Police World Edition 4, 2013

Whisky Galore Did 2 Region plan to re- enact scenes from the film ‘Whisky Galore’? No, they had arranged a day trip to the 10th annual Whisky Galore event ‘Whisky An A’ That’ at Ayr Town Hall. In early June ten IPA members

SIG News

Sussex Seaside Rally 2013

Members of the Caravan and Camping Group held a raffle at the 17th Annual Seaside Rally that took place in May and raised £100 for The Chestnut Tree House Appeal, which supports terminally ill children. I thank everyone for their prize donations and also Sussex Caravan Centre who presented a four piece dinner service. The Sportsfield at Littlehampton was the venue for the rally which was held for eight nights with members from across England and Wales attending. The Group were pleased to welcome new visitors from Sheffield, Bill and Brenda Askwith and Brian and Pat Godfrey. Tom’s Bingo and Quiz night and general get togethers in the cricket pavilion proved popular in the evenings. The Rally benfits from its proximity to the sea front at Littlehampton and Brighton, Worthing and Portsmouth. Members also have the use of the on site Sportsman Club for enjoyable evenings and very cheap drinks. Part of the Rally fee goes to paying for temporary membership of the Club. Dave Stamp, the Sussex branch Chair and his wife Caryl, together with member Evan Hutson put in a surprise appearance one afternoon to meet everyone. Evan reminisced about driving courses they took part in, with member Mick Meggs from Kent branch. I would like to add a note of thanks for Margaret Hughes and Sue Golds, who made cakes for the coffee morning and ‘Flag’ event. Adrian Boniface , Sussex branch Tribute to Fallen Officers In June, four members of Blackpool and North Lancashire branch, and their wives, paid a visit to the National Arboretum in Staffordshire. The purpose of their visit was to lay a floral tribute at the memorial commemorating the deaths, by drowning, of three officers during a rescue attempt off the coast at North Shore, Blackpool in 1983. The branch members were, Chair Jack Baxter, Vice Chair David Winnard, Secretary Malcolm Dove and Ted Flasby, committee member.

Phil Dornan and Pete Connolly at a whisky master class

were joined by some members of the district response teams on a trip to Scotland. Both the film and the novel of this name are based on the real-life 1941 shipwreck of the S.S. Politician near the island of Eriskay and its lost cargo of whisky. Pete Conolly said, “The event is becoming ever more popular and sells out to its capacity of 600 visitors. Whisky distillers from all over the world showcase their produce but Scotch Whisky is the main draw for most of the visitors.” He went on to explain, “A £20 admittance fee covered entry and included a welcome pack that includes brochures and information on the event and various distributers and their produce, along with mineral water, tickets for use at the distributers’ stalls to get the all important samples and a whisky tasting glass, just to make the visitor feel like a real whisky connoisseur. Master classes were presented by two of the distilleries where those of us who took part in those classes were able to learn something of the history and magic of the processes used in particular distilleries and their differing whiskies. Indeed we were able to enjoy samples of whiskies not yet brought to market.”

Down on one knee on the boat

It was the first IPA trip for some and significant interest in joining the Association was shown by some of the non IPA participants. Brian said, “We hope to travel with newly recruited members next time.” This was partly due to the fun the group had on the way home. Brian explained, “On the boat, our ‘Whisky group’ met with ladies from the ‘Ulster Lace Society’ who were also returning from a day trip to Scotland. A little conversation lead to a little singing, and the ladies were serenaded by the handsome voices of 2 Region as we docked in Belfast. Remaining on one knee, a lead entertainer then quipped, “I know you won’t marry me but would you help me up!” When they finished laughing, the ladies did just that!” A great day out finished on a high note, with a laugh and plans for a repeat trip to the 11th ‘Whisky An A’ That’ event in 2014. In Memory Alan Berg, from Surrey branch, passed away earlier this year at St Peter’s hospital. His lively sense of humour will be greatly missed. Notified by Andy Walker. William (Jock) Joiner , passed away 3 July, 2013, aged 98. He was the longest surviving member of the Leicester City Police and joined the IPA in 1967. Notified by Bob Gunell. James Boardman , a Life member, died 3 August 2013. A member since the 1960’s, he was always proud of his IPA membership. Notified by David Tetlow, Bolton Branch. Colin Nicholls , passed away in July. Colin was a long standing member of K branch and keen motor rallier. Notified by Brian Kay.

At the National Aboretum

Police World Vol 58 No.4 2013

23