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Keeping you informed

Keeping you informed (looking back) As the 11th President of the International Police Association’s Founding Section, it gives me enormous pleasure to write this foreword, celebrating our first 70 years.

F rom the dreams of our founder Arthur Troop BEM (British Empire Medal), the Section here in the United Kingdom currently incorporates around 8,500 members, and the International Association now has over 360,000 members in 65 countries. This makes us quite possibly the largest friendship Association in the world, what an achievement! The first country to join the UK in the IPA was the Netherlands, and our latest provisionally affiliated Section is Kyrgyzstan. If you are ever inclined to learn a little more about how it all started I recommend Arthur’s book Service Through Friendship which gives an interesting insight into the early days. Copies are available from our helpful and friendly staff at Fox Road. Amongst other things, it explains how our motto became “Service Through Friendship” and why the moto was translated into Esperanto, the international language, as “Servo per Amikeco.” Sadly, Arthur passed away in 2000, shortly after he attended the 16th World Congress in Bournemouth, England, which was opened by Her Royal Highness Princess Anne. Arthur’s son Kevin remains a staunch friend of Section UK, and I hope we will meet again at Members’ Day later in the year. I always enjoy the opportunity to talk to members who knew Arthur personally, many of whom now hold 60 year member certificates, which is a tremendous achievement in itself. Members’ Day, held as close as possible to Arthur’s birthday, is an opportunity for any member to come and visit Fox Road, and see some of our fantastic memorabilia from all around the world. It is also an opportunity to chat and renew friendships. I always enjoy the opportunity to speak with Alan Carter (Honorary life member and former International Secretary General 1994 to 2003). Alan always remains positive about the way our Section develops to meet modern day members’ needs. This year Members Day celebrations will be held between 11 and 15 December and I am pleased to announce now that the International President Pierre-Martin Moulin, together with the International Executive Board, have kindly agreed to hold their board meeting in the UK to coincide with this date. I very much look forward to receiving them at Fox Road. Do please join us.

Many of you will know that we have owned Fox Road for a number of years now. It is a lovely building, housing both our permanent staff and the staff of the International Administration Centre (IAC). I must say here how grateful I and the other members of the National Executive are to the Section’s permanent staff: Michele, Cathy and Dave. It may surprise you just how much work is required to run the modern day Association. Let me just take a moment to remind us all of the opportunities which now exist through membership here in the UK . The current edition of the Hosting Book lists accommodation, either IPA owned or affiliated, available in over 29 countries. Completing a travel form can provide reassurance when travelling abroad and often, as I have experienced myself on numerous occasions, results in friendship and hospitality from the local Section. Here in the UK we have a number of unique opportunities that membership can afford. Have you visited the Tower of London and witnessed the Ceremony of the Keys? This really is a unique opportunity. We can also facilitate taking your picture outside 10 Downing Street, which again is a unique opportunity and not to be missed. Everyone finds something different to draw from their membership , whether it is attending local branch events, travelling to Castle Gimborn in Germany for a seminar, taking part in sporting events worldwide, like this year’s IPA Games in Montenegro, developing writing skills with the Cultural Seminar, or hobbies with the Crafty Copper. The number of Special Interest Groups continues to grow, with the Hiking Group the latest addition to our family. It would be appropriate here to acknowledge the significant work of all the volunteers working tirelessly to deliver and develop the Association, whether as Branch Officers, Regional Officers or as a member of the National Executive. I have a personal debt of thanks to: Secretary General Steve Bretherton, Vice President (Social) Yvonne McGregor, Vice President (Professional) Martin Turner, Vice President (Culture/Communications) Sean Hannigan, and Treasurer Fred Boyd. The time and commitment they give to ensure the offer to members remains current and relevant is truly fantastic. My thanks go out to all.

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POLICE WORLD Vol 65 No.2, 2020