PW_1_2019

IPA News

Alfie Moore Getting Away With Murder Dave Stamp , Sussex Branch

In October, members of Sussex Branch and some Narpo friends saw Alfie’s stand-up show at Crawley’s Hawth Theatre. Alfie is a former Scunthorpe officer who cleverly uses his hard won experiences to theme his shows. He also has had a series on Radio 4 called “It’s a Fair Cop” - he is that good! Alfie is currently on a tour of the UK with his show and if he appears at a venue near you he is well worth a visit.

Belfast hosts the Germans Brian Kennedy Musgrave Police Station in central Belfast recently played host to 48 German IPA members who were touring Ireland. Sergeant Phil Neill and Chief Inspector Stephen McCauley hosted the visit, which was not an easy task, as it involved moving 48 people, some not fully mobile, around a huge four story high security building. However all went well and our visitors were also treated to the experience of being up close and personal with the motorcycle security escort for the

On the Riviera Una Blundell

I could not think of a better way to finish off our Regional Half Yearly and Mayflower 400 planning meetings than a couple of nights on the English Riviera. We had a breath taking sea view from our meeting room, which set the mood for the afternoon. Our thanks go to VP Sean Hannigan, for travelling such a long way to join us and supporting our meetings. Thanks also to everyone who attended both meetings who equally had travelled long distances. Not forgetting John Bull who donned the chain of office once more and chaired both meetings, and last but not least Owen Harris for organising the whole weekend. November 2019 has already been booked.

Duke of York, who was also in town on the day.

Old Friends Graham Buxton , Nottinghamshire Branch

Riding with the Garda Rod Mackenzie , Number 2 Region

Jacqui and I are among many IPA members who are also members of the Blue Knights Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club. In June 2018, we travelled to Rome for the Blue Knights’ European convention, together with fellow IPA members Brian & Anne Collins and Phil & Dilys Laing. While planning our route, I realised that we were passing close to Cesena in Italy, the home town of Maurizio Giannini. When we rode to Romania eight years ago, we met Maurizio in Budapest while staying as guests of the Hungarian IPA. So, I sent Maurizio an email explaining that we would be passing nearby and received an instant response. We had arranged to meet for coffee close to the motorway, which we would be using that day. Imagine my surprise when I called him as we neared Cesena to find that one of his friends had been sent to meet us and take us back to the IPA office in the town. Maurizio, who is the President of the Cesena Section of the IPA, greeted us warmly and after a short introduction to their set up, he took us for lunch in a nearby restaurant. We appreciated the welcome we received and enjoyed his hospitality very much, but after a couple of hours it was time for us to resume our journey to Rome. Maurizio escorted us for 25 kilometres on his scooter, ensuring we were on the right road, again showing considerable thoughtfulness. It just goes to show how it is never too late to rekindle old friendships within the IPA and we all look forward to catching up with Maurizio in the future, perhaps here in the UK.

On Sunday 14th October 2018, Number 2 Region from Northern Ireland, met up with our IPA Garda colleagues at Annagassan, Co. Louth. We met and had Sunday lunch. Much chewing of the fat took place and new friendships were made. It is hoped that we will meet up again in the near future and arrange further outings together. This was the first international meeting of our group (Number 2 Region) and we hope there will be many more to follow.

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POLICE WORLD Vol 64 No. 1, 2019