PW_1_2024

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A Double Golden, In Canada Peter Martin, Sussex Branch I joined the IPA in 1972, to take part in a trip to Holland. In 1973 I married my wife Brenda, so 2023 is our 50th wedding anniversary and my 50th IPA anniversary. We celebrated by visiting our family in Canada, and wanted to tick off a bucket list item, by visiting Niagara Falls. We used the IPA travel form to contact local IPA groups. Jim Dallimore responded for Toronto and Dave Matterson for Niagara. With their help, we ended our visit to Canada with five wonderful days. W e were met by John, a retired officer from the Toronto force . In Toronto we were told there are only three seasons, Winter, Summer and Construction. We certainly arrived in the construction season, as roads were closed all over the city, but John, using his knowledge, took us through hidden upmarket streets and back roads delivering us safely to our hotel. The next day, we were greeted by Keith Chipman, who took us to Toronto Police Museum, giving us the back story to many exhibits, before taking us to Casa Loma, a marvellous castle on the fringe of Toronto. The afternoon involved a trip to the dog Section, where Sergeant John Gallagher hosted us with a detailed explanation of their section and a demonstration of his new dog, Jonny’s detection skills. On our second day, we were met by a new IPA member Rick Rand, who introduced us to Toronto Police’s Marine and Mounted sections. A trip on Lake Ontario was beyond our wildest dreams, followed by the introduction to the well-trained horses of the Mounted Branch. Although we planned to take the train, Rick insisted on taking us to Niagara, as his father Derek (also a retired Policeman from Toronto), now lives there. In the afternoon, we met up with Derek who showed us around. It was a wonderful trip, starting at Old Fort Erie, where a battle reconstruction was taking place. Hearing ‘God Save the King’ played by the band was an unusual feeling when so far from England! We travelled along the coastline, finishing at Niagara on the lake. The next day, we were met by Steve Skuse, a retired policeman from Niagara, who showed us the falls and events provided by Niagara Park Police. Following an interesting meeting with the Chief Inspector, at the Parks Police HQ, we walked over seven miles, enjoying the fabulous scenery. Of course, a boat trip to the falls was a must, we went behind the falls, under the falls and above them. At night they are illuminated in many colours. Rick met us again on our last day, insisting he took us back to the airport, which was a bonus. This year, through the IPA, I met police officers in Germany and Canada. For my wife and I, membership of the IPA keeps giving. Our sincere thanks go to all those who helped us achieve our Bucket List adventure in Canada.

Brian Deacon with Gunter Musolf at Minden Railway Station

Memories of Minden Brian Deacon, BTP Branch Brian wrote to Police World, after seeing the 50 years of membership article about Peter May, of Surrey Branch. Brian has his own memories of visiting Minden, in North Rhine Westphalia, which he shared with us.

Brian Deacon in uniform in the middle with Vernon Watkins Jochim Stallman and Gunter Musolf

POLICE WORLD Vol 69 No.1, 2024

Brian Deacon in uniform in the middle with Vernon Watkins Jochim Stallman and Gunter Musolf 13