PW-2-2026

IPA News

Devon & Cornwall Branch Friendship Weekend 2026 By Una Blundell , Branch Secretary Members from our Region and beyond enjoyed a wonderful friendship weekend at the Palace Hotel in Paignton, Devon. This very popular annual event is in its 24th year and our thanks go to Owen Harris for arranging the weekend and at such a bargain price. Next year we will be celebrating our 25th anniversary and we are hopeful for an even bigger turnout, if that’s possible! The hotel is well placed on the English Riveria and Paignton steam train station is a 10-minute walk and quite a few of us enjoyed the steam train to lovely Dartmouth, a place we never tire of. It was lovely to see our former Regional Chairman Colin Gameson and his wife Maria. Our Vice Chairman Don Hansford took the opportunity to present Colin with a 40-year membership certificate. We were also very pleased to meet Lancaster, Harvey Whittam’s labrador! I’m sure you’ll agree that Lancaster is very photogenic! The usual raffle was held and thanks to the members who donated prizes, the proceeds will go to our adopted charity The Thin Blue Line. Now looking forward to our half yearly and social weekend which will see us once again return to the Palace Hotel in Paignton on 23rd -25th October 2026 All members welcome.

Christmas Wreath Making By Deidre Mahony The Green IPA Christmas Wreath Making class took place at Garnerville Police College, Belfast using all natural materials. This is a very old Irish tradition. People put winter wreaths on their doors to ward away evil spirits, now it’s more associated with Christmas and rather more joyous.

Everyone had such fun and, incredibly, each wreath reflected the personality, style and creative ability of its maker. The finished products were so varied but each one was really beautiful. Definitely, this is going to be an popular annual Green event.

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POLICE WORLD Vol 71 No.2, 2026