KVG members & friends enjoyed a fantastic day out at the Thames Valley Police Open Day at Sulhampstead, with plenty to see, do and experience throughout the event.
The day was extremely well organised, with a wide range of demonstrations and activities giving visitors an insight into the work carried out by Thames Valley Police. The crowd-control demonstration was particularly impressive, showcasing the professionalism, teamwork and specialist skills involved in managing challenging situations.
There were also some superb demonstrations involving the police dogs, with their impressive training, control and capabilities proving a real highlight. The police horses were another major attraction, giving visitors the opportunity to see these highly trained animals and their handlers in action.
With so much going on, there was something for everyone, and the event provided an excellent opportunity to get a closer look at the people, animals, equipment and specialist teams behind Thames Valley Police.
Overall, it was a thoroughly enjoyable and informative day out for KVG members. The excellent organisation, friendly atmosphere and variety of activities made it a memorable occasion.
A further poignant part of the visit was the Thames Valley Police Memorial Garden, which provides a place to remember and honour officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving their communities. It was a particularly moving reminder that behind the demonstrations and public-facing work of policing are officers who put their lives on the line every day.
Among those remembered is PC Andrew Harper, who was tragically killed in the line of duty near Sulhamstead on 15 August 2019, aged just 28, while responding to a report of a burglary and quad-bike theft. His memory remains an important part of the Thames Valley Police family, and the recent unveiling of a memorial stone in Reading in April 2026 provides another lasting tribute to his service and sacrifice.
A big thank you to Thames Valley Police for putting on such a superb event and for their service to all of us. It is definitely not one to be missed next year!
