19 / 32
Devon Branch
Goes Exploring
Graham Bulford,
Branch Social Secretary
No matter whether you are new to an area or have lived there all your
life, there is something special about going on a trip with your friends,
especially IPA friends. Devon Branch members have been indulging in a
spot of local travel and loving every minute of it.
You may think you know the River Exe estuary but every time you look there
is something new to see. In August we explored it from a different angle and
took the Stuart Line boat trip from Exmouth up river towards Topsham. Did
we make it there - no! The tide was such that we needed to turn in the river
with the bottom of the boat slipping inches over the mud below. What was
so good about that? Our intrepid guide was able to show us the remains of
various boats that had come to grief over the years dating from war time
relics to recent yachts that had merely been
abandoned to rot and sink in situ. A sobering thought
what nature can do when left to its own devices.
To round the day off properly we needed to be
resuscitated and a visit to a local carvery with a glass
of ale and good conversation revived us all.
Set to continue in this vein, in September we went
for something completely different. Where have
I heard that before? Meeting at Exeter St David’s
Railway Station we travelled the Tarka line to Barnstaple. What a pleasant
journey that was through rolling landscape and the prettiest of valleys
with farmhouses and the occasional grand house peeping between the
trees. Lunch that day was at Fullam Chinese restaurant, must be the
best anywhere and well recommended, where we were tempted to try the
banquet! Ok, I know it was lunchtime but occasionally you have to push the
boat out; or was that last month? With time to wander the town gaining local
insights from Chairman Alan who used to live there, we were a happy band
returning to the train for the homeward journey.
If you want to experience the friendship of IPA without going abroad or even
travelling too far, just join in the activities of your local Branch, you may be
pleasantly surprised.
Founders Meal -
10 Region
Steve Hunt
Twenty two 10 Region members representing all three branches of the Region gathered at the Cross Keys public house in White Notley near
Witham Essex on the evening of 20th October to participate in the 2017 Regional 10 ‘Iconic Event’.
It was decided that a meal together with a ‘toast’ to Arthur Troop could
be celebrated as a ‘Founders Meal. The Region Treasurer Mike Stanbury
attended the event and said, ’It’s always difficult to hold a function on
Arthur’s actual birthday in December due to its proximity to the Xmas period
so mid-October was chosen as a convenient time to most.’
The pub has not been used by the IPA for a function previously but at the
time of booking was being managed by veteran 10 Region member Toni
Brockwell and together with lots of positive reviews was an obvious choice.
The members were warmly welcomed by hosts Gary and Lois, the pub
landlords and were soon enjoying traditional ‘pub-grub’ which was delicious.
With old friendships rekindled and new ones made along with plenty of
‘swinging the lamp’ stories a great time was had by all.
The Regional Chair Steve Jennings together with his wife Kerry was
in attendance and was pleased with the venue and the membership
attendance. He said,
‘I have had a super
evening with great
company and excellent
food - all in the spirit of
friendship - this is
something we will
definitely have to repeat’.
Adrian Boniface aged 78
passed away on Wednesday
18th October 2017
Dave Stamp
, Chair, Essex Branch
Adrian joined West Sussex Constabulary as
a police cadet in 1955 before undertaking his
training at Sandgate in 1958. He then worked at
Shoreham and Worthing before moving to Crawley
where he was promoted to Sergeant; moved to the
Regional Crime Squad as Det/Sergeant based at Brighton,
D/S at Hove 1973 - 1984 and then promoted to Det/Inspector at
Bognor retiring in 1988.
Adrian joined the IPA in September 1970 and became a stalwart
member and office holder at Branch and Regional level, and was
an Honorary Life Member. He was also a Gimborn participant and a
keen member of the Caravan Club, attending many rallies, some of
which he organised.
He will be sadly missed by his friends and the Association and our
sympathies go to his wife Sheila and daughters Sue and Linda.
POLICE WORLD
Vol 63 No. 1, 2018
IPA News
19