Page 24 - Police World Edition 1 2014
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24
POLICE WORLD
Vol 59 No. 1, 2014
IPA News
Walking
Does
the
Talking
Kerri Anderson and Claire Lynch, two members
from 2 Region Northern Ireland, travelled to
Oosterbeek to join over 33,000 people who were
to take part in the 67th Airborne Walk. Kerri
takes up the story.
I have stayed several times in the IPA house in
Dublin but this was the first time I was actually
going to venture off with a group of more or less
strangers and have my first real experience of the
IPA. My friend, Claire Lynch, (the newest member
of our IPA group) and I arrived in Amsterdam to
be greeted by a few familiar faces and lots of
unfamiliar ones.
We were greeted by Johanna Schotanus, President
Section Netherlands, who was to be our host for
the next few days.
The walk is a commemorative march remembering
the Battle of Arnhem in September 1944 and its
significance was explained to me on the journey.
We pitched our tent and set up a stall as a meeting
place. From here we were able to watch the various
groups and bands gathering. Before too long we
heard the sound of the IPA pipe band coming
towards us.
The plan was for the band to lead us out on the
first stage of our walk, we would eventually meet
them again at the end of the walk where they
would lead us back up the main street and across
the finish line, some 15km later. As we set off we
took a salute from Johanna, in full uniform, on the
VIP podium.
The walk took in some great scenery and included
the very moving Airborne Cemetery of Oosterbeek
where we took a few moments to pay our respects
and watch the various groups lay wreaths of
remembrance.
We stopped for lunch in the forest - provided by our
Marechaussee colleagues (the Marechaussee is a
police organisation with military status).
Just before we met up again with the band we
gathered at the Old Church where troops in WW2
had gathered before their retreat. Marks on the
walls and a bullet hole in the bible were poignant
reminders of what had happened here.
Once again our band led us through the streets
of Oosterbeek - this time on the final straight. The
carnival atmosphere and throngs of supporters
cheering us along is something I won’t forget. At
several points along the walk I looked behind and I
looked ahead and there was a sea of people as far
as the eye could see. The walk to the finish line was
no different. A few celebratory drinks in the field as
the band entertained us and the masses gathered
rounded off what was a memorable experience.
Dinner was an Asian feast, provided by our hosts,
which surpassed all expectations. Medals were
presented to first timers like Claire and myself.
Wings were given to the veterans of the walk.
Both Claire and I hope to add our wings in the
coming years.
Speeches were made and Claire read a poem
about her new IPA experience to resounding
applause. The poem summed up the fun,
camaraderie and friendship that we both
experienced on this trip.
I am still amazed at the planning and thought that
went into this trip and just how welcoming and
accommodating our Dutch hosts had been. There
was not a single thing more that they could have
done to make us feel more welcome. I can’t speak
highly enough of them but I also cannot finish
this story without mentioning my new friends in 2
Region who made me feel like part of the family. I
will always remember the laughs I had on this trip
and the new friendships I believe will last. If you
are considering joining the IPA and wondering
what’s in it for you then I can only urge you to sign
up and find out. You have nothing to lose and so
much to gain.
Kerri Anderson
, Northern Ireland
... and
Talking
While Walking
Certainly Helps
Last year I took part in the 19th International
Police March - organised by Waldshut-Tiengen
branch in southern Germany.
I am a member of
Sussex branch which is twinned with this branch.
The main purpose of my visit was to take part
in the march but there was also plenty of
opportunities to enjoy the amazing outdoor
scenery with numerous walks in the local area
including the beautiful Black Forest.
The march was attended by 100 people from all
over the world.
There were two routes consisting of 10km and
20km both taking participants on a walk starting in
Germany, then into Switzerland for a few kilometres
before coming back into and finishing in Germany.
I must express my thanks to all those members
of IPA Waldshut-Tiengen branch who worked
very hard and those members who supported
the walkers on the day. It turned out that this
walk ended up being a practice walk for my
first Nijmegen march - which took place in the
Netherlands.
Whilst on day two of this walk, I was approached
by two German officers. I quickly realised that we
had all been at the International Police March, and
so for a kilometre we exchanged conversation and
took photographs together.
I am pleased to report that I did not experience
any of the blister horror stories that I was told I
would incur - but this was the most challenging
experience I have ever undertaken both physically
and emotionally.
I made many new police friends and new IPA
contacts including Jan Egelund Jensen from
Copenhagen, Denmark.
In conclusion the IPA does make this world of ours
much smaller and you never know where you are
going to bump into friends. I will definitely be taking
part in both of these walking events in the future.
Donna Powell
, Sussex branch
To read my poem visit:
-
Does-the-Talking
Donna on the last
5km of 160km with
gladioli given to her
by the crowds
Donna with her German IPA colleagues
and friends
Kerri Anderson, Johanna Schotanus,
and Claire Lynch
Members gather with the Arthur Troop
Pipe and Drum Band
