22
POLICE WORLD
Vol 59 No. 4, 2014
IPA News
Meeting up with IPA Tirol
In April, my wife and I booked a week’s holiday
to Pertisau on Achensee in the Austrian Tyrol.
We have been there before and have enjoyed
the area - especially the walking.
I filled in the IPA travel form and within two
days of submitting the form I had a reply from
Johannes Fiechtl from the Zillertal region -
where we were staying.
We met Johannes at our hotel on the Saturday
evening, together with his wife Emmy, and
enjoyed a pleasant evening.
Johannes works at Mayerhofen police station
- both he and his wife also run a guesthouse
in the area with 14 rooms, and 2 lodges. This
rental accommodation is in a great area for
skiing in winter and walking cycling etc in
the summer.
After an exchange of mementos we parted
company agreeing to keep in touch.
Making these contacts through IPA does
enhance our trips and confirms my belief that
joining the organisation all those years ago
was a good move. Being a member has
enriched our travel experiences - and has
made us many new friends.
Pat Bailey
, Norfolk branch
Make the Most
of the IPA
This year, I decided to return to Cyprus to
visit my son’s grave, he died at 1 day old and
was buried in Dhekelia military cemetery.
My
problem was that in the past entry onto the
base was restricted. Having written to the base
Commander and got no reply I contacted Jo
Conway at IPA HQ - Section UK with my problem.
She contacted the President of Section Cyprus,
Michael Odysseos, who emailed me with the
details of two serving IPA members who would
be willing to assist me.
At this point it could have gone wrong because
although I have been an IPA member for 19
years I had never asked for help and was
reluctant to contact the officers. I thus decided
to visit the cemetery without making contact.
Fortunately, my wife and I were allowed to pass
through the check point.
Later, I realised not only how stupid I had been
but also felt very ungrateful in not accepting
their offer.
The next morning, just by chance, Dimitris
Tsokkos of the Larnica police was visiting
our hotel. I introduced myself to him as an
IPA member and asked him if he could pass
a message to Andreas Pallaris, one of the
contacts in Larnica, to inform him that although
we had successfully visited the cemetery I was
in his debt
knowing that
if I had any
problems
help was at
hand.
Dimitris immediately telephoned Andreas
and although he was in a meeting - he left
it to speak to me. He was very kind, stating
that although he was pleased the visit was
successful he would have liked to have met me.
Dimitris told me he has been an IPA member for
25 years and had used IPA contacts on many
occasions when on vacation. His parting words
were that the IPA was an institution of friendship
and I should never be afraid to use it.
In conclusion, I now know what IPA friendship
means and although our visit went smoothly
there were many pitfalls we could have fallen
into. Therefore, I would like to pass on this
message to all members -
“DON’T BE LIKE ME, DONT BE AFRAID TO
CONTACT FELLOW MEMBERS.”
This experience just proves what a fantastic
organisation the IPA is if you allow it.
Barrie Timson
,
London North (of the Thames) branch
Positive
Response
Members of the
IPA, especially
office holders, have
responded positively
to an appeal, by
Vice President Mark
Kernohan, to direct
new members to the
on-line application
form rather than
submit paper
applications.
In an appeal last
month, Mark said,
“Since the launch of the
Free Membership offer, we have witnessed
a return in use of paper application forms,
which had remained accessible for occasions
where internet access is impossible. Whilst
we are delighted to receive applications, the
on-line application form should be the primary
method in all but exceptional circumstances.
The continued use of printed forms will be
monitored. Branches issuing them must ensure
quality control checks are made before posting
to IPA HQ - Section UK, ie all questions are
completed fully and legibly. Branches must
destroy copies of the old version of the printed
form and discontinue using Freepost.”
Jo Conway, who processes application forms
at
IPA HQ - Section UK
, has noticed a marked
reduction in the number of paper forms being
received; at the same time there does not
appear any detrimental effect on the number
of people applying for membership (247
enrolments during June and 107 in July 2014).
New
Deals
on the Way
Michele Rai, Business Operations Manager
at IPA HQ - Section UK, is currently working
closely with Devere Hotels to come up with
some great offers for IPA members.
Michele told Police World,
“Whilst we are still
negotiating with them, IPA members might
like to take a look at some of the great deals
currently on offer.”
For more information visit:
Look
Johannes and Pat
Jo Conway
