Page 26 - Police World Edition 4, 2013

IPA News
2626 Police World Vol 58 No.4 2013
Trip to
Bielefield was
Hair Raising
Several years ago New Scotland Yard (NSY)
branch cemented an already strong
relationship with Bielefeld branch, Germany,
by successfully undergoing a twinning
ceremony hosted by the Mayor of Bielefeld
and the branch Chair.
Since then, there have been frequent visits in
either direction that has steadily seen the
relationship grow to the point that our
colleagues have become close friends.
In May, six NSY Branch members, including the
Chair, Vice Chair and two new members made
the ‘pilgrimage’ to central Germany to once
again meet up for professional and social
activities and re-new old relationships.
On arrival we were met by our colleagues Peter
Genrich, Bielefeld branch Chair, Bernd Gralla
and Debbie Roper who chaperoned us for the
evening.
The weekend had been specifically chosen due
to the annual Leineweber festival. For one
weekend every year Bielefeld brings out all the
flags and bunting and celebrates their heritage
with a vast array of entertainment across the
city. There are hundreds of stalls selling
everything from antiques, market produce, arts
& craft and copious amounts of food and drink.
In addition, a number of small stages are set
up literally in the middle of the predominantly
pedestrianised streets that host all kinds of
acts from school choirs to rock bands. The
numerous restaurants, bars and café’s take full
advantage by setting up al fresco area’s
outside their premises and it all helps to draw
vast crowds of people from across the country,
and six Brits.
The next day Bernd and Debbie took us
to their police headquarters in Bielefeld
for a tour. It was interesting to see the
differences in the way we work.
One thing we noted that the German
police do very well is public order.
Bernd showed us the incredible arsenal
of equipment their officers have at
their disposal and was quick to tell us
how they deal with such disorder.
There was also the opportunity to
examine their firearms.
We then made our way to a satellite
station where Bernd was actually
based. As a senior dog handler he was
keen to demonstrate his dog’s prowess
so we needed a guinea pig. Well, it
wasn’t a difficult choice - well, more of
a ‘you will do it’ scenario. So, new
member Demos Harris-Jones bravely
stepped forward.
Demos was asked to put on an arm
guard whilst Bernd explained how he
should offer his arm to the dog to bite.
Poor Demos took one look at the rows of razor
sharp teeth and decided being the guinea pig
was not such a good idea. He was so petrified
of the potential outcome that he couldn’t move
and Bernd had to literally shout at him to move
around a little so that the dog could
demonstrate his training. Well done Demos, it
was hilarious!
Martin Wray, 6 Region Treasurer
Demos, Bernd and the Dog!
5 of the members from New Scotland Yard
Darren
Edwards
Pulls in
Wigan
Darren Edwards got more than
he bargained for when he
organised his first ever event
for his Region (3 Region,
Northern England).
Darren decided his first event
would be a Brewery Tour - and
so it was that he and 11 other
members met at Allgates
Brewery, Wigan.
The group enjoyed a tour of the
brewery as well as opportunities to sample the
ale and question the host, Cheryl.
Darren says, “After a brief introduction, Cheryl
opened the bar with 2 hand pumps available -
Ostara and Sovereign –two of the massive
range that Allgates produce. We were welcome
to pull our own pints and drink as much as we
wanted. There was also some merchandise for
sale, which led to some of us leaving with some
pump badges."
The group then visited “The Anvil”- another of
Allgates’ pubs, for a pie and peas supper. With
7 hand pumps on the bar and a beer to suit
everyone - even strawberry ale. The evening
finished on a good note with everyone asking
Darren to organise a repeat event.
Another member pulls at the bar
The host for the evening, Cheryl
Members enjoying a refreshing drink
Twinning
Article