PW_2_2024

IPA News

Two Thank-You’s David C Winnard , Vice Chairman, Blackpool & North Lancashire Branch In January 2024, the AGM for Blackpool & North Lancashire Branch took place at the Royal Oak Hotel, Garstang. The Branch has used this venue for many years and enjoyed the facilities and excellent food provided by the Licensee Mrs Lorraine Hewitson, who is retiring in March after 42 years running the hotel. To mark the occasion, Vice Chairman David Winnard, presented her with a plant in appreciation from the Branch, for all the years of good service she has provided. The AGM also saw our Secretary for the past 11 years, Malcom Dove, standing down. Chairman Jack Baxter, acknowledged Malcolm’s service to the Branch, and presented him with a special drinking glass mounted on an inscribed base. The new Branch Secretary, Dax Byrne-Turner, took over the position and was welcomed to the committee.

Vice Chairman David Winnard presented Lorraine Hewitson with a plant in appreciation for the years of service she has provided

Chairman Jack Baxter thanks Malcom Dove for 11 years as Branch Secretary

Remembering my early IPA membership Barry Watters , London North Branch Preparing to move house always leads to the discovery of forgotten items and documents. This happened to me recently on my return to the UK, having spent 12 years ‘Down Under’ in Australia, when among my boxes of correspondence, I came across my first IPA membership card. I joined ‘The Met’ in 1964, and being a rugby fan, I had only two, 5 Nations (later to become 6 Nations) venues left on my ‘bucket list’ to visit: Murrayfield in Scotland ,and The Colombes Stadium in Paris. A colleague suggested I join the IPA, as this would enable me to contact police in both locations, who may be able to assist. I joined as suggested and received my ‘membership card’ which has remained with me ever since. With reference to my ‘bucket list’ I did make contact with the Paris Police, and attended the France v England match at Colombes Stadium, on 26th February 1972. The tickets were to be collected from the Paris headquarters on Friday 25th, before 6pm when the office I needed to go to would be closed. Driving my little Riley Elf, (in my eyes upmarket of the Austin Mini)

I went to France on the ferry and drove to the Police Headquarters, where with my VERY little French language ability, I managed to pick up my ticket for the match. To my surprise, no payment was required. At the Stadium I found that my seat was immediately behind the TV broadcasters, and I was able to look over their shoulders to see any replay shown during the match. I will never forget the passion shown by the French supporters, many of whom had travelled from the Provence area, complete with large sprigs of yellow mimosa and at least four chickens which they released onto the pitch prior to the kick off. I had been told it was not permitted to take alcohol into the ground, so I prepared a large bottle of cola with a suitable infusion of whiskey, to which the French supporters greeted with expressions of ‘mmmmm tres bien’. Now having enjoyed 29 years of retirement, I look forward to meeting other

POLICE WORLD Vol 69 No.2, 2024

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