PW_3_2019

Keeping you informed

Keeping you informed So, I said last time I would let you know how I got on in South Africa and Mauritius. Helen and I flew to Durban and arrived during some dreadful weather, which sadly resulted in some loss of life in the area. We were confined to barracks - well, the Hilton Hotel for 24 hours, which was not too much of a chore.

A ltogether we had five days in Durban before getting on a cruise ship, so once the weather improved we were able to take in the Zulu experience and a game drive. South Africa is a beautiful country and it was a shame we did not see more of it. We were met by Section South Africa Secretary General, Tess, who explained some of the issues around personal safety and her city. She met us one evening for dinner and we exchanged pennants. She was even kind enough to transport us from our hotel to the cruise ship, perhaps to make sure we left. Tess also told us about the IPA house in Durban, which would be available to us should we go again. We also met up with IPA friends in Mauritius. Ishak, a member of the Section Executive, and his wife very kindly met us on a bank holiday, and suggested the best seafood restaurant on the island for lunch. Some of you will have seen the picture in my monthly blog. Ishak also very kindly offered to home host Helen and I if we were over that way again. I’m sure that would be lovely, as there were some fabulous beaches. So that reminds me once again to suggest the use of the travel forms, which our helpful and friendly staff at Fox Road will process for you. Remember to get them done in plenty of time before you travel. You might just want the reassurance of knowing somebody you could contact if you had an issue whilst abroad. Or alternatively, if you want to make more of it, I have always been very well met and looked after. Since my last article, Helen and I have also visited Portugal and Ireland on IPA business, both of which have a selection of IPA houses available. We stayed in both and they are an inexpensive way of travelling. Whilst in Lisbon we met members from many other Sections. In Ireland it was great to see Ken and Denis from Region 4 signing off the twinning arrangements between Wales and Ireland. What great friendship. I know I often talk about twinning but it is so nice to see it in action. My Branch look forward to our Twinning Branch from Krefeld, in Germany, coming over this summer. The Section also received an invitation from Section Israel to attend their National Council Meeting in Tel Aviv. We were hosted entirely by Section Israel with great friendship and hospitality. I was able to meet representatives from 17 other Sections, which was extremely useful as this is an election year at World Congress. Fortunately there was also time for some sightseeing in the Holy Land including: Jerusalem Nazareth and the Sea of Galilee.

Whilst I was away with Helen on the cruise, I was able to continue my IPA duties through satellite technology, including a two hour Zoom meeting with the executive. Technology really is a wonderful thing in that sense, although sometimes it would be nice to be uncontactable. Anyway, the Zoom video conferencing technology is rolling out for all members to use. My own Region, 5, as part of its planning for this year’s National Council Meeting, have held meetings by Zoom, saving time and expense. If you think you could use it, speak to Vice President Sean Hannigan who will be only too happy to explain. I know VP Steve Bretherton has written to all regions asking for your thoughts about Fox Road, the building we share with the International Administration Centre. Thank you to all of you that responded. Some good news again around sponsorship. You will recall that I asked last time if anyone could identify sponsors for the Young Police Officers Seminar in Scotland, which VP Yvonne McGregor is putting together. After publication of the last Police World we have another significant sponsor to support the event, which is excellent news.

Seafood lunch in Mauritius

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POLICE WORLD Vol 64 No.2, 2019