PW_3_2024

IPA News

Happy Hikers In The Mournes It was the sunniest weekend of the year so far when 18 keen hikers met at Tollymore National Outdoor Centre for a weekend of walking and socialising. The weekend was a first for the IPA Happy Hikers and was such a success we look forward to more like it. The weekend entailed two different walks, one high up and over rough ground, encompassing the summit of Slievenaglough and the other a low level, but nevertheless hilly walk in Tollymore Forest Park. The location of the centre was perfect for both these walks meaning no cars were needed to get to start or end points. Saturday’s walk was challenging because of the nature of the terrain. A few people chose to stay in the forest park but most went high. We weaved our way up Slievenaglough through heather and bog land. There were plenty of stops to rehydrate en route. We got back to the centre in time for a welcome three-course meal and then spent the evening chilling out. We were the only group in the centre that evening and there was plenty of craic well into the night. The accommodation was very comfortable and spacious. We couldn’t have asked for more. On Sunday the centre staff put on a fantastic Ulster Fry for us before we headed out into Tollymore Forest Park. We did a version of the perimeter trail, which went to the highest point in the park for some views. Then we went down to the Shimna River and ended up relaxing in the sun and eating the packed lunch that the centre staff had provided us. We made our way up-steam through the Hermitage, over the stepping stones and back to the centre. No one went swimming but it is certainly a thought to incorporate that idea into a future weekend away, especially if we were to be blessed by similar weather! A big thank you to all who took part, for Petra Loyer for organising all the finances, to Phil Quinn and Neil Cheyne for their support as leaders and to Deirdre Mahony Chair No 2 Region, who offered IPA members such a good deal and let a good idea take flight. Next year we hope to have a similar weekend on 3rd - 4th May 2025 and hopefully our colleagues from Section Ireland will join us, with as many of you who would like to also. Alice Armstrong No 2 Region Hiking SPOC

The Village At War I arranged for Surrey Branch and 11 Region members to attend an event called “The Village At War” at The Rural Life Centre, Tilford, Farnham, Surrey on Saturday 11th May 2024, writes Surrey Branch Secretary David King. Initially, 28 members were due to attend but major traffic delays caused by junction closures on the M25 meant that only 22 members were able to attend. The 22 of us had a thoroughly enjoyable day out and all said they wanted to attend again in 2025 . The Village At War is a very popular event that brings the sights, sounds and smells of 1944 Britain. We experienced a trip back through time to see what it was like in a small village in the south of England, while troops were massing and preparing to embark on D-Day, the invasion of France.

We also experienced how home life continued while rationing and air raids were daily occurrences, looked on as American and British troops trained and interacted with the villagers. There were music and jive events from that era going on throughout the day. We also met some famous faces from that era too.

20

POLICE WORLD Vol 69 No.3, 2024