PW_2_2019

News

Another Christmas Lunch – But with a Twist Pauline Plato , Thames Valley Branch Thames Valley Branch covers an enormous area, so events need to be organised to attract members wherever they live. This year one Christmas lunch was held in the south, and a second was held at the Caldecotte Restaurant at Milton Keynes. Designed to look like a windmill, it was an unusual venue, where we were able to dine on the upper level, overlooking the beautiful Caldecotte Lake. There was plenty to choose from and the wine and conversation flowed effortlessly amid the crackers and party hats. However, this was a more unusual lunch, as the branch were joined by our latest member, 91 year old Cyril Bourne. Cyril joined the Met in 1948, serving at Wembley in north-west London and has now ‘served’ longer out than in and has been a member of the IPA for 57 years, quite an achievement! Many thanks to our Treasurer, Mike Vince, who not only visited Cyril at home, ensuring his smooth transition to this Branch, but also brought him to the lunch. A brilliant example of extending the IPA hand of friendship. Cyril was excellent company and made good friends with our Vice Chairman John Osborne, who is also a social and welfare secretary of the Branch, and coincidentally as a child was brought up in married quarters covered by Wembley Division. It may even have been Cyril who rounded up the police kids and took them home in the van when the neighbours complained about their noisy games of football. Rounding off the lunch, there was a special presentation to Cyril by the Vice Chair John, of a

Festive Cornwall Mike Chappell , Cornwall Branch December saw Cornwall branch meeting for drinks and a roast lunch at the Lanhydrock Hotel and Golf Club set in beautiful countryside just outside Bodmin. Members admired the recently issued IPA Challenge Coin and several were bought from the small stock held by our Branch Treasurer. A number of events are planned for early 2019 including a coffee morning and the Branch AGM. A very enjoyable time and large lunch was had by all and even Branch Treasurer, Roy Wilder, retired Metropolitan Police, laughed loudly at some of the policing memories shared over dinner. (Roy has a grand sense of humour, before anyone asks!) Cornwall IPA Branch wishes one and all a very merry Christmas and a peaceful, healthy and prosperous new year ahead.

certificate celebrating 57 years of IPA membership, surrounded by Cyril’s newest chums.

Northampton Branch Meeting and Christmas Lunch Alex Thompson , Northampton Branch

On Sunday 9th December, 2018 Northamptonshire Branch held a meeting and Xmas lunch at the Boat Inn Stoke Bruerne on the Grand Union Canal. The function at this picturesque location was well attended. The meal was excellent. We are now looking forward to next year’s events.

Christmas with Lace and Dreams Sean Murphy , Derbyshire and Region 5 Secretary

On Wednesday, 12th December Derbyshire Branch held its Christmas get together at Lumb Farm Country Club, Ripley. 36 members and friends enjoyed a meal followed by entertainment from singer and guitarist Dave Grant. Dave was formerly a member of both Paper Lace and Freddie and the Dreamers. The President Clive Wood was able to attend with his wife Helen, and before the entertainment he presented Philip Smith and Rod Repton with their 30 year Certificates of Membership. He later presented more Certificates to Bill Storey – Chairman on behalf of Brian Sargent 50 years, John Hickman 47 years and Stuart Barlow 40 years.

POLICE WORLD Vol 64 No.2, 2019

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