Fife Branch
The Fife Branch was formed in 1985 and currently has over 80% of Fife Constabulary Pensioners as members. Membership is renewable annually and an application form can be obtained from the Secretary.
The affairs of the Branch are administered by a Management Committee, comprising Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer and committee members. It meets on four occasions in the year. The Annual General Meeting takes place on the in October of each year at Police Headquarters, Glenrothes.
Chairperson: Eddie Devlin
Secretary: Brian Steer.
How the Fife Branch was born.
In April 1985 David Bruce sent a letter to all Fife Pensioners asking if they would be interested in forming a Fife Branch of Retired Officers. 154 letters were returned supporting such a move. Chief Constable Mr Moodie added his approval and an inaugural meeting was held at Kirkcaldy Police Station on 13 June 1985. (As a point of interest the pension increase for that year was 7%)
46 retired officers turned up and they included, Jimmy Burnett, Ken Keith, Jim Morgan, Sandy Marr and of course Tom Foy. At the commencement of the meeting Tom was co-opted as temporary Chairman. After discussion it was agreed that a Fife Branch be formed and a donation of £100 was received from the Fife JBB to get the Branch started.
A Steering Committee was appointed to oversee the process and on 10 July 1985 the Fife Branch was officially constituted and Tom Foy continued as Chairman.
On 23 October 1985 the first Management Committee Meeting took place and the membership had increased to 209. Annual subscription was approved at £2 per member. Fife Branch had its first Annual General Meeting on 5 March 1986.
History of War Memorial
The Fife Branch was instrumental in having a dedicated exhibit of Remembrance displayed within the atrium of Fife Police Headquarters, Glenrothes, during 1997/98.
A satin Brass Plaque 24” x 30” was engraved and supplied by Thomas A. Ingram & Co. Ltd of Birmingham, and then fitted to a backing board before being erected on the wall. This work and the shelf for the Book of Remembrance was carried out by Peter Connelly, Joiner, Kennoway.
The Parchment Book, containing the names of personnel who died, was made up by James Watt, a member of the Management Committee of the Fife Branch, RPOAS).
Obituaries Click Here
News
Updated 6th January, 2010
Christmas Lunch
On Wednesday, 9 December, 2009, the Branch hosted our Christmas lunch at Police Headquarters. This is now the fifth year of this annual event and we were pleased that so many of our police widows were able to attend. In addition to our usual guests, the Committee took the oppoprtunity to invite our Members who now qualify for Life Membership of the Branch. (Over 80 years)
We were delighted that the Chief Constable, Mrs. Norma Graham QPM, accepted our invitation to present the Life Membership Certificates. Branch Chair Eddie Devlin thanked the Chief Constable for allowing us the use of Headquarters and for all the other assistance that is extended to the Branch throughout the year.
The lunch was very enjoyable and our thanks are also due to Fife Catering Staff for the great job they do. The Branch would further like to thank those of our members who donated raffle prizes and Ian McMillan and Jessie Woods who do a lot of work behind the scenes to make the day the success that it is.
Our new Life members who attended the lunch were:-
Bill Gilby, Arthur McGonigle, Bill Scott and Lindsay Wilson
Those who were unable to attend:-
Roderick Adamson, John Brown, Alexander Copland, Wiliam Crombie, Samuel Dick and Peter Meikle.
Extract of Business from the AGM, held on Wednesday, 28 October, 2009.
Chair Eddie Devlin extended a warm welcome to our Members and introduced our guests to whom he extended a special welcome.
Obituaries
Eddie then took item 3 of our Agenda, Obituary, and in keeping with tradition he read out the names of our members who have died since the last AGM and called for a minute’s silence in tribute to them.
James Cowie - Inspector - Kirkcaldy - Retired 1991
Fred Hanley - Detective Constable - Kirkcaldy - Retired 1975
John MacKenzie - Constable - Retired 1978
Robert Gillespie - Sergeant - Headquarters - Retired 2008
Joan Brown - Sergeant - Levenmouth - Retired 1986
Widows
Mrs Elizabeth Thomson
Mrs M Thomson
Mrs Cath Clarkson
Mrs Anne Campbell
Mrs Isa Graham
Wives of Members
Mrs Rena Grieve
Mrs Annie Campbell
Opening Of Meeting
Chair Eddie Devlin invited Andrew Barker, Assistant Chief Constable, to address our members and officially open the AGM.
Mr Barker, who was recently appointed to his post, gave a brief outline of his previous service with Central Scotland Police prior to moving to Fife in March 2009. He has pleasantly found that the policing of his former Force very much follows a similar method of practices in meeting the demands placed upon Fife Officers.
Mr. Barker closed by wishing the Branch every success in the future and he had pleasure in declaring our meeting open for business.
Branch Lunches
The lunches remain popular with our members and they will continue next year. Hopefully the next one will be in early 2010 and Secretary Brian will circulate when arrangements are known.
Christmas Lunch for Widows
The Chief Constable gave her permission for the event to be held at Police Headquarters on Wednesday, 9 December, 2009. The Lunch preparations are well in hand and invitations will be sent out at the end of this month.
New Appointment
Chair Eddie informed the Meeting that Fife now has a Force Chaplain appointed on a voluntary basis to give assistance whenever it is required. He welcomed the Reverend Richard Baxter and introduced him to the audience. Richard gave a short reply and asked that he be contacted at anytime if it was felt that his particular services were needed.
Branch 25th Anniversary
Secretary Brian reported that in 2010, the Branch would reach its 25th anniversary. The Committee wanted to do something to mark the occasion and was looking at a lunchtime function in July, 2010. Details have yet to be firmed up but will be circulated in good time for those who wish to participate.
The new RPOAS Magazine would also be available to us, the Spring addition, to make what contributions we wished. This too is being progressed.
Annual report - Secretary
I am pleased to give my Annual report on the back of a successful year for the Branch. In conjunction with the Association’s aims and that of our own Committee, we have continued to improve our service to members and, I hope, keep them well informed of any items of news that is important to them or their family.
The Branch continues to thrive and membership currently stands at 450, an increase of 33 from this time last year. 50 of our members are now in the over 80 category. Most of our new members also take advantage of NARPO Membership and along with the other established Branch members who have opted for this in the past, we now boast over 200 Affiliate members of NARPO. The Management Committee was boosted to 11 members at last years AGM, with Dave Brown joining the Committee. I am pleased to report that Dave was elected to the position of National Secretary at the April, 2009 Annual Council Meeting when I stood down officially. It is a nice reflection on the Branch that we have retained the National Secretary’s appointment and Dave has already made a significant contribution to the work of the National Executive.
The Management Committee met on the regular January, May and September sittings since the last AGM and we had an ad hoc meeting in March, 2009. This was to discuss the 7 Motions that were to be placed before the April ACM in Pitlochry. All of the Motions related to amending certain paragraphs of the new Constitution and we felt it was important to have an agreed, unified, Branch response.
As a consequence of the new Constitution you will remember that Branch Members over 80 years, will now become Life Members, and we recommended that we honour this achievement.
It is a pleasure to report that 21 Life Members were able to attend the Christmas Lunch held at Police Headquarters, on 9 December, 2008, where the Chief Constable presented them with their Certificates. All who attended thoroughly enjoyed the occasion and a Group photograph was later sent to them. Our oldest attendee, by just a few months, was Sam McClelland at 94 years young.
New members to the Branch are:- Alan Small, Dougie Archibald, Graeme Paterson, Neil Kerr, Alex Lees, Alex Harkness, David Beveridge, David Kay, Bill Lawrie, Derek Flynn, Bob Gillespie (who sadly died earlier this year) Gary Howe, David Shearer, Nick St. Aubyn, Joe Gardiner, Graham Balfour, John Myles, Kenny Kingshott, Derek Milne, Stewart Laidaw, Ian Hutton, Christine Flynn, Gary Horsburgh, Allan Vallance, Colin Hershaw, Danny Wallace, Colin Caldwell, Colin Miller, Allan Baldie, John Muir, Keith Barclay, Craig Dobbie, Alastair Coull and John Birrell.
Branch Lunches are now established as a regular on-going event and average attendance is in excess of 30. Since the last AGM we have met in The Elgin Hotel, Charlestown, The Gilvenbank Hotel, Glenrothes, The Village Inn, Pitlessie and The Elgin Hotel for a second time.
The Remembrance Day Parade at Headquarters has also established itself as feature of our Diary of events and last year we were joined at the short service by the Reverend Richard Baxter, who is appointed as Force Chaplain. Wreaths were laid at the memorial and after the service tea and coffee was offered to our members.
The 5th Anniversary of the Dedication and Opening of the Scottish Police Memorial took place this year on Wednesday, 2 September, 2009, at the Scottish Police College. It was a very fitting tribute to those who have lost their lives in the line of duty and hosted in an excellent way by the Staff at the Scottish Police College. All Forces were represented, and the Retired Police Officers’ Association had representation from most of its 12 Branches. In the absence of the RPOAS President, Bill Berry, MBE, our own Tom Foy, Honorary President, was given the privilege of laying a wreath on behalf of the Association.
Fife Constabulary celebrated its 60th Anniversary this year and The Force held different events to recognize the achievement. On Tuesday, 8 September, 2009, several members of the Branch were invited to Police Headquarters to meet the Princess Royal, HRH Princess Anne. There was a mixture of serving police staff, support staff, and retired officers, some of whom were serving in 1949. The Princess took time to speak to everyone there and was then invited by the Chief Constable Mrs Graham, to unveil the Plaque.
I was also delighted to represent the Branch at the ‘Unsung Heroes Award Ceremony’ that took place in the Glen Pavilion, Dunfermline, on 17 September, 2009. Certificates were presented to individuals who were identified as having made an invaluable contribution to the communities of Fife.
Arrangements are well underway for the Christmas lunch, where we host our police widows and the venue will remain at Headquarters. It will take place on Wednesday, 9 December, 2009, and we have again decided to invite our new Life members. It is hoped that the Chief Constable can present their Certificates after to the meal.
I informed you last year that there was to be a change to Commutation tables, where both men and women will work from the same scale. I can now report that this legislation has been implemented and whilst there was a delay in the back payments for Scottish Officers, this has now been met.
It was also initially intimated that the date for implementation would be 1 October, 2007, but to the advantage of many retired members, the Federation of England & Wales successfully asked for a Judicial Review, whose ultimate decision saw the back date amended to 1 December, 2006.
I think I can safely say this will not be re-visited and any who retired before 1 December, 2006, will not be in for an unexpected windfall. The further bad news is that the Retail Price Index for September 2009 is in the minus, so whilst we will not be seeing a reduction in our pensions for next year, I suspect there will be no increase either.
Another item we are keeping a watch on is the review of Injury on Duty Awards. It appears, particularly in England and Wales, that the Home Office Guidelines are not being interpreted in a uniform manner across the Forces and those subject to re-assessment are facing financial hardship as the degree of disability is reduced at the age of 65 years. Dave Brown, the National Secretary and our representative on the National Executive Committee is our ‘ear to the ground’ and will keep us informed of developments.
Davy McLuckie of the Lothian & Borders Branch, continues to do a magnificent job on our website, www.rpoas.org.uk and the amount of information on it continues to increase. Recently we have seen the introduction of a ‘member’s benefits’ button as a new feature of the site. Davy’s work on the national database is approaching total inclusion of all Branches and he will continue with this project. My thanks are extended to Davy for all he work he does to support the Association and its Branches.
My email circulation list has grown to hold 344 different addresses which helps make my job a lot easier. This too has increased from last year by an additional 39 email users and out of a Branch membership of 450, I think this is wonderful.
Another exciting development for the Association was the launch of our own Magazine that took place at the Annual Council Meeting in April. A copy was sent to each Branch member and the initial response was a positive one with many comments given on the quality and content of it. The only cost to the Branch is postage and whilst this will increase next year we should have no problem meeting this expense. At the beginning of this month you should have received the second edition and because of its success it is hoped that next year will see a quarterly distribution.
Our thanks must go to Association Treasurer and Secretary of the Glasgow Branch, Arthur Donaldson, who has done so much work to make the publication of the magazine possible and to edit its content.
As a result of the new Constitution and other changes, the Executive also revamped our Association Leaflet and I send a copy to each new member who joins the Branch.
Lastly, but not least important, I would like to extend my thanks to the Committee for their support during the year. I would also like to make special mention of the assistance we receive from the Federation, in particular to Ian Muir, Secretary of the Joint Branch Board and also Des Gale, the Welfare Officer, who does a great deal for our members much of which is unseen by them. To the Force Executive I also extend thanks for the many facilities they continue to extend to us and without which we could not function properly. We send best wishes to the Chief Constable, Mrs Norma Graham, and all serving officers and support staff under her control. I thank them on behalf of the Branch.
Donations
In view of the fact that the Branch has a healthy Bank balance it was recommended that we could match our donations to the same as last year. After discussion it was proposed and unanimously agreed that a donation of £1000 be made to the Police Treatment Centre, formerly known as the National Police Convalescent Home, Auchterarder and £500 to the Force Benevolent Fund.
Arrangements to hand over the cheques will be made by Sandy and Brian.
Election of Branch Officials
The current Office Bearers all indicated their willingness to stand again and were re-elected..
They are:- Edward Devlin, Chair. Ken Bellingham, Vice Chair. Alexander Marr, Treasurer. Brian Steer, Secretary.
The Management Committee:- John Brand, Eileen Muir, Graham Carpenter, David Hyslop, George Fleming, David Ramsay and David Brown.
It was proposed that the Branch send 4 Delegates to the 2010 ACM in Renfrew. This was agreed and the nominations are:- Edward Devlin, Ken Bellingham, Sandy Marr and David Brown.
The Book Examiners were willing to stand again and also re-elected. The thanks of the Branch are extended to Neil Stewart and John Ewan for carrying out this duty.
Life members 2009
Ten new Life members will be presented with their Certificates this year. Arrangements are in hand to have the Chief Constable, Norma Graham, present the Certificates at the Christmas Lunch
Roderick Adamson, John Brown, Alexander Copland, William Crombie, Samuel Dick, William Gilby, Arthur McGonigle, Peter Meikle, William Scott and Lyndsay Wilson.
Motor, Home and Travel Insurance
In conjunction with Fife Constabulary Recreation Club, the RUC Athletic Association has offered Club members and all retired officers access to their Motor, Home and Travel Insurances at discounted rates. The scheme is run through Abbey Insurance Brokers Ltd and if you are interested the freephone number is :- 0800 707 6697.
STAYING ON YOUR FEET
Fife User Panels are small groups of older people who have an opportunity to influence the way services are planned and provided locally. There are seven Panels across Fife with up to eight older people in each one.
Over the last year Panel members have been discussing their experiences of falls and follow-up care as well as expectations of what should happen in the event of a fall. Their comments have been passed to the Fife Falls Action Planning Working Group whose remit is to establish and develop a consistent approach to the management and secondary prevention of falls across Fife.
Overwhelmingly, the 50 older people who were involved said that if they had fallen and reported it they would expect a follow up visit and check up from their GP. They said this would provide reassurance and perhaps ascertain the underlying cause of a fall.
The sort of practical help they were seeking was very much focused on ways to prevent further falls. This included guidance on the right type of footwear and how to access foot care including getting toe nails cut, as sore or troublesome feet contribute significantly to falls. Also highlighted was the importance of regular sight and hearing tests as well as physiotherapist led strengthening and balance exercises.
The Panel members also mentioned the value of checking if someone was eating properly and taking sufficient fluids as there is evidence that falls can sometimes be the consequence of poor nutrition. Significantly, many of those who took part called for routine check ups for older people which can pick up changes in blood pressure, symptoms of conditions which could contribute to falling and to reassess medication which could cause dizziness or loss of balance.
The Panel members' comments and suggestions have been well received and used by physiotherapists at an NHS Fife Patient Experience Seminar.
As a follow up, all Panels recently met physiotherapists, occupational therapists, podiatrists and a home safety development officer to discuss falls prevention in relation to the role of these agencies.
Citizen Advocacy in West Fife
As a retired person how do your spend you time? Who do you spend your time with? You might enjoy golfing, walking, reading, gardening or just spending quality time with the people who are important to you.
In your lifetime think about the mutual support you have experienced with people in your life where both have:
- Enjoyed good times together
- Encouraged each other
- Supported each other through difficult times
- Given each other advice
Dunfermline Advocacy Initiative introduces local people to adults with learning disabilities, who may not know or spend time with other members of their community, and who would benefit from this kind of contact.
Long term Citizen Advocates get the chance to meet someone new, spend time with them and share their hobbies or interests too. They also help someone who is at risk of being excluded in their community, to be included.
Short term Citizen Advocates get the satisfaction of helping someone to resolve a particular issue. They also make a real difference by supporting people to speak up, who might otherwise find it difficult to be heard.
If you would like to know more about short or long term Citizen Advocacy please contact Jane at Dunfermline Advocacy Initiative on 01383 624382 or at jane.dai@btinternet.com
SUPPORT TO DIABETICS
Serving members of the Force have set up a group to help and assist sufferers of diabetes.
One of the ways that the group works is by sending out emails to the members on a weekly/fortnightly basis with diabetes related articles e.g press releases, medical updates, diet plans etc., usually as a word attachment.
Civilian support staff are also in the Group and now it would like to include retired officers. If you are interested in receiving diabetes information please contact either Keith Jackson or Kenny Allan, Drugs Liaison, (01592 418882), who are both serving police officers.
If you know of a retired officer who might like to receive the information and he/she does not have an email address, pass their details too and the posting out of the information can also be arranged.
Full Committee and Office Bearers.
Chairman:-Eddie Devlin
Vice Chairman:-Ken Bellingham QPM
Treasurer:-Sandy Marr
Secretary:-Brian Steer
Committee members:- Eileen Muir, David Hyslop, John Brand, Graham Carpenter,
George Fleming David Ramsay and David Brown
Neil Stewart and John Ewan were appointed Branch Book Examiners.