police world Edition 1 2013

Article

What a Willkommen

This is the story of how an event in Germany confirmed that I had made the right decision in joining the IPA.

I can remember someone telling me very early in my career about the IPA. Only being young and foolish at the time I didn’t take much notice. What a shame that was. Early in 2012, I transferred to North Yorkshire police and was posted to Scarborough where I quickly became aware that the area had its own IPA branch. I spoke to a number of members and as I didn’t really know anyone, I thought that if I joined it would be a great opportunity to get to meet new people - so I did. I was made aware of an invitation to celebrate IPA Ludwigsburg’s 30th anniversary. I’d never been to Germany before so I thought it would be an ideal opportunity to meet new friends and experience their culture, architecture and of course the food and famous beer. So in October, 2012, I joined other branch members, Colin Phipps, Chris Charlton and Keith Hughes in Ludwigsburg. We stayed at the IPA branch apartment in Ditzingen near Ludwigsburg and were amazed by the welcome we received. Not only had local members collected us and escorted us to our accommodation, more members were waiting to greet us as we walked through the door. They had also prepared a selection of local beer and food, a great treat for the weary travellers. It was clear to me at that moment that the IPA really did represent ‘service through friendship’. The next morning, we had just finished breakfast when there was a knock at the door. It was yet another member of the local branch with a message that we would be met later for a guided

tour of Stuttgart followed by an evening meal. The following day, we took the opportunity to explore the city and do a little sightseeing with our new friends. We found some fantastic

Craig, second right, joins International members for a photo opportunity

locations and places of interest, especially the Stuttgart beer festival. After a few hours in the bier keller we had mastered the local dancing and songs. We were just missing the lederhosen. This enjoyable day led to the formal Anniversary celebrations in the evening. The main event was fantastic and had members from other countries, including Austria and Hungary. I was in full British uniform so throughout the evening, in between the entertainment, there were a lot of photos taken and questions asked. After a well deserved sleep we were again treated to a tour of the local prison museum - which had been opened especially for us. This showed just how much the penal system had changed in recent years, and also explained how the criminal justice system worked in Germany. The local branch also arranged for us to visit the police HQ of the neighbouring town of Marbach. Since the time of the visit I have kept regular contact with the members of the Ludwigsburg branch, and am hoping to host a return visit, especially for their younger members who want to improve their language skills. I have shared my

Mastering the local songs

experiences with colleagues back at Scarborough and have actively encouraged new members to my local branch. For those of you that have colleagues and friends who are still unsure about whether they should join the IPA, tell them to do it and do it now! All I can say it that I wish I had joined the IPA when I was first asked. I must thank our host, Peter Kolwe, branch Chair, and all the members of Ludwigsburg branch for their generous hospitality. It was a truly wonderful experience. I can honestly say that joining the IPA is possibly one of the best decisions I have made. Having only been a member of the IPA since March, 2012, I have been offered so much support, not only from my branch members but others from neighbouring branches as well. I have met so many new people I now regard as friends. Craig Regan , Scarborough Branch

IPA Cream Tea Raises £130

for Local Air Ambulance Branch Event

In August, 2012, members Hans and Deryl Rennie, from Avon and Somerset South, invited members to their annual charity Cream Tea event, at their home in Odcombe, in aid of Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. Odcombe is an idyllic Somerset village lying to the west of Yeovil and hosts Hans and Deryl have a charming cottage. Those wishing to join Hans for a stroll around the village arrived early afternoon whilst others for the tea party arrived in time to see hot freshly baked scones coming out of the oven. Supplies from an endless teapot accompanied delicious scones, rich clotted cream and selection of home made jams which were enjoyed by all whilst the cakes and sponges stood waiting, tempting the first cut.

Deryl even sent one or two home with ‘doggy bags’. In recent years a minimum donation has been suggested but in reality that is always exceeded. This year, it was so good to see new faces among the branch members sat around the table. Friendly exchanges and banter made it a most pleasant Sunday afternoon. The branch treasurer also received donations from members who could not make this year’s event, resulting in a total of £130 raised for the charity. On behalf of the members present, David Read thanked Hans and Deryl for their generous hospitality. An immediate invitation to repeat the event in 2013 was readily accepted. (Diary date - Sunday 18 August 2013).

The Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance relies on donations to operate (no government funding). The branch chose it as their charity because it is local in nature for the benefit of all. Whilst members do not expect to raise large sums their efforts help to keep an important life saver operational. Further events will be used to add to funds when the branch hopes to present a cheque that is near to their target figure of £400. To read how this event started visit: www.ipa- uk.org/News/IPA-Cream-Tea-Raises- %c2%a3130-for-Local-Air-Ambulance/34438

Police World Vol 58 No.1 2013

15