Tuesday 14 September 2010

Branch member raising funds for Marie Curie hospices


Birmingham branch member Inspector Mark Stokes (West Midlands Police) and colleague (retired Detective Sergeant) Paul Robinson are currently two weeks in to a gruelling cycle ride from John o' Groats to Lands End. Affectionately known in sporting circles as JOGLE .... whether cycling or running this route, it is extremely challenging!

Mark first conquered the route from Lands End to John o' Groats some 31 years ago and this year decided it would be appropriate to complete the challenge in reverse - that is from Scotland to Lands End, NOT cycling backwards! Over the years the two friends have raised thousands of pounds for various charities and this trip will help Marie Curie cancer hospices

During some weeks of planning and training, the two friends had mapped out an alternative and considerably longer route through the outer and inner Hebrides and other Scottish islands, before hopping over to Ireland, Wales and England. As part of Mark's training plan he also recently took part in the London to Brighton cycle ride with a group of IPA branch colleagues (featured in Police World issue 3, 2010).

Mark and Paul started the JOGLE event from John o' Groats on 26th August and after some fantastic weather in Scotland they headed over to Ireland where they were greeted by IPA Region 2 secretary Pete Connolly for a much deserved beer in Belfast.

The duo then left Pete and continued into southern Ireland before catching a ferry over to Wales. In recent days the weather has taken a turn for the worse, but they have not let this dampen their enthusiasm and they are now over 800 miles into their challenge and making their way through Devon.... and are a few days away from Lands End.

You can follow their blog at www.jogle-thelongway.co.uk - why not log in and leave them a message of support?

Thursday 25 February 2010

Wednesday 3rd March 2010

Updated Branch Meeting tally Ho! 7 for 7.30pm Tea and coffee served. Followed by a presentation by Mr. Bob Horner from Bletchley Park, concerning the Enigma machines and code-breakers in World War 2.

Saturday 6th March No5 Region AGM Lincolnshire, location to be confirmed

Wednesday 24th March Buffet Lunch. Buffet Island,Tyburn Road, Erdington. No need to book. Meet at Midday

Friday 30th April Updated 1100hrs Visit to the Gurudwara, Sikh Temple, 18-20 Soho Road, Handsworth B21 9BH. Limited party numbers (15-20), please book in advance. Be there for 1045hrs.

Wednesday 5th May Branch Meeting Tally Ho! 7 for 7.30pm Tea and coffee served

Sunday 23rd May 45th Anniversary Birmingham Lunch,IPA Jubilee Anniversary. Tally Ho! 12 for 1230.Entertainment by Police Band.£10 each. 40 places booked. Tickets to be available from AGM date onwards.

Tuesday 8th June Trip and lunch at National Memorial
Arboretum,Alrewas. No group transport. However Arriva bus 112 from Birmingham Upper Bull Street to Burton. Every hour on the hour. Stops at the gate.90 minute journey time. Bus does stop at Sutton

Wednesday 16th
To 20th June

NEC meeting in Surrey to celebrate 60th Anniversary

Sunday 20th June London to Brighton Cycle Ride

Wednesday 7th July Branch Meeting tally Ho! 7 for 7.30pm Tea and coffee served

Friday 30th July Strawberry cream tea and river Avon cruise on the Countess of Evesham. Sails at 3pm. 2 Hour cruise from Bancroft Basin. Bus X20 from Birmingham. Please book

Tuesday 3rd August Real Ale lunch The Wellington, Bennetts Hill.10 Real Ales, take away curries and Chinese can be delivered, plates and cutlery provided.12 noon.

Sunday 5th September Branch meeting Tally Ho! 1130hrs Followed by lunch at 1pm.If you require lunch please advise Tally Ho! Quoting IPA

Tuesday 5th October Lunch at Wolverhampton College,12 noon, travel by tram. College is at Wolverhampton Terminal stop

Wednesday 3rd November Branch Meeting tally Ho! 7 for 730pm Tea and coffee served

Monday 15th November Evening meal Birmingham College of Food, Summer Row, details to follow


Wednesday 15th December Christmas Lunch at Baddersley Clinton National Trust Property. Public transport to Dorridge rail station ,lifts to be arranged from there.


Sunday 30th January 2011 AGM 1130hrs Tally Ho! Followed by lunch.


Exact details will be confirmed nearer to event date.
Other events including visits to:

Barry Knee’s garden, Alvechurch to be confirmed.

London Met Police Museum to be confirmed.

Sparkhill Police Museum to be confirmed.

Theatre trip to be confirmed.

Coventry Police Museum trip to be confirmed.