PW_4_2021

The signs had all been produced with the postponed 2020 date IPA News

An Olympian Experience Andy Amos , Hertfordshire Branch

Retired Hertfordshire Officer, Andy Amos, had the opportunity to work for Eurosport at the Tokyo Olympics this summer. Like so many things, Andy’s job had been deferred from last year, and he was keen to get out there and experience the country. I had arranged to meet up with our IPA contact in Japan, Ryoji Suzuki. Sadly, our planned get together could not go ahead because of the pandemic restrictions. This was disappointing, but Ryoji did arrange for some beer and a baseball cap to be delivered to my hotel room. In my job role I was able to travel freely to any of the sport venues, so I immersed myself in as much Japanese lifestyle and culture as I could. It is a magnificent country, and the infrastructure of bridges and tunnels linking Japan’s many islands is amazing. I was lucky enough to visit some temples and Mount Fuji. I also rode on a Bullet train, where even the train inspector bowed as he entered and left each carriage. I found the Japanese to be a delightful, respectful and disciplined people, always willing to help and welcome me. It would have been so much nicer if the pandemic had allowed these delightful people into the stadiums to see the event they had waited so long to host. The stadiums were empty, and the shops and restaurants were either closed or on restricted openings. I returned from Japan, saying arigato (thank you) and being grateful for the chance to visit this fantastic country.

Andy at the track events

A New Beginning on the Clyde George Smart , Glasgow, Lomond & Clyde Branch. Three years ago, a decision was made to amalgamate Ayrshire Branch and Glasgow, Lomond & Clyde (GLC) branches into a single branch named West Branch. Whilst both branches were successful, it was thought that the change would better reflect our membership, after formation of the single Police Scotland force. However, we soon realised that the extensive geographical area the branch now served, did not in fact suit our members. For some, the distance to attend meetings or events increased to 100 miles or more, on roads that could at times be called challenging. At the three year mark, we reviewed the change, and a motion was accepted to change back to the old Branch structures. West Branch was dissolved and Ayrshire and GLC Branches were reinstated. Glasgow, Lomond & Clyde Branch officially relaunched on Tuesday 20th July 2021, when a new committee was formed. We welcome back former members who elected to re-join the branch, and hope to meet as many of you again very soon. Branch Chair, Evelyn Greechan, said “This is a challenging but exciting time for the Branch, coming as we emerge from the awful pandemic, which claimed so many lives and affected so many families around the world. The Committee are aware of the challenges ahead, both resuming branch activities but also the challenge of attracting new members from within the single Police Service of Scotland structure, whose officers are more transient than under the old eight Force Structure”. “The Police Service of Scotland now joins British Transport Police, the Ministry of Defence Police and Civil Nuclear Constabulary as National Forces. We will be working with the other Branches of No. 1 Region to look at ways to support the interests of serving and retired members. To this end we ask any of our members interested in assisting the Branch to look at future activities, contact us to see how we can achieve this. The branch was thriving before, and we want to get back and surpass the achievements of the past.” Any member who would like to become involved or has suggestions to future events or activities, are asked to contact George Smart by email at: glasgow-lomond-and-clyde@ipa-uk.org

Devon Branch Friendship Weekend 2022: Friday 25th to Monday 28th February 2022 Devon Branch have reserved rooms at the Durrant House Hotel, Bideford, North Devon, which is within easy reach of the area’s sandy beaches and beautiful countryside. Westward Ho!, Appledore, and Bideford town centre are all just a five minute drive away, making it the perfect base to explore Devon’s glorious rugged coastlines, golden beaches, famous golf courses and lush green countryside. For further details of the hotel, and lots of photos, please visit their website - www.durranthousehotel.com The cost is £40.00 per person per night, based on a standard double or twin, with Dinner Bed and Breakfast. Single Supplement is £30.00 per night. You can choose to upgrade to a Superior Estuary Room, at £30 extra per room per night. A deposit to the value of one night will be taken at the time of booking, with the remaining balance to be paid six weeks in advance. To book call the hotel direct on 01237 472 361 quoting the reference IPA Friendship Break. If you have any questions, contact Owen Harris owen.r.harris@live.co.uk We look forward to seeing you in Glorious Devon in 2022!

Durrant House Hotel

POLICE WORLD Vol 66 No.4, 2021

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