Slasher Magazine Summary: Publication No. 30 - June 1950
The scanned images of the Slasher were produced by and courtesy of the Forest Research Data and Information Team staff based at Roslin, where some of the original copies are located. The Forestry England Information Knowledge Management Team and New Forest Heritage made available copies of The Slasher from their collections. Brian Mahony of the FC Retirement Association devised and coordinates the Slasher Project and has been instrumental in locating many missing editions and coordinating the searches to locate all the earlier publication numbers.
The content summary below was again very kindly compiled by Diane Birkett, Bedfordshire. See PDF attachment link below the text summary to view the full document. A total of over 420 issues or publications were produced between January 1948 and the final publication in 2010.
Eight New Forest Villages - Developments at Kielder
A booklet - one of the Britain's Forests series - which describes Kielder Forest, in Northumberland, N.E. England, has been published and is on sale for sixpence. Kielder, with Redesdale and Warke, its neighbouring forests in the North East Conservancy, is to be the setting for great social developments, for eight new self-contained forest villages are to be built in the area. Work has already begun on Kielder Village, which will eventually comprise some 220 houses. Its population, which will be of the order of 800, will use Kielder Castle - a 19th century shooting lodge, formerly occupied by the Duke of Northumberland, as a community centre. The basis for this has already been established with the formation at the Castle of a Workman's Club open to both forest employees and local farmers and other residents.
The group of forests covers some 170 square miles and spreads from the Rede to well beyond the Tyne in the west, extending south from the Border almost to the Roman Wall. The whole area is being developed in co-operation with the Ministry of Agriculture, so as to ensure the maximum use of the land in the national interest. Good agricultural land, of course, is being retained in agriculture and in the panorama which unfolds from the hillsides, one sees just how the countryside can be used for both forms of husbandry. The young trees clothe the higher land and the farmsteads and holdings nestle below, receiving shelter from the wind and occupying the more fertile ground. The area planted to date in the group of forests is more than 44,000 acres, and last season the area planted amounted to almost 6,000 acres. The method is one whereby the young trees are planted in the squares cut from the ground thrown up by huge ploughs, which not only provide the planting sites, but at the same time leave drains which carry away surplus water. Raised thus above the level of the thick grass or heather, and provided with a moist yet well-drained medium in which to start its life in the forest, the young tree has the condition which it needs for satisfactory growth.
Employment in the three forests is of the order of 350 and it is estimated that in the years to come there will be employment for more than 2,000 men. Most of the men are engaged on new planting, but quite a number are employed on thinning in the Smales section. Before many years elapse, these forests will be yielding timber of considerable size, and it is conservatively estimated that the total out-turn of thinnings during the next 20 years will amount to one million tons, or the equivalent of 100 large shiploads of imported timber costing 46 million dollars at present rates.
Indeed much is happening at Kielder and in the nearby forests. Employment is rising, new roads are being built, new houses are taking shape and older premises are being modernised. Not only the appearance, but the very economy of this corner of England is being changed, and there is a fuller life in store for the inhabitants.
Shock for Forest Workers
A skeleton was found in Mortimer Forest, North West England. While Forest Worker D. Legge was brashing, he noticed a pair of shoes lying half buried in the ground and with the help of Forest Worker L. Burrows, he subsequently unearthed the skeleton of a man. It lay in a grave in which the police later found a revolver, a trowel, a small box containing papers, and other personal possessions. It was later established that the body was that of the son of a resident of the district, who had dug the grave and shot himself while lying therein. Forester W.R. Shelly points out it has often been regretted that Mortimer could not provide some out-of-the ordinary news for The Slasher, but feels there is now an unwelcome degree of atonement.
More About Silver Billy Beldham
After last month's article on the cricket field near Alice Holt Lodge, a correspondent gives more praise for cricketer "Silver Billy Beldham". He points out that according to Sir Pelham Warner's "Lords, 1787-1945", Silver Billy Beldham was a professional cricketer and a member of the famous Hambledon Club. He made 144 runs on Dorset Square in 1792 and, for Surrey, two other centuries on the first Lords ground. He only just missed the credit of the first century at Dorset Square in 1789, scoring 94 for Hambledon against a Thirteen of England.
Last month we spoke of the praise accorded to Silver Billy by Richard Nyren; that wasn't all he had to say about this great sportsman, for he (Nyren) added that Beldham's "wrists seemed turned on springs of finest steel. He took the ball, as Burke did the House of Commons, between wind and water; not a moment too soon or too late."
Lynfordian is Here Again - Adventures in Entomology
Praise for W. Dobson, the Editor of the Lynfordian, the magazine of Lynford Hall Forester Training School. The U.S. Department of Agriculture Library, Washington, D.C., has placed a standing order for two copies of future issues, and requests for copies have been received from Malaya, India and Africa.
Recent articles include how E.R. Skinner, R. Kirkland, S.J. Law and Dr R.N. Chrystal established that the Alder Woodwasp has three parasites associated with it, one currently unidentified.
Ronald Brown reviews the work and progress of the Entomological Section of which he is the Secretary, and appeals for tubes, tins and empty cigar-boxes.
The progress of the Botany Section is described by A.C. Moore.
D. Sherrell reveals his enthusiasm for bird-watching.
There is a contribution on Lynford Anglers by H. Harper, and on the sports side "Ovalite" tells of cricketing performances - 20 games played last season, with 9 won and 11 lost.
Mr R.J. Streets, who is in charge of Lynford Hall writes of a personal visit to Scandinavia.
Awards for Suggestions
A recent survey revealed that the Suggestions Committee had received about 40 proposals, of which 11 were accepted, 5 partially accepted, 19 rejected and 5 referred back for further consideration.
The latest awards are as follows: Head Forester N. Smith, South Wales, has received two guineas for his suggestion that the Forest Workers' pay period should end on a Saturday, with the pay day on the following Thursday or Friday, thus coinciding with the National Insurance Week.
A guinea has gone to Forester A. Mitchell, East England, who suggested that pay envelopes should carry a fire danger slogan.
Divisional Officer J.T.L. Fitzherbert, South Wales, was awarded two separate guineas for suggesting an interchange of information showing how one Conservator is overcoming a shortage of equipment or materials, or is able to supply an article cheaper than at the standard price; and for proposals in respect of a fire notice.
Invitation to a Dinner and Dance - Re-Union for Ex-Benmore Students
The first re-union dinner for ex-students of Benmore Forester Training School is likely to be held in October. J.R. Maxtone wishes to hear from anyone interested. The suggested rendezvous is McColl's Hotel, Dunoon, an alternative venue being the Salutation Hotel, Perth. The proposed date Is Friday 28th October, and the cost for the dinner and dance will be about 11s. per head
Golden Eagle in North East England - Lambs and Grouse Killed
State Forests Officer W. Forsyth confirmed Press reports that a Golden Eagle had been seen in the North Tyne area.
He received this report from Head Keeper Earsman of Whickhope: "I first saw the Golden Eagle in mid-April, near the Yett Burn, beyond High Long House. It was about a mile away, and was hunting only 20-30 feet above the ground. Soon afterwards I was joined by Mr Graham, Keeper at Mounces, who had also seen the bird. We walked to Christianbury Crag, where we saw it rise from the rocks; it seemed nearly black in colour and had a light patch below each wing, and the wing span was about 7 ft.
"Later in the month, again in the Yett Burn, it was seen making for Christianbury Crag. I found many grouse in the locality, some with their heads off and some with great tears down their breasts, and there is no doubt the damage was done by the eagle. At the time it was seen lambs were disappearing from High Craneclough, and although a search was made for foxes, which might have been the culprits, we had no success. On two successive days two pairs of twin lambs disappeared from a field near the house. "Then, a few days later, when the shepherd was on the hill in the evening and came into the slack (a hollow in the ground), the great bird flew out. The shepherd followed up the burn and then came almost on top of the eagle, which was eating a newly killed lamb. The shepherd told me that the bird seemed very slow in getting into the air and it was chocolate in colour. It has not been seen since, although we have come across numerous traces of where, in the Yett burn, it must have sat on the big stones, preening itself."
Editor's Note: The Golden Eagle is rarely seen south of the Highland Line and is, in any case, very far from common in the Highlands.
Odd Spots
Extracts from official correspondence or papers starting with the quotation from South Scotland: -
"I have been informed that some of the widows in the house were in a bad state. I asked for an estimate for their repair, which I enclose. I do not wish to press for the work to be done unless you think that leaving it undone would cause deterioration."
From a North Wales memo concerning a felling licence, "….Moreover, many of the trees are hardly of 6 inch garter girth."
From a letter to Conservator, N.E. England: "Could you please supply one pound of eating chestnuts from your area and send them to this address? Apropos the introduction of Chestnut Blight we want to know what sort of germination one gets from eating chestnuts.
Another oddity: Directly flanking the entrance to the office of Conservator, North Wales, at Shrewsbury, is a large advertisement covering almost a whole wall. It proclaims the virtues of the Ancient Order of Foresters.
Mrs Speed, domestic orderly at one of the Forester Training Schools, has resigned. The Chief Education officer has been asked to authorise the appointment of Mrs Swift as successor.
Lord Robinson – Fall in Forest
While on a recent visit to Glentress Forest, South Scotland, Lord Robinson had an unfortunate accident. He tripped and fell, sustaining injuries which resulted in an illness. He is making progress and it is hoped he will soon be restored to his normal health.
Transfers
E.M. Conder, District Officer, Thornton-le-Dale, NE(E), transferred to Pickering, NE(E);
I. Brett, District Officer, Market Rasen, E(E), transferred to Santon Downham, E(E);
K.W. Wilson, District Officer, Newton Stewart, S(S), transferred to Dalvy, S(S);
R.E. Pallett, District Officer, Monmouth, S(W), transferred to Aberystwyth;
L.J. Slow, District Officer, Cardiff, S(W), transferred to Monmouth;
J.H. James, District Officer, Tintern S(W), transferred to Cardiff;
W.B. Sutherland, District Officer, Lockerbie, S(S), transferred to Moffat, S(S);
J. Farquhar, Head Forester, Research, Newton, transferred to Research, Tulliallan;
P. Brown, Forester, Greskine, S(S), transferred to Craigieburn, S(S);
W.J. Green, Forester, Wareham, SW(E), transferred to Blandford, SW(E);
J.E.D. Freeman, Forester, Purbeck, SW(E) transferred to New;
H.J. Butchers, Forester, New, transferred to Purbeck SW(E);
I.O. Evans, Forester, Tintern, transferred to Pelena, S(W);
S.E. Cumming, Forester, Changue, S(S), transferred to Carrick, S(S);
C.J. Lewis, Forester, New, transferred to Gardiner, SW(E);
J.D. Carrington, Foreman, Widehaugh, NE(E), transferred to Goodwood, SE(E);
J.A. Taylor, Foreman, Goodwood, transferred to Widehaugh;
J. Thomson, Foreman, Edgarhope, S(S) transferred to Brownmoor, S(S);
P.H. Ainsworth, Foreman, Chirdon, NE(E), transferred to Mounces, NE(E);
W.M. Phillips, Assistant Engineer, Benmore, W(S), transferred to Glenfinart, W(S);
W. Ivison, Clerk of Works, Grizedale, NW(E), transferred to Hamsterley, NE(E)
G. Hooper, Clerk of Works, Walcot, NW(E), transferred to Clun, NW(E);
B.H.G. Medhurst, Clerk of Works, Margan, S(W), transferred to Llanover, S(W),
E.J. Dummett, Clerk of Works, Llanover, S(W), transferred to Rheola, S(W);
E. Gower, H.E.O., Cambridge, transferred to Chester (on promotion);
Miss F.N. Gaffney, C.O., Chester, transferred to Edinburgh.
Appointments
R.B. Ross, Assistant Engineer, N(S);
G.H. Beattie, Assistant Engineer, N(S);
J.C. Montcrieff, Assistant Engineer, E(S);
C.A. March, H.E.O., Director, England;
T.G. Hunt, Clerical Officer, Director, Wales;
T. Rogerson, Clerical Officer, Director, Wales;
G.B. McAllister, Clerical Officer, W(S);
M.J. Reason, Clerical Officer, H.Q.;
L.H.J. Witts, Clerical Officer, S(W);
K.J. Ramsey, Clerical Officer, Director, Scotland.
J. Ritchie, Clerical Officer, Director, Scotland.
A.C. Mansfield, Clerical Officer, Shrewsbury (returned from Forces);
P.C. Crabtree, Clerical Officer, Cardiff (returned from Forces).
H.A. Turner succeeds F.W. Hamilton as Secretary to the Commission.
Honour
Mr F.W. Hamilton, who is to retire at the end of the month as Secretary to the Commission has been awarded an O.B.E., having been a Member of the Order of the British Empire for some time.
Marriages
J.G. Straughan, Forester, Kielder, North East England, married Miss E. Parker, a clerk employed in the same forest. The bride's brother is a Forester in a neighbouring area.
Miss C.M. Wallace of HQ. was married at Weymouth to Mr W.E. Robins. The bride joined the Commission in July 1947.
Kenneth Pruce, E.O., HQ., married Miss Sheila Hendry, who was formerly on the typing staff at Savile Row.
Birth
A daughter was born to Mrs Fergusson and Mr J.L.F. Fergusson, District Officer, East Scotland.
Obituary
Mr J.H. Jones, Mobile Mechanic, who had been employed in the South West England Conservancy since August, 1948 has died aged 39. He had been working in Savernake Forest when he felt unwell. He went home and died in the evening as a result of a heart attack.