Police World Edition 4, 2013

IPA News

Maltese Magic My wife and I decided to return to Malta this year after a very relaxing and interesting visit last year. The only difference this time was that I filled in and sent an IPA travel form prior to going. I received a reply the next day from Romeo Micallef, Section Malta Secretary General, saying he would contact me when I got to the island.

50 Year Landmark In May, Ted Flasby, a member of Blackpool and North Lancashire branch, was awarded a certificate to mark his 50 years of IPA membership. David Winnard, branch Vice Chair, said, “ At a branch meeting held at the Church Inn, Garstang - a presentation was made, with a suitably inscribed plaque, by 3 Regional Secretary Darren Edwards. ” A bouquet of flowers was also presented to Mrs Rita Flasby.

Pat Bailey (left) and and Joe Borda

Darren Edwards and Ted Flasby

Fully Stocked! The Section UK Web Shop has stocked up. The IPA ballpoint pen is white and blue in colour and has the IPA web address printed on the side. It will be sold in quantities of 5 at £3.50 including p&p. A NEW design fabric pennant is now in stock. This pennant is white with a red coloured cord and tassels. It measures 24cm wide and 32cm long and cost £8.00 each including p&p. The IPA 50 sheet notepad is also available again. It measures 10.5cm wide, 15cm long and cost £1.00 each including p&p. To order visit: www.ipa- uk.org/Shop or call 0115 981 3638

The police museum in Malta

The day after our arrival there was a message from Romeo inviting my wife Helen and me to police HQ in Floriana to meet him and some others - including a party of Israeli IPA members. I discovered that Section Israel send up to four parties a year to Malta. The police HQ is a most wonderful building and must be the envy of many a chief constable - as it was once the hospital of the Knights of Malta and retains many of its old features and amazing architecture. We were met by Romeo as well as Dione Bugeja, the IPA Section Malta National President, and Joe Borda. Joe is an avid collector of police memorabilia and has his own museum. He claims to have the biggest private collection in the world: www.joe-borda.de.vu We were taken into the HQ police museum which has an interesting audio tour explaining the history of the Maltese police or pulizija as they are called in Maltese. There is a large British influence in their policing history and policing style which is not surprising considering our long connection with the island. After the tour we were taken to have some refreshments of Maltese delicacies called pastizzi - pockets of puff pastry filled with Riccotta cheese or ‘Kinnie’ which is made from bitter oranges. It reminded me of a mixture of ‘Irn Bru’ and ‘Tizer’ but very refreshing on a hot morning. During this time we were able to mix and chat with the Israeli members and their families. The visit concluded all too quickly and ended with a photoshoot. My wife acted as official photographer. The Maltese are a friendly, generous, open people and I will definitely return to the island as there is still so much to see and do even after three visits. My next project is to try to arrange closer contacts with my branch and possibly a twinning arrangement. Pat Bailey , Norfolk and Suffolk branch

Christmas Offer Buy a T-shirt for £15 p&p get a FREE Mug inc

White cotton t-shirt with printed IPA roundel as shown above. Available in sizes M, L, XL.

Perfect Stocking Fillers

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Police World Vol 58 No.4 2013