Police World Edition 2 2013

IPA News

Friendship in the Cairngorms In January, 31 members from Glasgow Lomond and Clyde branch, and some friends, enjoyed a winter weekend break at Lochanhully Woodland Club, near the famous ski resort of Aviemore in Scotland. The group were treated to the wonderful winter scenery of the Cairngorm mountains as their arrival coincided with a fresh snow fall. Members had the opportunity for instant warmth as the leisure facilities included a sauna and steam room. Themed evenings also kept the chills away as many members were encouraged to have a go at the céilidh favourite ‘the Gay Gordons’. Renowned accordionist Graeme MacKay provided the music.

Branch Secretary Presented with Police Plaque An IPA branch needs an active Secretary as one of the key ingredients to thrive. Lothian and Borders branch have recognised just such a Secretary and presented John Quinn with a Lothian and Borders police plaque. The presentation was made by branch Chair Glen Brown. A statement published by the branch said, “Our branch has been fortunate to continuously elect great branch secretaries over the past sixty years. The current Secretary, John Quinn, does not only deal happily with the day-to-day branch business but he is also kept busy with correspondence

from requests and visits from our many welcome IPA friends. Well deserved John!”

John Quinn (left) and Glen Brown (right)

Glasgow Lomond and Clyde branch and guests

PEB Meeting at Arthur Troop House On 15 December 2012, members of the IPA Permanent Executive Bureau (PEB) visited Section UK in Nottingham. This was an appropriate date since it is the birth date of Arthur Troop - the IPA’s founder. Section UK Vice President, Mick Luke, Vice President, Ronnie Dukes, and Treasurer, Fred Boyd, met with their guests to discuss various topics which included: Organisational memory and best practice, communications strategy, the IPA brand, Gimborn, investments, supplies and recruitment and retention. Alan Carter, former International Secretary General was among the guests on the Friday evening for the meal which was hosted by the PEB.

Ronnie Dukes, Section UK Vice President and organiser of the weekend, said, “On site there was always something to do. A refreshing walk around the lochan (small lake) or into the forest, at the rear of the resort, to follow the trail into the village of Carrbridge. Some went further afield, up into the mountains and took the funicular railway nearly to the top for spectacular views.” Some members travelled north to the Moray Firth to try and catch a glimpse of the area’s large school of resident dolphins - alas the area was fogbound and none were seen - better luck next time. Happily, there was plenty of wildlife back at Lochanhully to feed - even a resident pea hen made an appearance! During Saturday evening a raffle was held for charity. Numerous prizes were donated by the guests, and Lochanhully Woodland Club also donated some wine. The final sum raised for McMillan Nurses was £110. Ronnie concluded, “It was a really good weekend and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. The hospitality was excellent. The food and entertainment was good, and the scenery was spectacular. Thanks to everyone who supported the event.” One of the prizes in the raffle was a pencil and rubber moustache set - shown below - were winners trying to keep their anonymity?

Euan and Sheena Forbes

Marion and Jim Nesbit

Members of the PEB and IAC staff inside Arthur troop House

2626 Police World Vol 58 No.2 2013