PW_4_2018

Article

The IPA circle of friendship continues to grow Tony Berrington , Chairman, Nottinghamshire branch. Four days after the Festival closed and everyone departed, the Branch was contacted by Francis Keragori from IPA Kenya Section in Nairobi; he and his wife Epony had planned to be in Nottingham for the celebrations but delays with visas meant they had missed the event. However, their visas having now been granted they were on their way. When they arrived, they were treated to a VIP visit with most of the programme being repeated just for them. T he Festival planning committee and the branch committee pulled everything together in just a few days and a memorable visit was had by our guests, who were experiencing not just their first visit to the UK, but their first visit to Europe. That was not the end of the story, which continued when their daughter Daisy arrived in Nottinghamshire to spend two weeks with the International Youth Gathering. During the Festival, Annie Berrington, the wife of Notts Chairman Tony, met Stephane Le Roche from Orleans, France. Annie told Stephane about a property that she and her husband owned in France. Then, when the Berringtons were in France during July, Stephane put them in touch with Bruno Urch of the Police Nationale. Bruno is President of IPA Region 35 Ile et Vilaine and Region 22 Cote d’Armour. A number of return visits are now being planned by members of Notts Branch to various countries that participated in the Festival. All of which shows what can be achieved as the IPA circle of friendship continues to grow.

“I said when I was appointed that I would try and be as visible as possible and I started that process with a visit to Nottinghamshire to help celebrate their 60th Branch anniversary. Whilst it was always my intention to attend this event, it seems as President I got bumped up to the top table which was very nice. Helen and I sat with the Chief Constable of Nottinghamshire; Craig Guildford and his wife Fiona, together with other members of the Nottinghamshire Executive. I was struck by the international flavour to the event as there were Branches from around the UK represented but also friends of the Branch from Slovakia, the Ukraine, France and the United States to name just some. We had a lovely meal, followed by the chance to chat with new friends or dance for those wishing to work off their desserts. It was evident that all those present had a wonderful few days in Nottinghamshire and I know from VP Sean Hannigan, who had also attended, what a success it had been. This would not have been possible without the significant efforts of the organising committee and my thanks must go to them for a well delivered event.” Clive Wood President– Section UK

POLICE WORLD Vol 63 No. 4, 2018

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