Krefeld Fire fighters visit Leicester
Krefeld Fire-fighters visit 17th to 22nd March 2022
Despite last minute fears over COVID infections and the cancellation of P & O ferries all our guests arrived on schedule or there abouts. Breaking with tradition they were welcomed at Fire service HQ, Birstall, where there was an emotional turn out of uniformed and support staff, all joined our guests in a BBQ lunch.
A lot of people never before involved in our visits were clearly impressed by the reception and the amazing relationship that has been built over many years, hopefully this bodes well for the future of our twinning.
For the evening we had booked into the Old Horse on London Road which has become the spiritual home of our German guests and the landlord has even decorated one area with Fire service memorabilia and always goes the extra mile to make us welcome. Although we knew it was Saint Patricks Day, we didn’t anticipate the Krefeld visitor’s response. All had donned large green hats, red beards, green glasses and beads and leprechaun trousers with green braces, quite a display.
Friday 18th
Our guests were all being hosted at Central Fire Station on Lancaster Road, where volunteers arrived to lay on breakfast. Then it was on to Kibworth Shooting Club for the Clay Pidgeon challenge. This may sound foolhardy but we were well supervised by qualified licence holders and, with the sun shining, a good time was had by all.
It was then on to Foxton locks for a stroll around the site and enjoy a packed lunch on what was becoming a beautiful sunny day.
For the late afternoon and evening our party was booked into the Forest Hill Golf Club for use of the driving range and food and drink laid on. A busy day but everything had gone well and was enjoyed by guests and hosts alike.
Saturday 19th
Another big day ahead, we had booked a flying experience at Stoughton Airport assisted by Micky Greenhill, a Fire-fighter who retired fifteen years ago to become an airline pilot. All our guests got a twenty-minute flight over Leicester in a four seat light aircraft and food laid on in the clubhouse. I think its fair to say that they were blown away by the experience and I spoke to one of their number who was on his maiden visit to the UK and was clearly very impressed.
A little bit of free time after the flying before spending a night on the town in Leicester city, what could possibly go wrong?
Sunday 20th
I arrived at Central Fire station to assist with Breakfast at eight o’clock and was pleasantly surprised to see the majority of our guests already up and eating. Many tales of their night and it sounded like they had enjoyed themselves.
First job of the day was to attend the Leicester City shop where our Fire Service Sports Club had provided each guest with a £25 voucher. They are all very enthusiastic about our team and most already have replica shirts but they appeared to find plenty to spend their cash on.
During our visit to the ground, we were hosted by the head of Marketing, Jaime Tabor, and he had really pushed the boat out with the hospitality. Although we had to pay for tickets, he had arranged thirty seats together which, even against the less fashionable Brentford, is an achievement these days.
We all gathered in the Club’s 1884 bar for a pre match drink and the Club presented each guest with a shirt, scarf, programme and of course a blue and white wig! The atmosphere was great so all we needed now was for the team to do the job on the pitch. Not the greatest performance but city ended up 2-1 winners with excellent goals from Castagne and Maddison.
Next it was on to the Old Horse for roast dinner. Once again Dee and Kev proved to be very good hosts and Krefeld presented Kev with a Fire helmet decorated with the Old Horse emblem and a second one with the two City crests to go to central station.
There was a Karaoke set up and, despite the voices strained by late nights and football cheers, some people just love to sing. This was the final night we would all be together as the team travelling by ferry would have to set off in the morning so we said some final good byes to these people and hoped that their travel would not be too traumatic.
Monday 21st
And so, the final day had arrived. The remainder of the party had flights booked from Birmingham airport at 8pm so we went by train to Birmingham New Street and gave them some free time in the Bullring. This was followed by a stroll along the central canal district and lunch at a Chinese buffet which was both good value and tasty.
Before we knew it was time to head back to the station and catch a train to the airport. Here we were met by our colleagues from Leicester who had brought out all the luggage and would take us home. More goodbyes and much talk of next years trip to Krefeld where we would celebrate fifty years of our friendship
As we have travelled around over the last four days numerous passers- by have stopped to ask what was going on. When we explained the back ground to our forty-nine years of friendship with the Krefeld Fire Service they were all very interested and surprised by what was happening. I like to think this is what twinning in general is all about and will hopefully continue for many years to come, and is evermore important in today’s divided world.
Jerry Askham
