A really enjoyable morning was had by members of the Cornwall IPA Branch at the Trevose Golf Club, Constantine Bay, Padstow during early February.
The club is situated on Cornwall's spectacular north coast at the very edge of the Celtic Sea and the Atlantic Ocean thereafter.
Coffee, teas and chefs' pastries were served and amongst the chatter, members were able to enjoy the spectacular views which extend from the well appointed club bar and restaurant across the golf course and out to Constantine Bay where the waves were breaking dramatically against the cliffs.
Great interest was shown in a set of eleven photographs of the Cornwall Branch dating from 1969 together with a copy of the then 7 Region magazine.
Many of those in the photographs taken all those 50 years ago were recognised with fond memories being evoked from a time when policing was so very different.
Two of the photographs depict members visiting Geevor Mine in Penwith, the far western region of Cornwall, which was then a working tin mine. As recently as early, 2018, members of the Cornwall Branch accompanied guests from the Australian IPA in a visit to Geevor which is now sadly no longer active but which is maintained as an extremely well preserved heritage site and part of Cornwall's UNESCO recognised mining heritage estate. As in 1969, members were able to take a glimpse below ground.
With one of the photographs showing a police club bar now vanished in Cornwall, and with suits and ties being worn, how the years have moved on and changed.
That said, the spirit of friendship shared by members of the IPA still remains to this day.
The magazine and photographs have all been carefully packaged and sent to the Section UK IPA Headquarters in Fox Road, Nottingham for safe keeping in the archives. Caps off to the past and coats off to the future as they say!
Many thanks go to Cornwall Branch treasurer Roy Wilder for organising such a pleasant occasion.
Mike Chappell, 7 Region, Cornwall IPA Branch
