Police reunion raises over a thousand pounds for Benevolent Fund
Retired member Dennis Dixon, has raised over £1000 for the Benevolent Fund following a force-wide reunion last month.
The idea came about following last year’s successful reunion held at Harborne Golf Club for retired officers and police staff of the old ‘C’ division. Those attending last October’s event were asked to contribute £5 towards the cost
of the room hire.
“Such was the response from former colleagues that a surplus of over £350 was accumulated”, explained Dennis.
“Everyone who attended agreed that we should donate the extra money to the West Midlands Police Benevolent Fund Charity.
“A lot was learned from last year’s event, least of all was the appreciation that many officers did not stay on a division for the duration of their service, and as the police boundaries changed over the years it was agreed a force-wide reunion would be better. After searching for suitable venues, the 82 Club at Aston Villa football club was booked for the afternoon of Wednesday 28 May,” added Dennis.
This year’s reunion was attended by 127 ex-colleagues who came from across the force area. The Chief Constable Craig Guildford visited, along with representatives from The Police Museum, The Sports and Wellbeing Club and Steve Newbury from the Benevolent Fund.
“It was wonderful to meet so many ex-colleagues who could relate stories of yesteryear,” recalled Dennis.
“Some of which may have had an element of truth!
“The reunion also provided an opportunity to remember our fallen officers, killed on duty and reflect, with fond memories, those who have passed away during the proceeding 12 months since our last reunion,” explained Dennis.
Following the event, a donation of £1136.50 was given to our police charity made up from the sale of event tickets,
collection box donations and proceeds generated from special Birmingham City Police ties purchased by several attendees.
Dennis will be celebrating his 83rd birthday soon and has appealed for a willing volunteer (or volunteers) to take up the reins of organising is similar reunion event in the future.
Benevolent Fund Chairman, John Williams, added, “We are extremely grateful to be chosen to receive this kind donation and on behalf of the Benevolent Fund team, Trustees and Operations Committee I would like to thank Dennis for his sterling efforts. “
Dennis is pictured with one of our Trustees, Simon Westwood accepting the kind donation on behalf of our police charity.
