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Issue 20 | February 2019 RPOAS news The magazine for the Retired Police Officers’ Association Scotland
COPS: A Lifeline for Survivors
www.rpoas.org.uk 169633_RET POL RPOAS News 20.qxp_Layout 1 24/01/2019 11:21 Page 2
FINANCIAL MIS-SELLING ZWK^D D Z^ “HAVE zKhEEN A VICTIM?”
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OVERSEAS PROPERTY
INVESTMENTS
MORTGAGE FOR INVESTMENTS
MORTGAGES
FILM TAX SCHEMES
ETHICAL FORESTRY
PENSION TRANSFERS
INSTANT ACCESS PROPERTIES
We have been serving Narpo members since 2011 and pride ourselves on the TIMESHARES relaƟonship built between us. It seems unjust that you have put your trust in
“professionals” only to see your hard earned money evaporate, whether you have been wrongly advised where to invest your commutaƟon/tax free cash, tried to fulĮl a lifelong dream of owning a second/holiday home or been wrongly advised with your mortgage arrangements, we are here to put right the wrong. If you have suīĞred Įnancial loss, please call; all may not be lost. Please read on for a few examples of the areas we cover
Mis-sold mortgages Mis-sold Žǀerseas Mis-sold /ŶǀĞƐƚŵĞŶƚƐ Instant Access ;ZĞƐŝĚĞŶƟĂůͿ property/Timeshare ^ĂǀŝŶŐƐ ProperƟes
A mis-sold mortgage can appear in This can consist of losing deposit DĂŶLJƉŽůŝĐĞŽĸĐĞƌƐǁĞƌĞĂĚǀŝƐĞĚƚŽ From 2002-2008 instant various guises, it can range from monies for proposed purchases ƐƉĞĐƵůĂƚĞ ǁŝƚŚ ƚŚĞŝƌ ƐĂǀŝŶŐƐͬƌĞƟƌĞ- access properƟĞs held which either never started or did being advised to ƚĂŬe your ŵĞŶƚĐŽŵŵƵƚĂƟŽŶ͘tŚĞƚŚĞƌŝƚǁĂƐĂ seminars across the UK not get constructed/completed. ďĂŶŬŽƌĮŶĂŶĐŝĂůĂĚǀŝƐŽƌ͕ƚŚĞLJŚĂĚĂ mortgage with a “sub prime” lender WŽƉƵůĂƌ ĚĞƐƟŶĂƟŽŶƐ ŝŶĐůƵĚŝŶŐ promising riches through (i.e. Kensington, GMAC, WůĂƞorm ^ŽŵĞ^ƉĂŶŝƐŚŵŽƌƚŐĂŐĞƐŚĂĚŇŽŽƌ ĚƵƚLJŽĨĐĂƌĞƚŽĂƐƐĞƐƐĂƫƚƵĚĞƚŽƌŝƐŬ property investment in the ĂŶĚ ǁŚĞƚŚĞƌ LJŽƵ ǁĞƌĞ Ă ĐĂƵƟŽƵƐ͕ etc) when a “High Street” lender “Suelos” interest rates which could UK and Overseas, deposits have caused refundable overpay- balanced or adventurous investor. would have been more appropriate were paid & lost, investors ments Timeshares may also have ,ĞŌLJ ĮŶĞƐ ŚĂǀĞ ďĞĞŶ ůĞǀŝĞĚ ĂŐĂŝŶƐƚ were duped into purchasing for your lending requirements, or to ďĞĞŶ ŵŝƐͲƐŽůĚ͘ ŽŶƚƌĂĐƚƐ ƐƚĂƟŶŐ HSBC, Lloyds, Barclays & Santander recommend implemenƟng an ŝŶŇĞdžŝďůĞ ƚĞƌŵƐ ĂŶĚ ŚĞŌLJ ŵĂŝŶƚĞ- ǁŝƚŚ ŵĂŶLJ ĮŶĂŶĐŝĂů ĂĚǀŝƐŽƌƐ ŝŶǀĞƐƟ- “overvalued properƟes”, nance fees were heavily sold with interest only mortgage with no gated for these breaches. If you have membership fees, monthly ƐĞĞŵŝŶŐůLJ ŶŽ ǁĂLJ ŽĨ ƚĞƌŵŝŶĂƟŶŐ documented form of repaying it subscripƟons & Įnders fees the contract. All of the above can lost money through any investment (please note this is not applicable now be challenged to obtain a or are unsure if you received the all contributed towards correct advice, please call us. for Buy to Let mortgages) refund of your money. this property purchase scam.
To find out more call: 01707 649 665 or 01707 649 688
Email͗ ůƵĐƌĞĮŶĂŶĐŝĂůĐůĂŝŵƐΛďƚĐŽŶŶĞĐƚ͘ĐŽŵ tĞď͗ ǁǁǁ͘ůƵĐƌĞĮŶĂŶĐŝĂůĐůĂŝŵƐ͘ĐŽ͘ƵŬ Our fee is 25% + VAT of any monies receiveĚ͘tĞĂƌĞŝŶƚŚĞƌĞƐƵůƚƐďƵƐŝŶĞƐƐͲŝĨĂƐĞƩůĞŵĞŶƚŝƐŶŽƚĂĐŚŝĞǀĞĚ “you pay nothing”
Please call to discuss any form of Įnancial product you feel may have been wrongly advised
2 RPOAS Issue>ƵĐƌĞ&ŝŶĂŶĐŝĂůůĂŝŵƐŝƐĂƚƌĂĚŝŶŐƐƚLJůĞŽĨĐƟǀĞƌĞĚŝƚZĞĐůĂŝŵ>ƚĚ͗ 20 2019 45a The Broadway, Darkes Lane, PoƩ ers Bar, Herts, EN6 2HZ Zegulated by the Claims Management Zegulator with regards to Claims Management AcƟǀiƟes No͗ CZM40830 169633_RET POL RPOAS News 20.qxp_Layout 1 29/01/2019 09:49 Page 3
CONTENTS EDITOR’S COMMENTS ...... 3 RPOAS news PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE ...... 4 RPOAS UPDA TE ...... 5 RPOAS TRAVEL INSURANCE ...... 6 Editor’s FAREWELL TO OUR WEB MANAGER DAVID WM MCLUCKIE ...... 8
THE SUPPORT THAT UNDERPINS OUR WORK Comments POLICE TREATMENT CENTRES ...... 10
HEALTH MATTERS PULMONARY REHAB ...... 12
HEALTH MATTERS PROSTATE CANCER IS "Enjoy the little things in life NOT ALWAYS A DEATH SENTENCE ...... 13
because one day you'll look AROUND THE BRANCHES ...... 14
back and realise they were ARGYLL MEMBER ALEX GRAY MEETS CONSTABLE CRAIG GLADWELL .....20 [Kurt Vonnegut] the big things." CYCLE CHALLENGE - RAID PYRENEES 2018 ...... 22 hindsight's a wonderful thing and who among us hasn't felt that twinge of regret for what might have been... Reflecting on the passage of time with LOCKERBIE – a wisdom and maturity denied to our younger selves, 'If only' is surely one FORWARD, OUT OF THE DARKNESS ...... 24 It seems unjust that you have put your trust in of our most common laments as we soul search over missed opportunities. PUBLIC SERVICE PENSIONERS’ COUNCIL ...29 “ The course of our lives is very much a lottery, in many respects dictated by random INTRODUCING GILL WRIGHT- BOULTON ...... 30 circumstances. Puzzling over the whys and wherefores can drive us crazy. If you have su A TOAST TO THE LATE 30 years ago, Dumfries and Galloway Branch member Colin Dorrance was 18 ALEXANDER MORRISON ...... 32 P years old and fresh out of College, when, like many, he was catapulted into the hell that was Lockerbie, a journey that would ultimately shape the course of his OBITUARIES ...... 34 life and that of his children. In a series of articles beginning on page 24, Colin charts his journey. Issue 20 | February 2019 Cover image Turning over to page 30, Gill Wright-Boulton's fortitude and courage in the face of RPOAS news The magazine for the Retired Police Officers’ Association Scotland Front cover image a crushing personal loss serves as an inspiration to all of us. COPS Co-founded in 2003 the Care of Police Survivors charity is in safe hands as Gill President-Elect follows very ably in the footsteps of Christine Fulton and current President Denis Gill Wright-Boulton
COPS: Gunn. We wish her well in all her endeavours. A Lifeline (page 30) for Survivors
To our contributors and advertisers, thank you for supporting the publication for retired police officers in Scotland. www.rpoas.org.uk Good health to all our readers for the year ahead.
Best wishes. Designed and produced by
J Thomson Colour Printers Lesley struth 14 Carnoustie Place, Glasgow. t. 0141 429 1094 www.jtcp.co.uk t Editor
Email [email protected] RPOAS Branches: Argyll | Ayrshire | Central (The RPOAS News magazine is now available as a PDF which can be viewed on our Dumfries & Galloway website at www.rpoas.org.uk. If you are happy to receive the magazine in this format in Renfrew & Dunbarton | Fife | Glasgow future, please let your Branch Secretary know. A reduction in paper copies of the Lanarkshire | Highlands & Islands publication will secure a significant saving for the Association). Lothian & Borders | North East | Tayside
www.rpoas.org.uk | 3
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President’s Message
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Situated on the edge of Loch Bracadale on the 67 7 7 7 737 74 5 western side of Skye midway between Struan 4 7 77 7 7 7 7 7 7 and Dunvegan in a stunning location overlooking beach. Warm and comfortable, sleeps a double $ 7 7 7 2 7 7 2 7 '7 &3(.2 and two singles with bedding supplied. 7 77 7 7 77 /
/7 7 57 7 , 7 67 1 7 7 ) 7 3 Contact Jonathan Campbell, 77 7 77 67 7 67 Highlands and Islands Branch - [email protected] or call: 0141 777 6118 169633_RET POL RPOAS News 20.qxp_Layout 1 24/01/2019 11:21 Page 5
RPOAS Update
ASSOCIATION SECRETARY’S UPDATE I was elected at last year’s conference relationship with Disneyland Paris where there who have not joined the fold. Whilst for 1 year to complete David Brown’s 3 they can offer discounts with no minimum some will never do so, please encourage year term of office. I intend to stand for numbers required. your members to recruit ex colleagues. the next 3 year term (unless I have an Some, but not all of our membership benefits With the support of Police Scotland we outbreak of sanity). This has been a year partners, offer a financial contribution to the attend all their pre-retirement courses. We of challenges not least the decision of Association at no detriment to the member. are delighted with the response from those AXA not to renew the travel insurance Please see if they are in a position to assist attending who register an interest in joining policy as from 1 April 2019. This had a you and benefit everyone. the Association when they retire. Police significant impact on the Associations’s Scotland is now very supportive of For full details of membership services visit finances and Ian Cowden has done a encouraging officers, at the point of great deal of work to mitigate this impact retirement, to join but we need to work www.rpoas.org.uk on the business of the Association. As alongside them. Our desired objective is to 0/+-./1/ *0,+0 membership services falls under my be in a position to state: “We represent 100% remit, it was my responsibility to tackle The ONS Consumer Price Index for of retired Police Officers in Scotland”. the other consequence of this - the September 2018 showed an increase of Especially when petitioning Government personal impact on those members who 2.4%. As a result, Police Pensions will Departments on your behalf. use the travel insurance. Fortunately, I increase by 2.4% from 1 April 2019. L++. -,(-./10 1-(0 was given another line of enquiry which Those in receipt of the State Pension will This has been another area that has had led me to BRS Risk Management and I receive an increase of 2.6% due to the its challenges this year because our long- obtained an alternative policy from them. government’s triple lock commitment. They are the only other provider on the serving Web Master, David McLuckie market who does not require detailed L++. -,(-./1L// ,'1J./%0*0/ 0 informed us that he was not standing for medical screening. It was also a very The 2019 Conference will again be held at re-election. He is taking a well- earned busy year for me personally so I am the Westerwood Hotel which has proved very break from committee duties both locally and nationally to focus on family life. especially grateful to Ian Cowden who popular with delegates. Guests last year Thankfully, after a long search, John worked on this with me. were particularly complimentary about the venue and staff efficiency/friendliness. Duncan of Lothian and Borders Branch I will also pay tribute to Tracy McKenzie stepped up to the mark and was co-opted who took on the unenviable task of The Conference will be held on Thursday 4th on as Web Manager. He will stand for telling members aged 80 years and over and Friday 5th April. Friday is Conference election at conference. Most of the day to how it affected them and any possible day when the Association business, day updates will be done by Tracy alternatives available to them. including the election of office bearers, is McKenzie our Administration Assistant carried out. On the Thursday a seminar on and all communications should be It has been a pleasure to work with Jim the topic of “Wellness/Transition from Service addressed to [email protected] McBrierty and Matt Hamilton too, who into Retirement” will be held continuing our The website is increasingly a source of always support my endeavours. President’s theme of wellness in all its forms information for members and we and our core value of welfare. K0!10) 0*+&-10* - 0 encourage you to submit photographs and Vice President Matt Hamilton is taking the items of interest. www.forcecarsdirect.com via the Motor lead in the organisation and presentation of offer substantial discounts L++. -,(-./1.((0*# Source Group the seminar. to members across a wide range of There will be a total of 5 vehicle manufacturers (see page 26). presentations from organisations with Given the financial challenges facing the expertise in different aspects of wellness. Association in the next financial year, can G*, 0'1!-(&1HL Hopefully conference attendees will fully I encourage you to consider participating John Dixon offers bespoke advice to participate and glean valuable in the lottery if you don’t already do so? members and can often enhance a holiday knowledge to take back to Branches. The Lottery year runs from January to with extras that you could not normally As customary there will be a conference December and costs £12 per Annum per set source. He has arranged a holiday for me and dinner on the Thursday evening to which of numbers, paid in advance. More than one I have had excellent service (see page 27). guests who contribute positively to the chance may be purchased. The lottery plays Association have been invited. an important part in the Association’s 0800 1777 856 finances and is open to ordinary and life 0 * -()0/( [email protected] members. You can join at any point during . (&18 ,#1G*, 0'1,/$10-+ *0 The 12 Branches are the backbone and the the year paying pro rata for the months membership is the life blood of the between joining and December. This firm offers specialist help and Association. We depend on them promoting discounts for group travel, normally 12 plus membership. We currently have 6528 Euan Forbes participants. They also have an excellent members leaving many eligible retirees out
www.rpoas.org.uk 5 169633_RET POL RPOAS News 20.qxp_Layout 1 24/01/2019 11:22 Page 6
RPOAS Travel Insurance
with BRS Risk Management
I have already outlined in my report that it took a good deal of ,KPLTUCTULQMSUSKTURAPLPSEUSQUPOMHNTUSKQMTURBTJU!3UQNUQ@TN=UDNT@PQHMLE work to find an alternative to our previous provider, AXA. While IQ@TNTJUAEU7 7UPOUSKTUDRMS=UEQHUIROUMTTUFNQGUSKTURJ@TNSPMTGTOS it transpired that BRS Risk Management were the only other CTUJQUQFFTNUROURLSTNORSP@TUNQHSTUFQNUSKQMTURFFTISTJ?U market supplier of travel insurance offered without ‘medical It is important that I stress to you that there is a concession in screening’, there were other factors that drew me to them. the first year of the RPOAS Scheme allowing those up to the (PNMSLE=USKTEUCTNTUNTIQGGTOJTJUAEURUSNHMSTJUDTNMQORLUFNPTOJ?U9KTE age of 79 to join. Moreover, provided you are 79 when applying KR@TURULQOBUSTNGUQHSLQQ
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#2/2%0/23 23#.(23+.2,3.3%&**"3.!231,'*&-1(23(12 31,3$/0(1)1,!3+#23 1)2-+3$0--1 *23/.,!230%3+/.(2* 1,-&/.,'23+033 2 w 2/- We look forward to assisting with enquiries and inception of cover. Our lines will be open from the 1st March.
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Farewell to Our Longstanding Web Manager David Wm McLuckie L & B Branch member, Website Find A Common Administrator and Life Member of the Three Amigos. Connection – G&.+01.%1#. 1!&.1 -0!0$1(&014HL1.((0*#51 1.!0* Carpet Fitter / Cop / .-/(1*0+0/(,(-./1!-''1 01%,)-'-,*1!-(&1(&01*0%0*0/ 01 Davy arrived on the Association Executive Committee, by Web Administrator?? sleight of hand, so he claims, far back in the mists of time, circa R.P.O.A.S. both nationally and locally moved from slate and E 2001. From the get go he was an enthusiastic contributor and chalk to paper and pencil then to computers there was a need volunteer on AEC working groups tasked with examining various issues relative to retired members. He had an interest to administer that electronic and digital age. Step forward Davy in IT and had tapped into a resource, namely his nephew Alan McLuckie. Wood, a self -employed IT Consultant who knew his way around the technical issues with software programmes. Where Davy found those skills I daren’t even hazard At the November 2002 Executive Committee the issue of an a guess but he had them RPOAS Newsletter was discussed. At that time Davy tabled a in abundance and they proposal to develop an Association web site to facilitate the were put to very good use. circulation of relevant News Items. So as not to give the As a technophobe I can’t committee too much time to think about the proposal, he begin to explain what he advised that he had already secured an appropriate domain did but there is a website name, and designed the web site. He also quickly advised that he would do all of the work required to get it up and running. A serving the needs of win/win formula for success. Agreement was eagerly given for retired polis from the him to continue and the rest, as they say, is history. border at Coldstream all the way to Thurso and all Following the appointment of two new Officers to the AEC, there points in between. This followed a whirlwind of activity resulting in the introduction of a website has been Membership Data Base, Association Lottery and extension to administered by Davy for Membership Services. many, many years. Davy obviously considered himself, along with his fellow Amigos, to be an exemption to the European Working Time Directive with a When he reached the age of three score years and eleven he normal working week averaging 60 hours. During this period he decided it was time to call a halt and hand over the reins, or willingly gave one to one tuition on the new systems and took the lead keyboard, to someone else. at IT Training Courses. There were often days with much head scratching and the odd outburst of naughty words when the wheel Lothian Borders Branch committee felt that such service had looked like it was ready to fall off the cart. Thankfully those days were to be properly recognised. After much head-scratching, it was outweighed by the many humorous times, too many to list here. If agreed to purchase a pair of engraved whisky glasses and a you get a chance to speak with Davy I am sure he will be delighted bottle of something to put in them. ‘Copper Dog’ blended to share some of them with you. Scotch whisky seemed a fitting choice. As one of the “Three Amigos” I take this opportunity to express I have known Davy for the most part of 50 years and the only my extreme gratitude for his support and friendship. time I have seen him stuck for words was when I presented him On behalf of the membership, we say Thank You to Christine for with these gifts at our Branch AGM in October 2018. putting up with his absences. Enjoy a dram when you feel like it, Davy, and enjoy your To Davy - thank you for your dedication and enthusiasm, even retirement with Christine. It is richly deserved. during a time of great personal loss, to ensure that the Association had a strong, sustainable foothold on a digital platform. Morton S. McBurnie h Enjoy a long and healthy “retirement”. You have certainly earned it. Chairman Lothian and Borders Branch David Brown Fife Branch and former Association Secretary
8 RPOAS Issue 20 2019
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River Cru on board Brabant
Step aboard Brabant in 2019 for an unforgettable journey along Europe’s spellbinding rivers and canals
RPOAS have teamed up with award-winning Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines to give you a very tempting 10% membership discount* on your first sailing with them – and that’s on top of any current offers. Existing Fred. Olsen customers can save 5%, in addition to their 5% Loyalty Club discount.
To book using your discount code RPOAS10 call the RPOAS booking hotline 0800 0355 108 or visit www.fredolsencruises.com
*All bookings are subject to Fred. Olsen’s (FOCL) standard terms & conditions, available on our website & on request. All prices quoted under the RPOAS members discount offer are exclusive to qualifying members & their travelling companions only, members must quote their discount code at time of booking. Membership discounts cannot be applied retrospectively. Bookings must be made via the booking hotline number 0800 0355 108. Proof of membership will be required at the time of booking. Offers cannot be extended to any unrelated third party, are subject to availability & may be withdrawn or amended at any time without prior notice. From time to time FOCL may run special offers which cannot be combined with this discount, including selected group travel deals. All guests booked under this scheme are requested to refrain from disclosing the fare paid whilst on board. Offer is for first-time cruisers with Fred. Olsen only. Fred. Olsen Oceans members are entitled to a 5% RPOAS discount subject to the same terms & conditions, to be applied after the standard Oceans discount, where applicable. In this instance, Oceans Terms & Conditions apply. Flights are excluded from any discounts. Offer ends 31st December 2019. E&OE. 169633_RET POL RPOAS News 20.qxp_Layout 1 24/01/2019 11:22 Page 10
The Support ThatThat Underpins Our Work
undertaken were it not for the help of our PTC Ambassadors. If last year is anything to go by then it looks like 2019 is These volunteers, some of whom are serving officers while others are going to be another busy retired, will on occasion attend a pre-retirement seminar on our behalf year at The Police and deliver a short presentation to the group. On other occasions they Treatment Centres. There might attend a new recruits’ may not have been any presentation along with one of our team and say a few words from major changes or any their experience about the significant building projects benefits of donating to the PTC. to talk about, but last year Another role of the Ambassadors was certainly a year that kept us busy just getting on with the might be to attend a wellbeing job of treating injured and ill serving and retired police officers. event along with a staff member In 2018 we treated a total of 3540 patients and help run a stall at that event, across both our centres. Castlebrae itself again speaking with those treated 1572 Patients, a combination of present and helping promote serving officers, retired officers, and some the work of the charity. e outpatients too. The percentage of retired officers treated was approximately 11% Those Ambassadors who are still serving also act as a point of s against the number of serving officers, contact within their station or force area, distributing leaflets on our o which is certainly consistent with past years behalf and answering any basic questions that an officer might ask. if not slightly higher than the previous year.year. The charity provides full support to our Ambassadors along with any p PowerPoint presentations and scripts needed to do a talk. Although the stats for 2018 have not yet been finalised, at the point of writing this article we will have delivered, in the past 12 months, As well as those who support us through their monthly contributions approximately 22,000 hours of physiotherapy, over 7000 hours of or by volunteering as an Ambassador, there are those who support gym instruction, 716+ hours of specific back care classes such as us by raising funds for the charity or even simply by playing our Pilates and back mobility classes, approximately 3000 hours of monthly lottery or booking themselves a weekend’s bed & breakfast counselling, over 4000 hours of complementary therapies and at at one of our two centres. Last year we had no less than 40 least 2000 classes and workshops on subjects such as stress fundraisers who walked, ran, cycled and did other various activities awareness, sleeping problems, nutrition and mindfulness. all in aid of the PTC. Together they raised a fantastic £16,558.90 and we hope that this year will be even better with more people All this work is carried out by a team of dedicated staff, from the fundraising on our behalf. physiotherapists, nurses, fitness staff, counsellors and therapists to the catering team, housekeeping, receptionists, security and estates team. Our lottery celebrated its 500th winner at the end of December and Then there are the other roles such as finance, HR, Senior Management, still goes from strength to strength, as does our weekend bed and and the Donor Recruitment and Charity Engagement team. In addition breakfast programme. In 2018 a total of 1573 guests stayed for the to our paid staff we also have our board of trustees who all give of their weekend at one of our two centres. With Le Tour De Yorkshire taking time voluntarily to steer the direction of our organisation. place in Harrogate on the 3 - 5 May, and the Solheim Cup taking place at Gleneagles between the 9 -15 September, demand for B&B As well as all these committed employees who undertake this day to day on these weekends will be high and will book up fast. work, like any other charity organisation, our work is strongly underpinned by the support we receive from our donors, volunteers, So to all who underpin the ambassadors and general supporters. Much of this support is of course work of The Police financial but some also offer their time to represent the charity at various Treatment Centres by events and to help promote the work we do. their donations, time and support, a very big With the majority of the charity’s income coming from the heartfelt thank you from monthly donations we receive from serving and retired officers, those of us in the charity. it is of great importance to us to promote the benefits of the We look forward to your charity to as many new recruits and those officers approaching ongoing support for many retirement as we possibly can. To this end last year our Donor years to come. Recruitment Team attended 172 student officer presentations, 8 Transferee presentations and 87 pre-retirement seminars Graeme Addison within our 23 constituent forces, as well as 31 wellbeing Donor Engagement events and conferences. This task could not have been Officer
10 RPOAS Issue 20 2019
169633_RET POL RPOAS News 20.qxp_Layout 1 24/01/2019 11:22 Page 11
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([FOXVLYH ZHHNHQGEUHDNV IRUPHPEHUVRI WKHµSROLFH IDPLO\¶ %HG %UHDNIDVW%HG %UHDNIDVW 7DNHDEUHDNUHOD[ HQMR\WKHH[FHOOHQWZHHNHQGGHVWLQDWLRQVRI 6W$QGUHZV+DUURJDWH &DVWOHEUDH$XFKWHUDUGHU )URPDVOLWWOHDV IRUDVLQJOHURRPDQG IRUDGRXEOHURRPIRUDZHHNHQG )LQGRXWPRUHDW ZZZWKHSROLFHWUHDWPHQWFHQWUHVRUJ 169633_RET POL RPOAS News 20.qxp_Layout 1 24/01/2019 11:22 Page 12 HEALTH MATTERS Retired Policeman Campaigns with Charity for Right to Pulmonary Rehab 9KTUJPRBOQMPMUROJUNTRLPMRSPQOUQFUGEUPLLOTMMUNTRLLEUKPSUGTUKRNJ? ,QHLJU>UMSPLLUATURNQHOJUSQUMTTUGEUBNROJIKPLJNTOUBNQCUHD U>UFTLS @TNEULQCUROJUHORALTUSQUIQDT? 9KTNTUPMUOQUJQHASUSKRSUDHLGQORNEUNTKRAPLPSRSPQOUKTLDTJUSQUSHNOUGE LPFTURNQHOJ?U>SURLLQCTJUGTUSQUATUGHIKUGQNTUPOUIQOSNQLUQFUGEU8.:4 ROJUGEULPFT?U>/GUDRMMPQORSTURAQHSUDKEMPIRLURISP@PSEURMU>U 9KTUIKRNPSE/MU:TTNU;HDDQNSU*NQHDMURNTUMTLF)UGRORBTJUROJURFFPLPRSTJ SQU85;;USKQHBKUOQSUDNQ@PJTJUJPNTISLEUAEUSKTUIKRNPSEUMQGTURNTUNHO AEU@QLHOSTTNMUCKPLTUQSKTNMURNTUNHOUAEUSKTUGTGATNMUQFUSKTUBNQHD? 9KTNTU RNTU BNQHDMU RINQMMU ;IQSLROJU FQNU DTQDLTU LP@POBU CPSKU KTRNS Ian Baxter, who lives with COPD, runs The Forfar Airways, a Peer Support Group for people IQOJPSPQOMUQNUFQLLQCPOBURUMSNQ +6TNIPMTUROJUMQIPRLURISP@PSPTMUKR@TURUKHBTLEUDQMPSP@TUPGDRISUQO H 0*1 10.'01-/1 .(',/$1,*01'- -/"1!-(&1JH 1, SKTUDKEMPIRLUROJUGTOSRLUKTRLSKUQFUSKTUGTGATNM?U>SURLLQCMUDTQDLT './" (0*)1 &0+(1 ./$-(-./1,/$1 1(.1(!.1(&-*$+1.%10.'0 SKTUIKROITUSQUGTTSUQSKTNMULP@POBUCPSKUMPGPLRNUIQOJPSPQOMUROJUMKRNT ,*01'- -/"1!-(&1(&01$-+0,+01 (1*0),-/1 /$-,"/.+0$1.*1&, 0 SKTPNUT6DTNPTOITMUCKPLMSUPGDNQ@POBUSKTPNUCTLLATPOB?U ,/1-/ .**0 (1$-,"/.+-+11 >FUEQHUCROSUSQUMHDDQNSU85;;UROJUIRLLUFQNUSKTU;IQSSPMKU*Q@TNOGTOS :HLGQORNEU NTKRAPLPSRSPQOU &:1%U IQHNMTMU QFFTNU LPFT)IKROBPOB SQUPOSNQJHITUROUT'HRLUNPBKSUSQU:HLGQORNEU1TKRAPLPSRSPQOUSKTOU@PMPS SNTRSGTOSU FQNU DTQDLTU CPSKU 8.:4U ROJU KR@TU ATTOU DNQ@TOU SQ SKTPNUCTAMPSTUCCC?IKMM?QNB?H< NPBKSSQDNUSQUFPOJUQHSUGQNTUROJUSQ PGDNQ@TUDKEMPIRLUROJUGTOSRLUKTRLSK?U9KTEURLMQUMR@TUSKTU 5; CNPSTUSQUEQHNULQIRLU2;:?U GQOTEUAEUNTJHIPOBUKQMDPSRLURJGPMMPQOMUROJUKRL@POBUSKTUSPGT MDTOSUPOUKQMDPSRL?U >FUEQHUCQHLJULP 8KTMSU5TRNSUU;SNQ 9REMPJTU#NROIKUGTGATNU>ROU#R6STN=URUNTSPNTJUDQLPITGROUFNQG (QNFRN=UPMULP@POBUCPSKU8.:4?U>ROUNHOMUSKTU(QNFRNU7PNCREM=URU:TTN ;HDDQNSU*NQHD=UMHDDQNSTJUAEU85;;?U9KTUBNQHDULPO 12 RPOAS Issue 18 2018 169633_RET POL RPOAS News 20.qxp_Layout 1 24/01/2019 11:22 Page 13 HEALTH MATTERS Prostate cancer is not always a death sentence D.*1(&.+01!&.1 /.!1)0 FTTLPOBMUQFUJTMDRPNULRMSTJUFQNURUIQHDLTUQFUCTT www.rpoas.org.uk 13 169633_RET POL RPOAS News 20.qxp_Layout 1 24/01/2019 11:22 Page 14 RPOAS Around the Branches ARGYLL BRANCH Secretary: John Glass Branch members pictured at the AGM in Lochgilphead on 14th October. AYRSHIRE Diary dates 21 March 2019 RSU?3UD?G?UFQNUUD?G?U7OOHRLUJPOOTNURSUSKTU:RN 7SU QHNU 7*2U POU .ISQATNU GTGATNMU CTNTU JTLPBKSTJU SQU CTLIQGT CENTRALBRANCH BHTMSUMDTR Diary dates 19 Feb 2019 #NROIKU HOIKURSUSKTU;GPJJE=U;SPNLPOB? 26 March 2019 .LJTNU2TGATNMU HOIKURSU#LQMMQGMU#PMSNQ=U9QNCQQJ? Inspector Marie White with 13 May 2019 *QLFU.HSPOBUSQU(RL *QNJQOU 5HOSTNU POU ;SNRONRTN?U 1TMDTISU CRMU DRPJU SQU SKTU -$U #NROIK DUMFRIES AND GTGATNMUROJU UGTGATNMUQFUSKTULQIRLUDQLPITUFRGPLEUCKQUKRJUDRMMTJ GALLOWAY BRANCH RCREUQ@TNUSKTUDRMSUETRN?U(QLLQCPOBURIITDSROITUROJURDDNQ@RLUQFUNTDQNSM= Secretary: Davie Hunter SKTU8QGGPSSTTUROJU.FFPITU#TRNTNMUCTNTUNT)TLTISTJUAEURIILRGRSPQO? 4PMIHMMPQOUNTMHLSTJUPOU;HMROU:NTOSPITUATPOBUDNQDQMTJ=UCPSKUSKTUFHLL >URGURIHSTLEURCRNTUSKPMUKRMUATTO=UROJUIQOSPOHTMUSQ RDDNQ@RLUQFUSKQMTUDNTMTOS?U2RSSTNMUNROBPOBUFNQGUSKTU RSPQORLU7MMQIPRSPQO AT=U RU MPBOPFPIROSU SPGTU FQNU NTFLTISPQO?U QSU QOLEU FQN >OMHNROIT=U2 MKPDU;HAMINPDSPQO=USKTU4UROJU*U:QLPITU2HMTHG=USKT FQNGTNUQFFPITNMUROJUMSRFFUQFU4HGFNPTMUROJU*RLLQCRE 7NGTJU(QNITMU8Q@TOROS=UROJU#NROIKU.HSPOBMUCTNTUJPMIHMMTJ?U 8QOMSRAHLRNE=U AHSU RLMQU FQNU SKTU GROEU QSKTNMU QO CKQGUSKTUSNRBPIUT@TOSMUCKPIKUSQQ 14 RPOAS Issue 20 2019 169633_RET POL RPOAS News 20.qxp_Layout 1 24/01/2019 11:22 Page 15 FIFE BRANCH Secretary: Alan Maich June Branch Lunch 7ULHOIKUCRMUKTLJUQOU$UHOTU$3-!URSUSKT *PL@TOARO GLASGOW BRANCH Secretary: Willie McGuire ANNUAL DINNER 2018 9KTU7*2UCRMUKTLJUQOU$!U.ISQATNU$3-! POU 1TOFPTLJU ;S?U ;STDKTO/MU 8KHNIK= *LRMBQC?U 9KTW 8KRPNGROU CTLIQGTJ Stephen Mannion John Wilson ARIOHLSEUCKQUMDQ Life Membership Certificates 9KTUFQLLQCPOBUGTGATNMUCTNTUDNTMTOSTJUCPSKUSKTPNU PFT 2TGATNMKPDU 8TNSPFPIRSTMU AEU 8KPTFU ;HDTNPOSTOJTOS 2I>OHLSEUU 9KTU FQLLQCPOBU GTGATNMU CTNTU HORALTU SQU RSSTOJU ROJU SKTPN ITNSPFPIRSTMU CTNTU FQNCRNJTJU AEU SKTU ;TINTSRNEU )U 1PIKRNJ #RPLLPT=U (NTJTNPIROU 9RELQN= 4QHBLRMU1?U,RJJTLL=UQKOU#RPOUROJU9QGU(EFT? Robert Paterson Albert G. Gordon HIGHLANDS AND 8KRPNU5HBKU2RIREU&4POBCRLL% ISLANDS BRANCH PIT)8KRPNU#TNSU2RI TQJU&9KHNMQ% 9NTRMHNTNU2KRPNPU*NROSU&>O@TNOTMM% SECRETARY: Dave Conner ;TINTSRNEU4R@TU8QOOTNU&>O@TNOTMM% BRANCH AGM 2017 .SKTNU2TGATNMU4TNNPI www.rpoas.org.uk 15 169633_RET POL RPOAS News 20.qxp_Layout 1 24/01/2019 11:22 Page 16 28 April 2019 ;TOPQNMU HOIK=W-$? UD?G?UFQNU-D?G?U9KTU8RMSLT LANARKSHIRE BRANCH 1QQGM=U JJPOBMSQO?U(1++UFQNU PFTUGTGATNMUROJUMDQHMT DRNSOTN Secretary: Henry Harper ROJUGTGATNMUQFUSKTU+6STOJTJU(RGPLEU*NQHD?U.SKTNMU-UTRIK?U May 2019 [SAIU#HMU9NPDUU HOIKU4HGFNPTMU5QHMTUQNW#HMU9NPDUSQ Membership/Recruitment Offer QIKURSNPOT? 9KTU #NROIKU IQOSPOHTMU SQU SKNP@TU CPSKU !- June/July 2019 SAIU#NROIKU*QLFU9QHNORGTOS? GTGATNMUROJU 3URMMQIPRSTUGTGATNM?U"UOTC GTGATNMUCTNTUNTINHPSTJUPOU$3-!?U8ROUEQHUPJTOSPFE 4 July 2019 SAIUHTTO/MU*RNJTOU:RNSEURSUSKTU:RLRITUQF ROEUOQO)GTGATNMUFQNUSKTU#NROIKUQNU+6STOJTJU(RGPLEU*NQHDU)UTGRPL 5QLENQQJKQHMT?U NDQRM KTONEKRNDTN?IQ?H< 14 August 2019 .HSPOBUSQW1QERLU+JPOAHNBKU2PLPSRNEU9RSSQQ?U 3 7LMQ=UIKTI TRNLEU$3UGTGATNMUNTITP@TJUSKTPNU PFTU2TGATNMKPDU7CRNJMUFNQG LOTHIAN AND 488U(PQORU9RELQNURSURUMDTIPRLULHOIKUPOU.ISQATNU$3-!?UU BORDERS BRANCH >FUEQHUJQO/SUNTITP@TUQHNUGQOSKLEUTLTISNQOPIUOTCMLTSSTNMUDLTRMTUBTS Secretary: Victoria Wood POUSQHIKUUROJUNTGTGATNUSQUHDJRSTUEQHNUJTSRPLMUPFUEQHUGQ@T?UU7O BRANCH ANNUAL DINNER TGRPLUPMUROUPGDQNSROSUIQGGHOPIRSPQOUSQQLURMUPSUMR@TMUDQMSRBTUROJ TOMHNTMUEQHNUOTCMUNTRIKTMUEQHUSPGTQHMLE? ,TLIQGTU SQU SKTU LRNBTMSU #NROIKU CPSKU Q@TN Diary Dates - 33UGTGATNM=URLGQMSU3UQFUCKQGU0QPOTJUPO $3-!?UU,TUNTLEUQOUCQNJUQFUGQHSK=UMQUDLTRMT 8 March 2019 ,TMSU QSKPROU1THOPQOU4POOTNU)U:HGDKTNMSQOU*QLFU8LHA TOIQHNRBTUNTSPNPOBUIQLLTRBHTMUSQU0QPO?UU 1 March 2019 +U4P@PMPQOU4POOTNU)U>NQOGPLLMU#QCLPOBU8LHA=U4RL #NROIKU GTGATNM?U U ,TU CPLLU IQOSPOHTU SQU QFFTNU QHNU 7MMQIPRSTM 9KRO Recognition For Jim’s Heroic Wartime Service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ssue 20 2019 Congratulations from all your c Instructed to e 169633_RET POL RPOAS News 20.qxp_Layout 1 24/01/2019 11:22 Page 17 New life member NORTH EAST BRANCH George Paterson Secretary: Ron Findlay George and Sarah Paterson AGM 9KTU#NROIKU7*2UCRMUKTLJUQOU .ISQATNU $3-!U RSU 7ATNJTTOMKPNT 8NPI RENFREW AND DUNBARTON Secretary: Jim Brownlee -,*#1 ,(0 1,* &1 19KTU*NTTOQI Paisley Dinner 2018 Greenock Dinner 2018 www.rpoas.org.uk 17 169633_RET POL RPOAS News 20.qxp_Layout 1 24/01/2019 11:22 Page 18 TAYSIDE BRANCH Secretary: Matt Hamilton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ssue 20 2019 169633_RET POL RPOAS News 20.qxp_Layout 1 24/01/2019 11:22 Page 19 PPI -- DODO NOTNOT LEAVELEAVE ITIT TOOTOO LATELATE NARPON MEMBER’SMEMBER’S £22,000 REFUNDREFUND FROM BANKBANK TIME IS RUNNING Some of our recent upheld PPI claims for NARPO members Mr A awarded over £16,000 from Lloyds TSB for mis-sold PPI OUT, A DEADLINE HAS on his loans BEEN IMPOSED Mrs M awarded over £11,000 from Santander for mis-sold PPI on her store cards The complaint submission deadline is 29th August 2019. Many Mr M awarded over £3,000 from MBNA for mis-sold PPI clients do not have proof of the PPI payment and we request data on his credit cards from the lender for confirmation. Lenders have up to one month to Mr D awarded over £7000 from First Direct for mis-sold PPI provide requested data and if for any reason it is not received, on his Loans a re-application is required (therefore time is of the essence). Some clients are even unaware that they had taken it out, whilst Mr M awarded over £7040 from Barclays for mis-sold PPI others felt pressurised into purchasing it. At Active Credit on his credit card Reclaim we realise that some members of the public are a little daunted by the thoughts of dealing with a claim themselves. Some Mrs H awarded over £16,500 from M&S Bank for mis-sold PPI on her personal reserve & charge card are too busy, or cannot find any paperwork. If you have EVER had a credit card, bank loan or HP you may have been sold this insurance, Mr M awarded over £4,400 from HSBC for mis-sold PPI and if Payment Protection Insurance was mis-sold to you, the lender on his loans may owe you £££££,s! Have you had a Barclays overdraft? FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Barclays added PPI to a huge number of overdraft facilities. “I’ve had loans and credit cards in the past but I don’t have One NARPO member was awarded over £5,500 for the mis-selling them anymore. Can you still help?” of this insurance on his current account. Yes, so long as you can remember who you borrowed from we will Paying a fee for your bank account? apply to the lenders at no cost to you, and ask them to send us Millions of people have been sold or upgraded to a fee paying packaged details of all loans and credit cards you have held with them. Once bankbank account account (PBA). (PBA). If Ifyours yours was was mis-sold, mis-sold, you you could could be be entitled entitled to toa a we receive this information we will update you with our findings. refund.refund. Mr Mr P P recently recently received received over over £6,500 £6,500 from from Lloyds. Lloyds. “I’m pretty certain I’ve always refused this type of insurance in the past. Is it still worth investigating? Yes. Many people tell us that they don’t think they have been sold PPI ToTo findfind outout moremore - - in the past, but often we will find evidence that clients weren’t aware of. It will cost you nothing for us to find out for you. You may be callcall us:us: 0170701707 649 649 665 665 surprised. PPI was more actively sold from the late 1980’s until 2005. oror 0170701707 649649 688 688 How much does your service cost? EmailEmail us: us: [email protected] [email protected] We charge no upfront fees whatsoever. If we investigate your lenders oror go go to to activecreditreclaim.co.uk activecreditreclaim.co.uk and and “request “request a calla call back” back” and find no evidence of PPI being sold to you, we will advise you and close the file. There is no charge for this. Our success fee Remember,Remember, we we are are here here to to help help YOU!!! YOU!!! (20% +VAT of refund) is only payable IF we win your claim. If we do not win, you owe us nothing. Active Credit Reclaim: 45a The Broadway, way, Darkes Darkes Lane, Lane, Potters Potters Bar, Bar, Herts, Herts, EN6 EN6 2HZ 2HZ RegulatedR by the Claims Management Regulator with hregards regards to to Claims Claims Management Management Activities. Activities. No: No: CRM40830 CRM40830 169633_RET POL RPOAS News 20.qxp_Layout 1 24/01/2019 11:22 Page 20 Argyll Branch | Probationer Interview Argyll member Alex Gray meets Constable Craig Gladwell Craig Gladwell [33] 0QPOTJU:QLPITU;IQSLROJUPOU2RNIKU$3-!UROJUPM IHNNTOSLEUMTN@POBUCPSKPOUSKTU(PNSKUQFU8LEJTURNTRUKTUCRMUANQHBKSUHDUPO? 8NRPBUCQN 1984 - Alex testing pupils’ cycling proficiency at Bowmore Primary school, Islay. 20 RPOAS Issue 20 2019 169633_RET POL RPOAS News 20.qxp_Layout 1 24/01/2019 11:22 Page 21 ALEX >UFPNMSUBR@TUT@PJTOITURSUSKTURBTUQF SQUGEUDQLPITUIRNTTN?UU.A@PQHMLEUROURJJTJUPOJHITGTOSUSQUDNQGQSPQO -U ETRNMU CKTOU >U CRMU RU DQLPITU IRJTS CQHLJUATUPGDNQ@TGTOSMUSQUAQSKUMRLRNEUROJUDTOMPQO? IQNNQAQNRSPOBURUSNRFFPIUQFFPITN? ALEX >UCRMUOT@TNURGAPSPQHMUFQNUDNQGQSPQO?UU;TTPOBUQHSUGEUIRNTTN ALEX ,KRSUT6DTNPTOITUKR@TUEQHUKRJUCPSK RMU RU IQOMSRALTU CRMU RLCREMU GEU BQRL? 7NTU EQHU POSTNTMSTJU POU R JQGTMSPIUPOIPJTOSM MTIQOJGTOSUSQU9NRFFPIUQNU8>4 CRAIG >UKR@TURSSTOJTJURSURUFTCUJQGTMSPI CRAIG +@TOSHRLLEU>/JULP www.rpoas.org.uk 21 169633_RET POL RPOAS News 20.qxp_Layout 1 24/01/2019 11:22 Page 22 Cycle Challenge - Raid Pyrenees 2018 By North East member Colin Menzies -%01'- 01 # '-/"1-+1).*01 ,',/ 0$1!&0/1). -/" border, provided an opportunity for a bracing Sunday ,/$1(&01(. "&0*1(&01 '-) 1(&01"*0,(0*1(&01*0!,*$1 morning dip in the Atlantic Ocean before heading up the coast for an easy 20 km in warm sunshine and on to the mountains. The sense of bon viveur was enhanced by a cavalcade of vintage British sports cars, cheered on loudly by the crowds. 130km and 8 hours later as we rolled into Montory it was obvious that this was going to be no ordinary week. A cold beer was accompanied by a sense of satisfaction at having climbed three major mountains during 3000m of ascent on our first day. The next two days in the high mountains were undoubtedly the toughest and the most enjoyable I have spent riding a bike. Fuelled by croissants, bananas, honey, chocolate and coffee, Monday warm up was 40km through farming country to the foot of the col de Marie-Blanque, a gradual climb with some sharp ramps to raise the heart rate. Lunch was almost immediately followed by the col D’Aubisque, a 17km ribbon of road at an average gradient of 12%, rewarded at the summit café with blueberry pie in the company of some Although a latecomer to road cycling, it has filled a riders from California. Dirk, a bronzed 70kg specimen competitive, social and fitness gap as my long term proudly informed me he was 76 years of age as we participation in basketball and tennis has become more exchanged high fives at the giant steel cycle sculptures. challenging! Descending, I had my first encounter with a herd of At 6’7” and 96kg, I am not blessed with the most massive alpine cows who meandered serenely across the advantageous physique for a road cyclist where power to road, bells clanging - only one winner here! weight ratio is critical. I only compete with myself, and regularly lose! A 45 minute ascent of the col de Soular was followed by an undulating 30km through forests and pretty villages to our Having undertaken charity events with former colleagues rest stop in Luz St Saveur where the nightly routine of and completed the majority of the popular UK sportive cleaning and charging ensued. events, in 2018 I decided to seek out a bigger challenge. The Raid Pyreneees is a renowned 6 day ride, crossing the mountains from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea. Arriving in Toulouse in early September I was joined by seven other UK riders and two experienced guides who would escort us as we covered a daily average of 124km, burning up to 5,000 calories. A typical day started with team breakfast and route briefing followed by a bike check and on the road by 9, dismounting around 5, shower, eat and asleep by 10. Our start in Hendaye, a tourist resort on the Franco-Spanish 22 RPOAS Issue 20 2019 169633_RET POL RPOAS News 20.qxp_Layout 1 24/01/2019 11:22 Page 23 where a monument is placed to the Italian rider and Olympic Gold medalist Fabio Casartelli who died from injuries sustained in a crash in the 1995 Tour de France. A stark and timely reminder not to let my ambition exceed my limited ability, as I had already locked both wheels on a hairpin bend, coming to a stop just before the roadside barrier. Our penultimate day was extremely challenging. The route from Tarascon to Prades required 7 hours in the saddle to complete 134km and almost 4000m of climbing. Our twin rooms curiously contained one single and one double bed. Thankfully my extremely accommodating Fairly cool and misty ascents room-mate kindly chose the smaller version. of the 9km Pas de Souloubrie and 10km col de Marmare Day three started abruptly! Literally across the street from were rewarded by a quick the hotel, with my breakfast a little too close for comfort, we espresso stop at a lakeside started our ascent of the mighty col de Tourmalet, which café operated by a Dutch featured in the 2018 Tour de France. A gruelling but cyclist and a beautiful ride beautiful climb to a mountain cafe at 2,115m above sea through a forest valley to the level at an average gradient of 7.5%; I reached the top in a foot of Port de Pailheres. This creditable 1hr 49mins. mighty climb has featured five times in the Tour de France, rising 900m to the summit at 2001m above sea level. Lunch at the top was undoubtedly enhanced by chanting monks. After a very long and fast descent, topping out at 90kph, my legs felt good and I decided to make a strong effort from the start of the 11km col de Jau. I made the top in just over 49 minutes, the second fastest time in my weight category! After a double evening meal in the pretty town of Prades and eight hours sleep, I felt prepared for our final day. Riding in the warm early sunshine through orchards and vineyards I felt that I was going home too early. Our final climb, the col de Fontcouverte at an altitude of 605 meters, rewarded us with our first distant views of the coast. The descent, negotiating avalanche tunnels and overtaking 50km later, after espresso and ice cream, we completed the final slow moving cars, took considerably less time! 10km to our finishing point at Cerbere where we sipped champagne and plunged into the cooling water of the Our picnic lunch preceded the col D’Aspin, a steep 10km Mediterranean, much to the amusement of some local fishermen. road, followed by a long fast descent to the foot of the Peyresourde. First used in the Tour de France in 1910, this [Raid Pyrenees in numbers iconic 15km climb included a tough, exposed section past 743km the ski station at Peyragudes. 19,642 vertical meters Arriving in Bagners-du-Luchon after a day in the saddle 36 hours in the saddle that barely included a flat piece of road my cycle computer 27,000 calories burned] informed me that we had climbed almost 4000m in under 100 kms, burning 5000 calories, meaning I felt no guilt tucking into an oversized pizza and cold beer. Day four followed a popular cycle route from Luchon to the medieval settlement of Tarascon over the massif de l’Arrize. Another three major cols including Des Ares, DePort and De Portet D’Aspet www.rpoas.org.uk 23 169633_RET POL RPOAS News 20.qxp_Layout 1 24/01/2019 11:22 Page 24 LOCKERBIE – Forward, Out Of The Darkness September 1988 – 18 year old Colin passing out at Tulliallan By Colin Dorrance ) *$0*0$1,++0/"0*+1,/$1 1(.!/+0.'01+.)0 .%1!&.)1!0*01 /.!/1(.1)01(1!. '$1&, 01 00/1, '0, 1 -+-./1.%1) *$0*1$,* /0++1,/$1)-+%.*( /0 ,$'#1 !&-'01 (&01 %.*( /01 (0''0*1 !,+1 %- (-./,' 0 0*#(&-/"10'+01, ( ,''#1 ,)01(.1,++1 Lockerbie ID card Such a fictional prophecy would not have ended there, though, and it was not without hope, either. I was to marry Angela’s friend, Judith, and we’d move to Lockerbie six years later; the police house we were to be allocated was beside the crash site of the aircraft; we would have two children who would attend Lockerbie Academy; 24 years after the bombing my daughter Claire – at the precise same age I was when the plane crashed - would be awarded a scholarship to attend Syracuse, the American University that lost 35 of its students; Claire would be befriended by many parents and relatives of the deceased students; she would blaze a trail and introduce &0/11!,+1,/1 #0,* .'$1*. ,(-./0*1!-(&1(&*00 them to me and thus a new chapter of my own life would start. )./(&+E1.'- 01+0* - 01&,$1,1%.*( /01(0''0*1 -+-(0$ So, would you have thrown out the mystic and asked for your )01 -/1 (&01 ',+(1 !00 1 .%1 K. 0) 0*1 1 ,/$ money back at this stage? It gets more incredible. %.*0(.'$1 !&,(1 !,+1 , . (1 (.1 &,0/1 (.1 )01 E$ In the years that followed (2013-2017), we were to establish 0-(&0*1&, 01', "&0$1-(1.%%1.*1* /1,!,#1(.1+.)0 dozens of close friendships with many who had lost *0).(01'. ,(-./1-/1%0,*1.%1-(1 0 .)-/"1(* 01G&0# someone aboard Pan Am 103; we’d remain living right in the !. '$1&, 01(.'$1)01(&,(1-/1(&01%.''.!-/"1%0!1$,#+ heart of Lockerbie; University staff, victims’ loved ones – ,1$0,*1%*-0/$1.%1)-/01L/"0',1!,+1, . (1(.1 0 parents, brothers, sisters, roommates, research students, -''0$1-/1,1 ,*1 *,+&@1(&,(1(&01,// ,'1J&*-+(),+ remembrance scholars - would come and stay with us, or be ,*(#1 !01 &,$1 .(&1 00/1 (.1 -/1 ?1 !. '$1 /.( given a tour of this unique town and its history. To cap all &,0/1 0 , +01 .%1 ,1 ',/01 *,+&@1 (&,(1 E$1 0 this, in my final year of police service, my son Andrew applied for and was also awarded the scholarship (at $-*0 ('#1 /$0*/0,(&1(&01$..)0$1,-* *,%(1,+1(&0 precisely the same age I was in 1988) that would send him .) 1$0(./,(0$@1(&,(1E$1!-(/0++1(&01+ +02 0/( to the USA to be a Lockerbie Remembrance scholar; he was $0 ,+(,(-./1 , +0$1 #1-(+1 .''-+-./1./1(&01"*. /$@ to extend and deepen the relationship, then come home – a E$1(&0/1.'- 01(&01 0*#1(.!/11"*0!1 1-/1,+1-( changed and enriched young man - in the final few weeks .0$1!-(&1(&01,%(0*),(&1,/$1(&01*0 . 0*#1.%1; before I retired, in May 2018. 24 RPOAS Issue 20 2019 169633_RET POL RPOAS News 20.qxp_Layout 1 24/01/2019 11:22 Page 25 With the crystal ball firmly deposited in the bin, reflecting on all that had happened to me, I decided to take control and respond in the best way I could when I retired, trying to make sense of all that had occurred, to reach out to our new and growing number of friends formed in the years since and to demonstrate that we were still here, still thinking of them and willing to show what it means in our town. I wanted to complete the journey that began in Heathrow and ended in Lockerbie that Wednesday night before Christmas 1988, so I decided to Cycle to Syracuse. Over the course of three instalments, I’ll try to sum up life as an 18 year old probationer in the middle of an international incident in my own home town; I’ll describe some of the things that happened in the years that followed, the relationships that formed and introduce you to some of the people who crossed my path and blessed my life and I’ll bring you right up to date with how the Cycle to Syracuse came about, how it evolved and led me to the most amazing Claire and Andrew Dorrance at Syracuse University people and places. The universe just seemed to pick me out and thrust me into circumstances that were not of my own making or choosing. [Right] September 2018 – Had the story ended in January 1989, it would have been a The Cycle to Syracuse team at Lockerbie Academy. depressing story, yet another one of man’s inhumanity to man. I was to see the worst consequences of hate and [Below right] Local MP cowardice and I was to live with that for nearly quarter of a David Mundell signing book century. But that is not the whole story. The fullness of time at the launch of the event. and an examination of all that became of those who lost, those who responded and those who have served and I know thousands of first remembered provide an account that is much more heart- responders attended warming, much more fulfilling and reassuring that the good Lockerbie. Many are in the world far outweighs the evil. Just as I was propelled still unable to talk about through the gates of Hell in 1988, I seemed to be singled out it, and that’s entirely for some redeeming conclusion, a balance or reward almost, understandable. If the for all that had gone before. story for you ended in May 2018 – Colin with Ilana Segal, a Student Volunteer Paramedic on January 1989, then you the Syracuse Ambulance Team visiting Lockerbie as a guest of the left when the days were Dorrance family just ahead of Colin’s retirement. still long and dark, and the years that followed did not shed much light either. I was lucky. Far enough back from the explosion to be safe, young enough to not have to reconcile how I’d have coped as a father, and connected enough to have people around me to look after me through it all. I feel humbled and privileged to have seen the story further, to see what those who lost everything have done with their lives and to get to know some of them in the intervening years. That’s the story I want to focus on and tell you about. J.'-/1 .**,/ 0 4 7 7+ 7- www.rpoas.org.uk 25 169633_RET POL RPOAS News 20.qxp_Layout 1 24/01/2019 11:22 Page 26 Keeping you in the driving seat Leaving the Police Force can be daunting, but buying your new car doesn’t need to be! Allied to a 5-Star service, Motor Source Group oer a specialist new car service for all serving and ex-Police and are committed to listening to your needs and sourcing the right car for you. You’ve taken care of our community, now let us take care of you! Call us on: 01522 500 055 Or visit: www.motorsourcegroup.com Save up to 35% o all these makes and models: Images for illustration only. Prices and details correct at time of print. Discounts vary between makes and models, please ask for detailed quote. Please ask about local participating dealer handover. Forces Cars Direct Limited T/A Motor Source Group is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (672273). We act as a credit broker not a lender. We can introduce you to a limited number of lenders who may be able to o er you finance facilities for your purchase. We will only introduce you to these lenders. 169633_RET POL RPOAS News 20.qxp_Layout 1 24/01/2019 11:22 Page 27 Please state if an RPOAS Member when calling to obtain PREFERENTIALDEALS 169633_RET POL RPOAS News 20.qxp_Layout 1 24/01/2019 11:22 Page 28 Pre-Paid Funeral Plans My Story A No-obligation Free Funeral costs are increasing by 7%-10% p.a. RelieveI have been your advising family our clients of any of theworries importance or uncertainty. of these Plans for many years. I told my parents about them and my father’s Home Visit Service For: initial reaction was “there’s more than enough to cover our funeral costs in the bank – the family can sort it out at the time”. My dad hates spending money. However after I pointed out that his funeral bill is going up by at least 7% a year and that he is only getting 0.5% in his savings account he soon realised by not having a plan it was costing him 6.5% more for every day he did not have a plan in place. It also gave him peace of mind that the family would have no nancial issues at a difcult time as the bank are under no obligation to give access to his savings to the family for funeral costs. From my perspective however I did not appreciate the importance of these plans until my parents did go ahead. On the drive to the meeting, I had it all worked out in my head what their wishes would be. How wrong I was. If they did not have these plans I am the one who would be left dealing with this. The fact I would Email: not have carried out my parents nal wishes as they would want would be for me extremely upsetting. This burden is now off my shoulders as their wishes are now in their plans. Call us Free on 0800 990 3524 Guaranteed acceptance and there are exible and affordable payment Mobile: options. See our advert to the left for our contact details to get more information and prices. Service at Glasgow Cathedral – May 1975 Can Any Reader Assist Jonathan? of this photograph for nostalgic reasons without In 15 May 1975, City of Glasgow Police amalgamated with success. I would be very grateful if anyone could help. Strathclyde Police. I was attached to 3 relief, Govan Division, and we attended Glasgow Cathedral for a service ./,(&,/1J,) 0'' marking this occasion. Following the service, we marched Highlands and Islands Branch down High Street, along Ingram Street, and into George There was a photograph taken of our shift in Square. George Square. I have been trying to obtain a copy Email - [email protected] 28 RPOAS Issue 20 2019 169633_RET POL RPOAS News 20.qxp_Layout 1 24/01/2019 11:22 Page 29 Public Service Pensioners’ Council Civil Service Pensioners Alliance, Grosvenor House, 125 High Street, Croydon, CR0 9XP Telephone: 020 8688 8418 Fax: 020 8760 9806 | www.publicservicepensioners.org.uk 9Q Secretaries of Constituent Organisations October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www.rpoas.org.uk 29 169633_RET POL RPOAS News 20.qxp_Layout 1 24/01/2019 11:22 Page 30 Introducing Gill Wright- Boulton New President-Elect of Care of Police Survivors President-Elect Gill Wright-Boulton I, -/"1 +(1 00/1+ 0++% '1-/1,'#-/"1%.*1(&0 friendships and bonds that support them through the *.'01.%1K,(-./,'1*0+-$0/(1.%1J,*01.%1.'- 0 good times and bad. * - .*+11!,+1$0'-"&(0$1!&0/1(&010(-*0$ Working with its partner organisations Winston’s Wish and .'- 01 H%%- 0*+1 L++. -,(-./1 .(',/$1 ".(1 -/ Red Arc, COPS also provides specialist counselling support (. &1(.1,+ 1)01(.1!*-(01,/1,*(- '01, . (1(&0 to bereaved families. &,*-(#1,/$1)#1-/ .' 0)0/( The biggest event in the COPS calendar is its Annual Survivor Weekend in July, which is attended by Care of Police Survivors (COPS) is a UK charity dedicated hundreds of survivors, who are brought together for the to helping the families of police officers and police staff weekend to share happy memories, comfort each other who have lost their lives in relation to their duty, to rebuild and create new support networks to help them through their lives. the tough times. Since its foundation in 2003 COPS has helped hundreds of On the Sunday, COPS hosts a National Service of families devastated by the loss of a loved one. The charity Remembrance for fallen officers at the National Memorial aims to ensure that surviving family members have the help Arboretum in Staffordshire. This public event brings they need to cope with such a tragedy and that they remain together survivors and the wider police family, and is part of the police family. attended by representatives from forces from across the whole of the UK. COPS is a peer support charity, enabling its beneficiaries (‘survivors’) from around the UK to support other In addition, bespoke events are held for partners, parents, Survivors in practical ways. The charity arranges local siblings and children, recognising the benefits of bringing and national events that enable survivors to build together survivors who have a common bond. 30 RPOAS Issue 20 2019 169633_RET POL RPOAS News 20.qxp_Layout 1 24/01/2019 11:22 Page 31 My own journey with COPS began in 2006. My husband COPS depends on volunteers and fundraising to carry on Alan McMurray and I were both serving officers in Lothian its vital work and the more people that know of the and Borders Police and on the evening of 3 February we difference that a charity like COPS can make to grieving both left home to our respective night shift duties. Alan, as families the more opportunities we will have to maintain the a time served mechanic, loved his role in the ‘traffic’ and his level of peer support we can provide to those in need. time in Roads Policing at Livingston was some of the best of his service. Our co-founder and lifetime vice-president Christine Fulton will be attending the RPOAS Conference on Thursday, 4 Alan died early on 4 February, when a vehicle struck him April and Friday, 5 April 2019 at the Westerwood Hotel and as he carried out accident investigation at the scene of an Golf Resort so please take the opportunity to say hello and earlier collision. At that time, our daughters were aged 2 find out more about our work. Alternatively please visit the and 4 years. website at &((=AA!!! .+.*"A1 The immediate aftermath of Alan’s death was a fraught I know how acutely all those within the police family suffer mixture of grief, funeral preparations and trying to when any one of our number is hurt, injured and in the maintain some sort of normality for two very small children; worst of cases killed and I know that does not get any this coupled with the fact that many of the police officers easier upon retirement. I also know that many of you are I was dealing with were friends and colleagues of both dedicated and enthusiastic supporters of COPS, so may I Alan and I. take this opportunity to thank you and wish you all the very best for 2019. Amongst the dozens of cards and letters which arrived in the days following Alan’s death was a letter from Christine Fulton explaining about COPS and inviting the family to that summer’s memorial weekend. It was one of the only Gill in her role as Area glimpses I had taken into the future and life beyond the Commander, Stirling turmoil we found ourselves in. Over the coming months I met other survivors and I set about raising awareness of the charity on my return to work a few weeks later. The first survivors’ weekend we attended was hugely challenging for me but seeing people at different stages of their own personal journeys, laughing and meeting old friends was quite inspirational. In the years since Alan’s death I have strived to be a positive role model to other survivors, demonstrating a determination to give back to COPS. I have taken part in numerous fundraising events; I have even quite literally walked over hot coals. I have also remained in the police service and am currently Area Commander in Stirling. In 2017 I was successful in appointment to become a trustee of the charity and when the opportunity arose to apply to become the National President I realised this was the most fitting way to give back to the charity that does so much for all survivors. I will formally take up post at this summer's survivors’ weekend and am looking forward to the opportunity to carry on the great work of the outgoing President Denis Gunn. COPS is also most fortunate to have a dedicated and incredibly enthusiastic team of staff who support the volunteers and trustees to guide the charity and deliver on its promises to survivors. One of the challenges I have set myself is to further raise awareness of the charity amongst our serving and retired colleagues. I will admit to having known nothing about COPS before Alan’s death and whilst I sincerely wish that no-one ever has the reason to need COPS, I know that unfortunately the number of families calling on our services will continue to grow. www.rpoas.org.uk 31 169633_RET POL RPOAS News 20.qxp_Layout 1 24/01/2019 11:22 Page 32 A Toast to the late Alexander Morrison Assistant Chief Constable in the newly formed By Geoff Marston Staffordshire County and Stoke on Trent North East Branch Constabulary in May 1968. In January 1948, aged 20, with just his life experience of Lewis and a family loan, he arrived in London. His first beat was in the Jewish area of Whitechapel. This was still in the days of Oswald Mosely's fascist meetings. It was a long way from home in more ways than one, and there were times he felt overwhelmed by the masses of people and customs being very different from those of the close-knit community of his earlier years. After a 20 year industrious career in the Met and latterly as ACC in Staffordshire & Stoke on Trent, he arrived at HQ Aberdeen in November 1970, then Britain's youngest Chief Constable, with a salary of £4,270. The strength of the force at this time was 369 officers and 117 Support Staff. The new HQ at Queen Street was still undergoing its first stage which was completed by November 1972. He assumed Command of the newly formed Grampian Police Force on 16 May 1975, with Mr Alexander Graham Lynn, Chief Constable of SNECC as his Deputy. It was a 'new-age force' with updated radio and telephone communications, controlled through the Information Room L'0,/$0*1 .**-+./1 %-*+(1 0 ,)01 ,*(1 .%1 (&0 at HQ, and a direct link to the PNC at Hendon. The second K.*(&1 ,+(1J.)) /-(#1./1 1K. 0) 0*1 ? 1,+ phase of Police HQ was finally completed in April 1976, after 7½ years. J&-0%1J./+(, '01.%1L 0*$00/1J-(#1.'- 01,"0$ :11I01*0),-/0$1(&*. "&. (1-(+1,),'",),(-./ In June 1978, Mr Morrison was awarded the Queen's Police -/(.1F*,)-,/1.'- 01 /(-'1&-+1,.-/()0/(1,+ Medal. The first part of the Edmund Davies Report on IJ1 ,(1 (1 L/$*0!E+1 I. +01 -/1 $-/ *"&1 -/ 0 0) 0*1 1 ,1 *.'01 &01 +0* 0$1 -/1 /(-'1 &-+ *0(-*0)0/(1-/1 1*. /$-/"1.%%1,1.'- 01 ,*00* .%1: 1#0,*+1,"0$1< 1 Born in 1927 on the Isle of Lewis, he left school and was employed locally, doing various jobs (including weaving) as well as working the family ground with his widowed mother and uncle, this being the family's main source of income. Aged 19, the war now over, he wished to follow his older siblings into the services. His two brothers had fought in France and Holland and his sister Nandag, served in India Grampian Farewell - as a Codebreaker deciphering Japanese military presentation from messages. Coming across a brochure for the Metropolitan Alistair Lynn Police, he foresaw the many opportunities he would have, 10th November 1983 so finally decided this was the path to his future. 32 RPOAS Issue 20 2019 169633_RET POL RPOAS News 20.qxp_Layout 1 24/01/2019 11:22 Page 33 Police Pay was speedily implemented and gave increases time with his extended family. A religious man, he was through the ranks from 29.7% to 45.5%. latterly an elder at the Free Church of Scotland in Cross. In 2015, he moved to the Dun Eisdean Care Home, in At the start of the 1980's, his big worry was the escalation Stornoway, where he died on 8th July 2018, at the age of of hard drugs, particularly heroin. Later that year saw the 90 years. introduction of the hand held radar device (VASCAR) utilised by the Traffic Department for speed detection. It REFLECTIONS was also the year that he became one of Britain's four representatives of Interpol. "After 20 years in London, I saw things with metropolitan eyes and thought nothing happened in the provinces. But In May 1982 the force began an experiment involving the I was astonished and thrilled at how well equipped the tape recording of interviews with persons being questioned force was with electric typewriters and so on. There's a in relation to crimes. terrible danger that if you stay in one position and one locality, you'll become a creature of that environment and In his final year with Grampian, major technological steps tend to insist that the old order shall prevail. I'm a great were taken by the Force, with preparatory work on the believer in cross fertilisation, new ideas, and new computerisation of the Command and Control System. phenomena." Every relevant syllable recorded in one of the Force's biggest ever murder enquiries (that of Taxi Driver, George In 1970: "I would like to see our police stations made into Murdoch) was placed on computer for instant recall. much more attractive places. Many of them depress me tremendously and I am sure they depress the public too." On 2nd August, Mr Morrison was officially appointed Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Constabulary for Scotland, "Of course we have our black sheep in the police force and succeeding Mr. Edward Frizzell, C.B.E., and Q.P.M. always will have. When we fail, we are extremely distressed, but what matters is that we reveal our failures Of a total of 27 murder investigations carried out in and prosecute. Society should not chastise us too much Grampian he stressed that on a disappointing note, he was for the ones who fall by the wayside." dismayed that there were three still unsolved. These were the Postmistress Dorothy Park at New Pistligo, Research A more detailed account of his career, (including some Scientist Dr Brenda Page and Taxi Driver George Murdoch. further reflections) can be read on the RPOAS website. This was also the year of policing of the miners' strike: 'It was a disagreeable and difficult time for all operational personnel, especially those doing duty on the picket lines where the possibility of physical injury was often present. Nevertheless, the police knew their legal obligation was clear to uphold the law and maintain the peace and not in any doubt they continued to perform their duty, with credit in the most difficult circumstances.' The emphasis in his final year of course was Piper Alpha on 6th July and The Lockerbie Air Disaster on 21st December. He wrote: 'It would be remiss of me not to record in this report how impressed I was by the dedication and professionalism of the police officers involved in dealing with each incident.' He accentuated the prevention and detection of crime is only part of the day-to-day work of a police force. 'Service to the community is just as important, and the contribution to public tranquillity and reassurance made by the presence of the uniformed constable patrolling his beat, should not be underestimated.' Alexander Morrison retired from his term of office at the In the Queen’s Inspectorate in December 1988. Birthday Honours List in 1984, he was He remained resident in Edinburgh with Mary, his awarded the CVO (Commander of the childhood sweetheart until 2005 when they re-settled at Royal Victorian Knockaird in Lewis. Order) by the Queen for Described as quiet, modest and benevolent, he savoured personal services to the Royal Family. www.rpoas.org.uk 33 169633_RET POL RPOAS News 20.qxp_Layout 1 24/01/2019 11:22 Page 34 >D 1LK 1FLHLB1J./(E$ FLFH1J./(E$ OBITUARIES McGINILY, John HIGGINS, Alexander 92 years; retired in 1974 – died on 29 December 2018 Died on 13 January 2018 IN REMEMBRANCE OVENS, Robert LON E Y, John We record with great 67 years; retired in 2006 – died on 21 October 2018 76 years – died on 29 June 2018 sadness the deaths of SLOAN, Robert [Bob] McCOLLUM, Anne 92 years; retired in 1982 – died on 5 November 2018 75 years – died on 18 November 2018 the following Retired ORR, James Police Officers 89 years – died on 14 ay 2018 DD 1LKJI RUDDIE, James C BELL, Alec Died on 17 May 2018 77 years; retired in 1994 – died on 2 August 2018 SINCLAIR, Alan CARGILL, John [Jock] 66 years – died in January 2019 76 years; retired in 1993 - died on 11 October 2018 LFB1LKJI URQUART, George CROMBIE, Gillian McGREGOR, John 81 years – died on 3 January 2018 58 years; retired in 2001 – died on 8 October 2018 66 years - died on 7 March 2018 WATSON, James [Angus] FOWLIE, Alan 78 years - died on 12 January 2019 83 years; retired in 1989 – died on 27 December 2018 WHITE, Balfour LBI 1LKJI HEPBURN, James [Jim] 79 years – died on 4 October 2018 84 years; retired in 1989 – died on 30 July 2018 HYSLOP, Hamish 73 years; retired in 1996 – died on 22 August 2018 McGEACHIE, Iain 59 years; retired in 2006 – died on 15 October 2018 KIRK, John IFILK 1LK 1LK 1LKJI 77 years; retired in 1988 – died on 26 October 2018 MURDOCH, Allan FALCONER, Bill 70 years; retired in 2002 – died on 2 November 2018 88 years; retired in 1983 – died in December 2018 McSORLAND, Gwen 54 years – died on 21 August 2018 PATERSON, John GRAHAM, John [Johnny] 86 years; retired in 1984 – died on 11 September 2018 78 years; retired in 1991 – died on 4 October 2018 POTTS, Hugh Ross 81 years; retired in 1992 – died on 25 November 2018 PROUDFOOT, Ian HOME, Peter James 78 years; retired in 1993 – died on 7 July 2018 78 years; retired in 1995 – died on 14 July 2018 SMITH, David MACKENZIE, William Donald [Billy Dan] J KGL1LKJI 90 years; retired in 1983 – died on 28 October 2018 87 years; retired in 1977 – died on 1 September 2018 CLARK, William THOMSON, Alex 85 years; retired in 1988 – died on 7 July 2018 82 years; retired in 1992 – died on 24 August 2018 LKL9I 1LKJI CONLAN, Peter WOOLDRIDGE, Louis Patrick DFC BROWN, Ian ‘Fingers’ 75 years – died on 16 November 2018 97 years; retired in 1976 – died on 24 August 2018 82 years – died on 4 September 2018 STURROCK, Hugh Dunbar WORRELL, Geoffrey COOGANS, James 80 years; retired in 1983 – died on 29 September 2018 70 years; retired in 2002 – died on 22 December 2018 69 years; retired in 1999 – died on 27 August 2018 WILSON, Thomas 66 years; retired in 1986 – died on 11 November 2018 DALKIN, James 61 years; retired in 2010; died on 6 October 2018 FLFH1LKJI BROWN, John DUDDS, James 71 years; retired in 1992 – died on 15 November 2018 >D 1LK 1FLHLB1LKJI 87 years – died on 11 March 2018 BARTON, Wellwood BROWN, John C ELLIOT, William 87 years; retired in 1985 – died on 22 August 2018 84 years – died on 21 July 2018 75 years; retired in 1993 – died on 9 November 2018 FARRELL, William [Bill] COPPINS, Brian FITZPATRICK, Barney 91 years – died on 16 September 2018 80 years – died on 30 July 2018 Died on 5 May 2018 GILMOUR, John HARVIE, William IMRIE, Alexander 78 years – died on 11 July 2018 Died on 22 March 2018 92 years; retired in 1980 – died on 31 December 2018 34 RPOAS Issue 20 2019 169633_RET POL RPOAS News 20.qxp_Layout 1 24/01/2019 11:22 Page 35 LKL9I 1J./(E$ HGILK1LK 1H 1J./(E$ KHGI1 LG1J./(E$ KEITH, Iain Urquhart CAMPBELL, George GR AY, Colin Duncan 84 years; retired in 1984 – died on 9 December 2018 76 years – died on 7 July 2018 62 years; retired in 2009 - died on 15 December 2018 LAIRD, John ERNEST, Alexander GR AY, Edward Duncan 83 years; retired in 1991 – died on 24 October 2018 Died on 23 September 2018 85 years; retired in 1984 - died on 27 October 2018 LOCKHART, Ian FERGUSON, George MCMANN John Douglas 69 years; retired in 2005 – died on 28 July 2018 74 years - died on 1 June 2018 60 years; retired in 2016 - died on 31 December 2018 LUMSDEN, Daniel GILLIES, Ronnie MILLAR, David 68 years; retired in 2003 – died on 23 Otober 2018 76 years – died on 2 November 2018 90 years; retired in 1980 - died on 12 July 2018 McCORMICK, Dennis GILROY, Ian MORRISON, Alexander CBE, QPM 83 years; retired in 1991 – died on 5 August 2018 90 years - died on 18 June 2018 90 years; retired in 1988 – died on 8 July 2018 McLEAN, Elizabeth [Liz] GREIG, Sheila SHEARER, Douglas Duncan 57 years; retired in 2015 – died on 5 October 2018 58 years - died on 2 October 2018 69 years; retired in 1998 - died on 26 November 2018 MARTIN, Frank HAZLE, John STRACHAN, Robert 81 years; retired in 1980 – died on 8 October 2018 63 years – died on 2 July 2018 76 years; retired in 1988 - died on 15 October 2018 MOFFAT, Arthur HENDERSON, Norman 86 years; retired in 1976 – died on 2 September 2018 Died on 20 September 2018 KD 1LKJI MURRAY, Alexander Ross [Alistair] HORAN, John CRAIG, Harry 87 years; retired in 1984 – died on 30 July 2018 73 years -died on 1 September 2018 87 years – died on 4 December 2018 PORTEOUS, James KINGSCOTT, Arthur HENDRY, Peter 63 years; retired in 2005 – died on 22 July 2018 85 years- died on 2 March 2018 Died on 3 December 2018 REID, Andrew LIN DS AY, John McCULLOCH, George 84 years; retired in 1986 – died on 19 October 2018 84 years - died on 13 January 2019 79 years – died on 4 December 2018 REID, John LOW, June MURRAY, Harry 83 years; retired in 1991 – died on 2 January 2019 83 years - died on 7 June 2018 Died on 30 November 2018 REILLY, Daniel [Dan] McLAREN, Peter ROSS, John 77 years; retired in 1987 – died on 19 September 2018 86 years - died on 26 September 2018 81 years – died on 16 July 2018 SMITH, Campbell McNAIR, James 69 years; retired in 1989 – died on 27 August 2018 58 years – died in December 2018 GLB 1LKJI SMITH, David NIMMO, Andrew HARDING, Alfred 66 years; retired in 2007 – died on 28 December 2018 76 years; retired in 1997 – died on 25 November 2018 90 years – died on 13 December 2018 STOBIE, James [Jim] PENDER, Stephen INNES, Joseph [Joe] 75 years; retired in 2000 – died on 14 November 2018 59 years - died on 1 August 2018 84 years - died on 21 July 2018 TURKINGTON, Francis STEWART, Archibald McNICOLL, John 93 years; retired in 1980 – died on 5 January 2019 67 years - died on 18 September 2018 77 years – died on 28 November 2018 WELSH, William Henry WATERS, Harry NICOLL, William 79 years; retired in 1977 – died on 13 December 2018 65 years – died on 22 October 2018 89 years – died on 5 December 2018 WILLIAMS, James PETRIE, William 87 years; retired in 1981 – died on 28 December 2018 94 years – died on 20 December 2018 KHGI1 LG1LKJI SMITH, Ailsa ALEXANDER, John Died on 25 September 2018 HGILK1LK 1H 1LKJI 83 years; retired 1986 - died on 7 July 2018 BELL, George BLAIR, George Editor’s Note: The details recorded above are obtained 84 years – died on 8 January 2019 69 years; retired in 2004 - died 24 September 2018 from a number of sources and while every possible effort is made to ensure accuracy this cannot be BLACKIE, George guaranteed. Where there has been some inaccuracy FORBES, Alan John this should be intimated to the Editor for her personal 90 years - died on 27 September 2018 60 years; retired in 2006 - died on 22 June 2018 attention and remedial action. www.rpoas.org.uk 35 169633_RET POL RPOAS News 20.qxp_Layout 1 24/01/2019 11:22 Page 36 Time’s running out... Use your £20,000 ISA tax-free allowance... or lose it! The ISA deadline is fast approaching and if you haven’t taken advantage of the 2018/19 tax-free allowance with our Protected Growth ISA, then you are running out of time. The current tax year ends on 5th April 2019. So if you have a lump sum to invest, make sure you don’t miss out. Protected Growth Options ISA Invest with as little as £1,000 *If you withdraw your money other than on the five-year set guarantee Protection of a money-back guarantee points, you may get back less than at five-year set points* you have put in. 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