie Stewart, Research Station Caretaker, Northern Research Station, Roslin, has retired after 20 years’ service with the Commission. Charlie and his family have lived on the station for over 20 years, more or less since it opened. Leaving his job also meant leaving his home. He was invited to plant a tree.
Picture: Charlie Stewart, Research Station Caretaker, and his wife May plant a tree.
Dick Underwood, Research Worker, has retired after 30 years’ service with the Commission at the Alice Holt Research Division. He spent his early years with the old Genetics Branch and lately with Silviculture South.
Picture: Dick Underwood with Tracy Houston and Eneys Sayce.
Davie Jones, Perthshire FD, has retired after 17 years’ service with the Commission, in three periods since 1947, working mainly as a chainsaw operating Forest Craftsman. Apart from his FC service, he also worked as a contractor for 26 years.
Cliff Smout, has retired after 31 years’ service with the Commission, after originally joining on a temporary basis in 1959. He saw the amalgamation of his beat on five separate occasions. Cliff is recognised for his work in organising Dendroctonus survey teams, and for his involvement with bird of prey surveys on behalf of Wildlife and Conservation Branch.
Brian Dean, Chief Forester, South Lakes, has retired after 32 years’ service with the Commission.
Frank Harvey, Ganger, (Mr Wharncliffe Woods) has retired after joining the Commission as a Forest Worker in 1958. He played a large part in the establishment of Wharncliffe Woods and many other Commission woods in the Southern Pennines. On his retirement, he was made an Honorary Warden of York Forest District, a vital role protecting the forest in the urban environment.
Picture: Frank Harvey “Mr Wharncliffe Woods”.
Norman Howgate, Ganger, Grizedale, has retired after 37 years’ service with the Commission. He manages the bar at the Theatre in the Forest in South Lakes.
Barry Teasdale, Health and Safety Officer, has retired. He joined the Commission as a DFO with Research Branch in Scotland, moving soon afterwards to Wales until transferring to HQ London in 1965. He moved back to South Wales in 1968, then to South Scotland in 1976 to take over Lothian and Tweed District. In 1979, Barry moved to HQ with Forest Management Division and in 1985 took over as Health and Safety Officer. After the Windblow of 1987, he was selected to be part of the FC team of Harvester Operators who helped clear up and he worked in the South of England until 1990.
Charlie Marsh, Paperkeeper, West England, retired after 9 years’ service with the Commission.
Picture: Charlie Marsh “Office Manager”.
Normal Steel, Mechanic, Creebridge Workshop, South Scotland has retired after 11 years’ service.
Obituary
Colonel David Rooke, Head of Information Division between 1968 and 1979, has died aged 75. Hazel Clowes, who was his assistant, writes: David Rooke came to the Commission as Head of Information after a distinguished military career in which he served on the staff of Field Marshal Montgomery. I remember him for his impeccable charm, sensitivity, humour and his power of gentle persuasion, not only of the media, but also of several Chairmen and DGs. He launched the first tabloid ‘Slasher’ in the early 1970s and insisted it be made available to all employees and retired staff. The earlier duplicated ‘Slasher’ went to management only. He spearheaded the 1989 FC Diamond Jubilee celebrations and formed the legendary Agricultural Show Unit.
Brian Foggo, Head Forester for the Black Isle, Easter Ross has died aged 51. He joined the Commission in 1955 as a 16-year-old at Glentress and his service was only interrupted by duty as a paratrooper in 1958.
Nick Styles, Marches FD, has died suddenly. He joined the Commission in Wales before joining Education and Training Branch as an instructor. Based in the Forest of Dean, he trained staff throughout SW and SE England. In 1986 he moved to Marches FD as District Forester H&M.
Evan Tom Thomas, who retired on medical grounds in June 1988, died on 22nd December, aged 57.
John Edwin Ward, who had 47 years service until his retirement from Wykeham Forest, North Yorkshire, has died. He was a plant operator, working in Northumberland and all over North Yorkshire. He assisted the firefighting team during the serious moorland fire in 1976, by operating the bulldozer. His widow, Emily, also worked for the Commission for many years at Wykeham as Forest Clerk.
Chris Austin, former EO, who medically retired in 1984, has died. He joined the Commission in Basingstoke in 1970, moved to Edinburgh in 1975 and served in West England from 1982.
Tony Morris, retired Head Forester, died last Easter aged 73. He was with the Commission from 1934-1971 in various areas, including a spell with the Ministry of Agriculture.
Bob Griffiths MBE, former Head Forester, Newborough, died last May, aged 72.