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Then the French came to Cardiff Denis Hunt – No 4 (Wales) Region. Friday the 16th March started as a very sad day for me and the thought of hosting seven French rugby supporting IPA members did not fill me with joy. However, promises must be kept and I sat outside the famous ‘City Arms’ opposite the Principality Stadium in Cardiff wearing my IPA polo shirt and sipping a pint of Brains Bitter. S uddenly I was enveloped by a group of Frenchmen; I knew they were foreign as they all wore black started singing ‘Calon Lan’ (‘A pure heart’), a really wonderful Welsh hymn. The emotion in our bar was overwhelming, especially

Following in the Footsteps of Queen Victoria David McGregor , No 1 Region

As a proud Scotsman I was delighted to lead this year’s NCM Partners Trip to an area I served as a young PC in the 1960’s. 33 of us left the Hotel on a beautiful sunny morning. T he driver took the old A9 route north to Blair Atholl and we drove up the long tree lined drive to the Castle. We were greeted by our tour guide who gave us a history of the Murray Clan of whom the Duke of Atholl is the Clan Chief. We enjoyed a light lunch with beautiful fresh cream scones. We planned some retail therapy on the way back, but , as it was a warm and sunny day I announced a walk to the nearby Falls of Bruar. I was very surprised when the majority decided to join me. We all managed to get to the Lower Falls where some turned back, but most continued with me to the Upper Falls. On the way we saw a group Tomb Bombing in the waters which many expressed amazement at. The return walk, downhill, was much easier and liquid refreshments were well received at the cafe. We then made our way along the winding country road to the Queens View looking west along Loch Tummel. A storm was brewing and Schiehallion was almost invisible despite being over 1000 metres high. Many photographs were taken of the View Queen Victoria and Prince Albert saw many years ago on one of their visits to Blair Castle. A group photograph was quickly taken and we boarded our coach and headed back to Pitlochry.

when the French supporters followed on and started to sing the famous ‘La Marseillaise’, not as a challenge or to outdo the Welsh singers, but to compliment the obvious friendship that had arisen between everyone

berets and were chattering loudly in a strange tongue. The shortest of the group’s face was hidden underneath a large black beard that seemed to form part of the beret. He grasped my hand in a bear like grip and

in the two small bars. I had said earlier that the day had not started well for me, but by the time we had reached this point in the evening my eyes were full of tears and any foreboding I had earlier dreaded had by now long disappeared. Of course the tears could simply have been for the sadness I felt for

with a wonderful beam on his face shouted ‘Ah Denis, I am Emmanuel. Ello’! So that was my introduction to the fabulous Emmanuel Ormaux and his friends from Chaux La Lotiere in France. I quickly became convinced that they were all bonkers, but in a superb way. Into the already crowded bar

Emmanuel and Denis

these Frenchmen who honestly thought that they would be winning the rugby match the following day. ‘Oh dear, how sad, never mind’ (as we say in the Principality). But all good things come to an end and by now the desire for the local ale was being replaced by French demands for food – Indian curry style. So acting as the local tourist guide I escorted my still singing charges to a top quality restaurant where they could plough plenty of UK Sterling into the coffers of the Cardiff traders. It was here that we said our farewells. I never really interpreted exactly what branch of policing Emmanuel was in, but I think it was CID. But in addition to that he apparently also has a second job as the company owner and highly respected purveyor of top quality French wine, cheese and local meats. His friends all confirmed that he is not only a seller of fine wines, but also involved in their production through a local vineyard – the website showed the bottles on sale at £159 each. Emmanuel has invited the South Wales Branch to visit his local IPA area where the members will provide us with the finest hospitality and samples from the vineyard. Well it would be rude not to, now wouldn’t it? International Friendship ruled supreme once again.

we all went and I quickly realised that apart from the fact that I could speak not a word of French, neither could they speak a word of English. ‘Wonderful’ thought I, how on earth are we going to get along for two or three hours? But the genius of modern science prevailed by way of a Google Translator App. First things first, liberal quantities of fine Welsh ales were ordered, although I again found out very quickly they had already surprisingly taken enough ale to float the British Navy in another local bar. However, the traditional Welsh toast of ‘Iachy Da’ had to be taken, which in itself was absolutely hilarious at the various pronunciations, none of which I shall even attempt to relate. Then to the all-important exchange of memorabilia. Region 4 and Section UK Pennants, pin badges, note pads and pens were all handed over to Emmanuel in exchange for badges etc from himself. Not that the supporters of the French team wanted them, but they each also received a genuine WRU (Welsh Rugby Union) pencil, which I suggested they could use to write the final Welsh winning score at the end of the match. All accepted with great huffing, puffing and hilarity. The bar by now was heaving and suddenly someone in the crowd of Welsh supporters

I thoroughly enjoyed my day showcasing the area I was born and brought up in. I’d like to thank Shirley, Mary and Marion from Region 1 for their assistance in making this a memorable tour.

POLICE WORLD Vol 63 No. 3, 2018

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