PW_2_2023

Keeping you informed

French police officers Ludovic, Christelle and Lilou

Keys, Mash and Larry the Cat Alex Williams , IPA London Reception Officer It has been a busy start to the New Year, hosting two groups of international visitors in January, with the help of new IPA volunteers

IPA Austria in Lapland

from Regions 6, 9, 10 and 11. R etired Supervisory Special Agent Zach Mann and his family, from Miami Florida, touched down in UK for a five day visit. With no time to waste, they dashed across town to the Ceremony of the Keys evening, hosted by the IPA at the Tower of London. They had an “amazing evening… the yeoman was so entertaining, we had a few drinks, met some folks and bought a bunch of raffle tickets but sadly didn’t win a prize – we had a great and entertaining time”. New IPA volunteer Andy Oldham, stepped forward to host too, escorting Zach and his daughters on a fabulous walking tour of Westminster via Soho, Covent Garden, NSY and Big Ben, followed by food at ‘Mother Mash’! Zach’s musical daughters also introduced Andy to Denmark Street, the home of music shops and guitar stores, some great music was recorded in this area back in the day. Later in the day Andy arranged a visit to Downing Street for a photo opportunity. What was initially planned to be a couple of hours turned into a whole day of getting to know one another. IPA UK Members Steve and Jugdeep assisted pre-arrival with some fabulous tips and recommendations of restaurants, music venues and things to see and do during the visit. All greatly appreciated, especially the last minute requests for Vegan eateries – well done Jugdeep for saving the day! Alex jumped into action on Sunday, providing a tour of Charing Cross Police Station, followed by a visit to Whittard Tea Shop for an impromptu tea tasting session. Fortified with hot tea, a further trip to Downing Street for a full family photo was organised, the highlight was seeing Larry the cat, sitting on the window sill of number 10. In-between IPA meets, they enjoyed High Tea at Harrods, food at the famous Churchill and Grenadier Pubs, as well as catching Phantom of the Opera.

Hot on their heels were an IPA family from Montpellier, France. Ludovic, Christelle (both serving cops) and daughter Lilou, were given a great IPA welcome at Luton airport. Andy Oldham, from Region 9 pulled a few favours and arranged some on duty colleagues to assist the group with transport into London. Time for conversation and the exchange of insignia made a terrific start to their holiday, for which they were very grateful. The star of the show was undoubtedly the search dog.

You can read several articles from Alex and his team in this edition of Police World. There are also articles about our own Section UK members’ travels. Please make use of the travel opportunities, and please shout about them to potential IPA members. On a sadder note, we have been informed that the International head of the IRC Einar Jonsson from Iceland, who is a good friend to this section, has been taken ill. He has had to step away from his IPA duties. I have written on behalf of the Section, wishing him well, hoping that his treatment provides positive outcomes for him and the family. Finally, and on a brighter note, as I mentioned last time, we have the National Council Meeting this year being prepared by Region 8. Thank you to them. Our next edition of Police World will be published shortly after, and I look forward to giving you all the news and updates. We already have confirmed guests from as far as Australia

Ludovic, Christelle and Lilou at 10 Downing Street

During their London stay Alex showed them Charing Cross Police Station, where they met response and neighbourhood police officers. It provided a great opportunity to share ideas and exchange thoughts, introducing younger officers to the notion of IPA. The tea tasting was very well received, as too was the Downing Street Photo opportunity.

and America. In friendship. Clive , President, Section UK

If you’d like to get involved with hosting international visitors, just simply email: lro@ipa-uk.org

Watch out for the LRO monthly circular, due out in the first week of each month for regions 6, 9 10 and 11.

IPA house Lapland

Downing Street - Alex and the cat

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POLICE WORLD Vol 68 No.2, 2023