6 / 32
POLICE WORLD
Vol 60 No. 2, 2015
6
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
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
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
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
Boulenguez for his friendship.
Ronnie Dukes
, Vice President
Ronnie Dukes with Le Grand Maître de la
Confrérie du Clos Montmartre preparing
for the parade at Sacré Cœur
Eric Milligan, former Lord Provost of Edinburgh,
Olivier Boulenguez, IPA Paris, James Thomson
O.B.E , Ronnie Dukes
Ronnie Dukes meeting dancers
from the Moulin Rouge
Meeting members of the
Petits Poulbots Drum Corps
Article