Police World Edition 1 2014

IPA News

To read my poem visit: www.ipa-uk.org/News/Walking- Does-the-Talking

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

Members gather with the Arthur Troop Pipe and Drum Band

Kerri Anderson, Johanna Schotanus, and Claire Lynch

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

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 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.

... 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

Donna on the last 5km of 160km with gladioli given to her by the crowds

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.

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

Donna with her German IPA colleagues and friends

24

POLICE WORLD Vol 59 No. 1, 2014