Lothian And Borders Branch
The Branch, originally known as the South East Branch, was formed in 1946 and as well as being the longest established, is currently the largest numerically in Scotland with over 1370 members.
With members now settled in far flung places such as Australia, New Zealand,
USA, France, Spain, South Africa and all parts of the UK, the Committee strive to keep them informed by means of two newsletters per year.
In this era of high technology, members are also encouraged to provide E-mail addresses which allows for quick transmission of up to date news.
Secretary: Alan Dickson
News
Obituaries Click Here
Updated 23th July, 2010
Volunteers Required
In August 1995 the first Marie Curie Piper's March attracted huge crowds as some played along Princes Street to be joined by others coming down the Mound. The event was repeated in August 2000 along Princes Street. In 2002 a similar event took place in New York. Over the years significant funds have been received for Marie Curie Cancer care.
On 7 August this year, on the firing of the one o'clock gun, a march will commence from Johnston Terrace down the Royal Mile to Holyrood Park where the massed bands will create a spectacle. The city will be full of summer visitors, supplemented by people arriving early in the day before going to the Tatto in the evening.
Marshalling has been done hitherto without fuss by an outstanding group of retired police and army officers and some friends. Some now feel that they should give way to younger people and regrettably some are no longer with us. So we need some replacement volunteers and they will be most welcome.
Pipe bands normally present few problems and are accustomed to being led by pipe majors. In this instance bands and individuals will be part of groups of around 100 people. The marshal's role is thus focused on keeping the groups of pipe bands appropriate distances apart, keeping the groups moving or slowing down and providing a communication link for command and control.
Marshals wear grey trousers and a dark blazer, with a provided Marie Curie tie. The objective is to handle the march successfully but without fuss. A briefing will be held on a date and place yet to be fixed.
If you would like to volunteer to be a marshal, please contact former CI James G Brown on: 01620 870228; mobile 07974 753784 0r james@jamesbrowntrees.co.uk as soon as possible
Memorial Service for Scottish Police Officers
The annual Memorial Service for Scottish Police Officers who have died in the line of duty will be held at the Scottish Police College on Wednesday 1 September 2010 at 1100hours. Please arrive for no later than 1030hours to provide sufficient time to park and be at the Memorial Viewing Area.
The service will be followed by a buffet lunch within the Assembly Hall of the College.
ANNUAL DINNER - Braid Hills Hotel
The annual dinner was held at the Braid Hills Hotel on Friday 12th March. It was well attended (over 120 members and guests). The ambience and meal were excellent.
Jim Anderson, a previous Branch Secretary had invited our Guest Speaker before but he had been unable to attend due to work commitments. Fortunately, Professor Tony Busuttil was not called away to a major incident and kept us interested and amused. Previous speakers, Sheriff Kevin Drummond, Actor Jack McKenzie, Jackie Muller (L&B Branch Federation), and Tom Fergusson (Committee) joined in the evening.
The other guests present were: Chief Constable David Strang, Supt. Phil o'Kane, David Grady (L&B Branch Federation), RPOAS Exec Members:David Brown (General Secretary) Arthur Donaldson MBE (Treasurer and Magazine Editor) and Anne Millar (former Welfare Officer)
The Secretary organised his usual abundant raffle and due to the support of the Diners approx £600 has been added to branch funds.
If you would like a copy of the Photographs taken at the Dinner - Contact Davy McLuckie
SCOTTISH POLICE BOWLING (RETIRED MEMBERS) ASSOCIATION
Please see the News Page for the Summer 2010 Outdoor Fixtures.
Any retired officer wanting information about the Association can contact:Sheila Ross
Newly Promoted Sergeants Course
Edinburgh, 11th-22nd November, 1968
Back Row Left To Right:-Cyril Cleeton (L&P), Douglas Laing (BRS), Lewis Pike( BRS)
Middle Row L-R George Sheppard (L&P), William Blair (ECP), Ronald Laing (ECP),
Andrew Cowan (ECP), Mary Gillies (ECP), Robert Jack (ECP), J Robb (ECP) Gordon Boag (L&P)
Front Row L-R Andrew Baird (ECP), Robert Gray (ECP), James Beattie (ECP), Duncan Robertson (ECP), Cliff Richardson (ECP), Tom Bisset (ECP)
Golf Offer
The Merchants Golf Club of Edinburgh have offered members of the Association a reduced green fee of £12.50 during the week and £15 at week-ends. Anyone interested should contact the Professional Shop on 0131 447 8709. or www.merchantsgolf.com
COMMITTEE
Chairman: Sheila Ross
Vice Chair: Ian Cowden
Secretary/Treasurer: Alan Dickson
Assistant Secretary:
Alasdair White
Members: Norman Black, Glen Brown, Frank Reilly, David McLuckie,
Peter Westbrook, Donald Urquhart, Tom Fergusson