Police World Edition 2 2015

Article

Ronnie Dukes meeting dancers from the Moulin Rouge

Eric Milligan, former Lord Provost of Edinburgh, Olivier Boulenguez, IPA Paris, James Thomson O.B.E , Ronnie Dukes

Meeting members of the Petits Poulbots Drum Corps

Developing IPA Friendships & Networks In 2014, Vice President Ronnie Dukes was introduced to IPA delegates and event organisers while he was in Paris. Ronnie accepted an invitation to return in 2015 to once again enjoy the festivities. L ast year during an extended visit to Paris, I had the pleasure of meeting the President of the local IPA, Olivier Ronnie Dukes with Le Grand Maître de la Confrérie du Clos Montmartre preparing for the parade at Sacré Cœur

societies and invited guests. Although I wasn't wearing a kilt, I was proud to wear a sash of our very own IPA tartan. Once the procession ended I joined the participants in the basement of a local church for lunch that featured the well known Scottish delicacy haggis. The bands and dancers gave impromptu performances which everyone enjoyed. The pipe bands then headed off to the Stade de France to perform at the rugby international match. It was a most enjoyable and sometimes surreal experience during my visit to Paris. I'm indebted to my host, Michel Cadin and of course Olivier

18 Arrondissement for the Scottish Thistle Night. Also in attendance was Eric Milligan, the former Lord Provost of Edinburgh. Several pipe bands performed outside and inside the Mairie, much to the delight of the invited guests. There was a display of Highland Dancing too. A drum corps, known as 'Petits Poulbots' performed as well. There was also the opportunity to meet some of the Moulin Rouge dancers. Eric Milligan gave the address to the haggis, before everyone had the chance to sample the water of life (whisky) or a beer along with a buffet. Michel invited Olivier and I to participate in their street procession through the streets of Montmartre starting outside the Sacre Cœur. The pipe bands assembled alongside local

Boulenguez. We enjoyed a walking tour of the Montmartre area, including the famous landmark the Sacre Cœur which dominates the landscape. The Moulin Rouge is also in the area. Olivier introduced me to Michel Cadin, a local hotelier and organiser and President of the bi- annual event L'Ecosse a Montmartre. The event coincides with the 6 Nations Rugby tournament when France plays against Scotland. Michel subsequently invited me, along with Olivier to join this year's festivities. As I was going to be in France at that time, I accepted the invitation. In February, I attended the Mairie (Town Hall) du

Boulenguez for his friendship. Ronnie Dukes , Vice President

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POLICE WORLD Vol 60 No. 2, 2015