Police_world_edn_4_2015

Boats and all that

During July, 25 hardy souls from Thames Valley Branch turned out to see the ancient ceremony

of Swan Upping at Benson in Oxfordshire. Sadly, whilst the Swan Master and his cohorts tried

to find the newest cygnets, they were nowhere to be seen.

Despite the disappointment of spectators everyone took it in great spirit and enjoyed the morning

meeting up with old colleagues and enjoying tea and cakes.

Many thanks to all who attended and despite no ‘upping’ there was plenty of IPA camaraderie.

On one of the best days of the summer, 20 members converged on Tooley’s Boatyard - the oldest

working inland boatyard in the country.

Thanks to Matt we were treated to a private tour of the boatyard which included a visit to the

dry dock to see the restoration of a narrow boat and the original forge with a demonstration

of the incredible blacksmith’s skills.

This was followed by a trip on the boatyard’s own boat

The Dancing Duck

John Osborne,

Thames Valley Branch

In Memory

Norman Smith passed away at the age

of 82 in July 2015.

Norman was an IPA member for 37

years, Chair of Leicestershire Branch for

12 years, and a founder member of the

Camping and Caravan group. He had

many IPA friends in the UK, France

and Germany.

Bob Gunnell

Leicestershire Branch

9 Region regret to report the death of

James ‘Jim’ Gatesman after a long illness.

Jim was for many years actively involved

with ‘S’ Branch of the Met Police, mainly

as Treasurer, and then moved on to the

Regional Office of Treasurer. He kept good

accounts and the Region prospered under

his guidance. A regular attender at the

National Council meetings with his wife

Doreen. Our thoughts are with the family.

John Cooper

9 Region

Visiting Kraków?

Central Scotland Branch member David McGirr is extending the hand of friendship to

IPA members visiting Kraków, Poland.

Introducing himself via an IPA Facebook Group, David says, ‘Hi everyone. Just joined this

FB group so wanted to introduce myself. Retired from Central Scotland Police after 32 years

and moved to Kraków, Poland. Had been a regular visitor for 16 years so already felt like

‘home’. Amazing, beautiful city, consistently wins best or favourite destination awards.

If anyone is planning a visit to Kraków, please get in touch, would be very happy to meet

for a coffee/beer or simply share some tips.’

Email David direct on

david.mcgirr@gmail.com

Stop Press: IPA was in attendance at

the National Police Memorial Day held

in Edinburgh on 27 September 2015.

Photo shows National President Mick Luke

with guest Sébastien Provost, Président

IPA Bordeaux