Slasher Magazine Summary: Publication No. 255 - April/May 1969
The digitisation of the Slasher was undertaken by, and images courtesy of, the Forest Research Knowledge and Information Management staff based at both the Northern Research Station in Roslin, Scotland and Alice Holt in Surrey, where the original copies are currently 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 2010.
Public Relations
Afforestation plans were explained to local public figures in the N.W. (E) Conservancy.
The last substantial area of land to be afforested by the Commission in Yorkshire is on the 3,200 acres of the Newton House Estate. The Commission acquired the estate, surrounding the Falling Foss Valley from the War Department when the Fylingdales Battle Training Area closed down.
To mark the beginning of the afforestation, a tree planting ceremony was held on 25th April 1969 and three trees were planted. Councillor S.H. Rowe, Chairman Whitby Rural Council planted an English oak; Alderman J.T. Fletcher, Chairman North Riding County Council, planted a Rowan tree; and Mr W. Cowley, Chief Dirger, Lyke Wake Walk, planted a Deodar.
An Invitation from Canada
Dr F.C. Hummel was invited to give the H.R. MacMillan Lecture in Vancouver, British Columbia on technical and financial planning in forestry. During his visit, he was also asked to speak at the University and spent some time visiting the forests of British Columbia.
Bridging Trial
In a joint enterprise with the Road Research Laboratory and the Ministry of Transport, the Civil Engineering Branch N.E. (E) will be building the first highway bridge to be constructed in the U.K. using a lightweight concrete. An aggregate of pulverised fuel ash formed into nodules about the size of Maltesers will be used, in place of the conventional gravel or crushed stone aggregate.
Vermin Return
Forester Duncan Hamilton, Cumbernauld Forest W (S) was responsible for snaring 72 foxes in the period 1st October 1967 to 31st March 1969.
Down With Jargon
Mr M.J. Penistan believes inappropriate terms are being used in forestry. For example, "Unit" and "Field" should not replace the term "Forest". He suggests the "Going into the field and looking at a unit" conjures up a picture of a poultry shed in a meadow.
The editor suggests the term "Forest Trail" is preferable to "Nature Trail" because it connects to forestry work.
F.C. Tie
Suggestions for the new Forestry Commission symbol to be incorporated in a new tie design have been considered and rejected.
Sporting (Up) Rights
Newspaper reports of the rugby club playing field and club house at Kielder Forest.
Staff Duties
A controversial view of the duties of a Staff Officer.
T.V. Programme
A BBC Television programme on the Conservation of the Countryside entitled "A Green and Pleasant Land" and including some shots of our forests, will be shown on BBC-2 on 22nd June.
The Bunya Pine
Readers of Mr Stoddart's letter from Australia regarding the Bunya Pine may be interested in a historic gruesome tale of the nuts.
100 Years Ago
An extract from the Gardeners' Chronicle of 9th January 1869.
Poets' Corner
An Anonymous poem composed to a Rusty Rutter after reading Slasher Jan/Feb 1969.
Oh Rutter, thou whose biting edge
Has cut through moorland peat,
And left the turves aheaving
In many a mould'ring heap,
Oh Rutter, on whose rusty shoulders
Many boots have trod,
For God's sake bury R.J. Jenning's
Pen beneath the sod.
Retirements
Mr W. Rose, Foreman, Strathyre, W (S), has retired.
Mr Hugh MacKinnon, Chief Forester, Knapdale Forest, W (S), has retired after joining the Commission in 1930.
Mr S.M. Petrie, Assistant Conservator, Aberdeen, has retired after originally joining the Commission in 1931, leaving to join the Irish Forestry Service in 1934 and retuning to the Commission in 1946.
Presentations
Mr Hugh MacKinnon, Chief Forester, Knapdale Forest, W (S), retirement presentation and ceilidh at the Cairnbaan Hotel.
Mr S.M. Petrie, Assistant Conservator, Aberdeen, retirement presentation.
Obituaries
Mr J.T.L. Fitzherbert, Assistant Conservator, Cardiff S (W), has died.
Mr J.W. Hughes, Head Forester, Ystwyth N (W), has died.
Mr R. MacDonald, Assistant Education Officer, Faskally, F.T.S. has died.
Appointments
Mr K.L. Elderwick, T.W.G. III (Mech), Chirk N (W), promotion from Foreman Mechanic.
Miss A. Thackeray, Cart. Draughtswoman, NE (E), re-appointed from Land Commission.
Mr D.J. Harling, T/Cart. Draughtsman, HQ (B).
Resignation
Mr R.W. Pritchard, Superintendent of Works T.W.G. III, Barcaldine W (S).
Staff on Extended Training Courses
Mr R.W. Simpson, E.O., Introduction to Management, Civil Service Department, Sunningdale Park College. 10th February - 7th March.
Transfers
Mr R.G. Cathie, D.E.O. I from Edinburgh HQ (A&D) to Aberdeen E (S) promotion to Assistant Conservator.
Mr R. Raban-Williams, D.E.O. I from Widehaugh NE (E) to Bellingham NE (E).
Mr D.McL. Kirk, T/Chief Forester from Dalbeattie S (S) to Mabie S(S) on reversion to Head Forester.
Mr A.L. James, Head Forester from Broomy - New to Dean HQ (T.T.S.) promotion to Chief Forester.
Mr A.R. McLaren, Head Forester from Glentrool S (S) to Dalbeattie S (S).
Mr J.W. Parker, Head Forester from Downham E (E) to Kesteven E (E).
Mr D.T. Craze, Forester from Newborough N (W) to Dyfnant N (W).
Mr B.F. Edwards, Forester from Neroche SW (E) to HQ (L) Information Branch (Agricultural Show Unit).
Mr P. Evans, Forester from Dyfnant N (W) to Newborough N (W).
Mr A.J.A. Graver, Forester from Alice Holt D (R) to Dean D (R).
Mr P. Green, Forester from Wykeham HQ (P&E) to HQ (L) Information Branch (Agricultural Show Unit).
Staff on Overseas Visits
Mr J.Q. Williamson, Director, F.A.O. Committee meeting on forestry, Rome, Italy. 25th - 31st March.
Mr A.J. Grayson, Assistant Conservator, I.L.O./E.C.E. Study Group on methods and organisation of forest work, Geneva, Switzerland. 10th - 14th March.
Mr F.A. Courtier, Head Forester, Discussion on deer and squirrel problems, Southern Ireland. 8th - 31st March.