Slasher Magazine Summary: Publication No. 357 - September 1992
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.
Top of the Tree
Glenmore Forest Park has won the John Kennedy Memorial Trophy in the Class 1 category of the Scottish Woods & Forests Award 1992. Glenmore Forest Park lies in the Inverness FD managed by Roger Muhl. Highly commended in the same class was Mabie Forest, managed by Joe Meechan FDM, and Culbin Forest managed by Gordon Rae, District Forester.
Picture: Joe Meechan, Roger Muhl and Gordon Rae.
Tracey Takes Over as New Slasher Editor
Slasher’s new editor is Tracey Francis, who joined the Public Information Division in August.
Picture: Tracey Francis.
Carol's On Call
Carol Gill is one of Slasher’s correspondents.
Picture: Carol Gill.
Forest Initiative Aims to Lure Film Stars Back
Pictures: (1) John Gummer does his Robin Hood act. (2) Gerald Springthorpe and Lord Howe.
Sherwood on Target!
An arrow fired by Forestry Minister John Gummer launched an ambitious project in Sherwood Forest. His Robin Hood act was to mark the spot in Clipstone where an oak was to be planted to mark the initiative to restore Sherwood to its former glory. Mr Gummer took up a spade and dug the hole where his arrow landed. The forest has suffered a decline over many years and has been under considerable pressure from industrial development with little now remaining of the ancient woodland.
A Big Day for Bagot
Bagot’s Wood Conservation Management plan has been launched. Present were Lord Howe, Forestry Ministry in England, Director General Robin Cutler, Gerald Springthorpe, retired Head Ranger, Jack Chard, former Conservator, and John Fletcher, most recent Conservator, who in his retirement has worked for Tree Aid and the Institute of Chartered Foresters. Phil Drabble is a neighbour at Bagot’s Wood and his adjoining Goat Lodge nature reserve is a protected habitat for badger and heron as well as other wildlife.
Critics Put in Their Place
Phil Drabble of TV’s ‘One Man and His Dog’, writing in the Autumn issue of the RSPB magazine ‘Birds’, says the Forestry Commission has chipped in (at Bagot’s Wood) with a contribution beyond price with a special conservation area next to his reserve.
Three Top Centres Named
Centre of Excellence certificates have been presented to three woodlands in England in the first of a series of awards given by the Forestry Authority Conservators. Ron Melville, Thames and Chilterns, chose Burnham Beeches (owned by the Corporation of London); James Ogilvie, Northumberland & Durham, gave his vote to Blagden Estate, Northumberland (owner Viscount Ridley), and West Country Conservator, Ken Buswell, awarded his prize to Harcombe Estate, Exeter (owned by the Fire Service National Benevolent Fund).
Picture: Ron Melville who gave his vote to Burnham Beeches.
Low Fell Joint Runner-Up
Low Fell in Grizedale, Lakes FD, where Brian Mahony is Manager, has won second prize in a national scheme, the Duke of Cornwall’s Award for Forestry and Conservation. The scheme - run in a different region each year - was won jointly by Stenigot Estate in Lincolnshire and St. Giles Estate in Wiltshire. Dinam Estate near Builth Wells shared the second prize with Low Fell. The award is administered by the Royal Forestry Society for England, Wales and Northern Ireland. This year’s judges included former FC Conservator, Roderick Hewitt.
Cannonball Service!
A suggestion that a cannon shot might attract attention to our forests in the drive to woo visitors. Recent developments include: -
Building work at High Lodge, Thetford. The High Lodge Forest Centre was officially opened by Chris Packham, a presenter of the BBC’s Really Wild Show.
Pictures: (1) Visitors at the new Centre at Thetford. (2) BBC presenter Chris Packham opens the High Lodge centre.
In Tay District, foresters made a lot of noise about their plans for Craigvinean, Scotland’s oldest continuously managed forest. A 19th century cannon, with cannon balls loaded with seeds was fired in the forest by members of the Duke of Atholl’s army wearing full highland regalia. The cannon shots signify major improvements for the landscaping, recreation and conservation of the area. Charlie Taylor is the Tay District Manager.
Picture: Atholl Highlanders launch a cannon ball carrying seed in the old forest of Craigvinean.
In the Spey Valley area, North Scotland’s forest districts are opening up to the public in several ways. A high elevation road on Ben Aigan, a prominent hill overlooking the lower Spey Valley, has opened for the public to drive through.
In Kielder, Northumberland, Baroness Masham opened the Duke’s Trail, a mile-long woodland trail which starts and finishes at Kielder Castle Visitors Centre. The trail has been designed for the less abled.
Picture: Lady Masham tries out a wooden xylophone on the Duke’s Trail at Kielder.
In Buchan, more than 1,000 people visited the Forest District on its Open Day. 300 cars drove through the Bin Forest where harvesting was demonstrated.
Picture: Regional Director Graham Hamilton, District Forester John Weir and other Buchan FD staff.
An Open Day at Ae to mark the creation of the Forest District and Forest Enterprise attracted hundreds of visitors. Demonstrations included old and new harvesting techniques, conservation work and recreational improvements. FDM Joe Meechan looked for volunteers to use the cross-cut saw.
A major new recreational area near Aberdeen was officially opened by Roger Carr, Chairman of Countryside Around Towns Forum. The project links Kincardine FD’s Kirkhill Forest with land owned by the Scottish Agricultural College, privately owned forest, and the District Council’s Brimmond and Elrick Hill.
A window display was mounted in a recently vacated Tourist Board office in Inverness.
Gold in Them Thar Hills
Jock Low has memories and tales of gold in the Welsh valleys.
Champ Sets Example
Champion woodcutter of Britain, Duncan Gillies of Lorne has been awarded a Certificate of Competence in Chainsaw Operations.
Picture: Duncan Gillies receives his award from North Region’s Training Officer, Roy Harvey at the Royal Highland Show.
Lough Site is Nature Reserve
Lord Cranbrook, Chairman of English Nature, has declared Greenlaw Lough in Northumberland a National Nature Reserve.
Greenlaw Lough, on the edge of Kielder Forest, is jointly owned and managed by Forest Enterprise, Northumberland National Park and the Northumberland Wildlife Trust as a nature reserve.
Attending the declaration ceremony were Lord Cranbrook and Dr Kevin Charman (English Nature), Bob McIntosh (FDM, Kielder), Dr Angus Lunn (Northumberland Wildlife Trust) and Councillor Eddie Teasdale (Chairman, Northumberland National Park Committee).
The Direct Approach
Liberal Democrat MPs Charles Kennedy and Sir Russell Johnston appreciated their recent fact finding meeting with the Forestry Commission’s Director General, Robin Cutler.
Profits Up Again
The Commission’s forest holidays in cabins, cottages ad campsites are popular, with a turnover of £3.5 million. West England and the New Forest led the way.
The Joys of Being Your Link With Slasher
Brina Evans reveals the joys of being a ‘Slasher’ correspondent.
Bonjour Sabine!
Nineteen year old Sabine Sabatier from Provence spent six weeks on placement at Headquarters this summer. She shadowed Anne Stohlner, Personal Assistant to the Chairman and DG, and Stella Simpson.
Picture: Sabine Sabatier and Anne Stohlner.
Two-Day Joint Trip Planned
Edinburgh HQ branch of the Retirement Association are joining with South Scotland pensioners for their next trip which involves a forest visit, informal talks, red deer and other wildlife topics. The trip will start at the Murray Arms Hotel, Gatehouse.
Sitting Pretty
Mute swans are nesting on carpet underfelt and wire netting on Loch Lubnaig, near Callander, provided by Aberfoyle Forest Enterprise and a local Scout group.
Picture: Swans on their nest on Loch Lubnaig.
A Royal Toast
A witty “response” from Paul Dunsmore during a Royal toast.
Picture: Paul Dunsmore with Prince Charles.
Get On Yer Bikes, Lads
FE Recreation Rangers Stephen Shipp and Philip Clague are using mountain bikes to cover large areas, looking for lost children, collecting litter and checking paths, signs and gates. FE Leading Ranger, Kate Haine, said mountain bikes offer a cheap and effective alternative to driving or walking around.
Honours
Senior Ranger Michael Stacey who served with the Commission for 48 years and retired from Wilts & Avon FD last December, received his BEM from the Lord Lieutenant for Wiltshire, Field Marshall Sir Roland Gibbs. Mike is a recognised expert in the identification and breeding of butterflies and moths.
Picture: Michael Stacey and Sir Roland Gibbs.
Ludlow’s Wildlife Ranger John Speed, who has spent 25 years keeping watch over more than 18,000 acres in Shropshire, Hereford and Worcester, is to receive a special FE commendation. FDM Ian Hickman said “John’s experience is invaluable”.
Director General Robin Cutler has received a Doctor of Science honorary degree from Aberdeen University.
Picture: Robin Cutler at the ceremony.
Trophy Winners
Cornwall & North Devon FD have received the Longhurst Trophy, awarded by the Royal Agricultural Society each year for the best entry in the pure conifer class over 40 years of age. The stand is a 2ha block of Western Hemlock in the River Camel Valley, North Cornwall. District Forester David Pedler attended the Royal Show in July to receive the trophy.
Kielder Goes to Rio
Kielder Forest featured in a film commissioned by the Foreign Office, for screening at the Earth Summit in Rio. The twenty seven minute film also featured climate change, water purification, car recycling, conservation of the barn owl, and the re -introduction of trams in Manchester.
Bright Ideas Brigade
Receiving awards for bright ideas for the Staff Suggestion Scheme are: -
£600 Work method: W. MacPherson and I. Wilson (Loch Awe).
£500 Control of Run-Off: J. Ree and staff (Kintyre).
£76 Dummy run disks for industrial payroll: Mrs E. Hopkins (North Wales Conservancy).
£76 First-aid kit pouch: C. Webb (Midlands FD).
£60 Ready reckoner charts WGS and FWS: J. Lindsay (Strathclyde Conservancy), S. Cooper (Wye and Avon Conservancy).
£48 Revision of PW Forms: Mrs L. McGinley (Lakes FD).
£48 Forest sign maintenance: B.L. Jones (South East Wales).
Bird Watch At Dornoch
A special hide allowed 5,000 visitors to view Hen Harrier chicks at Forest Enterprise’s Strathrory Forest, near Inverness. FDM Ian Forshaw and his Dornoch staff improved the viewing facilities and were assisted by the local community and guided by the RSPB and Scottish National Heritage.
The Little Brats Hit Rendlesham
Pine Weevil damage has affected a 30ha area of Rendlesham Forest in Suffolk FD. Paula Keen, FDM provided the details and possible causes.
Surprise Visitor!
The Queen and the Duchess of Kent visited the Commission’s exhibit at the Royal Highland Show in Edinburgh.
Pictures: (1) The Duchess of Kent does a walk-about. (2) The Duchess of Kent meets flower girl Nicola Waycott and her mother. Roger Busby, Charles Woosnam and John Everard look on. (3) Head Ranger John Gibson explains his duties at the new lodge. (4) The Queen on the Commission’s mini walkway.
TUS Diary
Kenny Murray prints a letter from the Political Office stating the Government has no plans at present to privatise the Forestry Commission.
Safety First in the Glen
A new scenic route through the Great Glen for cyclists is the brainchild of Martin Rodgers, FM Forester at Fort August FD. Jimmy MacGregor of BBC Radio Scotland cut the ribbon to open the first 11 miles of the route which should stretch to 70 miles from Fort William to Inverness by next summer.
Picture: Cyclists at the opening of the Great Glen Cycleroute.
Austin Brady Writes History of the 'Shire Wood'
Austin Brady, FDM, Sherwood, has written a history of the forest for the journal of the Royal Forestry Society. The name ‘Sherwood Forest’, well known due to the legend of Robin Hood and folklore, is thought to be derived from “shire wood”, applied to most of Nottinghamshire north of the Trent in references in the Domesday Book. The article contains many facts about the area.
How Sandy Had Sherwood Dream
Sponsorship will be used to provide funding and services for the Sherwood Initiative. The idea to reverse the centuries of decline and depletion of Sherwood Forest emerged in 1987 when Sandy Greig was FDM there.
How Gerald and Phil Led the Way
Forestry Commission Director General, Robin Cutler paid tribute to TV’s Phil Drabble and Gerald Springthorpe, the former advisor at Cannock.
Picture: (1) Phil Drabble in Bagot’s Wood with Regional Advisory Committee Chairman Rachel Thomas. (2) Lord Howe; Richard Smith, Chief Conservator England; Roger Busby, Regional Director South and West England; and Patrick Cormack, FSA MP.
New Trail
The recently completed nature trail in Chalkney Wood Forest Nature Reserve (and SSSI) was launched by Dr Oliver Rackham.
Postbag
Maurice (83) is Mr Weatherman
Mr L.A. Howe, H/F retired, from Christchurch, Dorset, has written about the achievements of 83-year old former Research Officer Maurice Nimmo, who collects statistics for the Met. Office.
Ring the Changes
Opinions are requested on a new masthead for ‘The Slasher’.
Tree Aid Look to Expand
A letter from John Fletcher, Honorary Director of Tree Aid, gives an update on Tree Aid and appeals for funding.
Have You Seen This Model?
A letter from Dr John Parker, Communications Officer, Research Division, states a visitor to Alice Holt Open Day wants to trace a model presented to his father. It shows fencing, made in wood and brass and is dated 1933 with the name of the forester Anthony Simpson, who worked in forestry from 1906-1933.
Dressing
Gerald Darby gives details of Tree Dressing Day, a tradition going back centuries in many countries.
Curling
Doug Goddard, Secretary of the HQ Curling Club, writes to complain about the description of the performance of curlers as a “flop” in an article in ‘Slasher’.
Sports
Fun Time for Soccer Girls
There are female and male players in FC Scottish Soccer teams.
Picture: (1) Dumfries Regional Office staff team after a friendly match with Ae FD. (2) The North Scotland team have been accepted into the Inverness District Amateur League. Club President Donald Porter said they have been training hard (in the art of falling over dramatically in the penalty box).
Ten Knock-outs!
S&W Regional Office took part in a charity “It’s a Knock-Out” event. In the team were Ken Milsom, Karen Berry, Simon Angrove, Rachel Moore, Nigel Streether, Sue Coventry, Tracey Edmunds, Dave Kingscott, Karen McKend and Buddug Davies.
Pictures: The FC team.
Long Shot Pays Off
Richard Keddle, Research Industrial Worker at Brecon got a hole in 192. His effort over 15.5 miles raised money for local charities.
Picture: Richard Keddie, Caris Lewis, the Mayor of Brecon and Mr R. Leakey.
Henry Scott won the Fotheringham Trophy at Thornhill with a superb 63.
Leaving
Liz Broadley, EO, Estate Office, New Forest, has left the Commission to settle in Southern France.
Picture: Liz Broadley at her French themed farewell party, with “Johnny Onions” Roger Newland.
Retired
Andy Neustein, Conservator, North East England, has retired after 37 years’ service with the Commission.
Picture: Andy Neustein.
Geoff Haw, Operations Support Officer, North East England, has retired after 42 years’ service with the Commission.
Dennis Gosden, Grizedale, Lakes FD, has retired after 50 years’ service with the Commission. He was five years old when he moved to the area with his father, a Gamekeeper, employed by Harold Brocklebank, then owner of Grizedale. On leaving school aged 14, Dennis joined the Commission and initially spent a lot of time on prep ground, assisting a crawler driver to remove coppice stumps. He acquired all the traditional forest skills, felling with axe and crosscut, planting, draining, brashing, nurseryman, chokerman, maker of recreational furniture and latterly was the forests’ fencing expert, being responsible for the erection of deer fences around Grizedale's restock sites.
Picture: Dennis on a suitably inscribed bench of Grizedale Oak, erected on the site of his last day’s work, where colleagues, friends and relatives gathered to wish him well.
Frank Roberts, Forest Craftsman, has retired after 40 years’ service with the Commission.
Picture: Frank Roberts with his Long Service certificate presented by FDM Austin Brady of Sherwood/Lincs.
Mike Millman, Forest Officer, Somerset and South Devon FD, has retired after a long career with the Commission.
Picture: Mike Millman.
Pat Thomas, Civil Engineer, Mid Scotland Conservancy has retired. He joined the Commission in 1961 and worked in the former Dolgellau and Dovey Districts, but on reorganisation in 1965/66, he moved to West Argyll. In 1985, Pat became the first and last Conservancy Civil Engineer for Mid Scotland Conservancy.
Willie Grant, Forester, The Queen’s Forest, North Scotland, has retired after 37 years’ service with the Commission. He joined as a Forest Worker at The Queen’s Forest, then progressed to the rank of Ganger and then Assistant Forester at Farigaig. He work in Leanachan, Inchnacardoch, Morangie, Achnashellach and Strathmashie, then returned to The Queen’s Forest for the last eight years of his career.
Richard Illingworth, Chief Land Agent, has retired. He joined the Commission in 1957 as a District Estate Officer in Benmore, then moved to Aberfoyle. In 1968, he moved to the then HQ office in Basingstoke, where he was involved with the New Forest Recreation Report, and soon afterwards moved to North Wales as Conservancy Land Agent. In 1978, Richard moved into the Edinburgh HQ, taking over the forest cabins development when he oversaw extensions to the Deerpark and Keldy sites and the setting up of the Lochaweside site. In the 1980s he implemented the Commission’s Plantation Disposals programme, then in 1985, he was appointed Chief Land Agent on the retirement of John Gwynn.
Picture: Richard Illingworth flanked by Simon Hewitt, RLA, and Geoff Hatfield, Regional Director.
Gerry Barrell, Keeper, New Forest, has retired after 40 years’ service with the Commission.
Pictures: (1) Gerry Barrell and Arthur Barlow, the new Deputy Surveyor, New Forest, who presented him with his Long Service certificate. (2) A retirement cake with a model of a mud splattered Land Rover in the usual condition Gerry Barrell kept his vehicle.
Ian Mackintosh, Ganger, Moray FD, has retired after 35 years’ service with the Commission. He was based at the old Craigellachie Forest office and was involved in the planting of Craigellachie Forest.
Picture: Ian Mackintosh with his wife Betty.
W.C. Payne, FOII, Northants, N&E(E), has retired.
R.B. Collins, FOIII, RD, Thetford, has retired.
H.C. Hilton, FOIII Dolgellau, Wales, has retired.
David Perry OBE, Deputy Surveyor, New Forest, has retired after 37 years’ service with the Commission. He worked in SE England, Wales, Kielder, Thetford, York and finally Dumfries before returning to the South of England. David chaired the New Forest Review Group, with the main recommendations of the Group’s final report being implemented by the Government and the New Forest Committee was set up on which David has since served as Commission representative.
Pictures: (1) Don Small, Arthur Barlow, David Perry and John Everard. (2) David Perry and Peter Clarke.
Agnes Martin, Telephonist/Receptionist at NRS since it opened 22 years ago, has retired.
Picture: Agnes Martin with Calvin Booth, CRO(N).
Obituaries
Jim Davidson OBE, died earlier this year, aged 76. He began a distinguished forestry career with teak harvesting in Burma after joining the Glasgow firm T.D. Findlay and Sons. Jim was based at Mong Pan, near the Siamese and Chinese borders, when the Chinese moved in to defend the area from the invading Japanese army in 1942. Fluent in Shan, the local language, he acted as liaison officer to the Chinese before leading a gruelling 800 mile March eastwards to escape the Japanese. After training in India, Jim returned to Burma as captain in the 14th Army and served in some of the most strenuous fighting of the campaign. He was mentioned in Despatches. After the war, Jim returned to Mong Pan to restart teak extraction, but the operation folded and in 1948 he joined the Forestry Commission as District Officer in East England. After spells at the Directorate of Forestry for England and FC Headquarters, Jim joined the then Scottish Directorate in Edinburgh in 1960. In 1970, Jim moved to London as Chief Marketing Officer for Britain. His contribution to forestry was recognised by the award of an OBE in 1976.
George Scott (Dod Scott), retired Ganger, Buchan FD, has died aged 81. He worked for 25 years in the old Bennachie Forest and lived in an FC cottage at Donview.
George Mackenzie, former Conservator at Aberdeen and Cardiff, has died.
Arthur Churchill (Dickie Churchill), Forest Craftsman based in the old Ebbw Beat of SE Wales FD from 1958 to retirement in 1988, has died.
Annie Eland (Nan Eland), who retired in December 1983, has died. She worked in the Genetics Branch at Newton for 22 years. Her late husband Tom also worked for the Conservancy at Newton Nursery.
Bob Gray, formerly at Kemnay, has died aged 80. He started working in the Kemnay Forest in 1946 and retired in 1976 after 30 years’ service. He was a lorry driver until amalgamation of Kemnay with Bennachie.