Tuesday 31 December 2013

Death of a retired civilian employee : Kath Harland

It is with regret that we have to inform you of the death of a retired civilian employee : Kath Harland who died peacefully at home on the 18th December, aged 71yrs.

Kath worked as a typist for Durham Constabulary for many years, working with the Traffic Department at Newton Aycliffe during the 1970's-80's.

The funeral service will be held at St. Andrews Church, Aycliffe Village, at 11.45am on Friday January 3rd, followed by cremation at Wear Valley Crematorium, Coundon, at 12.30pm. Family flowers only please. Donations in lieu in aid of the Butterwick Hospice may be given or will be accepted by Whitehouse Funeral Service, Surtees House, Hilton Road, Newton Aycliffe, DL5 6EN. Tel. 01325 318600.

Death of a retired Police Officer : Sgt 378 Edward William Russell Brewster

Photo's080It is with regret that we have to announce the death of retired Police Officer : Sgt 378 Edward William Russell (Ted) Brewster who died on 24th December 2013 aged 88 years.

Mr Brewster was appointed in 1949 and he retired from Motorcycles in 31/5/75, having previously served at Darlington, Blackwell and Motor Patrols.
Mr Brewster leaves a widow Hilda.
The Cremation service will take place at the Crematorium, Acklam Road, Middlesbrough on Monday, 6th January 2014 at 1.35pm.
This service is not private.
Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to Diabetes UK if so desired.

.

Tuesday 24 December 2013

Merry Xmas to all our readers

snowman12Yes it is that time of year already and our fourth Christmas providing you with update information, topics and photographs.
We are delighted to let you know that our fame is certainly spreading, both on the web and in the Durham Peeler Magazine. We are now reaching Afghanistan, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Canada, U.S.A., Chile, Israel and even British West Hartlepool! You will be delighted to know that we have now had more than 174,000 ‘hits’ on the web page’s and over 200 regular recipients of death notifications of serving and retired officers. These recipients also receive advanced notice of up to the minute events. If you’d like to join the list, let us have your email details and specific points of interest. It always pays to be informed. (send email to Bob Brown at durhamnarpo@gmail.com)

If you have recently retired on pension, why not take up membership of N.A.R.P.O. and receive the Durham Peeler Magazine (Twice/year), the National NARPO News magazine  (4 times/ year) Social Events, really competitive Insurance rates  and opportunity to attend the 6 bi-monthly meeting where you enjoy a great atmosphere, meet old friends and colleagues and keep up to date with things that affect your pension. Enough?  Well when the meeting ends, have a drink and light refreshments. Not only all this but you also get the Annual NARPO Diary
christmas005

HAPPY NEW YEAR to everyone may it be a prosperous, healthy and successful New Year. And above all…..Keep smiling


Alan S. Watson
Chairman, Durham Branch N.A.R.P.O.

Friday 6 December 2013

Miners Strike Documentary

Message from NARPO HQ
See below message from TV Company requesting experiences from the Miners’ Strike.

“I am currently working on a documentary for ITV about the Miners' Strike. The programme is due to broadcast next March for the 30th anniversary of the strike. It will contain a mixture of archive and people’s personal stories, looking back at what happened.
I would really love to talk to any police officers who were involved in the policing of the strike, both from the local mining areas and also those who were drafted in from further away. It really helps with my research to be able to speak to as many people as possible.
If anyone is interested in chatting to me they can email me their details to helen.soothill@itv.com or they can ring me on 0113 222 8364.
Thank you for your help.
Best wishes
Helen”

Computer Virus–Zeus

Message from Welfare Department :

The following message has been circulated in Force by the Information Security Officer.
We were particularly thinking about the number of people who skype family and over the festive period this might even increase and include people new to the service and less familiar with spotting anything unusual.
We hope you feel it is worth sharing via your circulation as we think we all know someone whose had problems with a computer virus and it just might help save even just one person from this misery!
There is currently an email based malware campaign where the victim is sent an email with an attachment claiming to be a Skype voicemail message.
The purpose of the email is to get you to download the 'voicemail' file, which is actually a piece of malware called 'Zeus'.
Zeus is pretty nasty in that it logs your keystrokes in an attempt to obtain banking details and log-ins.
It is difficult to detect even with up to date Anti-Virus software so the best bet is not to click on the link in the first place!
Usually Zeus targets computers with Microsoft Windows operating systems, however some variants will infect Blackberry and Android phones too (Mac and Linux systems appear not to be infected).
If you get one of these emails to your personal address, don't open the link - just delete the email.

Monday 25 November 2013

NARPO (Durham) Branch meeting tonight

diary-plgThe next meeting of NARPO (Durham Branch) will be held tonight, Monday 25th November at 7.30pm at Bishop Auckland Hospital Club.
Light buffet afterwards.

All members or prospective members are invited to come along & enjoy


If you don't know where to go, Click On This Link and you'll see a map of the location and you can get driving directions to it.

Friday 22 November 2013

Red 46…..

Dave & Dave Jul 79PC 818 Dave Duncan & PC1960 Dave Wall with Mkll Granada NGR 93T, call sign Alpha Red 46. 

It was taken in Bishop Close, Darlington outside the Police houses in July 1979

Ah, the good old days.

(Many Thanks to Dave Duncan for sending the photo)

Durham Peeler : Winter 2013

DP - Winter 2013Chairman Alan Watson has once again been hard at work over the past few months putting together the latest edition of the Durham Peeler.

Click on the image to go to the Durham Peeler webpage where you can then click on the images of the Peeler and either read them online or download them to your own computer in pdf format

Members will shortly receive their printed editions through the letterbox.

If any of our readers has a story that you would like put into print, in the Durham Peeler then please email us on durhamnarpo@gmail.com and we will forward your details to the Editor – Alan Watson

Friday 15 November 2013

Death of a retired Police Officer : George Pears

It is with regret that we have to inform you of the death of a retired Police Officer : George Pears who died on the 17th August, 2013 aged 65 years. George initially served in Durham Constabulary but finished his service with Northumbria Police, retiring in May 2000.

George lived in the Houghton Le Spring area. He leaves a partner, Carol .

The funeral was held on the 27th August, 2013.

Saturday 9 November 2013

Paws Up Calendars

Calendar picture The ‘must have  ‘accessory’ for 2014 has now arrived  - the ‘Paws Up’ 2014 Calendar.

The calendar has been produced to raise funds for the Durham Retired Police Dogs Benevolent Fund

These limited edition calendars are A3 in size and feature pictures of twelve of our four legged friends for you to view over the next year.
Calendar 2 A calendar can be yours for only £8 including P & P

If you would like to order please click on this link : 

http://www.pawsup.org.uk/p/merchandise.html

There’s lots of other Paws Up ‘goodies’ on this page and it’s the right time of year to be buying a present for your friends and spreading the word about Paws Up

Thursday 7 November 2013

A Moment To Reflect

poppy_1512923c

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flander's fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, tho poppies grow
In Flander's fields.

Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae

Wednesday 30 October 2013

Death of a retired Police Officer : Sgt 1259 Tom Baxter

Tom BaxterIt is with regret that we have to announce the death of a retired Police Officer : Sgt 1259 Tom Baxter, who died on the 23rd October 2013, aged 83 years.

Mr Baxter does not leave a widow but leaves a son Ian and a daughter Pam.

Mr Baxter joined Durham Constabulary in 1955 before retiring in 1985, having previously served at Chester le Street, Blaydon, Whickham, Darlington, Durham, Meadowfield and Durham City as Crime Prevention Sgt.

Tom was Vice Chairman of Durham Branch NARPO & was heavily involved in County rugby.

The funeral service is to be held on Monday 4th November at St. Mary's Magdalene Church in Belmont at 2pm. The service is not private.

Donations in lieu of flowers are requested by the family, details of this will be circulated in due course.

Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time.

Friday 25 October 2013

September CPI released at 2.7%

The Office of National Statistics have on the 15th October released the Consumer Price Index for September as 2.7%, this is unchanged from August.

Police Pensions as a consequence will increase by 2.7% in April 2014.

The Retail Price Index stood at 3.2% for the same period.

For further information and statistics visit the ONS website page at: ONS WEBSITE

Monday 21 October 2013

Death of a retired Police Officer : Sgt Thomas Corfield

It is with regret that we have to announce the death a retired Police Officer : Sgt Thomas Corfield who died on Sunday, 13th October 2013 aged 88 years.
Mr Corfield began his service with Durham Constabulary, serving at Ferryhill, Billy Row Crook, Annfield Plain and Bishop Auckland before transferring to Northumbria police and retiring from Whickham.

Friday 4 October 2013

Death of a retired Police Officer : PC John (Bob) Morris

It is with regret that we announce the  death of a retired Police Officer : PC ( Bob) Morris, aged 64 years who died suddenly on Monday, 30th September, 2013. Bob served mainly in the Darlington area.

Friday 27 September 2013

Death of a retired Police Officer : Sgt 157 George Grey BATES

It is with regret that we that we have to inform you of the death of a retired Police Officer : Sergeant 157 George Grey BATES who died on 23rd September 2013 aged 91 years.
Mr Bates was appointed 17 February 1941 and worked at Jarrow, Durham, Stockton, Blaydon and Ryton retiring from Jarrow Admin on 7th August 1966.

Friday 6 September 2013

Red 43…

Red 43

PC’s 928 Ralph Raine & 1569 Ray Crowle with their Rover SD1 patrol car, call sign Alpha Red 43 at Police HQ.

Many Thanks to Ray for providing the photo which he says was taken in 1982.

If you have any photo’s please email us at durhamnarpo@gmail.com

Sunday 1 September 2013

Rugby League World Cup 2013 semi Final, The Big Hit on 23rd November

Hi All,

We have received the following offer from the tournament organisers, which may be of interest to members.

Get 50% off tickets for The Big Hit Semi Final at Wembley Stadium, 23rd November

Following on from last year’s golden summer of sport, we are set for another international sporting spectacle as London celebrates hosting the Rugby League World Cup 2013 semi Final, The Big Hit on 23rd November.

And we are offering you the chance to be there to support England and experience an unforgettable afternoon at one of the world’s greatest sporting amphitheatres. It provides the perfect opportunity for families, friends and colleagues to learn why Rugby League is considered by many to be “the greatest game of all”.

It really is an event for everyone and to celebrate reaching the ‘100 days to go’ milestone, tournament organisers are offering an incredible 50% off all adult tickets to the Big Hit for a strictly limited five-day period.

The offer will close at Midnight on September 3rd, so make sure you don’t miss out, and claim your discount by entering promo code CCF when placing your order.

Just book your tickets on the below link using the promo code CCF

Use: https://www.eticketing.co.uk/rlwc/details/event.aspx?itemref=9324&utm_source=rlwc&utm_medium=narpo&utm_campaign=earnccf

Steve Edwards

Deputy Chief Executive

01924 331 251

http://www.narpo.org/

Friday 30 August 2013

Death of a retired Police Officer : Chief Inspector Terence (Terry) Eales

It is with regret that we have to announce the death of retired  Chief Inspector Terence (Terry) Eales, who died on the 26th August 2013 aged 76 years.
Mr Eales retired from Durham Constabulary on the 31st July 1987, having previously served at Hartlepool, Meadowfield/Brandon and Traffic.

Saturday 24 August 2013

Death of a retired Police Officer : PC 163 Robert Henry Fletcher

It is with regret that we announce the death of retired Police Officer : PC 163 Robert Henry Fletcher, who died on 10th August 2013, aged 59.
Mr Fletcher retired from Durham Constabulary on 18th August 1991.

Tuesday 13 August 2013

Blues & Greens Charity Ride

DCC Michael Banks presenting cheque from BikeWise to Paul Carter

Paul Carter from the Blue Knights England 5 group called in at Police HQ just before BikeWise 2013 (Friday 26th July)  whilst doing a two thousand mile trip across England with forty one venues to visit.

Paul was doing his ride in support of two national charities UKCOPS & Royal British Legion. His motorcycle was loaned by Hunts Motorcycles Kingsway Manchester.

Paul had set off on that day from West Midlands and had visited Police HQ’s at Staffs, Cheshire,Merseyside, Lancashire, Cumbria and was then joined by Steve Armstrong, Dave Gibbs  Stu McCarthy to continue his journey via Northumbria to Durham, where he was met by motorcycle Sgt Iain Rogers & DCC Michael Banks who presented a cheque on behalf of Durham Constabulary from the BikeWise ‘Team’

For further details of the ride, please click on the links below :

 

UKCOPS at www.justgiving.com/BluesandGreens

OR

Royal British Legion at- www.justgiving.com/BluesandGreensRBL

Monday 12 August 2013

Durham’s first Police Helicopter

The first Durham Constabulary Helicopter

The photo was apparently taken at Peebles Hydro…. Anybody have any more info on our first helicopter which was brought into service by the then Chief Constable Alec Muir ??

The helicopter is a Brantly B-2 operated by British Executive Air Services (BEAS). The call sign G-ARVY and was damaged beyond repair in an autorotative landing near Kidlington, Oxfordshire, on the 28th August 1964 and was subsequently broken up for spares.

If you have any info, please email : durhamnarpo@gmail.com

Saturday 10 August 2013

Saturday 3 August 2013

Who are these officers ??

HQ Aycliffe. front row Ch Supt Bob WardCan anyone can help with the identities of the people in the picture believed to have been taken at
HQ Aycliffe.

Officer front centre is ex Ch Supt Ken England and another of the officers in the front row is believed to be  ex Ch Supt Bob Ward.

Please email durhamnarpo@gmail.com if you can help or leave a comment on this site or the photo gallery

Miners Gala 1962

1044394_484301311648491_21903427_n

Mounted Branch at the Miners Gala, Durham in 1962.

Who is the rider and what is the location in Durham??

(Click on the image to view in the gallery & make it bigger)

Update (18/08/2013) :

The location is Old Elvet opposite the County Hotel & the officer / rider is  Harry North from the stables at Stockton.

Stockton High Street

Stockton High Street

A bygone age!

This was taken when Durham Constabulary was one of the largest forces in the country.

This photograph was taken on Stockton High Street.

Any ideas as to whom the officers are ??

(Click on the image to open in album-make bigger)

 

UPDATE : Many Thanks to Jim Jackson who emailed us and advised us that his wife & her brother recognized the mounted section officer as their late uncle, PC1183 Bill Hutton on Police Horse Montrose.

Bill served with Durham Constabulary from the 6th August 1949 till the 12th August 1962 when he was sadly killed in a car crash

Saturday 20 July 2013

Death of a retired Police Officer : Sgt George Hall

It is with regret that we have to advise you of the death of a retired Police Officer : Sgt George Hall, who died on 13th July 2013 aged 86 years.

Thursday 18 July 2013

Bruce’s last stand …..

BruceThis years 'BikeWise' sees the last ever display from one of Durham Dog Support Unit's most popular and regular K9 performers at this prestigious event.

PD 'Bruce' will spend his last shift as an operational Police dog, entertaining the crowds again at Police HQ, Aykley Heads, on Sunday 28th July 2013, before he hangs his collar and lead up, after 7 years loyal service to the Durham force.

When Bruce starts his well earned retirement the following day, his handler, PC Gordon King starts an initial course with his new German Shepherd dog 'Holly', who we're sure will become a star at future Bikewise events.


Bruce was part of the force breeding programme, born on 16th January 2005 and has been Gordon's partner since about 7 weeks of age. He has been an extremely successful General Purpose Dog, assisting in hundreds of arrests throughout his career and also qualifying in the roles of PSU and Tactical Firearms Support.


One of Gordon's most memorable incidents was when Bruce located and detained a suspect responsible for assaulting a very elderly lady, and stealing her handbag. Despite very difficult conditions, Bruce found the offender hiding in a garden, still holding the handbag !  Without the dog, he would not have been found.


Gordon states that although it wasn't the 'best' dog related job they had, due to the emotional and mental trauma suffered by the victim.. It by far his favourite one.
Now it's time for Bruce to put his Paws Up and hopefully enjoy a long and relaxed retirement he so thoroughly deserves

Thursday 11 July 2013

4th Retirees Reunion at Police HQ, Aykley Heads, Durham on Sunday 30th June 2013

Another great afternoon was had at the 4th Retirees Reunion at Police HQ, Aykley Heads, Durham on Sunday 30th June 2013.
Many Thanks must go to Chief Constable Mike Barton for affording us this facility & the chance to renew acquaintances with old friends. Next year we were told will be the last at Aykley Heads before the new HQ is opened.
If you were not there then please take the opportunity next year to ‘catch up’ with some ‘old faces’ and find out how retirement is treating us all – it’s amazing how quickly the afternoon goes.

Friday 28 June 2013

What ? Where ? When ?

BJThis newspaper competition showing Bill Shanks 'breathalysing' Alan Naunton appeared in the Evening Despatch on 22nd January 1985

The Question was :

The Breathalyser was introduced by :

A : Barbara Cartland

B : Barbara Castle

C : Barbara Woodhouse

 

Many Thanks to Brian Jones for sharing this one with us

Thursday 27 June 2013

Blues & Greens Charity Ride

BGRideThis is just to ask you to help out as every little bit will help.

Paul Carter from the Blue Knights organisation (I am part of) is doing a 2000 mile trip across England with 41 venues to visit.

This is in support of 2 national charities UKCOPS & Royal British Legion, please see the event poster attached which explains this and links to other information.

I ask, if you would not mind, in passing this around to all the NARPO members nationally to see if anyone who is interested in supporting this event and these charities, would like to attend any of the event places or donating on either of the 2 direct charity online options we created.

There is also a donation of equipment at Hunts Motorcycles Kingsway Manchester 10am on Saturday 20th July. The start point will be from GMP HQ at 10am on Monday 22nd July.

Click on the image to download/read the poster.

Thank you so much for anything you can do to help.

 

UKCOPS at www.justgiving.com/BluesandGreens

OR

Royal British Legion at- www.justgiving.com/BluesandGreensRBL

Thanks : Paul Choudhry (Manchester NARPO)

Death of a retired Police Officer : PC440 John Duncan Robertson

It is with deepest regret that we have to advise you of the death of former PC 440 John Duncan Robertson who died on 22nd June 2013 aged 74 years.
Mr Robertson retired from Durham Constabulary in May 1989.

Tuesday 25 June 2013

4th Retirees Reunion and Social Afternoon : This Sunday

Don’t Miss Out This Year!

The 4th Retirees Reunion and Social Afternoon is being held at Durham Constabulary H.Q , Aykley Heads, this Sunday, 30th June, 2013 -  1.30pm to 5pm
Please Note: Admission is by ticket only & tickets are free.

If you haven't already got your ticket then please ring : Amanda Dodds or Amanda Hodgson. at H.Q. Strategic Development Team

Hope to see you this Sunday

Death of a retired police staff colleague : Norman Harker

It is with deepest regret that we advise colleagues of the sudden death of Norman HARKER who died at his home earlier today (25th June),  aged 71 years Norman worked as the Maintenance Team Manager at Headquarters from November 1985 until April 1999.







Death of a retired Police Officer : PC 1977 Frank Geoffrey Hall

It is with great regret that we have to inform you of the death of a retired Police officer : PC 1977 Frank Geoffrey Hall who sadly passed away at about 10.45.a.m. on Saturday, 22nd. June, aged 66yrs.  Geoff served in Durham City and Consett whilst part of Durham Constabulary from 1967 until 1974 when he became part of Northumbria Police. He served on Traffic at Berwick and ended his service at Control Room, Cramlington.

Death of a retired Police Officer : PC Charles Walter Harcourt

It is with regret that we have to announce the death of retired Police Constable Charles Walter Harcourt who died on the 23rd June 2013, aged 93 years.  PC Harcourt retired from Durham Constabulary on the 31st March 1975.  







Saturday 22 June 2013

Two ex Durham officers

Late entries marking the death of two Ex Durham Officers who later served in Northumbria up to their retirement. Regrettably, we were not informed at the time

On 29th October, 2012, John William Wile died at the age of 81 years.
He leaves a widow, Doreen. Our belated sympathies are extended to Doreen and family.
John originally joined West Yorkshire Police, transferring to Jarrow CID in the mid- 1960s where he continued to serve with Durham County until the amalgamation of 1974. He transferred  to Northumbria until his retirement.
He always told his wife “My happiest days were with the ‘Jarrow lads’”

On 16th May, 2013 Eric Pike aged 83 years, died, following a short illness. His private funeral took place in Gateshead on 24th. May, 2013.
He leaves a widow, Mildred and grown up family. Our deepest sympathies are extended to the family
Eric was a long serving committee member of Gateshead Branch and was Chairman for a number of years. He was a born organizer, always keen to help others. He was associated with the RAF Association, Car and Motorcycle sports and a keen member of the Masonic movement.

Saturday 1 June 2013

Death of a retired Police Officer : Edward Jefferson

It is with regret that we have to inform you of the death of a retired Police Officer : Edward Jefferson, who died on 27th May 2013 aged 91 years.
Mr Jefferson retired from Durham Constabulary on 30th June 1977.

Friday 31 May 2013

Name that car ??

Name that Car ??

JGR687T, Call sign, crew, where was it based, did you drive a one ??

Leave a comment and tell more about them

One from 1984

BJ2

This photograph was taken at Durham Castle during the visit of HRH Princess Anne to Mackay's Carpet Factory and the Castle on 4th April 1984.

L to R : PC 756 Peter Todd, Sgt 293 Duncan Adamson, Chief Superintendent Alf Charlton, PC 1017 Brian Jones, PC 1660 Joe Butters and PC 903 John Knaggs.
(Many Thanks to Brian Jones for supplying the photo)

Wednesday 29 May 2013

Death of a retired Police Officer : Insp George Vasey

It is with regret that we have to inform you of the death of retired Insp. George Vasey, who died on 17th May 2013 aged 95 years.
Mr Vasey retired from Durham Constabulary on 5th January 1964.

Wednesday 22 May 2013

Two from Traffic South

Picture10 M10

Two pictures that turned up via FaceBook and came to our attention..

Ford Granada : NGR71T – Alpha Red 44 out of Spennymoor

Picture shows Bob Brown on crewmate Martin Hall’s drive at Spennymoor. The opposite crew of Martin & Bob were Keith Maddison & Brian Stabler, who are sadly no longer with us.

Ford Escort XR3i  : A278BJR– Mike 10 out of Darlington

Crewed by Ian Bestford & John Laidlaw & ???

Another XR3i, A277BJR was based at Peterlee, call sign possibly AR47 and crewed by Barry Cowie & Ken Arthur / Mal Thomas & Neil Walton

Who’s on the police bike and where was this taken ??

Copper Plate : Spring 2013 (Issue 89)

Issue 89Spring 2013 edition of Copper Plate can be viewed by clicking on the image.


You can view older editions of Copper Plate by clicking on the menu bar above or by CLICKING HERE

Tuesday 21 May 2013

Death of retired Police Officer : Det.Sgt 386 Lawrence Hodgson

It is with regret that we have to inform you of the death of retired Police Officer 386, Lawrence Hodgson, who died on 11th May 2013 aged 87yrs.
Mr Hodgson retired from Durham Constabulary on the 20th April 1977.

Wednesday 1 May 2013

4th Retirees Reunion and Social Afternoon

Don’t Miss Out This Year! Read this carefully, NOW!
The 4th Retirees Reunion and Social Afternoon Spectacular at Durham Constabulary, H.Q., Aykley Heads, on Sunday 30th June, 2013 -  1.30pm to 5pm
Durham Constabulary and Durham Branch of N.A.R.P.O. invite ALL members of Durham Constabulary police and police support staff- both retired and serving to come along to this amazingly enjoyable social afternoon. A great deal of hard work, planning and co-ordination between the Strategic Development Team and your N.A.R.P.O. Committee to be sure that this year’s event will be even better than in the Olympic Year.

The majority of you, who have attended in previous years I know will be coming again – if you know of past colleagues who are not aware of the event – please tell them – they will be most welcome

There will be live entertainment by the Durham Constabulary Band and Choir; exciting demonstrations by the Dog Section, (emergencies excepted), the National Police Air Service Helicopter and its very interesting crew; displays by Durham H.Q. Archives; N.A.R.P.O. & The Blue. Then there are the true stars of the day, yourselves come along and meet old colleagues, tell your war stories” (if you can remember them) and best of all be part of the very friendly atmosphere that us old ‘uns’ can generate among each other.

Light refreshments will be provided and a super raffle organized and contributed by NARPO. The unique souvenir programme which can house your personal photograph taken on arrival- this has always proven to be very popular memento of the occasion.

Please Note: Admission is by ticket only & tickets are free.

PLEASE order quickly – strict and final closing date is 20th June 2013. So if you want to be part of the action – act now! Remember: No ticket – no entry!
N.A.R.P.O. Members including widows please order from:
Mrs Angie Crawford, 8, Warwick Place, Peterlee, SR2 2EZ. Tel. 0191 518 0996.
E-mail: angiechilton@yahoo.com
Non- NARPO Retired officers and Retired Police Support Staff please order from:
Mr Colin Appleby21, Lea Rigg, West Rainton, Houghton le Spring, DH4 6SR.
Tel. 0191 584 6178. E-mail appleby.colin@btinternet.com.
Serving Police Support Staff & Serving Officers – please order from:
Amanda Dodds or Amanda Hodgson. H.Q. Strategic Development Team

Durham Peeler–Summer 2013

DP---Summer-2013Chairman Alan Watson has once again been hard at work over the past few months putting together the latest edition of the Durham Peeler.

Click on the image to go to the Durham Peeler webpage where you can then click on the images of the Peeler and either read them online or download them to your own computer in pdf format


Members will shortly receive their printed editions through the letterbox.


If any of our readers has a story that you would like put into print, in the Durham Peeler then please email us on durhamnarpo@gmail.com and we will forward your details to the Editor – Alan Watson

Tuesday 9 April 2013

EPIC : LEAVING OR RETIRING SOON?

Epic

While some settle immediately into full retirement some others enter into new phase of their lives.

For those that have already switched or for those that are thinking of beginning a new career in the security or private investigation sectors help is at hand in the form of EPIC (Ex Police in Industry and Commerce) It’s aims are to provide a business networking organisation exclusively for former police officers who can meet the highest standards of "integrity assured” candidature and pass the strictest vetting processes. The service is available to those both in the public and private sector who are employed or self employed 

EPIC was established in 1979 and is the only business networking association for former officers of all ranks. All members are vetted prior to enrolment so as to comply with the organisation strap line of “Integrity assured” Members are both employed and self employed and enjoy a range of benefits

It holds regional meetings, conferences and has a sophisticated software platform, designed to drive new business to members and to have members support each other.  The ethos of continuous professional development is promoted.  

All members are entitled to use the EPIC Brand logo in their business and personal lives .EPIC considers itself to be part of the wider Police family. 

It is also a provider of training, and particularly transition training for those leaving the police service, who want to continue in a second career, or engage in industry and commerce in their own business ventures.  

EPIC also aims to be involved in consultative processes prior to regulatory impact assessments, and to represent members views in industry forums.   

Members were traditionally involved in investigations and security, but now the organisation hosts all skill sets on a business to business context within industry and commerce, and so, consultancy, in all its disciplines, and specialists in HR, marketing, leadership, business and corporate support and a range of allied specialism’s are well represented.  

We welcome all ranks, but senior status in the police service will not attract senior status within EPIC as all members are evenly represented in a business context. Eligibility is by previous UK police service, even to those who have left early and had their pension entitlement deferred, or those who have full pension entitlement

Membership benefits include;

  • An online discussion forum
  • Peer networking
  • A recognised industry body
  • Free legal helpline
  • Free fraud helpline
  • Free health and safety helpline
  • The use of the Integrity assured logo on business correspondence

EPIC is both a stepping stone and mentor organisation through the transitioning period of change for those coming into the industry

Regular meetings are held throughout the country with presentations on topical issues and subjects to keep members abreast on new developments in security, crime investigation and prevention techniques and forensic and physical security

Further information can be obtained from the organisation web site

www.epic-uk.com

or contact Colin Gibson via email :  colin.gibson@tnt.co.uk

Monday 8 April 2013

Death of a retired Police Officer : Sergeant 58 Michael James (Jim) Farthing

It is with regret that we announce the death of retired Sergeant 58 Michael James (Jim) Farthing, who died on the 29th March 2013 aged 87 years.
He leaves a widow Rita May and son Michael.
He retired from Durham Constabulary in 1973 and then returned as police staff until his full retirement in 1990.

HQ Traffic Branch - 1972

Click HERE to view in gallery

Many Thanks to Alan Hutchinson / Harry Clark for providing this photo of Traffic Branch 1972.

Double click on the image to view it in the gallery at a larger size…

Back Row : Sgt Terrington, Sgt Hillary,Sgt Colgrave, Sgt Jones, PC Dent, PC Scot, PC Naylor

Middle Row : Sgt Smith, Mary French, PW Fraser, G Smith,N.Parkinson, A Daglish, PW Bartley, Audrey Fidiam, PC Hall

Front Row : CI Kirkup, Supt Thompson, Supt Askew, C/Supt Harper, Supt Usher, CI Rutherford, Insp Dent.

If you can correct any of the names or give first names please send us an email to durhamnarpo@gmail.com

Friday 22 March 2013

G4S EMPLOYMENT OFFERS DURING 2012 OLYMPICS

 

This message has been sent from NARPO Head Office :

Hi All,

I would be grateful if you would circulate the below to your members:

WERE YOU OFFERED EMPLOYMENT BY G4S DURING THE OLYMPICS?

As you are aware a large number of retired Police Officers were recruited by G4S to work in the lead up to and during the London Olympics.

Many of our members went through recruitment processes, vetting, accreditation and training stages but never received an offer of employment at the end of it and unfortunately Linder Myers Solicitors have informed us that those in that category will have no reasonable grounds to pursue a breach of contract claim against G4S.

However if you did receive a formal offer of employment from G4S which they accepted and then were let down with no actual employment forthcoming from them then you may have a claim against G4S for Breach of contract.

Should you fit into this category then please contact; Latham Parry at Linder Myers Solicitors on 0844 984 6448 or narpo@lindermyers.co.uk who will be pleased to consider individual/or a collective case should there be two or more claimants who come forward.

Wednesday 20 March 2013

Dog Section : 1972

Annual photo 1972. <br />L to R - PC's Greener, Wood, Simpson. Chief Constable Puckering and PC's Hedges, Turner and Leng Annual photo 1972. <br />L to R - PC's Greener, Wood, Simpson. Chief Constable Puckering and PC's Hedges, Turner and Leng

L to R - PC's Greener, Wood, Simpson. Chief Constable Puckering and PC's Hedges, Turner and Leng

You can see more of the Police Dogs and in particular PC Bill Leng & PD Major by visiting the Dog Section’s new Paws Up website which is a Benevolent Fund for retired Durham Police Dogs.

You can read all about it at www.pawsup.org.uk and can even help raise funds for the fund whilst shopping online by clicking on their EasyFundraising link

Life Savers : 1964/65

Winners of the regional life saving championship. From left to right: Bill Brennan is just visible,Jim McKenna,a slim me,Ray Johnson, Ted Roberts (instructor),Bill Lippit, and Ian Hilton with hair. I think year was 1964/5. We were entered as Durham County Cadets. Caused a bit of a stir as we beat regular force team

Neville House Life Saving Team, winners of the cadet life saving competition. . From left to right: Bill Brennan is just visible, Jim McKenna, Geoff Perry, Ray Johnson, Ted Roberts (instructor), Bill Lippit, and Ian Hilton. Believed to be 1964/5. A team picked from all the cadet school was subsequently entered as Durham County Cadets and won the Regional Life Saving Championship, this caused a bit of a stir as they beat regular force teams. The cadet team eventually competed in the national finals in London.

Monday 18 March 2013

Death of retired Police Officer : PC 832 Charles Valentine Hedley

It is with regret that we announce the death of retired Police Officer : PC 832 Charles Valentine Hedley, who died on the 4th March 2013 aged 87 years.

Charles retired from Durham Constabulary in August 1981.

The funeral will be taking place at Wear Valley Crematorium on the 25th March at 14:45, the service is not private.

Donations have been requested in lieu of flowers to the British Heart Foundation, cheques can be made payable to British Heart Foundation and can be forwarded to BHF Customer Service Centre, Lydon Place, 2096 Coventry Road, Sheldon, Birmingham, B26 3YU.

Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time.

Death of a retired Police Officer : Inspector Leslie Matthews

It is with regret that we announce the death of retired Police Inspector Leslie Matthews, who died on 5th March 2013 aged 82 years.

He retired from Durham Constabulary on 19th October 1981.

He leaves a widow, Dorothy and a son Michael.

The funeral will take place at Darlington Crematorium on Monday 18th March 2013 at 2.45pm. This service is not private.

Donations have been requested in lieu of flowers to Friends of Darlington Memorial Hospital.

Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time.

Saturday 16 March 2013

AGM of Durham NARPO – Monday 18th March

AGM
Date for your Diary…….
Monday 18th March at 1930hrs
The Annual General Meeting of Durham NARPO, with guest speakers from Force Executive and Federation.
All members welcome to attend and participate
Ideal time to meet your old colleagues and friends.
(Please put the date in your diary and see if you can attend, meet your committee and see the hard work they are doing for you)
The meeting will be held at the Durham Indoor Bowling Centre, Pity Me, Durham, DH1 5GE


View Durham Indoor Bowling Club in a larger map


Friday 8 March 2013

Cadet Training 1973 : Girl Cadet Hockey Team

Girl Cadets Hockey Team 1973

Girl Cadets Hockey Team, 1973, picture taken at Police HQ, Aykley Heads…

Where are they all now ??  Click on the picture to view it at a larger size in the photo gallery

Picture kindly supplied by Carol (Potts) & Tim Moore

The Police Treatment Centres Lottery

Every year it costs approximately £4m to run both of the Treatment Centres and with the falling numbers of serving officers, we find our donations going down accordingly and we must find new ways of raising money.  In order to raise more funds for our highly valued service we are starting our own lottery.
As a Retired Officer you may well have paid into The Police Treatment Centre all of your working life and are now entitled to free treatment at either of our Centres, which I do hope you take advantage of if you need our help.
We would very much appreciate your help in getting the lottery off the ground and wondered if you would be kind enough to help promote the lottery within your NARPO branch and indeed to anyone who would like to purchase a ticket?
The lottery is open to absolutely anyone to buy a ticket.  Tickets cost £1 each and will be drawn monthly with a first prize of £1000 with other cash prizes.
We are currently in the process of producing a lottery leaflet for promotional purposes as well as ensuring that the lottery entry form can be downloaded from our website.  The entry form will be part of the lottery leaflet and can be posted to our lottery organizer for entry.
We would be so grateful if you could help in any way promote the lottery by telling people in your branch and asking them if they would like to buy a ticket.
If you do feel able to help us, could you let me know and I will arrange to have some leaflets sent to you.
My contact details are below :
Amanda Carter
PR & Fundraising Manager
The Police Treatment Centres
01423 504 448

http://www.thepolicetreatmentcentres.org

Saturday 2 March 2013

Calling all Dog Section (K9)

Collage

Dear all,

I’m in the process of setting up a benevolent fund for our retired Durham Police dogs.
Part of this has involved launching a web site specifically for the fund and also covering aspects of the unit past and present, enabling some of its history to start being recorded too.

If you can (and would like to) help, .. I’m after any pictures / stories / articles of your ex serving dogs to put on the site.
A bit of history would help too – ie, when the dog served, how old when started / finished, gift dog or force bred, capabilities, DOB, etc etc….

Please have a look at the site at – www.pawsup.org.uk  but bear in mind it’s still a ‘work in progress’ and is not the finished article yet.
The fund is to be called ‘PAWS UP’ and will be launched properly May / June this year.

Give me a shout if you want any more information on 07867993077 or any email correspondence via durhampolicek9@gmail.com

Hoping you can assist ..

Many thanks

Ian Squire
Dog Support Unit

Please add Durham NARPO (durhamnarpo@gmail.com) to your contacts list

We have had a couple of queries from people on the notification list to the effect that they have not been receiving emails recently.

The emails are being sent out as normal and we have had none returned to us as undeliverable so we can only presume that they are getting caught up in your providers Spam Filter.

Please add Durham NARPO to your contacts list, with the email address of durhamnarpo@gmail.com and check your Spam Filter to make sure there are no emails in the Spam Box. If they have gone in there mark them as NOT Spam.

This is the advice that Google give to users :

Legitimate mail is marked as spam

If you find a message wrongly classified as spam, you can unmark the message. Just select the message, and click the Not Spam button that appears at the top and bottom of your current view. Unmarking a message will automatically move it to your inbox.

If you find that some senders' messages are consistently being mislabeled as spam, you can prevent this by:

  • Adding their email addresses to your Contacts list. Gmail will deliver messages from members of your Contacts list to your inbox, unless we know with high confidence that they are spam.
    • Some messages sent from contacts which are very clearly spam can be sent directly to your Spam label. More importantly, in some cases messages from contacts will not be sent to Spam but will be marked with a red warning banner if the content is suspicious - for example, your friend's or contact's account has been compromised and used to send phishing messages.
  • Creating a filter so the messages are never sent to Spam.

If you have not received any of the recent notifications, please drop us an email to durhamnarpo@gmail.com and we will send you a test email

Monday 25 February 2013

Death of a retired Police Officer : DC 1541 John Reay

It is with regret that we announce the death of a retired Police Officer :  DC 1541 John REAY who died on 24th February 2013 aged 68 years.
John retired from Durham Constabulary on the 31st August 1995.
He leaves a widow, Maureen, and two adult children Kevin and Karen.

Saturday 16 February 2013

Police Cadets : 1969

Cadets 1969

Many thanks to Don Stephenson for sending in this picture from his Police Cadet days.

Picture of four Durham Police Cadets taken in 1969 when they were the first to go on a two week attachment to Minsteracres Monastery in Co Durham. Their job was to clear an area around the graves of two Brothers who had died recently.
Pictured from left to right.
Father Colum Devine, The Superior, Peter McNulty, Ronnie Fort, Don Stephenson and Peter Walton
Don went on to finish as a sergeant in Cleveland whilst Peter Walton finished as a sergeant in Northumbria. Anybody  know about Peter & Ronnie ?

Durham Constabulary Choir : 1973

 

Durham Constabulary Choir at Aykley Heads - 5th May 1973 (the day Sunderland won the FA Cup). Guitarists : Neil Burn & Alan Chesterton. (Picture provided by Fraser Gill (Northumbria cadet in back row)

Durham Constabulary Choir at Aykley Heads - 5th May 1973 (the day Sunderland won the FA Cup).

Guitarists : Neil Burn & Alan Chesterton. (Picture provided by Fraser Gill (Northumbria cadet in back row)

Any more info ??

Thursday 7 February 2013

Death of a retired Police Officer : PC Geoffrey (Geoff) Thomas Moody

It is with regret that we have to inform you of the death of a retired Police Officer, PC Geoffrey (Geoff) Thomas Moody, aged 71 years who died on Friday, 1st February, 2013 in the Richardson Hospital, Barnard Castle.
Mr Moody joined Durham Constabulary in 1962 and retired on medical grounds around 1988-90.

Tuesday 29 January 2013

Death of a retired Police Officer : PC 450 Dennis Robinson BEM

It is with regret that we announce the death of a retired Police Officer : PC 450 Dennis Robinson BEM, who died on 12th January 2013,  aged 89 years.
Dennis retired from Durham Constabulary  on the  26th October 1981

Sunday 27 January 2013

Death a retired Police Officer : Chief Inspector Richard Matthew (Matt) Hutchinson,

It is with deep regret that we have to inform you of the  death a retired Police Officer :  Chief Inspector Richard Matthew (Matt) Hutchinson, who died on the 24th January, 2013 in hospital, aged 95 years.
Matt joined Durham County Constabulary in 1938, followed by World War II service, resuming police duties and retiring in 1973 .

Friday 25 January 2013

Help with pictures of Harperley Hall (1971–1980)

A request for some pictures from one of our readers. If any of you have any pictures of Harperley Hall, etc from this time (or suggest who might have), please can you forward via : durhamnarpo@gmail.com and we will publish on the site & in the gallery :

“Dear Sir/Madam,
I found your site fascinating seeing some faces I recognise from child hood.
I was brought up at Harperley Hall, Durham Constabulary's training facility and home at the time to the mounted branch and the police dogs , between 1971 to 1976 before moving to a Police house in near by Fir Tree village.
My father Bill Maltman, was a mounted officer and I was wondering if you have any more photos from Harperley Hall around the time 1971-1980.
My own family hear me talking about my childhood growing up with the excitement of Police horses and dogs and police cars being around but I've never been able to show them any photos.
Many thanks,
best regards,
Glenn “

Death of a retired Police Officer : Chief Inspector 235 John Reed

It is with regret that we announce the death or retired Chief Inspector 235 John Reed, who died on the 24th January 2013, aged 72.
John retired from Durham Constabulary on the 25th July 1993.

Death of a retired Police Officer : PC Lawrence Richardson

It is with regret that we have to inform you of the death of a retired Police Officer : PC Lawrence Richardson, who died on Wednesday 16th January 2013, at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary. Aged 92 years.
Lawrence retired from Durham Constabulary in 1973

Wednesday 16 January 2013

Home Secretary approves radical overhaul of police pay and conditions

police-hendon_2288756b

  • Theresa May backs radical reform of pay and conditions
  • New recruits will see starting salary cut from £23,259 to £19,000
  • Controversial changes were drawn up by lawyer Tom Winsor
  • Police Federation says it 'fails to reflect the dangers' of the job

The Police Federation, which represents rank-and-file officers, said the cut was 'ill-conceived and fails to reflect the dangers and demands inherent in the job'.

There was also widespread anger on social media sites used by officers. One wrote on Twitter: 'McDonalds starting salary £21.5k…'

Mrs May, the home secretary, said the starting salary for police constables in England and Wales will be cut by £4,000 to around £19,000 in the first major overhaul of police pay and conditions for more than 30 years.

She told MPs she was accepting the recommendations of the police arbitration tribunal which would help “modernise police pay and conditions so that they are fair to both officers and the taxpayer”.

Mrs May said she accepted the tribunal's recommendation that the salary for recruits with no experience, such as school-leavers, should be cut by 17 per cent, to £19,000.

Older recruits with relevant experience, such as a period as a special constable, will earn £22,000 a year. New recruits in London will earn a minimum of £21,000, which could rise to £25,500, if they live in an expensive part of the capital.

The move follows a landmark review of police pay and conditions by the former rail regulator Tom Winsor, who is now the first non-officer to hold the post of Chief Inspector of Constabulary, which angered rank-and-file officers.

Mrs May said: “Existing police pay and conditions were designed more than 30 years ago which is why we asked Tom Winsor to carry out his independent review.

“Police officers and staff deserve to have pay and workforce arrangements that recognise the vital role they play in fighting crime and keeping the public safe.”

The home secretary stressed that in reaching her decision she recognised that the police did not have the right to strike and the particular frontline role and nature of the office of constable.

But the home secretary has followed the recommendation of the police arbitration tribunal to delay a decision on the most controversial element of the Winsor package, which is the introduction of a system of making police officers compulsorily redundant for the first time.

The change was to be introduced from April giving discretion to chief constables struggling to make 23% cuts in police funding over three years. The home secretary has now given police staff associations and their employers until July to reach agreement on compulsory severance.

Elfyn Llwyd, a member of the Commons justice select committee, said the move was a “historical low”.

“These repeated attacks on funding for vital public services are counter-productive and grossly unfair,” he said.

“The police service throughout the UK does a fantastic job but both the reputation of these forces and the safety of communities are in jeopardy due to the Coalition's unsustainable budget cuts and proposed changes in working practices which will undermine the morale of hard-working officers.”

He added: “This is a historical low in terms of Government’s lack of respect for the police service and it will have far-reaching consequences including making it more difficult for the police to ensure that they are able to deal with crime and public order.”

Labour's police spokesman, David Hanson, said the £4,000 cut in starting pay could not be allowed to discourage the best quality candidates from coming forward.

"There is a real worry that the proposed starting salary for all police officers will damage the ability of police forces to recruit officers of the right skills and experience and directly contradicts the government's own wish to limit recruitment to those with three A-levels and recruit professional people from outside the police," he said.

"The other proposed changes will hit police morale further at a time when the Tory-led government are making cuts to the police force which go too far, too fast, with the loss of 15,000 police officers by 2015. I'm pleased there will be more discussion on the issue of severance packages and we will continue to discuss with police forces and staff in coming months what reforms are needed."

Keith Vaz, the chairman of the Commons home affairs select committee, said it was the wrong time to cut the pay of ordinary police officers.

"Morale in the police force is already at an all-time low and the landscape of policing is undergoing the most significant reform since Sir Robert Peel. If the home secretary wants her revolution in policing to be successful, she must carry the workforce with her," he said.

Steve Williams, chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales, said officers were disappointed, but had agreed to be bound by the process involving the police negotiating board.

“Whilst we remain disappointed with some of the PAT’s recommendations we acknowledge that the Home Secretary has honoured the process of the Police Negotiating Board,” he said.

“We accept that today’s decision by the Home Secretary is binding on the Police Federation of England and Wales and we will continue to engage fully on behalf of our members.”

The Association of Chief Police Officers (Acpo) said it was essential that the system of pay and conditions recognised the professional status of policing and moved towards a system where pay levels rewarded expertise and contribution.

"Acpo was concerned about the starting salaries range proposed and the outcome of these negotiations means that chief constables will now have the flexibility to pay a starting salary of up to £22,000 depending on skills and qualifications. Officers can also reach the top rate of pay three years earlier than under the current arrangements," said the chief constables' statement.

"Police service funding has already been considerably reduced and further financial pressure lies ahead. Chief constables must have the means available to them to manage their workforce through these difficult times, even if that means taking steps that are unwelcome. The slow pace of progress through current pay machinery both hampers the ability to secure reform and prolongs uncertainty for officers and staff."

Monday 14 January 2013

Memories of DS Jim McIntosh

Many Thanks to Ian McIntosh for sending us some pictures of his father, the late DS Jim McIntosh : http://www.durhamnarpo.com/2010/12/death-of-retired-police-officer-sgt.html

Newby Wiske - May 1960

Back Row : Cliff Brown (Durham : Darlington), Brian Huscroft (Durham : Jarrow), Bill Paxton (Gateshead), Terry Denton (Hull City), Ray Cassie (Northumberland : Blyth), Jim Young (Durham : West Hartlepool), Malcolm Dalby (N.Riding : Southbank)

Middle Row : Don Glasper (Durham : West Hartlepool), John Hattersley (Durham : West Hartlepool), Jim McIntosh (Durham : Barnard Castle ) , Arthur Forrester (Durham : Seaham), Maurice Farn (Durham : Chester Le Street), Alan Dixon (Gateshead), Win Cole (Middlesbrough)

Front Row : Bill Webster (Newcastle), George Harrison (River Tyne), Sgt Santon (Durham), Mark Rannam (Newcastle), Ron Rochester (Newcastle)

Diving 1 Diving 2

Early 60’s Diving pictures, Jim is the diver on the right

Wakefield Detective Training School 1969.Middle Row  - Third from Left : Jim McIntosh (Durham)

Wakefield Detective Training School 1969.Middle Row  - Third from Left : Jim McIntosh (Durham)

Surveillance Course

Surveillance Course at Lancashire 1981 – Back row : DI Stan Bramfitt (Durham) & Third from left DS Jim McIntosh

To view the images in the NARPO gallery at a bigger size please click on them & if you know the names of anyone in the pictures please let us know

Saturday 12 January 2013

A couple of retired four legged friends (and their handler….)

Retired Durham Officer PC 566 Dave Davies sent us a couple of pictures of himself with two of his police dogs

D Davies Elle
Dave Davies with PD ‘ELLE’
D Davies Mikey
Dave Davies with PD ‘MIKEY’

Dave transferred to Durham Constabulary from the Met Police on the 10th May 1986 and transferred  dog section on the 4th January 1993 where he served until his retirement. Dave’s initial training for Dog Section was conducted by the late Paul Greener, who Dave says, “was a superb dog trainer especially for the day and age. Ahead of his time in methodology! “

During his service Dave served with numerous Police dogs : Max, Brutus, Tyler, Jack, Prince, Elle & specialist dogs Mikey (Lab, narcotics and firearm detection) & Hamish ( Terrier cross - Narcotics, Firearms and currency detection)
Dave retired on the 15th November 2009 and PD Elle & PD Hamish retired with him. All three are still enjoying retirement

Elle served from being a puppy!! and was bred in force, she retired with Dave and is now 9 years old.

Mikey was an unwanted gun dog, bought from a gun dog dealer in Alston and served from 1998 for five years or so, eventually being retired into Dave’s care and replaced by PD Hamish. Mikey has subsequently died.

Dave is now the editor for Service Dog, the official journal for The British Police & Services Canine Association.   BPSCA are needing members, they have people from all branches of the forces and police, all are or have been dog handlers and trainers, so the knowledge base is superb.  They have one trial a year held at Newbold Revel HMP college, Warwickshire. This year it is on the 13-7-2013.  There is also a specialist dog search, usually drugs but this year it will cater for all disciplines such as fire brigade, explo, drug, weapons.  Closing date for entries is last day of May.

For further info please visit : The British Police & Services Canine Association or Dave’s own website : www.daviddaviesdogtraining.com

Monday 7 January 2013

Death of a retired Police Officer : PC Joseph Hedley

It is with regret that we announce the death of retired Police Constable Joseph Hedley, who died on the 31st December 2012, aged 89 years.
Joseph Hedley leaves a widow May Unice Hedley.
The cremation service will be taking place at Mountsett Crematorium on the 14th January 2013 at 14.45p.m, the service is not private.

Friday 4 January 2013

Death of a retired Police Officer : PC 1821 Ralph Cook

It is with regret that we announce the death of a retired Police Officer : PC 1821 Ralph Cook, who died on the 23rd December, aged 80 years.
He Leaves a widow Jean Cook.
Ralph initially joined South Yorks Police in 1960, transferring to Durham Constabulary in 1971, where he served at Sunderland and then in 1974 he was transferred to Peterlee, from where he eventually retired.

The Police Traffic Control Box in the Market Place in Durham City

P.C. Bob Bell Durham Market Place 1950
PC Bob Bell, Durham Market Place about 1950 ?
Dick Collinson 1940. Note tin helmet
Dick Collinson : about 1940 (Note tin helmet)

Any idea’s who the PC is ?

The Police Traffic Control Box in the Market Place in Durham City.

Notice the step halfway up the box, which officers used to use to climb into the box as it had no door.

This was later changed as it was deemed undignified for an officer, particularly a WPC,  to climb in & out of the box

(Click on the images to view in the gallery)

Lambton House 1971

Lambton House 1971 <br />Bruce McMillain, ? ? Alan Borthwick, ? Jim Mordue, ? ?<br />? Steve Lackenby, ? Bill Sproates, Ian Martin, Colin Mitchell, Paul Caslaw, Nick Skelton,?<br />Phil Taylor, Richie Gibson, John Wright, John Gilsenan, Bill Miles, Hugh Blenkin, George Harrison, Geoff Seedman? Phil Iceton, Dave Dunn, ? — with Ian D. Martin.

One from Sedgefield Camp

Lambton House 1971


Bruce McMillan, ? ? Alan Borthwick, ? Jim Mordue, ? ?
? Steve Lackenby, ? Bill Sproates, Ian Martin, Colin Mitchell, Paul Caslaw, Nick Skelton,?
Phil Taylor, Richie Gibson, John Wright, John Gilsenan, Bill Miles, Hugh Blenkin, George Harrison, Geoff Seedman? Phil Iceton, Dave Dunn, ? — with Ian D. Martin.

(Click on the image to view in the gallery)

Cadets Instructors… Rugby ??

Back row; Ronnie Lambert, Colin Neal, Dave Cromarty, John Smith. Front Row; Ray Clish, Frank Pickering, Lawrie Cummings and George Nixon, Tom Baxter

Cadet Instructors at Aykley Heads somewhere between 1972 and 1974

Back row; PC Ronnie Lambert (Northumbria), Insp.Colin Neal, PC/Sgt Dave Cromarty, Sgt John Smith (North Yorks). Tom Baxter (Referee in yellow shirt)

Front Row :  Sgt Ray Clish, Sgt Frank Pickering, PC Lawrie Cummings and PC/Sgt George Nixon

 

Any of the Instructors or ex cadets remember what the occasion was ??

 

(Click on image to view in gallery)

Police Cadets : Xmas Concert : Oliver–1973 /74 ??

Police Cadets Christmas Concert 'Oliver' - 1973 or 74. Sgt Dave Cromarty, other Durham cadets : Steve Wintrell, Paul Wood, Frank Reed,  Carol Potts (Moore), Lynn Cleveland, Janet Clasper, Mick Kent, Bob Brown, Steve McLean, Brian Henderson & Denny Pygall

Police Cadets Christmas Concert  : 'Oliver' - 1973 or 74.

Sgt Dave Cromarty at front centre.

Other Durham cadets :

Steve Wintrell, Paul Wood, Frank Reed,  Carol Potts (Moore), Lynn Cleveland, Janet Clasper, Mick Kent, Bob Brown, Steve McLean, Brian Henderson & Denny Pygall

 

Northumbria Cadets : Syd Wareham, Fraser Gill, George Barber, Gillian Oakley

Any more names ??

Tuesday 1 January 2013

Happy New Year…

Basic RGB

Happy New Year...

Here's wishing you all a happy, healthy, prosperous and safe 2013.

Blog Archive