Page 15 - Police World Edition 4, 2013

Estonian20 Year Extravaganza
Article
15 Police World Vol 58 No.4 2013
Scott Patten (USA), David Moore (UK), K. Arsaratnam
(Sri Lanka) and Andre Lankreit (Belgium) at lunch in
Old Ammunition Cellar in Tartu.
Wittenstein tower
Ifirst heard about this event in December
2012, via an e-mail from Mark Bullen, 9
Region’s Secretary. Having been on my
first IPA trip to Germany for the 2012
’Oktoberfest’ - and having thoroughly enjoyed
it - I decided to register for this trip too.
When the big day arrived I was met by two
Estonian IPA representatives. I was to stay in
Paide, a town located about 1.5 hours away
from Tallinn.
The main highlight of the celebrations was the
parade with participants in full uniform. We
marched through the streets and in to the town
centre - accompanied by a band. Military, police
and fire vehicles were following behind en route
to the town square, where a public safety day
had been arranged.
We also had the opportunity to have
photographs taken and engaged with the public
about international policing. Shows
demonstrated the use of a police dog and fire
rescue equipment. The final show was a
helicopter fly-by with military officers abseiling
down to a rooftop and then on to the ground.
Our accommodation was located at the
residence hall of Jarva County Vocational
Training Centre (JCVTC). A dinner and social
gathering had been arranged for us all - which
proved to be a good opportunity to meet fellow
police personnel.
The next morning there was a short trip to
nearby Wittenstein tower and Rakvere castle.
Lunch was served with a medieval theme. A
visit to the police museum followed.
The following morning we headed out to the city
of Tartu, which included a tour of the university.
Lunch had an explosive atmosphere as it was
served in the gunpowder cellar!
Back in Paide we were guests at a reception
with the Mayor in the city hall - where he made
a presentation about policing in Estonia. We
then made our way to the Cultural Centre for a
banquet - at which all participants attended.
After an introduction about the IPA in Estonia,
there was entertainment from a choir and folk
dancing. It was a fantastic evening for
everyone!
On the last day, there was time to say goodbye
to new friends and exchange details before
heading off to the airport. I managed to spend
a couple of hours sightseeing in Tallinn prior to
my departure.
I would like to thank Section Estonia for their
organisation of this event and congratulate all
representatives for their part in its success.
Kiran Gharial, Middlesex branch
Kiran Gharial, from Middlesex branch, represented Section UK at the
20th Anniversary Celebration of Section Estonia. Kiran’s story shows
why this type of event is an ideal way to experience different cultures.
Below, Kiran at Rakvere Castle with
three German members and a
mother and daughter from Holland