PW_4_2018

The exec paying their respects.

Article

What a difference a day makes Clive Wood President Section UK The IPA Executive supports the UK C.O.P.S. Survivors Weekend and

Lawride. What a difference a day makes. I thought I remembered that from my younger days and, on checking, found that it was a song by Dina Washington. Well, the statement also came true when, together with other members of the national executive, I was honoured to attend and represent you at the 2018 Care of Police Survivors Service of remembrance at the National Memorial Arboretum.

I don’t think it could have been wetter or colder as we waited for the arrival of the police unity tour cyclists, followed by the Blue Knights England motorcycle riders, who took part in the Law Ride to the Arboretum. Some of you may have seen my short article on the latest news telling you that I would be on the Beat after the service to meet fellow IPA members. I’m pleased to say that I met a number of members and former colleagues from both my own force and around the country, and would like to acknowledge all those who took part in the events raising funds for COPS. The service was, as always, befitting the event and Jan Berry, Chair of the Trustees, explained that COPS was 15 years old this year and this was the 16th service of remembrance.

There were a number of readings, all of which were very moving, and following the one minute’s silence I was particularly impressed with the professionalism shown in managing the official laying of wreaths, which was facilitated by a young Staffordshire police cadet. On your behalf I laid a wreath at our tree on the Beat. Following a minute’s contemplation I was joined by the rest of the executive. We then took shelter in a marquee for a cup of tea and a sandwich before making our way off home. There is a lot of development work going on at the National Memorial Arboretum and I would fully recommend a visit as there is a lot to see and acknowledge. Next year’s service will be on Sunday, July 28 which is the date now for the diary, and if possible I look forward to seeing many of you there.

Paul gains an “Iron Butt” Paul Owen Motorcycle Special Interest Group

Friday the 13th July was lucky for me, as I successfully completed a bike ride of 1500 miles in 36 hours, raising funds for the Alzheimer’s Society.

I left Coventry at 04.02 on the Thursday , taking up the Iron Butt challenge, but after a few hundred miles it was evident that my butt was more jelly than iron! When I eventually ended my trip I had 51 minutes to spare. As with all good ideas, this was planned in the pub. My mother suffers from dementia and I had lots of help from the Alzheimer’s society throughout her illness. So, I thought I could use my motorbike skills to raise some money for such a good charity. Ride down to Hungary, turn round and finish up in Germany, what could possibly go wrong? Well, it was a rather more eventful trip than planned, due to it being the start of the school

holidays in Germany, which meant I couldn’t cover as much distance the first day as I planned. On the same evening I encountered some men in a hot hatch in Austria, trying to stop me and get me off the bike for some reason - I’m pretty sure it wasn’t to chat about the weather. On the second day a lorry driver in Germany tried to knock me off when filtering as it’s apparently illegal there. A lorry tyre blowout just as I was overtaking was also pretty scary, but no harm was done thankfully! My KTM 1290 S went really well, but it was pretty tiring as I didn’t finish until 1am on the first day, after a 4am start. I finished in Zwickau, Germany meeting up with some of my friends, who made a much more

sensible decision and took a route using the ferry over the shortest distance, but it was good to meet them for a celebratory drink or three. I have raised £1475 so far but my just giving page is still open as some people still want to donate, you can search Paul O if interested.

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POLICE WORLD Vol 63 No. 4, 2018