PW_4_2020

Article

The Mighty Morris

David, the ‘Stan’ project founder says this about the IPA involvement: ‘I am increasingly thinking that projects of this kind are a viable way forward for the IPA. To see many hundreds of people, younger and older taking an interest, not only in literacy, but in the police service, through positive projects of this kind is extremely encouraging. We in the IPA have a role to play in police and public relations showing how friendship in all its forms can extend its hand to bridge the social divide within communities. This was an exciting project and the IPA was seen in a positive light both by the public and by police people across the north of England and beyond. We took many enquiries about IPA membership during the project’s run. A big thanks to my project partner, Wanda Maciuszko, together with everyone in our team at Bryn Stowe Publications, Anda and Emiliya at Emi Designs, and to Bill Lloyd, Dave Hunter and the members of 3 Region for backing it so well.’ David Lewis formerly served with the Metropolitan and Thames Valley Police Services as well as with National Police Training. He is the author of a number of non-fiction works and is the current chair of the IPA Section UK Writers SIG.

Scarborough Mayor, Hazel Lynskey, said of the project: ‘It was a privilege to be at the ‘Stan’ story writing project at the 2019 Scalby Fair. The idea of using the International Police Association Morris Panda car in this way is a great initiative. The National Literary Trust are doing a fantastic job in helping to improve literacy in our region and this is just one example of their work with local partners. With very best wishes to everyone involved. ‘Stan’ is a real symbol of the friendship we all have with North Yorkshire Police’. Liz Dyer, National Literacy Trust Hub Manager for the National Literacy Trust ‘Our Stories’ project said: ‘The power of literacy cannot be overstated. At the National Literacy Trust, we know that better literacy skills lead to better lives, health and life chances, mental well-being and employment. The commitment and drive to produce wonderful, published stories such as these from the young people of the area, should bring a smile to many faces. What a perfect reason to encourage any child to write! Reading these tales has been a privilege and I would like to thank David and his team at Bryn Stowe and all the authors, including the wonderful Stan and the International Police Association, for their valuable contribution.’

POLICE WORLD Vol 65 No.4, 2020

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