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1960s

IPA 1960s A new chain of office for the British Section President made its first appearance in the 1962 issue of Police World. The 22 link chain, in silver gilt, was intended for the memory of Leslie Baker and Ralf Swallow.

L ooking back at issues of the magazine from the 60s shows how attitudes have changed in 60 years. All of the magazines from this period had a Mainly for the Ladies section, with recipes and fashion tips. As an even more outlandish sign of the times, the July 1962 issue made a plea for entrants to a Miss IPA competition, headlined “We are looking for a girl or two.” Blackpool Congress The July 1964 issue covered the International Congress, held in Blackpool. The town put on a fantastic welcome for the IPA, even creating a floral IPA badge in Stanley Park.

In September 1965, a group of 154 members and their families from New York City Police, visited London. The Americans chartered a special plane, which was named “The Finest” for their flight to England. Among the many treats laid on for the visitors, was the Tower of London, Ceremony of the Keys, which has become a bit of an IPA tradition over the years. Special Interest Groups Our Caravan & Camping section goes back a long way, holding its first rally in May 1966. Cambridge was chosen as their inaugural venue, with static caravans available for members without their own van. In June 1969, the International Headquarters was officially opened at Fox Road, in West Bridgford.

John Phillips looks back on the 60s During the IPA’s 70th year, I celebrate 60 years of membership. I joined in 1960, the year after becoming a Police Officer in Worcestershire. I wanted to visit Spain with my 18 year old girlfriend, who is now my wife of 58 years. On IPA advice, I wrote to Inspector Lilley Leach, who was the Association’s Spanish representative. Lilley arranged for me to meet Senor Trepat, who was both the Chief of Police in Barcelona and the President of Section Spain. After coffee with Senor Trepat in his office, he laid on a Police car, with a uniformed driver, to show us the sights of Barcelona. I particularly remember visiting the football stadium, where the Chief of Police had his own seat. Senor Trepat was obviously a believer in our motto “Service through friendship”. A young constable and his girlfriend were in no position to help his career, yet he went to great trouble in giving us a fantastic day in his city.

1953 The Netherlands became the first country after the UK to form a Section.

S E R V O P E R A M I K E C O I N T E R N A T I O N A L P O L I C E A S S O C I A T I O N

POLICE WORLD Vol 65 No.2, 2020

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