Police World Edition 2 2013

IPA News

Make the Most of Membership Services The range of offers and services that are currently available to IPA members varies greatly. Here is a short list of just a few. For more visit: www.ipa-uk.org/Members-Only-Offers Discounted Hotels: There are currently 5 hotels, in Belfast, that offer a special discounted room rate. To find out more visit: www.ipa-uk.org/Members-Only-Offers#Hotel Accommodation Discounted Rates Gimborn - is a unique facility based in Germany. Gimborn lies around 30 miles east of Cologne with regular flights from many UK airports. Courses are organized in close co-operation with the international and national IPA covering a wide range of topics. Section UK members can get a refund of € 200 once in every two calendar years (except for single room supplement and extra nights). Visit: www.ipa-uk.org/Gimborn-2013-Seminars for a list of seminars running in 2013. The Union Jack Club (UJC) is a private members’ club for serving and ex-serving military personnel. Emergency Services and the Civil Service may also use the club as Temporary Honorary Members. The UJC is located adjacent to Waterloo East Station, London. For more information about the UJC visit: www.ujclub.co.uk A Warmer Welcome than Anticipated In October 2012, Sussex branch luckily avoided a huge fire, during their bi-annual visit, which caused traffic chaos in Rouen. A tanker exploded on the main bridge over the River Seine and the resulting blaze affected traffic movement all day with motorists being held up as the bridge was closed. Reports claimed that the bridge would remain closed for many months for repairs to be carried out. Sussex branch have been twinned with Rouen for well over forty years and the two branches host each other every other year. 2012 was the turn for Sussex to make the journey to France for a four day break. Adrian Boniface, Sussex branch and 11 Region Secretary, said, “ Fortunately we were on the correct side of the River and not caught up in the chaos of traffic going in the other direction. Ironically, we had asked for a quiet weekend as in the past, both in Sussex and Rouen schedules had been action packed.” Before long members relaxed as they were entertained in a variety of different ways in the homes of several host members. Although it got slightly confusing on the Saturday night when guests were asked to converge at the home of Claude and Claude Etienne for aperitifs before moving on to Le Borage Verte, for a wonderful evening meal. ( Editor’s note: Yes, Claude’s wife is also named Claude ).

Woof! Ufton Graduates Allan Young, Chair of Northumbria branch, reports that Ufton the branch sponsored guide dog has graduated! Northumbria branch elected to sponsor a puppy, named Ufton, for the first two years of its life before it went on to full-time training. Ufton has now completed his training and has been teamed with his new owner, Robert. Allan said, “It seems hard to believe that it is over two years since our branch helped to sponsor a six weeks old yellow ball of fluff with a mischievious glint in its eye. It is with great pride that we announce the news of his graduation. His last hurdle in this long journey is to ensure that he and his new owner, Robert, blend together as a team. ” With the blessing of the Guide Dogs Association, Keith Laidler from Northumbria branch has designed a certificate for Ufton. The plan is to have the certificate presented, by the IPA branch nearest to Ufton’s new home, when Ufton has had time to settle in. Northumbria have enjoyed this project so much that they want to sponsor another puppy in 2013.

Above Guide Dogs magazine featuring Ufton (Above) and a copy of Ufton’s certificate (left)

IPA House Recommended Steve Mardon, from Avon and Somerset North branch, reports that the IPA house in Barcelona is good value for money and is perfectly situated to explore the city and its surroundings. He says, “ Above all, the benefit of renting an IPA house, wherever it may be, is that there are always local colleagues there to support you willingly if you have any questions or problems.” To find out more visit: www.ipa-iac.org/content.php?pageId=2

Have you a got a Special Interest?

Are you interested in adding to the Special Interest Groups already formed - Camping and Caravan, Motorcycling and Defence Tactics? Triathlon and Bowling are also in foundation. Contact Vice president, Mark Kernohan, with your ideas on: VPKernohan@ipa-uk.org

Twinning Article

A view of the fire

2424 Police World Vol 58 No.2 2013