Police_world_2016_1_120116_flipbook

7 / 32

Two members from Birmingham West Midlands
Branch attended the 2015 National Police
Memorial Day.
Thanks to Mat Fitzgerald who provided a full
account of his and Jason Spittle’s experience – this
can be read at:
News/ipa-members-attend-the-2015-national-
police-memorial-day/123909
Following the service, Mat and Jason were
approached by a woman who asked, ‘Excuse me,
do you mind if we have a photo with you?
You stand out with your tall hats.’
Jason recalls, ‘Having posed for the photo
and getting one taken for our own records we
reflected on that comment. It was true, there
really were too few of us constables at this
wonderful service. So please, as you finish
reading this, consider next year’s service in
London at St Paul’s Cathedral. This is a fantastic
occasion and aside from deserving all the
support it can get it is a chance to wear your
number 1s, big hat and show your pride in the
profession which means so much to so many.’
National Police
Memorial Day
2015
The 12th National Police Memorial Day service was held at the
Edinburgh International Conference Centre on Sunday 27 September
2015. It was attended by members of the National Executive Committee
and other members and friends of International Police Association from
throughout the United Kingdom.
B y invitation of Section UK, Sebastian
Provost, President French Delegation
of IPA Bordeaux, Section France also
attended the service.
The service commenced with a procession by
The Pipes and Drums of Police Scotland. This was
followed by a word of welcome from Rt Hon Nicola
Sturgeon MSP, First Minister of Scotland.
A wreath was laid in remembrance of those killed
in the Clutha Helicopter tragedy. The service
continued with hymns, prayers and readings by
a variety of clergy and police representatives,
including a bible reading from Rt Hon Theresa
May MP, Home Secretary. Music was provided
by The National Police Memorial Day Orchestra.
There was also a choral item by the Edinburgh
Royal Choral Union.
The Act of Remembrance was led by The
Reverend Canon David Wilbraham, National Police
Chaplain, Force Chaplain Thames Valley Police.
During the service, four candles were lit, one from
each of the four nations of the United Kingdom, to
remind everyone of the undying flame of devotion
and commitment, exemplified by those who were
being remembered that day, including Constable
Russ Wylie, Humberside Police, Constable Kevin
Stoodley, Avon and Somerset Constabulary,
Constable David Arthur, Metropolitan Police and
Constable Jonathan Relph, Metropolitan Police.
After each of the candles were lit there was
silence, during which petals of remembrance,
representing all of those who have lost their lives,
descended from the gallery. The orchestra played
‘Abide with me’ and the Last Post sounded.
After a moment of silence Reveille was sounded.
Whilst the whole service evoked emotions, at this
point there was an air of poignancy, reverence
and respect for those who are no longer with us
by those who remember them.
At the conclusion of the service there was
a retiring collection in aid of National Police
Memorial Day. Refreshments were served to
guests, courtesy of the Police Dependants’ Trust.
Sebastien Provost, our French guest also had the
opportunity to meet with Sergeant Joe Holness
and The Reverend Canon David Wilbraham.
This year’s National Police Memorial Day Service
will be held on Sunday 25th September at St
Paul’s Cathedral, London. It is a free ticketed
event. Further details about the charity’s aims
and how to obtain tickets are available at
National Police Memorial Day has been Section
UK IPA’s chosen charity for several years.
Ronnie Dukes, Vice President
Mick Luke, President Section UK (left) with
Sebastian Provost, President IPA Bordeaux
Section UK members pose
for a photo with Sebastian
Mat Fitzgerald (left) and Jason Whittle at
the 2015 National Police Memorial Day
POLICE WORLD Vol 61 No. 1, 2016
Article
7