November 1998 Volume 79 Number 11 "serving the protectors"
Retired Police
By Shirley Phillips, Secretary

Graduation

President Les Morris and several members attended the graduation parade of Course 11 at Fort Largs Police Academy on 9 September. Adelaide University's Regiment Pipes and Drums marched the parade on as the police band was overseas.

Neil Pearson JP conducted the swearing-in ceremony. It would be interesting to know how many police officers Neil has sworn in. Commissioner Mal Hyde reviewed the parade and presented certificates of authority to the graduates.

Les Morris presented the Retired Police Officers' Association's Operational Safety award to Probationary Constable V. Robinson.

Remembrance Day

The National Police Remembrance Day Memorial Service was held at the police academy on 29 September. Governor Sir Eric Neal was welcomed by Chief Superintendent John Minagall.

The service was conducted by senior police chaplain, David Marr, in honour of the 58 South Australian police officers killed in the execution of their duty. Many retired police officers attended the service.

The Governor spoke with surviving family members at morning tea after the ceremony.

Meeting

The Retired Police Officers' Association meeting was held in Fenwick Hall on 1 October - 55 members attended. Les Morris welcomed members and accepted apologies for those members unable to attend.

Well wishes were extended to those celebrating birthdays, including one of our auditors who has reached 70. Nan Morris - now responsible for keeping the birthday book up to date - has asked to be contacted at the meeting so that she can make new entries.

Our welfare officer was unable to attend, but thanks to our very observant members, we received information of those on the sicklist.

The ever-popular Barry Hall, with his versatile electric keyboard, believe it or not, George Formby, was our entertainer. Judging by members' remarks, Barry could almost have a permanent booking.

New Year

I wish everyone a merry Christmas and all the best for 1999. Remember: the first meeting for 1999 will be held on 4 February.