County Club Secretary's Report 2003
Annual Report By Secretary - PC Steven Broadbent
The secretary had received reports from each respective sports section that highlighted the successes and achievements during the past year. The secretary was impressed by the high standard of sporting talent and the countless number of first, second and third placings at PSUK National and Regional levels.
Athletics & Cross Country Section - PC Steven Broadbent
Running seems to go from strength to strength in terms of popularity. This is probably because it is one of the key 'keep fit' sports and playing costs are minimum. Also, there is much scope to encourage all skill levels of runners who can participate at both county and national events.
Inter-Divisional Cross-Country and 10k
The section organises two annual Inter-Divisional events - a cross-country in February and a 10k road race in August. Both events were well supported totalling over 100 competitors from the force.
Northern Police Cross Country League
Again, well turned out with the Lancashire men scoring 3rd place in the team event and ladies scoring 2nd place team.
Police Sport UK - Cross Country
A team of 11 members attended the national championships in Irvine, Scotland in March.
Police Sport UK - Track & Field Athletics
Seven members attended the Meadowbank Stadium in Edinburgh. Star jumper, PC John Wiggans won two god medals and a silver medal in the Long, triple and high jumps.
Police Sport UK - 10 Mile Road Race
A 14 strong team ran in Exeter in September with commendable performances in both the women and men's event.
Police Sport UK - Marathon
Five members of the force braved a very sunny but windy 26.2 mile course in Abingdon. PC Dave Watkinson made his debut vet 50+ performance winning a championship gold medal. PC Steve Broadbent won the veteran 40+ championship event.
British Police Fell Race
Two members of the force attended a very hilly 9-mile course in the Derbyshire Peak District.
Badminton Section - PC Paul Hope
Following last years success in the national finals the Lancashire Badminton section has again won through in the men's singles men's doubles mixed doubles, vets men doubles and vets mixed together with a new event of the super vets men's doubles. We will be at the national finals in early April and I will update you with the results. But yet again the Badminton section has continued to be the major force in NorthWest Badminton
Basketball Section - Inspector Peter Zsigmond
This year, the Basketball Section fielded a team in the Burnley Basketball League, and entered the Police Sport UK National Championships. We also had a visit from a team of Police Officers from Gibraltar.
We completed the 2002/03 season in the league in third place, and in the period up to New Year in the 2003/04 season, we are undefeated.
In the Regional Qualifier for the Police Sport UK National Championships hosted in Greater Manchester, we fielded a below strength team due to injury and short notice for the tournament. Northumbria narrowly defeated us, and soundly beaten by GMP, although GMP were subsequently disqualified from the competition following the finals for fielding an ineligible player. The net result of this was that we did not progress to the finals.
Our visitors from Gibraltar played two games, narrowly losing both. We are looking forward to our return visit.
We are always looking for new players, so if you are interested in playing basketball, please contact the secretary, Peter Zsigmond on 07973 254932, or email: bigzig@lineone.net or Peter.Zsigmond@lancashire.pnn.police.uk
Bowling Section - PC Paul Wood
Crown Green Bowls
The notable performance of the year was Ps Adrian Adams, D Div. In his first year competing in police sport, he was NorthWest Region Singles Champion, Quarter finalist in the National Finals and selected for the British Police Team and qualifying for National Federation of Bowling merit final.
Lancashire finished third in National Police League and prevented from finishing higher by South Yorkshire unfulfilling a fixture.
We did not progress in the cup competition this year.
Retired officers Brian Appleton and John Thompson were runners up in the National Pairs knockout.
British Police representatives during the season were
PC Mark Riley A Div
PS Adrian Adams D Div
Mr Gary Davies D Div
PS Craig Illingworth F Div
PC Paul Wood F Div
PC Dale Pollard F Div
Ret John Thompson
Ret Brian Appleton
Ret Alan Marsden
Flat Green Bowls
The one event that takes place each year is the PAA North West Qualifier.
Singles
Semi-finalists
PC Paul Wood F Div
PC Mark Riley A Div
Pairs
Runner up
PS Nick Bowe A Div
Ms Jean Bamber G Div
Pensioners
Runner up
Mr Doug Goth
Clay Shooting Section - PC John Ormerod
The Clay Shooting Section has gone from strength to strength over the last few years, with membership increasing to 20 active members. The membership now includes serving, retired officers and support staff.
The PAA NW Regional sporting competition saw more Lancashire members than ever before competing in a single competition. There was a change of venue for the sporting competition this year and the grounds of Catton Hall in Frodsham provided a fresh and testing competition. Unfortunately, Lancashire couldn’t repeat the win from 2002 but came in second, fourth and fifth places in the team competition.
Two thousand and three saw Lancashire winning the team PAA North West Regional Down-the-Line competition with the second team coming in fourth. In the individual competition Lancashire members Keith Whitwell and John Pemberton came in second and third overall respectively.
The other competition we compete in is the discipline of Skeet. It a long time since Lancashire featured anything better than 3rd in this, but with the introduction of Keith Whitwell’s skill and coaching, the members are hoping for better things to come in 2004.
In 2003 several members of the section qualified and competed in the annual PAA Nationals held over 5 days and covering all three disciplines held in Hull. Even though we failed to make any impact on the competition everyone thought it was all good experience.
The dates for the PAA and Section shoots for 2004 have now been set and are available to anybody on request. It is anticipated that 2004 will see more members benefiting from more planned section shoots this year and continued the recent successes. The section would also like to encourage more female members to join as we only have one active female member at this time. So if there is any body out there that is interested they can contact me on the below listed numbers.
Course Fishing Section - Mr Ian Bateson
As for the annual report last year we missed the first 2 months of the match-fishing season due to administrative problems and as a result we only fished 3 inter force matches instead of the usual 6. The teams were made up of 4 serving officers (the lowest number ever) and 7 retired members. This was very disappointing and we are currently canvassing for more serving officers in particular those who have participated in the past. We did however enjoy quite considerable success. In the West York's event we provided the 2nd and 3rd individuals as well as finishing 3rd team out of 34. In the GMC event we again provided the 2nd individual. As far as PAA sport was concerned we had even more success. In the regional event we had the 1st, 2nd and 3rd individuals as well as winning the team event. At the National championships we were placed 12th out of 32 teams. It is hoped that during the coming year we will be joined by more members and will be participating in a full calendar of events.
Cricket Section - DCI Neil Gregson
2003 was a very positive, although ultimately frustrating, year for the Cricket Section. Positive primarily because, after a number of years of declining interest, dwindling numbers and ageing of members, this year saw an influx of young new talent and a resurgence of interest in playing county cricket. This bodes very well for the future and has been strengthened further by the emergence of other new players during the close season. Hopefully this will secure the long-term future of the Section, and some older members will be able to retire gracefully!
The reorganisation of the PAA Cricket Knockout also saw a resurgence of interest nationally, with the competition being opened up into an “open” draw, rather than through regional qualifiers as before. Thirty-one forces entered the 2003 competition, and Lancashire progressed through the first round by default when Leicestershire were unable to field a team.
In the second round, Lancashire were convincing winners over Cheshire in a game played at Fleetwood CC. Lancashire made 240 for 6 from their 45 overs (Gary Bolton 74, Chris Williams 49, Richard McCutcheon 47 not out), and in reply Cheshire were 133 all out (Gary Bolton 3 for 21, Richard McCutcheon 2 for 12, Neil Bibby 2 for 36). Lancashire won by 107 runs.
The quarterfinal was played against Staffordshire Police at Great Harwood CC. In a controversial rain-affected game, Staffordshire made 155 for 9 in 45 overs (Richard McCutcheon 3 for 35, Tim McDermott 2 for 13, Neil Bibby 2 for 33). After several interruptions for rain, Lancashire were 111 for 5 after 27 overs, when the umpires brought the players off the field at the appointed time for the end of the game. Lancashire was ahead on run rate and thought victory was theirs. Staffordshire thought otherwise and after lengthy arguments and appeals by both teams to the PAA Cricket Committee it was ruled that the game should be replayed, this time in Staffordshire. On this occasion, Lancashire travelled with a much-depleted team of only ten men, and were soundly beaten. Dave Hayes top-scored with 16 out of a meagre 95 all out, and Staffordshire replied with 96 for 2, winning by 8 wickets.
Our frustration at the outcome of the first game was further compounded by the fact that Staffordshire then went on to win the final, played at Somerset CCC at Taunton. It could so easily have been us – perhaps revenge will be ours in 2004.
Cycling Section - DCI Marc Vincent
The Lancashire Constabulary is affiliated to the Road Time Trials Council (RTTC) and British Cycling.
The RTTC oversee time trials and British Cycling oversee Road Racing, Track Racing and Mountain biking.
There are numerous events in the North West of England covering all of the above types of cycling and the purpose of the Cycling Section is to support those that competitively represent the Constabulary in the above disciplines.
From mid April to September there is a weekly event held at the Cottam Sports Arena in Preston on a Thursday evening. The events can be entered on the night and cater for all categories using the purpose built closed circuit, these are good events for those new to racing to sample the sport as the races are not as hard as those on open roads and you get the chance to watch before you try.
Another season long event concentrates on locally organised events sponsored by a local company and is split into two groups one for 3rd and 4th (beginners) category riders and one for 1st and 2nd. The events for 3 and 4 category riders are generally not as hard as normal open events.
Fly Fishing Section - PS Jim Boothby
During 2003 the HQ team joined with Divisional teams to extend the number of matches.
April 2003 – Stocks Reservoir. In conjunction with Pennine Division a boat match was held involving 8 members. HQ won the match with a clean sweep of top two boats and a total of 16 officers fishing. Funding was by members' contribution for this occasion.
May 2003 – Esthwaite Reservoir. Again held with members contributions and a match rearranged due to the withdrawal of funding from HQ. 12 members attended with officers having a successful day including PS John Puttock and DC Dave Milburn managing to win the day over the second team of C/Insp Richard Morgan and PC Ian Dickinson.
20 June 2003 - The annual PAA regional qualifier at Llyn Brenig. Lancashire entered teams for the individual and team qualifiers against the number one region competitors but for the first time in 9 years we failed to proceed to the regional or national qualifiers. A close match with time bonus being the final killer element as Cheshire officers made full use of their local Knowledge to win the competition.
21 August 2003 - The match was cancelled due to lack of funding.
5 September 2003 - Lancashire V's Cheshire/Merseyside at Stocks. A fine days competition with Lancashire beating Cheshire in a close fought match. The team of 6 for Lancashire managed 24 fish for 55lbs beating Cheshire by 12lbs overall.
National Police Pairs – Lancashire entered two teams into this prestigious competition which has been well attended for many years now. During a match which was under threat from high winds Lancashire top boat was 4th placed and the individual winner of best fish was PS James Boothby with a rainbow trout of 10lbs 2oz.
Colne Water Angling Club - The club owns a membership ticket for the practice facilities available on this water and during the year 23 members used the facilities throughout the year. Application has been successful for this coming year and the facilities will be available for 2004.
Whitemore - Sadly due to funding and lack of use Whitemoor will no longer be available to members.
Next seasons matches are in the process of being organised but the initial match will be at Esthwaite Reservoir on Thursday 25th March starting at 10am. Details will shortly be published to all members.
Tight Lines
Football Section - DS Martin ####
The highlight of the last year for the football section was the 'Vets' retaining the PAA National Vets Trophy for the 4th successive year with an excellent victory against the 'Met Police' at Maine Road, Manchester last May. The 'Vets' have maintained their high standards this season having already qualified for the national quarterfinals with a game to spare in the Regional Group.
The '1st team' were eliminated in last years PAA at the quarter final stage by Strathclyde Police and have already qualified for the same stage again this season with an imminent fixture against South Wales Police.
A joint team has reentered the Regional Frank Close Cup this season, the first time since 1997.
There is no doubt that the performances of both teams, but particularly the dominance of the 'Vets' team in their trophy ensures that Lancashire Constabulary retain their reputation as one of the countries leading football sections.
The '1st team' continues to represent the Constabulary in the community of Lancashire with participation in the West Lancashire League, Division 2. The team are having a mixed season on a Saturday and will finish in mid table, however the importance of our participation in this league should not be under estimated both to enhance the Police's standing in the community and to support our PAA successes.
The football section is supported by our own committee, who work very hard throughout the season to arrange the fixtures, manage our equipment and ensure players turn up, who without the section would not be so successful.
The membership of the section stands at about 50 members now but we continue to recruit further footballers and new members are always welcome.
Golf Section - PC Peter Murphy
The force team are the reigning British Police Team Champions .In the finals held at Moor Allerton Golf club in Yorkshire the force team defeated a strong Met Police team in the semi-final and overcame Norfolk in the final to win the competition for a record equalling fourth time.
PC Ian Hill, last years force captain, reduced his handicap to +2 over the season which would class him as a semi-pro. He sets the standard for the rest.
DC Bob Thompson and Pc Pete Murphy represented the force at the British Open golf championships held at Royal St. George's in the summer. The pair acted as Army golf Marshals and were involved in the on course protection of many of the worlds leading golfers.
Hockey Section - PC Helen Knaggs
The PSUK Hockey season runs from September to April therefore I will report on the end of last season's competition and results to date:
In early March 2003 Lancashire's intended home tie with HAMPSHIRE in the Plate quarterfinals was cancelled due to the opposition being unable to field a team and the tie was awarded to LANCASHIRE. This set up an away semi-final fixture with NORTH WALES. LANCASHIRE after a slow start and going behind to a messy goal pulled themselves together playing some fine hockey resulting in an impressive 3-1 win and putting themselves into the Plate Final which was to be held alongside the National Final in the West Midlands.
In early APRIL 2003 LANCASHIRE travelled to Egbaston and took part in the PAA Plate Final against NORTHAMPTONSHIRE POLICE the previous winners. This was the first time the Ladies Hockey Section had reached a Final since their PAA Final back in 1994. Lancashire started slowly and defended solidly for most of the first half. At Half Time the score was level 0-0. Lancashire then relaxed and after great link up play saw Jenny WATLING (Southern Comms) scored a great individual goal early in the second half. NORTHANTS came back as expected but were held by Lancashire's defence especially Helen KNAGGS the goalkeeper. Midway through the second half NORTHANTS broke free and scored a good goal a clean strike from the top of the D 1-1. Lancashire showed their fighting spirit and within 3 ins had got back into the lead with another goal from Jenny WATLING this time a deflected goal which looped over the rooted keeper. Lancashire then struggled to keep NORTHANTS at bay and with only 5 minutes remaining Lancashire gave away a penalty corner which was expertly dealt with and the scores were level with minutes remaining. With less than a minutes left on the clock Lancashire again gave away a Penalty corner and were punished again for there inability to clear there lines and NORTHANTS scored the winning goal seconds from time. FINAL SCORE 2-3.
The 2003/2004 season got off a slow start with Lancashire getting a Bye in the first round, the second round was drawn in NOVEMBER 2003 which saw Lancashire given an away tie to NORFOLK, unfortunately Lancashire could not fulfil this fixture and they were allowed into the Plate Competition. This competition was drawn early Jan 2004 that saw Lancashire drawn at home to STRATHCLYDE. This match was played on 23rd Feb 2004 at Preston Sports Arena with the result being a 5-2 win to the opposition STRATHCLYDE. Lancashire’s goals were scored by Wendy JACOBS (EASTERN) and new comer Maria KIRKLAND (PCSO BISPHAM). A poor end after last seasons escapade.
Lancashire will be entering the annual LONGRIDGE 7’s SUMMER LEAGUE this 2004 so hopefully the nucleus of players can stick together awaiting next season's competition.
DC Helen KNAGGS continues as Hon Treasurer to the PSUK British Police Ladies Hockey Section a position she has held for the past 4 seasons.
Indoor Games Section - PS Dave Newton
PS Newton retired from the force during 2003 and no one has taken up his post as secretary.
There are a number of Police Sport UK indoor games competitions including table tennis, snooker and darts. Anyone who may be interested in taking up the role as secretary with a view to re-kindling interest in the force should come forward.
Jui-Jitsu Section - PC Lister Worthington
Since the club was established in July 2003 the Jiu-Jitsu Section has gone from strength to strength.
From an initial membership of three the club has expanded to 12 members 6 of which regularly compete. The club is affiliated to the BJJA (British Jiu-Jitsu association) and the TJF (The Jitsu Foundation) and as such there have been two gradings in which all club members have been successful and have achieved yellow and orange belts for their efforts.
The club was taken down to Birmingham to compete in the National Jitsu championships held at the Aston villa sports centre in November 2003.
All competitors acquitted themselves admirably and fought well considering that it was the first competition for the club. Most club competitors reached the quarterfinals and PC 2286 Lister Worthington of the southern division ARV reached the final of the open competition and secured the silver medal.
The club members are currently training hard for a second National competition to be held over the weekend of March 6-7th and with the experience gained at the last competition hopes are high for more medals.
The club has enjoyed a great deal of recognition from the BJJA and TJF as a result of the great commitment and attitude to training displayed at the November Nationals and the subsequent gradings. As a result it has been requested that we host a regional course at Lancashire Police HQ on Saturday 21st February 2004.
Regular updates of news and achievements can be found on the club website built by resident computer whizz DC Richard Horton of the Major Crime Unit www.lanconjitsu.org.
Motor Club Section - Mr Keith Shuck
The Lancashire Constabulary Motor Club is affiliated to the Federation of British Police Motor Clubs in the same manner that we are associated to the Police Athletic Association. Like many other sports there seems to have been a decline in interests over the last few years but the Motor Club has been kept alive by a small but determined band of about 20 members.
Keith Shuck (Retired Traffic Sergeant), has served as Vice-Chairman of the Northern Region of the FBPMC since 2002 and has just been re-elected for 2004.
Throughout 2003 members of the Section have assisted at various Rallies and Charity Events throughout the Region and have attended Regional Meetings representing the Constabulary.
A Lancashire Constabulary Motor Club Team was entered in one Motor Cycle Trek in 2003 –
Wyetrek, Hereford 0n 6/7/8 June 2003 finishing in 5th Place overall.
The Section is looking forwards to 2004 and thanks the Sports and Social Club for its assistance and support.
Netball Section - PC Jane Moodie
In 2003 Lancs Police Netball Team entered the PAA Knockout Tournament. We were unfortunately knocked out in the 1st round. However we entered the PAA Plate and played in the final being beaten by West Midlands in a very good match.
Lancs Police team also plays in a local league but due to injuries and pregnancies have not had very successful 2 seasons.
Rowing Section - Inspector Wayne Howard
My annual report this year is certainly easy to write. At last years AGM I presented a picture of my own personal achievements and how our newly formed section was progressing. I also extolled the virtues of attending the World Police and Fire Games, which was being held in Barcelona in summer 2003. As you all know five of us went out there. Every one of us had trained to our personal limits. There is no sport that will push you harder than interval training on a Concept 2 indoor rowing machine!
Our medal haul has been well publicised, but here is a resume anyway:
Pete Burke 1 Gold (New World games record) 1 Silver
Ian Ashton 2 Silver (individual personal best)
Ian Mounfield 1 Gold (individual person best) 1 Silver
Wayne Howard 1 Gold, 2 Silver
Sue Palmer 1 Gold, 2 Silver (individual personal best)
We all had matching kit purchased by the club and looked the best rowing team there.
The Lancashire Constabulary team were more successful that any country represented in the sport.
Many thanks to the S & SC for supporting us financially. Good to see other teams out there for the first time. Hope attendance can carry on - it’s a great occasion.
Before the World Games I did win the Scottish Championships held in Stranraer.
Since the Worlds things have been very quiet with the team. (I have been told by a specialist to retire from the sport due to an elbow injury)
I have 25 'members' on my mailing list and keep them updated with how the section is progressing. All of them use the machine to some extent to keep fit. We have 8 rowers who have now experienced the pleasure and pain of competing. Recent news is that a new member Carole McNally from Burnley has been training hard for 6 months and won a silver medal at the Northern Grand Prix 500metre sprint in February 2004.
I retire from the Constabulary in June this year and Sue Palmer takes over the rowing section. (or is it the helm) I wish her well. I do intend to remain in the section.
Just like to say a great big thank you to everyone in the Sports and Social Club who has helped in any way my involvement in a whole multitude of competitive and representative sports since I joined the Constabulary 33 years ago. I've loved it.
I am now planning to cycle the entire route of the Tour de France in aid of the Rosemere Cancer Foundation at Preston. The quest is to cover the 2,300 miles taking in the Alps and Pyrenees in less than double the time of the world's best cyclists. 5 hours hard cycling a day for 40 days should do it! Any ideas or support from members would be most welcome.
Wayne Howard
Rugby Section - Ch. Insp Steve Ashley
Unfortunately not a lot to report re Rugby Union. A short run in the PAA competition again.
Cumbria visited Hutton and a game, which was played in adverse weather conditions, saw Cumbria adapt their game to suit the conditions.
The Lancashire Line out failed to function and Cumbria made the most of this kicking for territory as often as possible.
For the 4th year in a row Cumbria have beaten Lancs in the area Final and are becoming Lancs "bogey team".
Quick report re 2003 season for Lancashire Police RL Section.
During the 2003 season Lancashire Police played PAA matches against Cheshire, GMP, West York's and the Met. Despite wins against Cheshire and the Met, and very close defeats against West York's and GMP this was not enough to secure a place in the play off this year. This being the first time since our founding that we have made neither plate nor final.
2003 also saw three Lancs officers, Gary Lowe, Chris Holland and Alan Clarke representing the county in the GB Police side, which was victorious against the touring Australian representative side in October. Gary Lowe had the added honour of being selected as the GB captain.
This year will see a further police side added to the fixtures North York's and in Sept the GB side will tour New Zealand. Also friendless (if there is such a thing) are being arranged with local university teams and the prison service.
Sailing Section - PC Andy Cuddon
The Sailing Section is afloat once again. Over the last year 2003-2004 sailing representatives from the Lancashire Constabulary have travelled to several PAA Sailing Regattas. The skippers and crews have competed in wet and windy and difficult conditions, and put is some notable performances, and achieved some encouraging results and trophies.
The Sailing Section has been in the doldrums recently with the absence of a secretary. This has now been rectified, and PC 176 Andy Cuddon from Blackpool, Western Division Communications has taken over at the helm as secretary. The previous secretary was PS Tony Critchley, who is thanked for his work over previous years.
Members of the Sailing Section attended the following events last year.
PAA Dinghy and Laser class championship, in June, at Leigh and Lowton sailing club, hosted by Greater Manchester Police. PC Andy Cuddon, 8th in Laser class.
Cheshire Regatta, in September, at Winsford.
PC Andy Cuddon, 3rd place.
PSNI, Police Service Northern Ireland, Regatta, at Strangford Lough, in October. Insp Dave Hayes and crew, Overall Winners of event.
The sport of sailing is increasing in popularity and there are numerous officers and staff enjoying racing and cruising in dinghies and yachts at all levels; be it local club racing, or sailing offshore, or even crewing on ocean racing yachts for national teams.
The new secretary is keen to co-ordinate and encourage more participation in the sport of sailing, and has some exciting ideas for the future.
A budget has been applied for the coming year, which will enable officers / staff to sail in the variety of events.
Shooting Section - PC Paul Hatton
I am pleased to report that the section has once again put itself on the map – particularly with regard to one of our retired colleagues, Iain MacDonald. Our European challenge for USPE carries on with Dave Hodson after retirement from international shooting of Paul Hatton – but he carries on in an administrative role. The pistol section is still struggling to get back on track – the introduction of new pistols to comply with the legislation is helping but slowly.
Small-bore rifle
Regional Championships –
Individual 1st Dave Hodson, 2nd Paul Hatton
Team 1st Hodson, Hatton, Rod Quirk, Steve Edmondson.
Short Range National Finals – Dave Hodson 4th and Team 4th
Long Range Regional Championships
1st Paul Hatton, (unable to compete in National Finals due to bereavement)
We had 3 representatives at the National Championships but no places this time.
USPE – Moscow
Paul Hatton was selected to be Team Manager for this year and after doing the organising of the team arrangements was unable to attend due to bereavement.
However Dave Hodson was selected to compete and shot in the Prone and 3 positional events.
During the year both Dave Hodson and Paul Hatton were fortunate enough to be selected to represent the PAA in the annual matches against England, Wales, Army and the Inter services.
Dave Hodson also travelled to Dortmund under the flag of the PAA but which was totally self-financing. This was a good training competition for the USPE to follow.
The section also competed in PAA winter league competitions and several other Civilian comps.
Full Bore Rifle
Totally dominated by Iain MacDonald throughout the year
PAA Events
London & Middlesex v PAA - Saturday shoot Winner - Sunday Runner up
Merseyside Regional Comp - Winner
Scottish Regional comp - Short Range - Winner/Long Range - Runner up/Aggregate Winner
Gloucester Regional - Runner up
Devon & Cornwall Regional - Winner
West Midlands Regional - Runner up
West Mercia Regional - Winner
PAA National Championships - Aggregate 3rd
U.K. Police Championships
Winner of the Individual, International, Veteran and Long range competitions.
He was selected to represent the National Rifle Association against the Europeans.
He was in the PAA team which came 2nd in the ‘Parting Shot’ competition in the National (non-police) Shooting Championships.
He has regularly represented Lancashire in numerous competitions around the country.
Skiing Section - PS John Fawcett
This newly formed section did not get off the ground soon enough to compete in January 2004. The Police Sport UK championships are held in Austria in January and requires a one week minimum stop over. In view of this interested members of the force needed to plan in advance their time-off and leave.
It is hope to send a team to the Championships in January 2005.
Squash Section - Insp Peter Upton
The Lancashire Police team play in the 3rd div of the North West Counties Squash League and play approx. 26 games in a season, which runs from Sept-April. Officers from Eastern (2), Northern (2), Central and Southern divisions play in the team. Due to injuries the team will finish below half way in the league this season.
As regards the PSUK events the results are as follows.
Lancs Police Men's Open Final Insp Peter Upton (northern) beat DS Dave Priest (HQ Div) 3-1
NW Finals-Kendal Men's Open DS Priest beat DS Slatter (Cheshire) 3-2
Vets (45) Insp Upton beat Mr Beltway (Cumbria) 3-1
National Finals-Edinburgh Vet's - Insp Upton beat PS Jack Allen (PSNI) 3-0
World P&F Games - Insp Upton won the over 40 event beating at officer from Spain 3-1 in the final.
Swimming Section - Insp Karen Simister
2003 was a relatively quiet year for the swimming team, with only a few events being held.
At the Police Sport UK championships at Merseyside in April, the men's team won the gold medal in both their relays and the ladies team gained the silver medal in the freestyle relay. This was an excellent result considering the age profile of the team, with two 40 year olds competing against 25 year olds.
In the masters events PC Jayne Whalley from Pennine division is worthy of a mention as she gained the gold medal in three events and the silver in the other. This success won her the over all points trophy, the Graham Cutting Cup.
DC Roy Sinclair, National Crime Squad won the 50m freestyle, Inspector Karen Simister, Central Division, won three silver medals and PC Caroline Plummer, Pennine division won a silver and two bronze medals.
The water-polo team gained the silver medal.
At the Lifesaving championships at Belfast in June the men's team gained the silver medal and hope to go one better this year.
A number of officers from the swimming section attended the World Police and Fire Games to play water polo, unfortunately they came away empty handed.
Tennis Section - PS Neil Gibson
The section had another successful season in 2003.
Neil Gibson represented the British police in their annual fixture against the Nottingham National Tennis Centre in April .He was also selected for the European Championships in Holland, but was unfortunately unable to attend.
Lancashire hosted the Regional Championships at the South Ribble Tennis Centre in June 2003. A special thank you goes out to Paul Barnes and Neil Gibson for all the hard work they put in to stage the tournament at that location.
Three players qualified from that event to represent the force in the National Championships held at Norwich in September. Roger Ravenscroft won the men's singles event and Neil Gibson and Paul Barnes won the menus doubles.
At the Nationals, Neil Gibson won his eighth national men's open singles title, when he defeated Ian Duggan from South Wales in straight sets in the final.
Neil Gibson and Paul Barnes improved upon their first round loss of last year ,to reach the final of the men's open doubles – losing narrowly to R.Clarke and I.Quinton from Norfolk in three sets .
Roger Ravenscroft won through his first round, before being eliminated by a former champion, D.Reed from the Metropolitan police, in the second round.
The section is anxious to attract new members and anyone interested in playing, whatever they're standard, should contact the tennis secretary.
Volleyball Section - DC Andy Edwards
Lancashire Constabulary Men's and Ladies teams gave a decent account of themselves in the PAA Championships in Leeds.
The men's team entered for the first time in some while and a mixture of youth and experience saw the performances steadily improve, the highlight being a hard fought victory against Northumbria on the final day.
Following an early injury on the first day to Eamonn Spencer (Central Division) manager Andy Edwards (G Div) came out of retirement to add his experience and bulk!! to the team. As the tournament progressed Dave Asbridge (Central) used his physical presence to dominate at the net, the youthful exuberance of Anthony Jenkins and Paul Whitehead (both Central) saw them covering the court and returning balls when the points looked to be lost. This coupled with the guiding influence of Captain Jon Molloy (Eastern) and Nic Dumphries (Cumbria) saw the team grow in confidence and by the end of the second day the improvement was noticeable.
The ladies team saw a number of new faces making their first appearances in the tournament, Sarah Snowdon, Anne Lupton and Nikki Bignell (All SDC) were guided through by experienced campaigners Sue Harrison (G Div) and Michelle Barras (Northern Div). Esther Coates (Cumbria) joined them and again throughout the tournament their confidence and expertise grew. Liene Nowell (Southern Div) who cheered them on from the sidelines having been injured in pre tournament training ably supported them. Sarah Snowdon showed determination and not a little skill as by the end of the second day she showed the importance of dominating at the net. Sue Harrison showed her class with fine, all round displays and the exuberance of the newcomers was a pleasure to see. Again the ladies waited until their final game of the tournament to register a well-deserved victory.
Next year sees the tournament hosted by the Metropolitan Police at the Five Lakes Complex in Essex.
Anyone interested in playing or attending training sessions should contact Andy Edwards Ext 412277 or Sue Harrison Ext 412143
Weightlifting & Powerlifting Section - PC Brett Jackson
The section hosted the 2003 Police Sport championships in October but no report has been received. No 2004 budget applied for or contact made from the secretary.
Wrestling & Judo Section - PC Alan Robertson
The section attended the 2003 Police Sport championships in August but no report has been received. No 2004 budget applied for and I understand the secretary has no plans to organise any participation this coming year.
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