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 1000 members.
With members now settled in far flung places such as New Zealand, Spain 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 23rd June, 2008
The Annual 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 3 September 2008 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.
If you would wish to attend the above, please let Alan Dickson know asap (no later than 7th July) as he has to give numbers wishing to attend.
HELP ! - Answered !!
From: Douglas Mowat
Jimmy Michael and Walter Beattie who was the Pathhead PC are with the van and Walter Beattie is on the motor cycle.
Whisky Tasting Society
I am PC Andrew Cameron and I am the Secretary for the above Police Sporting and Recreational Society.
We organise around 5 tastings a year in venues such as the Police Club and the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, both in Queen Street, Edinburgh. We have been in existence for around 15 years and during that time we have been fortunate to sample and enjoy some of this countries (and the rest of the Worlds) finest Malts. As you will note, we are an appreciation society so the learning about our national spirit is almost as important as its actual consumption !
At present we have a number of recently retired Police members but we would also welcome any other retired L and B Staff who would be keen to come along. Cost's vary from £10-£25 per event depending on what we are tasting.
Our next tasting is being held at 1900 hrs on Wednesday 26th June at the Scotch Malt Whisky Society in Queen Street, Edinburgh.
PC Andrew Cameron
Delphinus National Security Group
A Division
Lothian and Borders Police.
email: andrew.cameron@lbp.pnn.police.uk
Death of Serving Support Staff Member
We regret to inform you of the death of Rose Marshall (52) at Fairmile Marie Curie Hospice on 5th May 2008.
She is survived by her husband Ross, father Harry and sister Laura.
She was a clerical assistant in the Human Resources Unit at Leith Police Station, then worked with the Family Protection Unit and became office manager at Amethyst at the Gyle.
CAN YOU HELP?
Does any member recall this former police officer. He was Pak (Pax?) Wilton Macdonald. Apparently a West End? Pointsman in the 50's/60's He also worked from Gayfield Square Police Station. He was 6' 5" tall and broad. He died prematurely at 45 yrs. in the early 60's
One of his daughters would like to hear any information/photos on him please
If you have any information can you contact David Legge at david.legge@lbp.pnn.police.uk
F Divsion Retired Officers Dinner
Davy Taggart organised a splendid Dinner for about 80 members in Pumpherston Golf Club.
The attached photos are only a selection of about 54 photographs which were sent to me. If anyone would like the complete set please
email me at webadmin@rpoas.org.uk and I will be only too pleased to send them on.
RETIRED OFFICERS REUNION
Several retired officers have got together and have arranged a meeting in the Police Club on the third Thursday of every month for Retired Officers for 'I remember when' nights. Should be good banter! All are welcome so put a note in your diary
DINNER 2008
The Annual Dinner was held in the Quay, Musselburgh on Friday 14th. It was very good evening and our Speaker Jackie Muller was excellent.
Attached are some Photos of a few "weel kent" faces
Capital Coppers
In 2002, I managed to compile and have published a book of humorous anecdotes and nicknames, entitled ‘Capital Coppers’ relating to incidents involving officers in Edinburgh.
The sale of the book was successful and £4,000 was handed over to the Northern Police Convalescent Home at Castlebrae, Auchterarder.
Since then, former colleagues and acquaintances have asked me about a sequel, and the publisher has suggested that an addendum to the original be compiled. I have spoken to former colleagues and requested that they ‘produce the goods’ to me to have this done. As a result, in the last two or three years, I have received a few such stories, but not enough to get to press with. It would be appreciated if such anecdotes could be passed to me for the publisher to consider them. So get the thinking caps on, sharpen the pencils or get the two fingers working on the keyboard!
Surely, the humour has not gone out of the Police Service in the years since I retired in 1988, although it is now appreciated and understood that political correctness and certain restraints are placed on serving officers.
Please contact me:
Tom Fergusson,
e-mail: tomfergusson@talktalk.net
New Members
| Ex DC | Douglas Elliot | Ex PS | James McInally |
| Ex DC | Gail Martin | Ex DS | David Morrison |
NEWS LETTER
INTRODUCTION:
It seems no time at all since I was preparing the last Newsletter; it must be a sign of getting older. I hope you have managed to avoid the many winter bugs that have been going the rounds.
The response to my request for E mail addresses has been tremendous with over a third of the membership (over 440) having now ‘signed up’ and the savings to the Branch proving significant.
I would ask that members keep me informed of any changes of address or E mail address in order to keep the records up to date.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING:
Our AGM in October was held in the Police Club at York Place, the draft minutes of which have been circulated to members.
PENSION INCREASE:
The pension increase for this year, effective from 5th April, will be a welcome 3.9%, which is the highest for some time.
ANNUAL DINNER UPDATE:
Our Annual Dinner, was held at The Quay Complex, New Street, Musselburgh, on Friday 14th March.
Jackie Muller agreed to be our speaker, and was very well received. As
usual, the evening was be rounded off with a grand raffle with some lovely
prizes.
TRAVEL INSURANCE:
I again include details of the travel insurance scheme administered by Northern Ireland RPOA and provided by AXA PPP Healthcare. (This was circulated before Christmas and I am aware that several members have already taken the offer up, including one 76 year old who saved £350.)
Basically they are offering annual worldwide insurance with no age restriction and medical history disregarded (provided you can state that you are fit to fly), 183 days max per year with a 65 days maximum per trip.
Insurance runs from 1st November each year.
Cost: £90.72 single, £136.50 per couple and £145 per family.
Further info and applications to NIRPOA (Sam, Janet or Karen on 028 9039 3568) The office is open 9am – 3pm Monday – Friday.
FEDERATION OFFICE NEWS:
GOLF SECTION:
SCOTTISH RETIRED POLICE OFFICERS ANGLING ASSOCIATION:
SPORTING & RECREATIONAL ASSOCIATION NEWS:
WEB SITE:
COMMITTEE:
CONCLUSION:
Alan Dickson
QUIZ
The RPOAS provided a team for the Valentine’s Quiz at the Police Club, on 13/2. ‘Senility’ comprised Astrid Telfer, Ian Cowden, David McLuckie, Stewart Hay, and Sheila Ross.
They were not prizewinners but they were not last either. It was an evening of good fun.
Hold The Fort
Calling all officers who have worked in Leith, past and present.
You may be aware that the iconic building known as Fort House now has a
limited life span and is expected to be demolished in the near future.
The local community are at the moment engaged in the Hold The Fort project being lead by Mary Keegan a community researcher to record the history of this unique community.
I have been approached by a member of the Project and asked to contact
officers who have had responsibility for the Fort over the years.
Below is an extract from her request,
As I am proceeding several themes are emerging; as you saw I have quite a few photographs of children so I am hoping to explore childhood - what it was like for individuals through the years and whether it has changed and/or have children changed?
I am wanting to look at work for example the shipbuilding industry. Also unemployment and the women were telling me about how the police used to help the families of men who were out of work - probably the 1940s - so I am wondering if the police would have any record of that and how it was organised.
Housing is another theme in particular people moving to Fort House from
older buildings. But really I am interested in everything that comes along so that I can present the spirit of the people - very lofty aspiration!!
So if any of your colleagues were working with the Fort as their
responsibility I would definitely like to speak to them.
Many thanks for your help and I look forward to hearing from you.
John Pennycook (4082)
The following has been received from Davy Cummings, Assistant Secretary/Treasurer of the JBB.
You will all be aware of the ongoing problems being faced by our colleagues in relation to the Home Secretary’s decision on Police pay in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Along with many colleagues I found myself in a position I never thought I would – marching through the streets of London in a dignified protest to highlight the breach of trust which now exists between Police officers across the UK and the Home Secretary. You will no doubt read more in the coming months about this situation as it develops but I would like to take this opportunity to thank retired colleagues for the messages of support we have had in what are very unusual times.
If you require any further information please contact the Federation office at Portobello on 0131-669-8716.
Unfortunately this years golf dates are not yet available. Further information can be obtained from David Legge, the new Secretary, on thelegges@tiscali.co.uk
A decidedly cold day for mid June met the 30 intrepid anglers who attended the 20th Anniversary match at Lake of Mentieth.
Following a difficult fishing day, the total catch was 40 fish for 87lbs 15oz.
L& B members made it a clean sweep with Peter Ash in 1st place, John Paterson second and Ronnie Turnbull third.
After a good meal and excellent raffle held in Aberfoyle, Dave Scougal announced that after 20 years organising the event, he felt it time to stand down.
On behalf of the many members who have enjoyed this annual gathering of retired officers from all over Scotland, I take the opportunity to pass on our sincere thanks for all his work over the period and wish him and Margaret all the very best for the future.
Ian Harper, Ex Central has agreed to take on the task and his first match will be held at the Lake of Menteith on Thursday 5th June (a week earlier than usual). Any member who has not attended previously and wishes to come along this year, please send your details to Ian on ian.harper@centralscotland.police.uk
Lothian and Borders Police Sporting and Recreational Association have joined forces with Abbey Insurance Brokers to provide cheap Home, Car and Travel Insurance for our members and close families. The offer has already been tried and tested with one, somewhat frugal, individual in the Force (identity can be made known if required) enquired about car insurance. He had already found the lowest premium available at £225 and Abbey were able to reduce that to £185. Those interested should contact Abbey for a quote on 0800 7076697.
Our discounts continue to grow in numbers and variety and I could complete a full magazine with offers. If anyone wishes more information on discounts on hotels, jewellers, florists, solicitors, removal firms, car purchasing/leasing/hiring/cleaning/servicing, restaurants, building supplies, carpets, beds or a host of others, including - dare I say it - funerals, please feel free to get in touch with the Sport & Rec. Office.
As many members know the Association have free e-mail passes for New Lanark, Scottish Mining Museum, Butterfly and Insect World and East Links Farm as well as passes and tickets for Historic Scotland, National Museums of Scotland, National Trust for Scotland, Dynamic Earth, M & D's Theme Park, Deep Sea World, Blair Drummond Safari Park, Five Sisters Zoo and Edinburgh Zoo. Members can also get £2 off entry to the Royal Yacht Britannia. Anyone wishing to make use of any of these passes or tickets should contact the Sport & Rec Office at FHQ e-mail sport.rec.assoc@lbp.pnn.police.uk.
I must give thanks to Dave McLuckie who continues to look after the web site, having stood in for him while he was on holiday, I can now appreciate the work involved.
The site is well worth a visit with links to employment, holidays, items for sale, other organisations etc; it also offers
members a shop window for free advertising. The address is www.rpoas.org.uk
The Committee Members for 2008 are shown at the bottom of this page. If you feel that they can assist you in any matter, please get in touch.
With this spring 2008 Newsletter, the Committee wishes all members good health and a continued happy retirement.
Secretary
" I am gathering information about the history of the Fort from earliest times when it was built through to present day. I am focussing on the oral history in that I want to speak to people to get their memories of their experiences and to ultimately make sound recordings of them. These recordings will be presented with images-photographs, maps, and plans on a DVD
Mary Keegan "
CBO
Leith
Retiral of the Chief Constable of BRS
(prior to amalgamation)
COMMITTEE
Chairman: Sheila Ross
Vice Chair: Ian Cowden
Secretary/Treasurer: Alan Dickson
Assistant Secretary: William Allan
Members: Norman Black, Glen Brown, James Foley,
Frank Reilly, David McLuckie,
Peter Westbrook, Donald Urquhart