PW_1_2019

Keeping you informed

National Council Meeting 2018 from the observer perspective Stuart Anderson , Cambridgeshire Branch Last year I was asked if I would like to attend the 2018 NCM as the region’s observer and I thought

“Yes, that sounds like a nice idea”. M y initial member journey started in the eighties when, as a fresh faced new Special Constable, someone mentioned the IPA to me. Not having any idea what the IPA was at the time I said yes, joined up, and became a very active member, attending committee meetings and soon became more involved as social secretary. This involved me arranging trips to York, booze cruises and other outings including Newmarket race nights. There then came a change in circumstances and I regrettably left the IPA. About three years ago, my good friends Steve Palmer & Steve Bretherton encouraged me to rejoin, and I have been enjoying being a member again with all the friendship and events that come with it. When it was suggested that I could attend the NCM in Pitlochry this year I jumped at the opportunity. The railway journey was lovely. Arriving in Edinburgh with less than 5 minutes to get to the connecting platform which was miles away (or so it felt), I made it, sat down and waited on the next train. Minutes later, an announcement on the tannoy told everybody travelling to Inverness they were on the wrong train. Following a quick dash to the front of the train we all jumped onto the next train due to leave. Running a bit later than scheduled, I phoned ahead to say I was on my way and sat back and enjoyed more of the beautiful Scottish scenery. On my arrival at the hotel I quickly made my way into the Secretaries’ meeting and listened to the various debates around proposed rule changes, I remember thinking “Wow, that is a lot to discuss”.

events along with overseas visits is what makes us that bit different to other social clubs. It all costs money, and that is a big problem for some young in service officers and staff, but we must try. We have a fantastic organisation and we mustn’t lose sight of our values. We may have to be more modern in our approach, and make it easier to belong, recognise those officers who “don’t do committees” but enjoy what is offered and encourage others who do show an interest in committees to safeguard the future of the International Police Association and ensure that it continues for generations to come.

I didn’t realise that, at the main meeting on the Saturday morning, each individual change to a rule was proposed, seconded and voted on, with some alterations put forward even after the discussions of the day before but, hey, that is democracy at work. Overall, it was interesting to see the workings of the organisation’s National Committee and the election of its officers, which isn’t a great deal different to how we do things at Branch and Regional level. Motions decided, and business concluded, it was time to enjoy some of the beautiful scenery. Dodging the showers (it’s Scotland, after all), I took my camera out for a walk and took pictures of the beautiful Athol Palace Hotel and surrounding area. On Saturday evening, as a guest at the gala dinner and dressed to the nines, I sat down to a fabulous meal followed by official speeches and presentations. Then, it was party time. The entertainment began with a chance to rekindle what drew me to the IPA in the first place: meeting like-minded people from around the country and further afield and having fun. My experience has made me think again about the current membership of the police and the IPA generally. I always try to promote the organisation but with policing ever changing, officers working longer shifts and valuing any time off, I wonder, what do we offer and how can we make it more accessible and relevant to our modern-day cops and staff? I don’t have all the answers to that but in reality, it has to be more than just friendship. An active local branch putting on interesting visits and

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POLICE WORLD Vol 64 No. 1, 2019