Police World 2 2016

IPA News

Friendship Weekend Torquay 2016! “Been in the wars again?” Was my comment when I met Ken Heap that evening. His head, unfettered by the hair he must have had as a youth, was badly grazed and looking raw. “Been underground”, he said, “visited Kent’s Cavern and there’s a low roof!”. Ken is one of our regulars and has come from York with his family to join our Friendship Weekend every year since 2002 and was not to be put off by the pouring rain and the storm force winds we were experiencing.

There is always somewhere to go whatever the weather. In the past we have been lucky and usually pick a fine weekend but this one was exceptional. IPA members from all over the country, most of them now old friends, meet up once a year and enjoy a great weekend together. Some went to Plymouth, some to Brixham, some found an antique fair at Newton Abbot racecourse, some explored Living Coast to smile at the exploits of the penguins and some simply did as they were told and went shopping in Torquay. We wrestled over a ‘very local’ quiz (won by Tony and Linda Coley of Hemel Hempstead) and were grateful for the prizes donated by members for the grand draw. The star prize was won by Nigel and Jackie Enk, friends of Roland and Marie Blaney of Middlesex Branch. The draw together with an auction hosted by Nick Smith, Chairman at Northants, raised a total of £236 for the Police (Widows, Orphans &) Compassionate Fund. 7 Region contributed to this iconic event and Region Chairman, John Bull was pleased to present staff with a collection to show our gratitude for what was once again a memorable weekend. If you want to join in the fun and enjoy the fellowship come with us next year to our old favorite, The Royal at Woolacombe. £95 will pay for three nights BB&EM with evening entertainment from 10 - 13 February 2017 or £65 for two nights if you need to get home sooner. Get your form from: Devon Branch Secretary Graham Bulford email gbulford@blueyonder.co.uk

Oxford Long Service Awards Thirty three members attended the Branch AGM and lunch held at the Oxford Thames Four Pillars hotel, Sandford-on-Thames during which IPA Service certificates were presented. In all 28 members are being honoured with four of their number received them in person from Chairman David Marchant. John Osborne received a 40 year certificate for his neighbour Phil Busby not well enough to attend the lunch.

Section UK IPA Opening hours

Could members please note the opening times for Section UK IPA at Fox Road which also includes when the telephone can be answered.

Monday 1000 1500 Tuesday 1000 1500 Wednesday 1000 1500 Thursday 1000 1500

POLICE WORLD Vol 61 No. 2, 2016

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