PW_4_2021
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Vol 66 No.4 2021
The magazine of the International Police Association, Section UK
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Contents Police World The magazine of the International Police Association, Section UK
Vol 66 No.4 2021
Keeping You Informed 4–5 Keeping You Informed Clive Wood President of Section UK Professional Development 6-7
Editorial Neil Hallam e-mail: mail@neilhallam.com Deadline for article submission for Vol. 67 Edition 1, 2022 is 15 November 2021 Dispatched January 2022
Crossing Borders: shining a light on policing around the world Alex Williams, London North Branch
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Advertising Michele Rai tel: (+44) 115 981 3638 e-mail: michele.rai@ipa-uk.org
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IBZ Gimborn 2022
ILET Network Member Benefit VP Martin Turner Section UK VP (Professional)
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Lincoln Award 2021: managing violent offenders on St. Helena Jonathan Clark, Durham Branch
General enquiries IPA HQ - Section UK, 1 Fox Road, West Bridgford, Nottingham. NG2 6AJ tel: (+44) 0115 981 3638 e-mail: mail@ipa-uk.org Printed by Bishops Printers, Walton Road, Portsmouth,
Cultural Corner 11 Us Yins Bill Petherick Feature Articles 9 IPA and The G7 12
A Week of Music and Friendship, in the beautiful City of Bath
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Colin Gameson, 7 Region Chair Section UK Archive Phillip Powell, Section UK Archivist Life Below Stairs Brian Allinson, Avon & Somerset Branch
Hampshire PO6 1TR Graphic Design by BDS 21 Ltd Membership
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13
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Operation Zephyr: An International Aid Mission Aiden Goundry, West Mercia Branch
In Section UK, the membership comprises serving and retired Police Officers, Special Constables and members of Police Staff employed by a Chief Constable or other appropriately designated Chief Officer. We also now offer associate membership. The Section has a unique mixture of police personnel who are still serving, retired, or in some instances, who have voluntarily resigned from the police service. For details of who can join Section UK, go to www.ipa-uk.org/Join-Us Join the IPA from £20. Visit the website to learn about our promotional offers. Annual renewal is £32. Visit the website to learn about our promotional offers. To apply either visit www.ipa-uk.org or request an application form from the general enquiries team. A guide to Region numbers 1 - Scotland Region 2 - Northern Ireland Region 3 - North of England including Isle of Man Region 4 - Wales Region 5 - Midlands Region 6 - Central and West London Region 7 - South & Southwest including the Channel Islands Region 8 - East Anglia Region 9 - Northern Home Counties and North and Northwest London Region 10 - Essex and East London Region 11 - Southern Home Counties and South London Region
15 A Wedding on the Rock David King Surrey Branch 16–17 SARA: Independent Lifeboat & Rescue Service Colin Drewett BEM, Gloucestershire Branch 17 An Evening with a Professional Criminologist Denis Hunt, Secretary No 4 Region (Wales) 23 In it to win it Clive Wood, President Section UK 28 Mayflower Postponed Wilf Rickard, Cornwall Branch Secretary News 18–22 News from around IPA Spotlight on the SIGs 24 Section UK Virtual Walking Challenge Chris Charlton, Scarborough Branch & Walking Group 25 Motorcycle SIG Roy Edwards, Leicestershire Branch & Motorcycle SIG 26 On The Air James Bertram, Section UK Amateur Radio Section Competitions 27 Crossword and Soduko WIN one of these books by Ben W. Johnson and Richard Allen Sports 29 Bluelight Cycling Club tour for COPS 30 Classifieds 31 Diary
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SIGs
Caravan & Camping SIG Family History Group
Motorcycle SIG Police Educators
Writers’ SIG Walkers’ Group Amateur Radio Section
Cover Photo SARA: Independent Lifeboat & Rescue Service Next deadline 15 November 2021 for publication January 2022
POLICE WORLD Vol 66 No.4, 2021
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ISSN No: 0032-261X
Keeping you informed
Keeping you informed
Since my last update, after our National Council Meeting (NCM) held by Zoom last June, things have continued to be quite busy.
Y our new National Executive met to three of us in person in Nottingham and three by Zoom. Although not ideal, it did mean we were able to progress some of our business. For example, I mentioned we would be forming a Fox Road working group to help safeguard our biggest asset. I am delighted to confirm that Bill Lloyd, your new National Treasurer, has kindly agreed to take on and form the group. Yvonne McGregor (VP Social) acts as Vice Chair to the group, and each Region is represented by an NEC member. A significant amount of work has already been started, with Bill planning for the most urgent issues to be addressed first. I am sure he will publish an article outlining the work in the future, but it is good to know the building is in safe hands. consider priorities, as well as our normal business. We had a hybrid meeting with
I also said that I was hoping to complete the IPA UK walking challenge, and that I might this time be able to show you my patch. You can see from the photograph that I have now received it.
I reminded you all about the IPA lottery we run, and that I had recently undertaken some clay pigeon shooting training with a grant from the treasurer last year. I am delighted to say I recently attended the East Yorkshire Clay Shooting Ground near Beverley, to represent Leicestershire Police Clay Shooting Section. Thanks to the training, I posted a season’s best in every discipline I shot. I also took the opportunity to ask our Chair and Treasurer whether they would consider giving members the option to purchase a Thin Blue Line (TBL) patch, to wear on some new skeet vests we have been presented with. I’m pleased to say they immediately agreed to fund the patches for every member of our squad. I am very grateful for this support. I recently went to Fox Road to meet with Bill Lloyd and our new service provider for health and safety and other associated matters. This has created a significant amount of work but is obviously necessary, particularly as we now progress our work improving Fox Road. Whilst at Fox Road, I took the opportunity to record a video message for IPA Macau, who are celebrating their 10th anniversary. I have previously visited the country, and recommend reaching out to the local IPA if you find yourselves in that part of the world. I received great hospitality, in a very interesting country, with lots to see and do.
Millie and Clive on the IPA walking challenge
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Keeping you informed
We have our annual budget meeting to look forward to, and with a change at the helm we might all be challenged by our treasurer. But this is of course only right when dealing with members money. Finally, I was disappointed that the friendship event planned in Plymouth for July was unable to proceed due to Covid. It was such a shame and my thanks go to everyone who worked so hard towards what would have been an excellent event. Looking forward, I am delighted to be attending the Rochdale friendship week. Thanks in advance for all the hard work going into planning that. I have been really pleased to see so many notifications of “in person” events being planned over the coming months. Whilst Zoom has served us well, and will continue to have its place, as a friendship association surely meeting our friends face to face is best. Until next time In friendship Clive Wood, Section UK President
Clive reciving a shooting lesson from Steve Spiers
Part of our recent national executive meeting was taken up reviewing the comprehensive papers we received for this year’s World Congress. Once again this will be held by Zoom, and there were several motions which we needed to determine our position on. I will update you next time as to how the Congress goes. I have also held several meetings with Stuart Rivers, the Chair of the Police Educators Special Interest Group (PEG) and Sean Hannigan, our VP, who supports that group as an academic advisor. They are developing guidance, which once rolled out here, can be considered by the International Professional Commission, under the guidance of Demetris Demetriou from Cyprus. Whilst talking about Cyprus, I am excited by an invitation received from the National Board of Cyprus, to attend as guests for their forthcoming national general meeting. Let’s hope that proceeds and if it does, I will tell you more next time. Also on my agenda, towards the end of October, is the Crafty Copper weekend being held at Fox Road, organised by your Vice President Sean Hannigan. Thanks to Sean for all the hard work he and the Cultural Team are putting in, and to members who are supporting the event. The event will have happened by the time you read this, but I hope many of you were able to attend and see excellent skills on show.
Steve Spiers receiving TBL patches
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Professional Development
Crossing Borders: shining a light on policing around the world Alex Williams , London North Branch In a year of travel restrictions, North London Branch managed virtual visits to three countries in May, June and July 2021: France, Germany and the USA. Many of us have missed travelling this past year, since connecting with IPA members across the globe is what membership is about. Our Zoom Webinars were joined by IPA members from a dozen different countries including: England, Wales, Scotland, Estonia, Greece, Romania, France, Ireland, Kuwait, USA, Malaysia and Germany. E ach Zoom Webinar explored policing in a nominated host country. IPA members gave a series of three or four mini- partners in postings which included Bosnia. Bruno described some of the recent challenges presented by policing the cross channel migrants, touching on the delicate political issues.
prestigious events and public order operations. She shared photographs, which included the French Equestrian Division and Riot Police. Second was Francois, a French investigator. Francois amazed us with revelations that the Public Prosecutor or, for some type of serious crimes an Investigation Judge, are appointed at the start of every criminal investigation. A collaborative approach is adopted throughout the lifecycle of a criminal case, right up to the point of court and sentencing. Bruno, our third Police Officer, gave us a gritty insight into immigration and serious organised crime, drawing on his service with international
presentations about policing in their respective country, with an opportunity for questions and discussion afterwards. France In May 2021 we “visited” France, where we were treated to four fascinating insights from French law enforcement officers. First to speak was Nathalie, who gave us an overview of the police structure in France. Nathalie described her recent postings from a senior leader’s perspective, overseeing
The last of our French Officers shone a spotlight on Counter Terrorism and Outlaw Motorcycle gangs. Philippe emphasized the international cooperation and intelligence gathering efforts of national and international agencies, all working in partnership. He drew parallels with the Italian Mafia and the hierarchical structure of the Hells Angels Gang, giving us a riveting finale to our first Crossing Borders event.
IBZ Gimborn 2022 Martin Turner , Section UK VP (Professional) Friends, it seems more than a year since we could travel freely, and partake in the many wonderful opportunities the IPA provides abroad. Happily, as I write this, the world is opening up and UK members recently visited Munster in Germany for an exchange programme. I have several trips abroad booked, and some hardy souls are currently at IBZ Gimborn Castle in Germany, being beaten up…I mean trained…by our very own Rob Stenhouse, of the Defensive Tactics Group on an IPA seminar. PD Swoop has also joined the Defensive Tactics Group, before he flies off to Kenya.
PD Swoop learning some Defensive Tactics
I will soon attend the planning meeting for 2022 courses at the wonderful seminar venue in Gimborn. Naturally much of next year’s programme will consist of deferred seminars. Section UK will chair several seminars. Please do get in touch with me if you could deliver an input to students on disaster/crisis management or cybercrime. Please also get in touch with any other concepts for seminars you think Section UK can/should chair. Or, if your own police force would like to host a seminar on a particular topic, then reach out, we have access to subject matter experts in every aspect of policing and support you can imagine, both within the UK and across the world. Let’s get back doing what we do best, serving through friendship! vpturner@ipa-uk.org
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Professional Development
A demonstration in Amiens with reinforcements from the equistrian unit
Germany Our second Crossing Borders visit was to Germany. Andreas engaged us with a fascinating overview of German law enforcement, with its 16 States and various Federal Policing teams. He revealed that in every member state the police have their own laws, meaning custody times differ across states for example. Phillip gave us a unique insight to training and recruitment of Police in Germany. A three year basic training course means that over 2,600 new officers attended university this year, to be awarded a BA Degree upon completion. Phillip explained that retention & recruitment of police officers in Germany was more challenging now than in recent years, a theme picked up in the questions at the end. Ollie concluded our visit to Germany by sharing some crime statistics and current crime trends.
USA Our final event in 2021 saw us travelling to the USA. We were hosted by Joe Johnson (USA IPA President). Joe navigated us through the labyrinth of Federal, State, County, Local and Tribal policing departments, astounding us that over 17,000 law enforcement agencies currently exist in the USA. Greg spoke about Peer Support & Resilience, bringing the subject to life with his extensive knowledge and deep understanding of the material. Greg shared plenty of tips and examples during his presentation. He inspired us about the value of looking after ourselves and others, especially given the nature of police work. We all left the Zoom call with a host of thought provoking, and highly useful strategies to try out. Joe closed our visit to the USA with a dynamic presentation about Safety on the Street. Supported by useful presentation slides, Joe was able to convey to us the real dangers of ambush in many situations. Joe described to us the tactics they use to reduce risk, such as Vehicle Sectorisation, and the ABCs of cover techniques. Join us for our WINTER 2022 Crossing Borders Series, in January, February and March 2022. Details to be advertised shortly. If you’d like to be a part of a future IPA Crossing Borders series, and help put together a short presentation about your area of business, then please get in touch with Alex Williams on email London-north@ipa-uk.org
Football match policing at the Stadium de la Licorne
The Covid pandemic had seen burglary offences reduce to an historic low for example, whilst the fabrication of vaccine certificates reminded us of the ever changing focus of policing.
Cross border cooperation in policing criminal biker gangs
Section UK partners with ILET Network for Member Benefit VP Martin Turner is pleased to announce that Section UK has joined forces with the International Law Enforcement Training (ILET) network, to share resources and obtain a fantastic member benefit. I LET network shares our vision of service through friendship . Making Continuous Professional Development, training, learning and sharing of knowledge open to all Law Enforcement professionals across the world, for as little cost as possible. Section UK has negotiated the lowest possible rate for its members to access this enormous learning resource for 12 months at just $21, a saving of around $130 dollars. Members can join here (please do not share this link outside of Section UK) using their IPA membership number www.iletsummit.com/2021-VIP-PASS_Checkout-IPA-UK-EXCLUSIVE This will register you as a member of the network for 12 months, and enable round the clock access to all materials, recorded lessons, seminars and resources. Members will also be able to share their own learning, skills or expertise with colleagues from across the globe. If you would like to sample ILET prior to signing up, then you can register for the FREE International Summit. Several UK IPA members are contributing to this 2nd event, which attracted over 15,000 participants from 70 countries last year. For more information, please visit their website at www.iletsummit.com For any questions, please get in touch - vpturner@ipa-uk.org
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Professional Development
Lincoln Award 2021 : managing violent offenders on St. Helena Jonathan Clark , Durham Branch In 2011 I joined Durham Constabulary as a Special Constable working in Bishop Auckland, where I became an IPA member. After a few years, in 2014, I began considering options for the next stage of my career. I emailed several British Overseas Territory police services to see if they had any vacancies as a Police Constable. After a few days the Deputy Chief of Police for St Helena emailed me, and within three weeks I had a successful telephone interview. A t the end of May I flew to Ascension Island from RAF Brize Norton. After a week on the island, I got on the RMS St Helena (one of the last Royal Mail Ships in the world) which took three days to Whilst in Durham I completed training within the Offender Management Unit. I attended home visits with the Offender Managers, seeing how they ensure offenders are not committing further offences, or had issues in their life that might lead to further offending.
reach St Helena. I began on St Helena as a Constable, working shifts on the sub-tropical island, then after three years I moved to CID. I then took the opportunity to become Manager of Violent and Sexual Offenders for the island. The training for my new role was completed with Cleveland Police in early 2019, which was the first time I had been back to the UK since leaving in 2014. As the Manager of Violent and Sexual Offenders, I work to mitigate the risk posed by convicted sexual and violent offenders. Even with a population of just 4500; child abuse, sexual exploitation and domestic violence are an issue we deal with far too often. I applied for, and was given, the Lincoln Award in early 2021, to attend a work-related conference, and gain experience about my role within a UK Police Service. In July 2021 I gained valuable experience with Durham Constabulary’s Offender Management Unit. In August I attended the International Association for the Treatment of Sexual Offenders (IATSO) conference (via video link) which was held in Germany.
As a result of the training, I recommended new software to assist the police on St Helena, along with implementing current best practice in my own work. My virtual attendance at the IATSO conference gave me further insight into the different types of offenders, offences, their causes and the effects on victims and society. There were a number of seminars that were particularly useful to me, these included but were not limited to, Distorted Beliefs linked to Sexual Offending by Ross M. Bartels, Sexual Offending in Adolescent Males: Effects of Parental Attachment, Social Experiences, and Sexuality by Michael H. Miner and Self-control Training for Consumers of Child Pornography by Thorsten Klemm, all of which will assist me in my role as the Offender Manager on St Helena in the coming years.
The Lincoln Award gave me the funds to support my attendance and development in two crucial areas to my policing role. I can’t recommend applying for it highly enough. Lincoln Award 2021/2022 Martin Turner , Vice President (Professional) Jonathan’s engaging article about his role on the island of St Helena, and how the Lincoln Award benefitted him, is a timely reminder that you can apply for financial support towards self-development as an IPA member. T he Lincoln Award allows members to apply for up to £1000 in funding towards a course, seminar, training package or similar. This can be personal or professional development, and is paid upon completion of the development and submission of an article for Police World and social media usage. Please see the relevant section of the Members Area on our website or email me with any questions – vpturner@ipa-uk.org
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Professional Development
IPA and The G7 Colin Gameson , 7 Region Chair IPA and The G7 looks like a title for an Enid Blyton Famous Five novel, but it certainly was much more than that.
I t all started when I contacted Devon and Cornwall Constabulary , and their Police & Crime Commissioner, with an offer to assist with the non- operational side of the G7 event. The offer was welcomed with open arms. D&C initially wanted us to help at the welcome centre in Exeter, and at the feeding & briefing stations in Cornwall, with a possibility of helping at the media centre in Falmouth. As far as I know, this is a first for the IPA. We were ultimately given the opportunity for a presence at all the venues across the two counties, helping to welcome the mutual aid officers and assisting them with directions and transport. The Region put together a working party, and a single point of contact (SPOC) was established with the Chief Inspector responsible for volunteer coordination. Our secondary objective, as well as assisting D&C Constabulary, was to raise awareness of the IPA among the many Police Officers and staff working at the event. We wanted to promote all the personal and professional benefits that IPA membership can bring. A call was put out to the Region, and we had a fantastic response from Branches. Ultimately, we had 36 members and spouses volunteer their services over the G7 period. It soon became clear that there would be a cost to this level of promotion, which would exceed the Region’s resources. We contacted our regional representative on the NEC, VP Sean Hannigan, who joined our working group. With Sean’s help, we sourced equipment such as magazine stands, pop up banners and application forms. Just as planned, we had an IPA presence at the welcome centre in Exeter, and the three feeding and briefing stations in Cornwall. Then, completely unplanned, we were able to post members on a cruise ship moored in Falmouth Docks and at Newquay airport. We assisted with distribution of rations and Police professional Supplements to many hundreds of operational officers, and helped them relax after their 12 to 14 hour shifts. This was all thanks to the IPA volunteers, who gave their time and energy to promote our Association in a friendly and professional manner. Thank you all, firstly for volunteering and secondly for your flexibility in the work you carried out during the ever-changing requirements of the G7. We have learned many lessons from our presence at the G7. Not least of which was that Regions do not hold the resources to cope on their own, and should involve HQ from the very start. HQ have equipment such as magazine stands, pop up banners, IPA flags and even collapsible tables and chairs that can be sent out to regions. There also needs to be suitable merchandise available to display and sell. The merchandise sales not only bring funds back into the Association, but also attracts people to our stands, and encourages conversations which can lead to applications. A remote form of payment for merchandise and joining fees is also very useful, and should be discussed with HQ. Police World and its supplements, as well as a good stock of application forms need to be readily available. Finally, we have learned that although many officers and police staff may not have known about the IPA before the G7, they do now. Devon and Cornwall Constabulary were very pleased of our help, and were very supportive of our efforts to make the International Police Association better known throughout the Police Service.
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Cultural Corner
Section UK Archive Phillip Powell , Section UK Archivist I recently spent three days in the Archive, which is in the attic at Fox Road in Nottingham. We were sorting out all the items of paperwork that will soon be sent for digitalisation, to make the Archive more accessible for members. Copies of the National Newsletter, Police World and Out and About have been our priority, followed by Iconic Events, Study Tours and then Regional Minutes.
I was very disappointed to find several items missing from the Archive. The most important one is the very first National Newsletter Number 1 from 1953, which was written and typed by Arthur Troop. The original disappeared some time ago, but a copy was present in the Archive, which has now also disappeared. In addition, the following Police World folders are missing, 1984 to 1985, 2007 to 2008 and 2014 to 2015. I plead for their return, or appeal to any members who may have copies they are willing to donate to the Archive to contact me. When I was first appointed to this office, the NEC put in place a policy for the preservation of written documents and memorabilia for the future. The objects must be iconic and meaningful to Section UK. Over the years, items have been sent direct to the Archive without any consultation, and consequently there are many items now being stored there that have no IPA
connection or relevance to Section UK. After the decoration and decluttering of Fox Road, we will dispose of any items which are not in line with the policy, as continued storage of them is not possible. Consequently, if any member feels they have items which fall within our Archive criteria, please contact me to discuss it. If items are not suitable, a photograph with a detailed description can be sent for inclusion in one of the relevant Regional Boxes. Very few items will now be on display in Fox Road, so objects will remain in long term storage, but some items will be displayed at special events in Fox Road. I want to thank members for their interest in the Archive, and I am always happy to have discussions about items for inclusion. Phillip Powell, Section UK Archivist. Email: pp@phillip-powell.com
Last Issue’s Cultural Competition Winners David Stamp from Kent Branch wins a signed copy of The Road to Eden is Overgrown , by Paul Addy John Yarrow from Kent Branch wins a signed copy of Our Thomas the Policeman , by Tom Curry 1 “Dan Wheatcroft” is in fact Paul Addy. 2 “Wor Tomis the Polis” means Our Thomas the Policeman. Caption Competition winner… Was Neil Baldwin , Rochdale Branch “I’m tired out looking for that mouse”
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POLICE WORLD Vol 66 No.4, 2021
Cultural Corner
A Week of Music and Friendship,
in the beautiful City of Bath from 21st to 28th August 2022 Have you ever heard of a residential music week for emergency workers? No, well neither had Seb Valentine, a detective from Surrey Police, so he decided to team up
with the IPA and organise one. B efore Seb became a cop , he was a based college ranks second in the world, and top in the UK and Europe for performing arts. Seb has already founded the Blue Light Symphony Orchestra (BLSO), a charity promoting wellbeing in the emergency services through music. He is also conducting research into the use of Music Therapy to treat PTSD, stress and anxiety in emergency workers. Through the BLSO, Seb has discovered many talented musicians in the emergency services who, because of their shift-work, cannot play in regular amateur orchestras. The BLSO has enabled many to enjoy the benefits that making music brings, with the added benefit of being in a group of people who shared similar traumatic experiences. freelance opera singer, who trained at the Royal College of Music. This London
Seb is teaming up with Sean Hannigan, IPA VP of culture and communications, himself a music graduate, to organise a Week of Music and Friendship, to be held in the beautiful City of Bath from 21st to 28th August 2022. IPA members are invited to spend an inspirational week in the picturesque surroundings of Bath Spa University’s Newton Park Campus, just four miles from the centre of Bath. If you are a Police Officer, or member of the wider Police family, who sings or plays an instrument, then this event is not to be missed. It is set to be the largest ever gathering of Police Officers for the purpose of making music. We will form the only orchestra, choir and jazz band of their kind anywhere in the world. You will spend the week forming lifelong friendships and developing existing ones, through making music, an activity proven to develop bonds between people better
than almost anything else. You will also have time to relax and immerse yourself in the history of Bath and the surrounding area. Bath itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers attractions such as the Roman Baths, Pulteney Bridge and the Jane Austen Museum, as well as an abundance of beautiful Georgian architecture. The musical focus for the week will be on three main ensembles: a full symphony orchestra, a choir and a jazz band. A team of professional musicians will direct and inspire you to produce the highest standard of music, in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Each group will work towards a trio of exciting performances; an evensong service in Bath Abbey, a jazz evening at Walcot House and a final concert in the Forum, Bath’s largest concert venue. We are delighted that the internationally renowned cellist Raphael Wallfish, will join us to play a Concerto for the final concert in which everyone, either singing or playing, will perform Beethoven’s 9th Symphony Ode to Joy. You will also be encouraged to form smaller groups and take advantage of opportunities throughout the week to receive coaching from the music staff and perform for each other. The on-site bar will provide a perfect environment for relaxed evening soirees, as we all unwind. Breakfast and evening meals will be provided in the University restaurant and lunch can be purchased on site. A kitchen will also be available at your accommodation. As you may imagine, organising an event of this scale requires a lot of planning, and so to ensure we have enough interest to make it financially viable, please register your interest by filling in the form, which you can access at here: https://form. jotform.com/200426178724050 or by email from ipamusicweek@bluelightsymphony.org
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Cultural Corner
Section UK Writers’ SIG, & Global Writers’ Forum For many in our chosen profession, and for those closest to us, writing has become something of a release. T he Section UK Writers’ SIG, and its associated Global Writers’ Forum , has brought together a broad range of IPA Members and their loved ones, to put their thoughts in writing. This ranges from career memoirs, through poetry to crime thrillers and a great deal more. Former Section UK President, and keen Writers’ Sig member Bill Petherick gave us his thoughts after a recent Zoom get-together. Life in the Writers Zoom… Us Yins, by Bill Petherick Stevie from the USA plays the Saxophone, So does our Sean but as he says, he just sucks and blows. Eleni is editing her book, Fizz is working on mime, Ann’s book is being launched soon and not before time.
David who looks after us was busy as usual, Checking on all our work giving it approval. An artist of immense talent in Doz, there is no one better.
As for me I am still practicing on how to get better. The others in the group were doing as they like, Helena was on holiday, Neil out on his motorbike. Oor Ian was still in the far North somewhere so remote, His next-door neighbours are a Highland Coo and a Scottish Mountain Goat. So, there you are, we happy group, of poets, painters, and writers, Who meet every second week and there are some cheeky blighters? But they give advice, encouragement, and Friendship to each other, Like a family should, they are after all, my adopted sisters, and brothers.
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POLICE WORLD Vol 66 No.4, 2021
Article
The fields where Brian played
Life Below Stairs Brian Allinson , Avon & Somerset Branch
The Bedford OB Coach, in which Brian went on trips
At the ripe old age of 76, I look back on a life a little differently to many others. My earliest real memories are of the early 1950s, and a life ‘below stairs’ in Charlton Musgrove House. This was a large country house owned by Major and Mrs Davie, near Wincanton in Somerset, where my mother was the cook and housekeeper. I remember the house had a sweeping drive up to the front door, which of course was not to be used by me. Our family access very few people owned cars, and there was almost no school transport available. that it was time to move to Yeovil and start a new life. I left secondary School aged 16, and entered the motor trade working for a Jaguar distributor, passing my driving test two weeks after my 17th birthday, in a Jaguar Mk1.
It might also be difficult to imagine today, but in those days, I had never seen a television! Then, one day we heard that Mr Prince, the farm Stockman, had bought a television, and we all went to his cottage to see it. There was only one channel, and the picture was only black and white. Most of the time it only showed a test card, as the actual programmes were only transmitted for a few hours each day. There were just one or two children’s programmes shown each week, Watch with Mother and Muffin the Mule were popular, but I didn’t like them much. What would really surprise people today was the small size of those early TV screens, many were as small as eight inches, but most were about ten inches. The real excitement came in 1953 when we heard that the Queen was going to be crowned. For the first time ever, the Coronation was going to be shown on television. On the day of the Coronation, everyone from all the houses and farms around, gathered at Mr Prince’s house and we all watched it together. There were a great many of us all crushed into his living room. I really didn’t understand much of the ceremony, but I liked watching all the soldiers and horses. My Primary School in Wincanton was quite basic. I remember that our teacher Mrs Edwards, or “Miss” was very kind, but at the same time was very strict. Every day we were expected to drink a third of a pint of milk, which was supplied in small glass milk bottles. We learned to write using pencils, but after a while moved on to very basic pens, just a wooden stem with a metal nib at one end, which we dipped into ink in order to write. By early 1958 my life below stairs was coming to an end. Mum was getting older. and she decided
was through a side door, giving access to the scullery, kitchen and our living room. As cook housekeeper, mother was the only full-time employee / servant in the household, but others such as cleaners and waitresses came to help with formal occasions and big dinners. I do remember one special occasion for my mother, which happened in the mid 1950s, when she was issued with a Kenwood Chef food mixer. She was very proud of it, and I believe it was one of the very first to be purchased outside of London. There was one other important member of the staff and that was ‘Nanny’. She was a young lady, in her early 20s, employed by the Major to look after the education and welfare of Simon, Lavender and I. The Davies, although classed as ‘gentry’, were very modern in outlook for the time, and certainly did not look down on mother and I as lowly servants. The question of my education had initially presented a bit of a problem. At the time of my mother’s appointment as cook housekeeper, I was just five years old, and not really capable of walking the three miles along lonely rural lanes, to the nearest school in Wincanton. The problem was resolved when the Davies decided that my education should also be undertaken by Nanny. However, at the age of six, I went off to the primary school in Wincanton. There were two other children from local farms, so the three of us walked every day whatever the weather, on our own, three miles along the narrow country lanes to school. Today that may seem very severe when judged against modern standards, but it is important to remember that in the early 1950s,
Then my police career began, when I joined Somerset and Bath Constabulary in October 1968. I thoroughly enjoyed a very varied career in the service. My experiences included a specialist weapons course with the Royal Marines, VIP and Royalty protection duties, and extended policing attachments in Japan and South Australia. My final years in the service saw me increasingly involved in the development of Police Air operations, and finally led to a second career after retiring from the Police, as a specialist Police Air consultant for Eurocopter (Airbus). You can read more about my police service, and my childhood below stairs, in my book: A Long and Winding Beat , ISBN no 978-1-5272-8
Charlton Musgrove house, Brian’s rooms were in the roof where the chimneys are
Charlton Musgrove house, taken in 2019, only the cars have changed
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Operation Zephyr: An International Aid Mission Aiden Goundry , West Mercia Branch Early this year I was approached by David Scott, IPA member and Chair of the National Police Aid Charities, because he had a plan to help The Gambia. T o date, much of the NPAC work has involved providing lorry loads of aid around the world. These have included medical and school supplies, along with many other items to help developing nations, and you can learn about them at: www.npac.org.uk This time, Dave’s plan was different. He wanted to take a convoy of
Our crew of over 100 has now been recruited. Volunteers from across the UK, Belgium, Germany and Spain flocked to the cause. Our first briefing session saw officers from around the UK attend, with many more taking part virtually. IPA colleagues across Europe have committed their support, promising to make Op Zephyr a mission that every member can be proud of. This project has already resulted in 100 new members to Section UK, and as we continue to gain publicity, this should only continue. I urge every Branch and Region to support members from their area who have joined the expedition. Financial assistance if you can, but even if not, logistical support for fundraising and anything else you can do will make a huge difference to the team. You can learn more about our fundraising at: www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/MerciaZephyr or even use our QR code to donate directly: In my eyes, Operation Zephyr exemplifies what the IPA is all about. People who have never met, coming together to make a difference to the lives of others, through service and In Friendship.
ambulances across the Sahara to The Gambia, which he named Operation Zephyr. He asked IPA members to be his crew, in what would be the biggest action of its kind ever performed by the Association. NPAC had heard there was very little ambulance cover in The Gambia, particularly in rural areas, which is having a severe impact on those communities. This mission will save the lives of thousands of Gambians, many of whom cannot otherwise access urgent medical care. In a country where maternal and infant mortality in The Gambia is estimated at 1,050 deaths per 100,000 live births (rural areas are disproportionately affected). They also suffer an unbelievably high number of deaths, and amputations due to late treatment, with amputations often deemed convenient because travel to aftercare at hospitals is impossible. What start as straightforward, or minor injuries, soon become life-changing or life-threatening, due to the lack of basic infrastructure. Our mission to provide an ambulance service will make all the difference.
Dave Scott briefing the volunteers
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A Wedding on the Rock David King , Surrey Branch The Covid restrictions in early 2021 limited the options for anyone getting married, with only 15 guests allowed. Caroline, my partner of 16 years and I, decided on a secret wedding, rather than having to choose the 15. W e had met some IPA members from Gibraltar at an IPA Friendship tour in Canada a few years earlier, and with Gibraltar being on the UK green list, we decided on this as our wedding destination. The IPA network proved its worth, when Henry Sacramento, an IPA member from Gibraltar, recommended a wedding organiser who would arrange our Registry Office wedding for us. We fixed a date for our wedding on 9th June 2021. Planning began in February, when we booked our flights and our stay at The Rock Hotel. I also completed an IPA travel form, asking if we could meet up with some IPA members whilst we were there. (Our Gibraltar friend Henry would be away during our visit). The Chairman of the Royal Gibraltar Police Section, Craig Philbin, contacted me and made the arrangements. Both Craig and his Deputy, Paul Clarke, were very helpful to us before travelling to Gibraltar. After spending our first night in the wonderful Rock Hotel, which is steeped in history, we needed to complete the official paperwork for our wedding On the day of our wedding, we met IPA member PC Nick Warner, near the registry office, who was on duty that day, providing an excellent photo opportunity. The registrar had worked with the police in an official capacity and made the ceremony very friendly, with lots of laughter. It was a wonderful and memorable day for both us. The following day, on 10th June, Gibraltar celebrated the Queens birthday so the Police were very busy with parades, which were interesting to see. We then went to the Royal Gibralter Police (RGP) and IPA bar, to meet Paul Clarke and his lovely wife Sharon. We exchanged some gifts and had a lovely time in their company. Paul and Sharon are both ex Metropolitan Officers, who transferred to RGP three years ago. Paul is a Detective Sergeant in charge of the Domestic Violence and Witness Support Unit . It was very interesting to hear about how different working in Gibraltar is, compared to the Met. I was surprised how many officers have transferred to Gibraltar but then the law there is very similar to UK . It was wonderful to experience the Police and IPA bar which brought back very fond memories of when the UK had police clubs/bars, where officers and their families could relax in their own environment. I personally believe such clubs provided a stress relief, where problems were shared and suggestions of how to handle situations were passed on. The Gibralter club even has its own IPA bouncy castle, although they said I was too young to use it.
David and Caroline with IPA member PC Nick Warner
Paul Clarke who transfererd from the Met t o work in Gibralter’s Domestic Violence Unit
The Police and IPA Club even has its own bouncy castle
David is feeling the nerves
Gibraltar is steeped in history and has a lot to offer visitors. IPA Gibraltar were very helpful to us at a time of year when they were very busy. I cannot thank our wonderful IPA Association enough. I have been a member since 1985 and have travelled widely through IPA friendship tours. I highly recommend our wonderful Association for its friendship nationally and internationally. There is always a smiling face to help you with almost anything, anywhere in the world.
All smiles after we signed the register
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SARA: Independent Lifeboat & Rescue Service Colin Drewett BEM , Gloucestershire Branch We all recognise the fantastic work the RNLI does in the UK, we hear about their daring rescues, and the dedication and heroism of their crews. We hear much less about the many independent lifeboat and rescue services, who serve their local communities. There are around 100 of these independent lifeboat stations Sharpness inshore rescue station Shallow water rescue
covering the coastline of Britain. T he Severn Area Rescue Association (SARA) was established in 1973 and is now the largest of the independents. They have six lifeboat and rescue stations and nearly 200 volunteer crew members. SARA provides a lifeboat search and rescue service along the tidal waters of the Bristol Channel and Severn estuary, from Newport and the Severn bridges, upstream to Gloucester. It also has stations providing rescue cover along the River Severn from Gloucester to beyond Kidderminster in the West Midlands. In addition to their maritime rescues, SARA also conducts search and rescue (SAR) on land, responding to requests for assistance from several police forces, including Gwent, Gloucestershire and West Midlands. Such is the demand for missing-persons searches, that the land-search teams now work from four SARA stations, covering an area as far out as the Cotswolds.
SARA primarily responds to call-out requests from the Coastguard, but the Sharpness crew also have a close working relationship with Gloucestershire Constabulary, particularly for missing-persons searches when the search area contains some form of water. They also provide support during flooding events, which are an increasingly-common requirement. After 40 years in the Royal Navy, I served a further 10 years with Gloucestershire Constabulary.
In this article, I am going to focus on SARA’s Sharpness inshore rescue station, where I volunteer. The station is on the Severn estuary, which can be a very dangerous stretch of water, with a tidal range that can exceed 10 metres, and a water flow sometimes reaching 12 knots. The dangers are exacerbated by sandbanks and areas of mud, that catch out people who had no intention of being in the water. Quicksand and thick mud can trap the unwary and create the need for urgent assistance, especially on a fast- rising tide. It can take as little as 40 minutes for the rising tide to cover your head. All SARA’s 35 lifeboat crew members at Sharpness are unpaid volunteers. They come from all walks of life; former police and naval officers, farmers, schoolteachers, boat builders, engineers, ambulance crews and business consultants are all current examples. What distinguishes them is a willingness to be called out for emergencies at any time of the day and night, risking their lives so that others don’t lose theirs. Because of the ever-changing nature of their patch, the crew have six lifeboats and a hovercraft. The largest, and most recent lifeboat is the Pride of Sharpness , an 8.3 metre RIB that was specifically designed to cope with local conditions. It has twin 115hp outboard engines that can power the boat to speeds of up to 36 knots and with an endurance of about 4 hours. The boat can tow casualty vessels in the fast-flowing tidal waters, which is important in this section of river, which is used by narrow boats and river cruisers. Their hovercraft provides shallow- water capability to rescue people stranded on sandbanks.
Sharpness inshore lifeboat
During my time in the police, SARA helped us with many incidents, and on retirement, I decided to offer my navy and police experience to them. I have now been a SARA volunteer for four years, first as a boat crew member, and more recently in their control room. Every call out is different, and it is the end result which is important. Those connected to an incident are always grateful of the work done by the volunteers of SARA. Being a crew member means comradeship and teamwork, with all working together for the good of the community. We are available 24/7 for tasking, with many of our wives and partners helping to raise money for SARA. Every person has a skill, and we need people to join us, so that we can continue helping others.
Rescue Hovercraft
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