Page 23 - Police World Edition 4, 2013

23 Police World Vol 58 No.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
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.”
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.
Down on one knee on the boat
At the National Aboretum
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
SIG
News
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
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.