PW_4_2021

Article

A Wedding on the Rock David King , Surrey Branch The Covid restrictions in early 2021 limited the options for anyone getting married, with only 15 guests allowed. Caroline, my partner of 16 years and I, decided on a secret wedding, rather than having to choose the 15. W e had met some IPA members from Gibraltar at an IPA Friendship tour in Canada a few years earlier, and with Gibraltar being on the UK green list, we decided on this as our wedding destination. The IPA network proved its worth, when Henry Sacramento, an IPA member from Gibraltar, recommended a wedding organiser who would arrange our Registry Office wedding for us. We fixed a date for our wedding on 9th June 2021. Planning began in February, when we booked our flights and our stay at The Rock Hotel. I also completed an IPA travel form, asking if we could meet up with some IPA members whilst we were there. (Our Gibraltar friend Henry would be away during our visit). The Chairman of the Royal Gibraltar Police Section, Craig Philbin, contacted me and made the arrangements. Both Craig and his Deputy, Paul Clarke, were very helpful to us before travelling to Gibraltar. After spending our first night in the wonderful Rock Hotel, which is steeped in history, we needed to complete the official paperwork for our wedding On the day of our wedding, we met IPA member PC Nick Warner, near the registry office, who was on duty that day, providing an excellent photo opportunity. The registrar had worked with the police in an official capacity and made the ceremony very friendly, with lots of laughter. It was a wonderful and memorable day for both us. The following day, on 10th June, Gibraltar celebrated the Queens birthday so the Police were very busy with parades, which were interesting to see. We then went to the Royal Gibralter Police (RGP) and IPA bar, to meet Paul Clarke and his lovely wife Sharon. We exchanged some gifts and had a lovely time in their company. Paul and Sharon are both ex Metropolitan Officers, who transferred to RGP three years ago. Paul is a Detective Sergeant in charge of the Domestic Violence and Witness Support Unit . It was very interesting to hear about how different working in Gibraltar is, compared to the Met. I was surprised how many officers have transferred to Gibraltar but then the law there is very similar to UK . It was wonderful to experience the Police and IPA bar which brought back very fond memories of when the UK had police clubs/bars, where officers and their families could relax in their own environment. I personally believe such clubs provided a stress relief, where problems were shared and suggestions of how to handle situations were passed on. The Gibralter club even has its own IPA bouncy castle, although they said I was too young to use it.

David and Caroline with IPA member PC Nick Warner

Paul Clarke who transfererd from the Met t o work in Gibralter’s Domestic Violence Unit

The Police and IPA Club even has its own bouncy castle

David is feeling the nerves

Gibraltar is steeped in history and has a lot to offer visitors. IPA Gibraltar were very helpful to us at a time of year when they were very busy. I cannot thank our wonderful IPA Association enough. I have been a member since 1985 and have travelled widely through IPA friendship tours. I highly recommend our wonderful Association for its friendship nationally and internationally. There is always a smiling face to help you with almost anything, anywhere in the world.

All smiles after we signed the register

POLICE WORLD Vol 66 No.4, 2021

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