PW_4_2023

Article

Hopping On, & Hopping Off Alex Williams , IPA London Reception officer

It was with great excitement that members from the wider London area came together to host visitors from IPA Ostholstein, in Germany (not far from the Baltic coast). It wasn’t the first time German group leaders, Ronald and Sonya, had been to the UK. In fact, friendships with Dave and Caryl Stamp, from Sussex Branch, were forged over 28 years ago.

T he group were welcomed at the Leonardo hotel in Croydon, by Geoff Bailey (Treasurer from London South Branch), followed by a trip to the George Tavern for an evening meal. New member Andy Weinand’s knowledge of German came in very handy, and with some nifty translation, a traditional pub dinner was enjoyed by all, followed by drinks back at the hotel. With Oyster cards issued on Monday morning, we headed into London, escorted by Dave and Caryl. A ‘Hop-on Hop-off’ bus tour was a great way to see the sights, with free time to explore the city. On Tuesday, Geoff arranged a police visit to the MET’s HQ at Lambeth, with privileged access to the Special Operations room (SOR). This was a real insight in to seeing how the MET organise their command and control operations. Tuesday night, saw witness to the famous Ceremony of the Keys, at the Tower of London. This was also a tremendous opportunity to meet up with other IPA members from across the UK, and enjoy the renowned hospitality of the Yeoman Warders in a unique setting. The group’s final day, saw some make a flying visit to Windsor Castle, whilst others explored Croydon and the South Bank. With new and old friendships made and renewed it was time to say farewell for their flight home to Germany. Sincere thanks to all those Section UK members who helped host our international visitors. The group are already planning their next visit! If you are an IPA member and would like to get involved in meeting international visitors, then drop the IPA London Reception officer a line lor@ipa-uk.org

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POLICE WORLD Vol 68 No.4, 2023