Police World Edition 1 2014

Article

The Real Feel Gurmit Kaur, the Chair of Nottinghamshire branch, reflects on the highlights on her branch’s 55th anniversary festival celebration. T he honour of taking the role of Chair of the branch was a new and most rewarding experience and I hope this The official celebration started on the Friday morning in the beautiful surroundings of the Gedling Civic Centre, in Arnold, Nottingham. The Mayor of Gedling, Bob Collis, and the Police Crime Commissioner, Mr Paddy Tipping, gave wonderful warm opening speeches to welcome everyone. The Mayor also presented gifts.

bunch of people who showed no hesitation in getting on the dance floor and potentially embarrassing themselves - so much so I felt I had to join in too! The following day, Saturday, most of the guests made their way to Denby Pottery in Derbyshire. They were given the opportunity to put their clay modelling skills into practice by moulding frogs. They were also able to watch a cookery demonstration of British food. The British theme did not end there as the evening took guests back in time to the medieval

article captures some of the key moments and highlights of our IPA anniversary celebration. The plan was to guarantee that guests got a true and unforgettable feel of what Nottingham has to offer. With plans in place we awaited excitedly the arrival of our guests. We welcomed thirty three visitors from USA, France, Germany, Finland, Hungary, Italy and not to forget our member from Cambridge. All were raring to experience the land of Robin Hood along with its local ale and great entertainment. At our pre-welcome evening guests met with their hosts. Our dear Hungarian colleagues, who arrived via Stanstead, were late. They had hired vehicles and decided to take a detour around Cambridge before driving to Nottingham. Organisers had a ‘slight’ panic attack as they had to get their rented vehicles to the car company before close of business on the Thursday evening. Having to travel during peak traffic is no easy task. It was with the quick thinking of a couple of our IPA members, Tony Berrington and Henry Kowalczuk, that saved the day. They were able to go to the rescue, as the Hungarians were truly lost. Other guests were totally oblivious and enjoying a glass or two of wine and nibbles. Thankfully they returned the car just in time and were able to join with their hosts. Some of the hosts gathered at Gerrard Glemmet’s home for a buffet evening where they started to build on their relationships and shared experiences of work and life. I understand that for some party goers sleep was no option as

Then it was off to Sherwood Pines Activity Centre for cycling, zip wire tree top experience, segway or just a gentle stroll around the beautiful surroundings. A couple of our guests even squeezed in a visit to Sherwood Forest and a took a ‘must’ photo of the Major Oak tree along with the IPA gnome from USA. This was followed by a hog roast and Ceildh music and dance at the White Post Farm, where family and friends joined in with our guests. A total of ninety-nine people were in attendance.

As I clicked away with my camera I captured people enjoying themselves and sharing stories.

They were such a fun

some did a night shift. Surprisingly, all arrived at the official opening the following morning.

Andre and Diane Bak

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POLICE WORLD Vol 59 No. 1, 2014