In 1969, the City of Leicester was officially twinned with the City of Krefeld. This beautiful German City is known as the ‘City of Silk and Velvet’. This title derives from its colourful history whereby it became the richest city in Germany.
In the 18th century, Krefeld was made famous by its textile industry, supplying velvet, silk and brocade to a great many countries. Production took place in the many small weavers' houses, which doubled as workshops and living space. Some of them remain to this day and are now protected by preservation orders.
In 1972, the first contact was made between the two IPA sections when 3 officers came to Leicester from Krefeld. The visitors were hosted by IPA members Roger Preston, Alwin Watson and Gort Measey (all three are still members of the IPA, although retired). Over the following 45 years, there have been numerous visits by both sections to one another’s City.
The last official meeting between the two sections was in 2010 when IPA Krefeld visited Leicester. This invitation to renew our friendship followed the successful visit by Police Cadets in 2016 when they took part in the local soapbox derby in Krefeld. In response to the invitation, a large party of members, including serving and retired officers, went to Germany for the 60th Anniversary of IPA Krefeld this year.
IPA Krefeld now wish to reciprocate by visiting Leicester next year. Our group was honoured to have two of our serving Section UK Vice Presidents in our group. Here is their story:
Sean Hannigan (VP Cultural):
“I recently travelled from my home in Frankfurt to Krefeld to join in the 60th celebrations of IPA Krefeld.
I was delighted to catch up with friends from my own branch from Leicestershire. They have had a twinning relationship with Krefeld for a very long time.
The great thing about the IPA is friendship and the fantastic relationships forged between Leicestershire and Krefeld is a testament to this. I had a really fantastic weekend and, as well as catching up with many of my old friends, I made plenty of new ones”.
Clive Wood (VP Business):
“I have spoken before about the benefits of town twinning which allows for IPA branches to travel, meet new friends and enjoy new experiences. This most recent experience which enabled me to share with IPA Krefeld the 60th anniversary of the foundation of their branch was a real treat.
Over 20 members of our branch travelled to Düsseldorf where we were met and taken to our hotel.
Friday night we all enjoyed a Chinese meal and on Saturday they arranged for us to visit a brandy distillery; ‘what could possibly go wrong?’
Saturday evening was taken up with an excellent ball where I, on a quick count, reckon well over 200 people were in attendance. Friends from section Netherlands were also present and I was much happier after I had been called to the stage to present my speech in German!
I received many positive comments including one from the chief constable’s staff officer who said “I think I got the general sense of what you were saying - you have a very strong accent.”
Sunday morning took us on a tram to the zoo courtesy of a city pass provided by the Lord Mayors office. We then had a short walking tour of Krefeld on the Sunday afternoon where the weather was a little against us but we were all warmed by a lovely evening where we were met by our hosts and enjoyed a buffet of German traditional food and drink.
Monday morning saw safely home. I do hope we will be able to reciprocate a visit from some of our friends new and old from Krefeld next year.
