Slasher Magazine Summary: Publication No. 39 - March 1951
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.
Tragedy by Fire – Forest Workers Lose Their Homes
A disastrous fire occurred at Glyn-ceiriog, Denbighshire, recently, with the result that two Forest Workers lost their homes. That of a third was damaged. All three men - Messrs H. Roberts, W.H. Roberts and R. Edwards are employed at Coed-y-Goror Forest.
At the time of writing, the cause of the fire, which is thought to have originated in the cottage occupied by Mr H. Roberts, is not known. This cottage, and that of his namesake, were completely gutted and it is to be deeply regretted that the father-in-law of Mr H. Roberts lost his life.
Mr Roberts and his wife and small child barely escaped with their lives, and lost all their possessions and savings. Mr W.H. Roberts managed to save some of his belongings.
A local collection has been started to help the families, and the Conservator, North Wales, has circularised all staff in the Conservancy who may wish to contribute.
The cottages, incidentally, were not Forestry Commission property.
Mountain Rescue - Dinghy Dragged For Half a Mile
Forestry Commission employees played an important part in the recent rescue of a Middlesex man who lay injured on the mountainside above Loch Coruisk, on the island of Skye.
The Glenbrittle Forest staff were at a party at the Carbost Village Club when the local doctor appealed for volunteers to go to the aid of the injured man. Twelve men, including Forester C. MacDonald and Forest Workers John MacPherson and Duncan Grant, set out with the doctor and were joined by three policemen and two experienced climbers from Portree. One of the policemen took the Forestry Commission party by car to Eynort, five miles away, for a change of attire, and then to Glenbrittle, another 12 miles, where a boat was waiting to take the entire party on the two hours' journey to Loch Scavaig.
On arrival at the loch it was necessary to carry a dinghy well over half a mile across ice-covered rocks to Loch Coruisk. The experienced climbers then went ahead in the dinghy with one of the policemen, leaving the remainder of the rescuers to walk along the loch-side with the stretcher. When the injured man was reached, he was given first aid treatment and then, by a return route covering the water and terrain traversed by the rescuers on the outward journey, he was taken to Glenbrittle. From there he was conveyed by R.A.F. ambulance to hospital.
A hero of the rescue was a 16-year old companion of the injured man. He climbed over the Cuillins in pitch darkness and stumbled, bruised and almost exhausted, into Glenbrittle House with the news that his friend had broken his ankle. The crossing of the Cuillins by dark is a feat which experienced climbers would find difficult even in daylight.
It remains to be said that Forester MacDonald and Forest Workers MacPherson and Grant left Carbost Village Club for the rescue at 11.30 pm and got back to Glenbrittle at 5.30 pm the following day. Other Commission employees volunteered for the mission, but it was felt they should be held in reserve.
Presentation to Mr M.E.W. Mackenzie
A presentation has been made to Mr M.E.W. MacKenzie, formerly Chief Clerk at Aberystwyth, to mark the occasion of his departure to the Office of Director, Scotland. "Mr MacKenzie", said the Director, "had done excellent work in building up the office organisation and in promoting and maintaining harmonious relations among the staff."
A further tribute was paid to Mr MacKenzie by Mr E.H. Bradford. The Director took the opportunity to introduce Mr G. Childs, formerly of Edinburgh, who succeeds Mr MacKenzie.
The Loch Ness Monster
Forester R. Main-Ellen, of Allean, East Scotland, writes with reference to last month's story about the Loch Ness monster. We cannot do better than give his letter almost in full. "I must protest against the final sentence of the otherwise excellent article. Let me quote - "We shall be glad to hear …. from anyone who has a theory to put forward.
"Pray spare us from anyone with a theory concerning the Loch Ness monster. The very use of the word implies that a doubt exists. One does not doubt the existence of Ben Nevis merely because it is hidden in the mists, or even of the authenticity of the Stone of Destiny because of a certain elusiveness. One is content that they exist, although temporarily obscure. Be content that He is in the loch, and rejoice when in His benevolence he favours us with a fleeting glimpse of His greatness.
"We Highlanders harbour no such doubts, nor have need of reverting to theory but, through our inherited 'cannyness' we carefully foster the atmosphere of scepticism. Why? Because down in the administrative South, someone might decide that His removal was advisable - and just imagine the trouble we would have in expediting His return to Loch Ness".
We have received an amusing anecdote from Divisional Officer Cadman, North Wales.
In July, 1948, he writes, District Officer J.R. Hampson and I spent a pleasant week in the forests of the north. While at Fort Augustus, I made enquiries about the monster. One of the Forestry Commission staff, who had lived in the area for many years, was questioned thus: "Have you ever seen the Loch Ness monster?" "No". "Do you believe in its existence?". "Och no, I do not". "Have you ever met any person who has seen it?" "Och yes, my wife has."
"We made a serious attempt to catch the beast", adds Mr. Cadman. "I would like to record that what may possibly have been one of its offspring was hooked, played and netted. This creature had fins, gills, a tail and brown spots. Fried for breakfast it was excellent"
Starlings Cause Havoc- Boughs Broken, Bushes Flattened
Recently a flight of thousands of starlings alighted on Pickle Wood, Slebech, South Wales, an area of scrubland, and caused extensive damage. Forester F.A. Slatter tells us that the birds intended to roost for the night and, as there was a keen east wind, they concentrated on a sheltered area.
"On passing the following morning," says Forester Slatter, "I was astounded at the havoc. The combined weight of the birds had torn boughs from oak and beech trees over an area of an acre or more". In addition, rhododendron bushes were flattened. Mr Slatter has sent us photographs of the destruction. It is a pity we cannot reproduce them in The Slasher; they have to be seen to be believed.
14th Century Seal Found
Details of an interesting find have been forwarded by ex-school Ganger A. Bowns, of Wark Forest, North East England. While working on a planting site, Forest Worker R. Liddle found a metal seal and chain which had been turned up by the plough from a depth of about eight inches in peat. The chain was all but destroyed, but the seal, about the size and shape of a chess pawn, was in very good condition. "I tested it on sealing wax", says Mr. Bowns, "and the clear imprint showed a small shield bearing three leaves (or flowers), and round it the name 'Henrici de Bordun'. I sent one of these impressions to the Society of Antiquarians at Newcastle, who report that the seal is probably of late 14th Century origin and, from the coat of arms and the name, must have belonged to Henry Burradon of Coquerdale, near Rothbury. The Secretary of the Society refers to this as a very interesting find, and is to make a report on it at his next meeting.
New Booklets - Coed-y-Brenin and Tintern Described
Recent new publications include two more booklets in the Britain's Forests series. One of these has been published in English and Welsh and describes Coed-y-Brenin Forest, in North Wales, and the other gives a description of Tintern Forest, in the Wye Valley. Coed-y-Brenin, the booklet tells us, received its name, which means the King's Forest, in 1935, in commemoration of the Silver Jubilee of King George V. It has been formed in a countryside "rich in old gold mines (from which remarkable yields were once obtained), swift rivers and gleaming waterfalls". The total area of the forest is about 17,000 acres, or 26 square miles, and is made up of 15 separate areas. Nearly 7,000 acres had been planted by 1949, the present rate of planting being about 300 acres a year. At Coed-y-Brenin, as elsewhere, it is an integral part of forest policy to leave to agriculture such land as is good enough for economic cultivation, limiting the tree crops to the poorer or steeper areas.
By 1949 the thinning programme was 200 acres a year; it was expected that this would expand to 400 acres annually by 1950 and it will, of course, continue to increase. The year before last, the volume of pitprops cut amounted to 31,000 cubic feet, while a further 17,000 cubic feet of fencing stakes and poles for rustic work were also produced. The number of persons employed has steadily risen and is now about 120. The making of forest roads has employed a considerable number of men, including miners and quarrymen suffering from silicosis and other ailments.
Tintern Forest, says the other booklet, has a colourful history. For example, in Norman times nearly all the land was included in the great Forest of Strigoil, which took its name from the Welsh name for Chepstow, meaning the bend in the river. Old records still exist of the payment to the Lord of the Manor of Strigoil of such curious dues as "pannage" for allowing pigs to feed on acorns in the forest; a toll was taken of honey gathered by bees kept in the woods and another toll, called "woodehenne", was required in respect of all hens. Deer were hunted by greyhounds and falconry was practised.
Most of the Tintern Woods have been under State ownership since 1902, when they were acquired by the old Office of Woods. Since 1922 they have been administered by the Forestry Commission. During the present century they have been brought steadily under systematic management and are now a good example of a well-managed forest, for nearly all the area of 4,500 acres is well stocked with thriving crops of various species. A major feature of the working plan is that half the total area of woodland is considered fertile enough to be kept permanently under hardwoods. A welcome outcome of the scheme of management is the marked increase in the number of men working in the woods. By 1949 some 120 workers were employed, this figure being three to four times as high as that of former days.
Obviously the long-term objective at Tintern is to grow timber of sawmill size, but at the present time some 4,000 tons of thinnings are marketed each year in the form of pitprops.
Tribute to Director
A recent issue of UNASYLVA, a widely read publication which provides an international review of forestry and forest products, pays tribute to the way in which Mr O.J. Sangar (Director, England) conducted the third session of the European Forestry and Forest Products Commission at Geneva. "The session was highly successful", states Unasylva.
Cheese for Tree Seed? - A Dutchman's Offer
The Forest Research Station at Alice Holt has received a request from a Dutch Forester for a supply of Scots pine seed. This is unusual inasmuch as the applicant writes: "As I very much dislike asking a favour from foreigners and not being able to pay in the proper way, I was very glad to hear that I would be able to pay in victuals, if this would be agreeable to you? Though to my regret not in meat articles. Up to now it has been possible to send to England free from duty, for 7 florins 75: One cheese Edammer of 1 kg.; One cheese Edammer of ½ kg.; A box of six portions cheese; One luncheon cheese.
We do not know who informed the Dutchman that he could pay in victuals, and in any case, we regret we cannot accept this form of payment. Nevertheless, if it proves possible to help him, the Department will do so.
Transfers
P.F. Garthwaite, District Officer, Kielder, NE(E) transferred to York;
S.R. Payne, District Officer, Tealby, E(E), transferred to Cambridge;
H.A. Maxwell, District Officer, Laurencekirk, E(S), transferred to Aberdeen;
M. Long, District Officer, Glasgow, transferred to Munlochy, N(S);
W.N. Gibson, District Officer, Dumfries, transferred to Moffat, S(S);
B.R. Feaver, District Officer, Edinburgh, transferred to Aberdeen;
I.J. Stewart, District Officer, Aberdeen, transferred to Glasgow;
I.S. Watt, District Officer, Dumfries, transferred to Edinburgh;
D.A. Woodburn, District Officer, Lochgilphead, W(S), transferred to Perth;
P.F. McIntyre, District Officer, Fort Augustus, N(S), transferred to Edinburgh;
J.P. Newton, District Officer, Devizes SW(E) transferred to Launceston, SW(E);
F. G. Woodward, Forester, Staindale, NE(E), transferred to Scardale, NE(E);
J.T. Barden, Forester, Alice Holt, transferred to St. Leonards, SE(E);
E.J.D. Wilkinson, Forester, Abinger, SE(E), transferred to Marden, SE(E);
W.R. Shepherd, Forester, Marden, transferred to Abinger;
J.A. Nicholson, Forester, Rosedale, NE(E), transferred to Wharncliffe, NE(E);
H.C.B. Park, Forester, Strathavon, transferred to Strathnairn, N(S);
N.A.G. McNamara, Forester, West Tofts, E(E), transferred to Didlington, E(E);
C.W. Webber, Foreman, Alice Holt, transferred to Kennington;
D. Watt, Foreman, Kilcoy, N(S), transferred to Craig Nan Eun, N(S).
Appointments
R.E. Stumbles, District Officer, S(W);
J. Jobling, District Officer, Research;
F.C. Barcham, Executive Officer, Director, Wales;
D.F. Clarke, Clerical Officer, Dean;
G.G. Seal, Clerical Officer, Headquarters;
H.L. Smith, Clerical Officer, S(W);
D. McPhail, Clerical Officer, Headquarters;
J.G. Armstrong, Clerical Officer, SE(E);
Miss D.M. Tuff, Clerical Officer, NE(E).
Solution to Last Month’s Quiz
The names required to fill in the blanks in last month's "quiz" are: LONG; STREETS; DRAKE; GOSLING; FARMER; ANDERSON (and 'er son); GUILE; FOX; HUTSON (huts on); GREEN; SARGEANT; PEACE; SUMMERS; HALE; GRANT; WILDASH (wild dash); SHARP; PAYNE; CADMAN (cad, man).
Fun and Games in the South East
Nearly 100 revellers attended the South East England Conservancy's annual party, held at the Cotteridge Hotel, Woking. The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the potted pantomime "Babes in the Wood," or "Frolics in the Forest". The setting was an unnamed forest in the South East, in the charge of Forester Percy Pitprop (Mr E.S. Powell), whose study of paylists intermixed with football coupons was interrupted by his formidable Forest Clerk (Acquisitions Officer J.F. Wilson).
No forest is complete without its fairy, and so an aery figure (Mrs F.D. Hopkins) flitted on to the stage and declaimed: -
I am the Fairy Sylvatica,
Spirit of the Woods I am,
Posted at six weeks notice
To clear up this mortal jam.
The limbo of Cadogan Square I shun,
No Savile cul-de-sac for me,
I roam the woods in search of fun,
Muck up returns, dance round the tree.
The said fairy (who, as a mortal, is a well known local exhibition dancer), delighted the audience with a graceful solo dance.
The Director, having requested a return of the number of mice killed in the forest, the Conservancy Office sent Misses E.O. and C.O., the Babes (Misses P.J. Lee and J.M.A. Sharpe) to assist Percy and the District Officer, Sonny Slasher (Miss A.M. Tanner). The advent of a mouse drove the Babes into the arms of the men, after which mice not surprisingly gave way to bliss. Two visitors to the forest, Blackbeard (Mr R.G. Harris) and the Baron (District Officer A.R. Sutton) sang a duet with Dedication as the theme - "We'll pinch his land, compulsorily we shall acquire", to the tune of the "Two Gendarmes" by Offenbach - and earned a well deserved encore. The accompanist was Miss J.P. Cook and the Stage Manager G.W. Crowe, A special bouquet goes to Mr Wilson, who wrote the script.
Marriage
Miss M.E. James, of the Aberystwyth Office, has resigned and is to be married.
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