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IPA Motorcycle Group update Roy Edwards (Group Chairman) Once again the motorcycle SIG have been busy enjoying themselves in 2017 both here and abroad, spreading the IPA word and enjoying the hospitality and friendship of our European cousins.. J anuary saw a gathering of 35 members and partners at the Sysonby Knoll hotel in Melton Mowbray for the “Post Christmas Lunch”. Pre Christmas being a busy time for everybody we decided that we would have our celebration in the New Year when everybody felt a little less jaded by the Christmas spirit! The lunch menu was ‘anything but turkey’ and a good time was had by all with a couple of prize givings and a fun quiz compiled and administered by Jean Goodwin, I don’t think anyone actually knew who won but there was a healthy rivalry between teams.

In JULY , Dave Seavers organised a group visit for about seven of us to the RAF Heritage museum at RAF Scampton, a fascinating insight into the lives of the Dam Busters squadron which was rounded off by an impromptu display right in front of us by the Red Arrows squadron arriving back at their base. AUGUST came along and twenty plus riders from our group gathered in Hamburg for the first international rally held by the Hamburg IPA motorcycle group. Our group then split up with some returning home, whilst others set off for five days in Berlin which included an organised tour round the BMW motorcycle factory. We were met by Berlin motorcycle officer Michael Rohn and his delightful wife Annett. For two days they showed us round Berlin and took us to places we would never have discovered on our own, for example the famous “Bridge of spies”, the Olympic stadium from the Games of 1936 and the House of the Wannsee Conference where the terrible fate of thousands of people was callously discussed. Finally four of us spent a couple of days in the Harz Mountains then on to the town of

FEBRUARY involved ten of us going on an organised tour around the JCB factory in Derbyshire, the tour started with a very nice lunch supplied by the factory restaurant and then a trip round the museum and then the production line which was pretty amazing. The company has a fascinating history started by one man making farm trailers, virtually from scrap. MAY saw us gather in the Isle of Man for the group Annual General Meeting, nineteen members were present and the business of the meeting took place, the incumbent Chairman stood down and a new one was elected. The three day trip included two days of runs out round the island which of course included the majority of the route of the famous Isle of Man TT & GP course. JUNE saw us in Lynton, Devon for a long weekend of rain, rain and more rain. There were two organised runs around the area and on the second one we were all enjoying a Devonshire cream tea, in the sunshine in Dawlish.

Rieden where our good friend and group member Stan Croot lives. SEPTEMBER saw the final event of the year so far, a Hog Roast held in conjunction with my local (Leicestershire) NARPO group, we actually had a dry day with a bit of sunshine thrown in, over one hundred people attended and it would seem a good time was had by all. UK MOTORRAD Event JUNE 2019 Section UK (Motorcycle group) is planning to host an International event in 2019; the details of which are still to be firmed up. We have requested expressions of interest internationally and so far we have received enquiries from as far afield as Australia. W e have formed a working group to drive this event , which will take some planning. We have already secured a fantastic venue at Storthes Hall, Huddersfield University Campus which is situated on the edge of both the Peak District and Yorkshire Dales and within striking

distance of both the East & West Coast resorts and the Lake District. The purpose of this notice is to seek volunteers to help out at the event in 2019, as we will need folk to act as Ride Guides/Marshalls, drivers of minibuses (for those not riding or going pillion), Photographers, interpreters and many other activities. If you (or anyone you know) would like to assist at the event, I would be grateful if you would kindly let me know what your preference would be, i.e. motorcycle guide, minibus driver, Interpreter (specify what language(s) etc. If you are not able to help out; please consider becoming a participant at the event, as I know it will be a tremendous occasion. R.S.V.P. in first instance to me please -.John Birkenshaw jbee1@sky.com

POLICE WORLD Vol 63 No. 1, 2018

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