NARPO- SWANSEA BRANCH (98) NEWSLETTER

SUMMER 2011

BUS TRIP

The trip will be to Wells and Street, Somerset on Thursday 8 th September 2011 leaving the Quadrant opposite Tesco’s at 10.0am.The bus is free and will be returning back to Swansea by

early evening. Please phone Brian Jones on 01792 - 299762 to reserve your seats -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NEW MEMBERS – Welcome to Nigel Woodward, Dave Lowe, Pauline Uzzell, Alex Manning-Rees, Amanda Stone , Pauline Nicholas, Andrew Maslin, Darrell Price and Wayne Thomas.

BEREAVEMENTS- Bill Gordge, Jean Estcourt, and non-members Ken Lidstone (Swansea Borough 114), Les Froggat and Gerry Lamford (Both RCS officers who worked in Swansea)

ILL HEALTH – We send best wishes to Ray Day, Angie Evans Carole Jones, Huw Griffiths, Gwyn Watkins, Larry Hughes – also Bruce Richard – Evans, a Glamorgan member but many of you will have worked with Bruce. CONGRATULATIONS- to the following celebrating special birthdays between July and September– Margaret Harrigan, Hilda Johnson, Wyn Thomas, Phil Morgan, John Williams (848) , Pauline Baldwin, Neville Jones and Colin Wooldridge- Belated Wedding anniversary greetings to Golden –Adrian /Barbara Crocker and Diamond to Roy /June Evans - Belated Birthday greetings to Ray Day, Barrie Lewis, and Allan Jones ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

JOB OPPORTUNITES

1. SERVOCA RESOURCING SOLUTIONS are currently looking for retired or retiring Police Officers to work in South Wales and West England regions. The positions range from Civilian Investigators • Disclosure Officers • House 2 House Enquiry Teams • CCTV Viewing • PNC Operators • Communication Officers• Intelligence Analysts/Researchers• NPIA Accredited Financial Investigators• Enforcement Officers• Incident Room Staff; Holmes Staff• Case File Preparation• Public Enquiry Officers• PCSO Trainers• Scenes of Crime Officers. Please contact Amanda Butler at Servoca: T telephone: 0845 073 7800 0r 0845 073 7800 . Email: amanda.butler@servoca.com or view website www.servoca-police.com 2. G4S (was Securicor) - have a wide range of job opportunities for retired officers. Contact Rachel Barham at Tel 020 8249 6614 Fax 020 8249 -6397 Email rachel.barham@policerecruit.co.uk or visit their website www.policerecruit.co.uk ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION Retired Sgt Julia Brown – North Wales is offering 2 bedroom Mobile Home Holiday accommodation sited at Camps du Pylone, Antibes nr Nice, France. Prices range from £160 -£410 per week, with Special Offers of 4 for 3 during April and May. Julia can be contacted at 01492-879108 or by Email at juliabrownsword@lineone.net Fuller details can be viewed on our website or at www.brownsword-mobilehomes-nice.net

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QUERY- WHAT DOES THIS PICTURE HAVE TO DO WITH SWANSEA NARPO AND THE CHANNEL ISLANDS

ANSWER It is the earliest picture of a Swansea Constable and is taken from the book ”To Guard My People” -a history of Policing in Swansea by Walter Hunt a former Superintendent and father of our member John. Channel Island connection?? ---One of our members is Pamela Williams a young lady of 93 years (she does not mind us mentioning her age honestly) – widow of Elwyn a Swansea Inspector. Pamela lives in Alderney but is an avid reader of our Newsletter. Pamela has kindly donated to us a copy of “To Guard My People” AND a copy of “Luftwaffe over Swansea” a comprehensive record of the bombing during the war and many references are made to the Police involvement. Pamela has donated these books in memory of Elwyn and is pleased that they are now the property of Swansea NARPO. If any member wishes to contact Pamela we can provide her address to you- she would be delighted to hear from anyone who remembered Elwyn Pamela, we know you are reading this so many thanks for these valuable contributions to our resources. Best wishes from Swansea Narpo

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Back Row D.A. James, G Jones, (Committee), G Thomas (Capt) R Davies, J Hope, B Gale, H Williams S Gallacher, A Mages, B Jones, R Ashman, K Jones, B Carter (Committee) Front Row – M Rees, A Roper, E Jones, M Charles, D Beynon , H Jenkins The triumphs of the Swansea Borough Police XV’ particularly in the closing seasons of its existence, are well documented and despite the passing years continue to evoke pleasant memories, as one, glances down the decades to that rapidly disappearing period of exhilarating success. To put it simply, Swansea virtually swept the board in the late 1960,s. However the picture above is of the team in the 1968/69 season being the last season of its existence, and this being one of the last team photographs reminds us of the exception to the rule prevailing at that time of Swansea’s habit of winning. This occasion they came second best to the Glamorgan County Police XV in a match played at Waterton Cross. This was a return fixture, Swansea having earlier triumphed at Ashleigh Road 8pt to 6 even though reduced to 14 players due to key player Elwyn Davies sustaining a serious head injury. The County team having probably been lulled into a false sense of security were caught unawares by Swansea’s much improved standards and now at Waterton Cross, were determined to avenge that shock and historic defeat. And so they did, running out winners 20pts to 11, despite Swansea leading 11pts to 6 going into the final quarter. Ron Evans, their Wales three-quarter dropping 3 goals to seek a deserved victory. The absence of influential players Elwyn Davies and Jerry Protheroe did not help the cause, but to lose to a team of Glamorgan’s calibre, acknowledged as one of the leading Police teams in the United Kingdom, was no disgrace, albeit painful. Other than being held to a draw away to Staffordshire Police, it was the only setback suffered in their seasons of superiority. Swansea Borough Police XV achievements in those closing seasons brought to a glorious conclusion a long history, admittedly some indifferent performances on the way. It was a history reaching back at least to 1891 almost to the dawn of rugby football, a chequered history. But it was a wonderful sunset for Swansea in 1969. It is appropriate here to pay tribute to the 3 non playing members in the photo, namely Jimmy James, Gareth Jones and Bob Carter for their dedication, loyalty and enthusiasm as committee members in keeping the often fading flame of Swansea Police Rugby burning in those difficult years of struggle, but which led to such a joyous reaping in a beautiful harvest of success

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COMEDY TIME FOR YOU – It’s not known if Tommy Cooper

created the following but certainly his style of humour inspired

them - sit back and have a good chuckle

I met this bloke with a didgeridoo and he was playing Dancing Queen on it. I thought, 'That's

Aboriginal.'

This lorry full of tortoises collided with a van full of terrapins. It was a turtle disaster.

I went in to a pet shop. I said, 'Can I buy a goldfish?' The guy said, 'Do you want an aquarium?' I said, 'I don't care what star sign it is.'

I bought some Armageddon cheese today, and it said on the packet. 'Best before End'

I went to buy a watch, and the man in the shop said 'Analogue.' I said 'No, just a watch.'

I went into a shop and I said, 'Can someone sell me a kettle.' The bloke said 'Kenwood' I said, 'Where is he then?'

My mate is in love with two schoolbags. He's bi-satchel.

I met the bloke who invented crosswords today. I can't remember his name, its P something T something R.

I was reading this book today, The History of Glue. I couldn't put it down.

I phoned the local ramblers club today, but the bloke who answered just went on and on.

The recruitment consultant asked me 'What do you think of voluntary work? I said 'I wouldn't do it if you paid me.'

This cowboy walks in to a German car showroom and he says 'Audi!'

I was driving up the motorway and my boss phoned me and he told me I'd been promoted. I was so shocked I swerved the car. He phoned me again to say I'd been promoted even higher and I swerved again. He then made me managing director and I went right off into a tree. The police came and asked me what had happened. I said 'I careered off the road'

I visited the offices of the RSPCA today. It's tiny: you couldn't swing a cat in there.

I bought a train ticket to France and the ticket seller said 'Eurostar' I said 'Well I've been on telly but I'm no Dean Martin.

I went to the local video shop and I said, 'Can I borrow Batman Forever?' He said, 'No, you'll have to bring it back tomorrow'

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COMPUTER ADVICE We are increasingly using computers and those that have them know that they can be extremely useful and give a lot of pleasure AND frustration in equal measures. Do not despair - help is on hand to all Narpo Members. You should all be receiving our national magazine Narpo News- and this now has a Computer Help page – (Page 26 in the most recent issue) - It is like an” Agony Aunt “column for computer problems. You can send your queries By email to Narpo@bc-group.co.uk and an IT Consultant will reply to your query in layman’s terms.

Not to be outdone by our National colleagues - Jeff Davies our webmaster has compiled a comprehensive Computer Advice page on our website; just go the home page at www.narposwansea.co.uk and just below the Google sign you will see the link(s). Click on the words “Brand New Page or the ‘sick computer’ photograph and this will take you to the Computer Advice Page with many useful topics covering all aspects of everyday computer use, including

converting files to PDF and even where to obtain Printer ink. NARPO NEWS MAGAZINE This excellent magazine contains several topics and offers which you are advised to read carefully. It contains excellent advice on Money Matters and a Benefits Update. The Narpo Rescue - Breakdown Cover for £45 including Home Start- has remained at this very competitive rate for several years and we have the reassurance that some of Members have used it without any problem – The contact number is – 08459 100 789 The Travel Insurance is also a good offer but you are advised to double check on the Money Market websites for comparative offers on individual circumstances

DOUBLE LIFE OF A WORLD WAR 2 Spy – (Another success story) You may remember a request from Madoc Roberts in October last year, for information about an MI5 spy from Wales called Arthur Owens. (See our News Archives) As a result, “Snow: the double life of a World War 2 Spy” has finally been published by Biteback. It contains quite a lot of information about retired Swansea police officer Gwilym Williams who was given the codename G.W. by MI5. It is available at Waterstones in Swansea where I will be doing a book signing on the 23rd July. My web site address is: www.codenamesnow.com Thank you and all your members for your help. Regards Madoc Roberts

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AGM 2011 A very enjoyable evening was held at the Dunant Rugby Club in May when we also had a Fun Quiz and an excellent Free Buffet. There was quite a good turnout for an AGM. Unsurprisingly!! all the Committee and Officers were re-elected. The Committee was also enhanced by an additional Member – A warm welcome is extended to Sheena Davies. We are pleased that once again we will have a female perspective on our decisions! At the AGM next Spring, we are likely to have the Quiz and Buffet to start at about 8.15pm by which time the AGM procedure should be wrapped up. Consequently, it will be open for those members who just want to partake in the Quiz to turn up later, after the formalities of the AGM. However, you are still very welcome to attend the AGM – It is after all ‘Your Organisation’.

FUTURE SOCIAL EVENTS

Reminder details of the bus trip on Page 1 . CHRISTMAS DINNER will be on Wednesday 14th December 2011 at the ManorPark, Clydach And NOT Tuesday 13th as indicated in the last newsletter ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NEWSLETTER - ITEMS We thank all the other contributors to this Newsletter and everyone is welcome to send in items of interest - it could be a charitable interest or unusual hobby etc. We will do our best to include them all at some stage. Stories for example are always welcome and you can of course remain anonymous if you so wish! --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- P.S. DON’T FORGET TO UPDATE PHIL TAYLOR 01792-842378 OR EMAIL - narposwansea@yahoo.co.uk OF ANY CHANGES OF YOUR ADDRESS, TELEPHONE NUMBER or EMAIL ADDRESS ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ P.P.S KEEP CHECKING OUR WEBSITE: www.narposwansea.co.uk FOR UP TO DATE INFORMATION – WE ARE AWARE THAT MANY MORE OF YOU NOW VISIT IT REGULARLY.

HAVE A LOVELY SUMMER