PW_2_2021

IPA News

Tour of Gambia - 2nd solidarity and adventure cycling route In previous issues of Police World, Ann Cumberland told us about her adventures in Gambia. In November 2021, you could join Section Spain for their return visit. After the success of the 1st trip, we are pleased to announce that The Tour of Gambia will again take place across this African country from the 2nd to the 27th of November 2021. The Tour of Gambia is a unique event, based on a cycling route by stages through the heart of Africa, in which

Do you fancy an adventure of a lifetime? Dave Scott , Police Aid Convoys Drive and deliver an ambulance to Africa with the IPA and National Police Aid Convoy. There is a dire need for a working ambulance service in The Gambia, West Africa. Left-hand The intention is to provide ambulances, radio systems, uniform and kit to locations across The Gambia, to spark the establishment of an ambulance service in this struggling African country. It is a long term project, because it will need support from the UK ambulance service for a couple of years afterwards. However, the issue for the moment is getting the vehicles there. Each IPA Region is asked to find at least one candidate driver under 35 and support them through the process. The drive will take place in April 2022. For a starter pack and to register your interest, email ipagambiaexpedition@outlook.com

drive ambulances are being found and serviced in France, Portugal and Spain. All you have to do is fly to collect them and drive them across the Sahara, how hard can it be? With the help of the various IPA Sections, it is not a problem. “Gambia – no problem” as they say in Banjul.

everyone can participate. It is not a cycling race, it is an adventure cycling experience in its purest form, a direct solidarity action, a personal challenge and an unforgettable experience. For more information www.tourdegambia.com info@tourdegambia.com IPA Vallés Occidental (Barcelona, Spain)

An International Festive Zoom Yvonne McGregor , Section UK: VP (Social)

Patron, HRH Princes Anne, held a Zoom meeting with several UK Members and agreed to continue her patronage for another year. At the conclusion of this meeting Pierre-Martin invited everyone to stay on for a virtual Party Night with a DJ streaming Christmas music and other songs for two hours. Over 100 members tuned in from across the world to celebrate our 70th Anniversary. It was a very enjoyable evening with friends from around the World.

Christmas 2020 was certainly different for everyone, and to brighten up the festive period the International Executive Board (IEB) organised a fun filled night with friends. All 65 IPA Countries were invited to Zoom in and raise a glass to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the IPA, and I was delighted to represent Section UK. International President Pierre-Martin Moulin gave everyone a very warm welcome, the IPA anthem was played and we observed a minute’s silence for all the IPA Members we sadly lost this year. We watched a short video about the IPA History, after which Pierre-Martin introduced the International Board, who gave an update on their IPA activities and future events. With so many different Countries represented the time that we raised a glass to toast our 70th Anniversary varied greatly, from dawn to dusk, some had cups and others had glasses. International Secretary-General, May-Britt Ronnebro, then called on the Section representative to say a few words. When she reached the UK, I described my own branch’s Ceilidh Weekend in January, which was the last Anniversary Event before the first lockdown. Sadly, despite a lot of work by Section UK Members, many other celebratory events were cancelled or postponed.

On Clive’s behalf, I thanked the International Sections for sending their pennants , which will be displayed in our newly refurbished rooms. I shared the exciting news that our Royal

POLICE WORLD Vol 66 No.2, 2021

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