The most recent presentation to the Paulton History Society was given by Mike Rowland, who had served as a policeman from 1969 to 2000. The title of his presentation was ‘A Fair Cop’, and he described some of the amusing incidents that had happened to him during his time as a Constable until he reached the position of Secretary to the Chief Constable.

He told us that his interest in the police was first aroused when, as a small boy, whilst helping in his father’s butcher shop in Lower Bristol Road, Bath, he saw a man walking along the street carrying a gun and shortly afterwards heard shots being fired.

The place soon became surrounded by police and thus the seed was sown.

He then pointed out that having served during five decades, he had seen many changes in community policing. As a new cadet, he was asked whether he had ever seen a dead body. He had not, so was sent to visit the mortuary at St Martin’s Hospital, to gain this experience. One of the sad duties he had had to perform was of knocking on doors to deliver bad news.

He remembered the days when a policeman walking the beat was viewed as a

customary and reassuring sight. Policemen knew where they could call in on members of the public and perhaps be offered a cup of tea. He recalled some of the training courses he had undertaken. The locations of these varied. Some were close, such as his Sergeant’s training course in Filton. Others were further afield, such as the one he did in Mauritius. The Police provided training to drive all sorts of vehicles. He even had to attend one course at Almondsbury to learn how to ride a push-bike!

The Paulton History Society meets on the third Thursday of the month at 7.30 p.m. in the Wesley Hall. Non-members are welcome. Further details are available from the secretary, Dr Anne Miall, on: 01761 412051.