PW_03_2017

IPA News

Skittles at the Ship Inn Graham Bulford , Devon We certainly looked up and conversation hushed when Owen shouted, ‘I’ve only got two balls!’ Devon Branch members were in the skittle alley at the Ship Inn at Axmouth entertaining two German IPA visitors and one of Owen’s three balls had mysteriously disappeared - soon to be discovered much to our relief. Regional Vice Chairman John Bull and his wife Anitra were staying locally and hosting their long standing German friends Karl-Ludwig & Doris Ruckelshauss from Grunberg in Hessen who are members of IPA Giessen Branch in Hessen Region. We wanted them to enjoy a Branch event and 17 of us turned up for a superb meal (the place was full on a Tuesday which spoke volumes for the quality of the meals) followed by a fun evening in the skittle alley. Karl- Ludvig presented Owen with gifts for the Branch who reciprocated. Karl also presented Rab, who had escorted them on a local tour the previous day with a running commentary in German, with a bottle of wine he had brought from southwest France. He whispered, ‘Especially for you - from Condom!’ Shoulder to shoulder Colin Gameson PC 5447, IPA Cornwall and 7 Region chair. This was the group from Devon and Cornwall Police that went shoulder to shoulder with our MET colleagues along with other forces to line the two streets in Southwark, London for the funeral cortège of murdered PC Keith Palmer. A show of united loss and friendship to Keith’s Family. I was proud to be there not only as an ex Met officer but as a mark of respect for the IPA members who could not make it there. We started out from 4am and finished at 10pm at Bodmin Police Hub. RIP Keith Palmer what a hero officer, our thoughts are with his wife and daughter. Also, two new members signed up to the IPA whilst on the coach with me: PS Richard Poole for the Devon Branch and PS Reggie Butler for the Cornwall Branch.

Canine Partners Bob Lea - Treasurer Staffordshire Branch Staffordshire Branch at their April meeting had a film and talk by the Charity, Canine Partners. There was also a demonstration given by two lovely dogs, Randell a golden retriever and Rizzo a black Labrador, showing how they assist disabled people with everyday chores. These life changing dogs transform the lives of disabled people offering companionship, practical help and giving them independence. Canine Partners also train dogs for Help the Heroes.

POLICE WORLD Vol 62 No. 3, 2017

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