Tuesday 23 December 2014

Death of a retired Police Officer : Superintendent Reay Henderson

It is with regret that we have to inform you of the death of a retired Police Officer : Superintendent Reay Henderson (ex Durham & Northumbria)
Reay had been suffering  ill health for some months and died on Tuesday 16th December 2014. 
He  initially joined the Durham Constabulary and served at Hartlepool and on the S.I.S until the amalgamation in 1974 when he transferred to the Northumbria Police area,  working in many parts of the Force, including the Sunderland area, achieving  the rank of Superintendent. After retirement he moved house to Shotley Bridge.
The funeral is to take place at 12.30pm on Monday 29th December 2014 , at Mountsett Crematorium,  Dipton, near Stanley(Post Code DH99JP). Details will be posted in the Chronicle in due course.

Saturday 20 December 2014

Great Holiday deals for 2015…..

Message from NARPO HQ :

74497___gustavorezende___Kids_6_03As we approach the New Year, many of you will be thinking about booking your holidays for 2015, so just a quick reminder that NARPO has its own in-house travel agent “Travel with NARPO”. We are set up to provide you with exceptional deals and an unparalleled level of service.
Since our launch in November many of you have taken advantage of the great deals available and booked all sorts of breaks and holidays.
Whether you prefer Cruising, Summer Sun, Guided Tours or maybe doing your own thing with a tailor-made holiday, we are here to help and guide you and make sure that you get the very best deal.
You can find us online by visiting
www.travelwithnarpo.com or  www.travelwithnarpo.co.uk  or alternatively you can call us on either 0845 463 2448 or 01425 479811.
Remember – we’re here to make sure that you get the very best deals for Holidays in 2015.
We would also like to wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year
Regards
Signature

Deputy Chief Executive
01924 331 251
www.narpo.org

Sunday 14 December 2014

Death of a retired Police Officer : D.C. Thomas Herries

It is with regret that we have to inform you of the death of a retired Police Officer : D.C. Thomas Herries, aged 94 years who died on Tuesday, 9th December, 2014.
His next of kin is Francis BUDKIN (daughter) and son in law Peter Budkin.  ( Service details not available from family)
The funeral will take place on Tuesday, 16th December at 10.15am, at Darlington Crematorium.
Family flowers only.
Donations in lieu to St. Teresa’s Hospice or Marie Curie Funds. Offering plate will be in the crematorium.
Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time.

Friday 28 November 2014

Mr Mitchell has lost libel case against News Group over 'Plebgate' row

Andrew Mitchell

Interesting read from the Daily Mail online.

To read the full article please click on the picture

Former Government whip Andrew Mitchell faces £3MILLION bill after libel judge decides he DID call police 'f****** plebs' - because the officer lacked the 'wit or imagination' to make it up

Tory MP Andrew Mitchell is facing political and financial ruin after losing his £3million Plebgate libel trial yesterday.
A High Court judge ruled that the former Cabinet Minister did call police officers ‘f****** plebs’ when they refused to let him cycle through the main Downing Street gate in 2012.
Mr Justice Mitting described the MP’s behaviour on the night as ‘childish’ and said his version of events was inconsistent with CCTV footage. He said Mr Mitchell probably did not remember using the ‘politically toxic phrase’ because he was too angry.
By MARTIN ROBINSON FOR MAILONLINE and ARTHUR MARTIN FOR THE DAILY MAIL

Monday 24 November 2014

Explosives Handling Course, Catterick Camp 1960’s

Explosive Handling Course 1960's

Many Thanks to Steve Hodgson for supplying this picture of an Explosives Handling Course, at Catterick Camp in the 1960’s.

Officers from the Special Incident Squad & H.Q. CID attended

Back row: Lawrie Hodgson, Brian McDonnagh , Paddy Farrell, Maurice Soady, Dennis Cullen,
Army Major running the course, Jim Strachan, Harry Scott, Stan Davison
Front row : Army Sgt, Steve Coxon, Gordon Bacon, John Glendenning, Stan ?, Army Sgt, Bernie Price.

Inter Services Post Joint Operations

RAF Air Sea Rescue

Many thanks to Norman Davison for this photo from an Inter Services Post Joint Operation, which was an emergency dialysis cabin lift at Annfield Plain, Catchgate area to Hare Low, Birtley.

Pictured are : Traffic North Officers: Peter Thomas, Ken Bailey, Bill Newby, Norman Davison, Brian Jones,
pilot & co. pilot. R.A.F. Air/ Sea Rescue

Can anyone identify the Traffic Officer far right ? (Many Thanks to Frank Hewison, for identifying Brian Jones)

Tuesday 18 November 2014

Paws Up Christmas Cards are now available…

PawsUp Xmas Card-1Paws Up (The Durham Police Dogs Benevolent Fund) are delighted to announce their first ever production of a festive greetings card.


These are now available to order on line at the Paws Up shop.
Just click on the image to be taken to the merchandise page at www.pawsup.org.uk
As ever, all proceeds are to help our retired four legged colleagues.

Please note that this is ONE card only ...
It is reversible, with an image on both sides and designed to appeal to people of all ages !

One side shows our very own drugs detection dog -
Police Dog 'Dexter' posing amongst presents with Paws Up mascot 'Bob'.
On the reverse is a lovely festive image of 'Bob' only.

 
The cards are A6 in size and come with an envelope.
Full colour, printed on 300 Gsm card and left blank inside for your own message. 

For mail order / on line sales, we are selling these exclusive cards in packs of 10 for only £5 - including P&P.

They have a limited production of 1,000 cards available.

Saturday 15 November 2014

Support our local retired Police Dogs : Paws Up Calendar 2015

Paws UpThe ‘Paws Up’ team have been busy preparing the 2015 calendar and it is now available by

CLICKING HERE

The calendar costs £8 including post and packaging and has some fabulous pictures of our local Police Dogs.

Get yourself a great calendar and you will also be helping to support these dogs after their working lives are over

Thursday 13 November 2014

Life Should Mean Life–Sign the E-Petition

Harry RobertsPC Geoffrey Fox, Det Con David Wombwell and Sgt Christopher Head were murdered in 1966

The recent announcement of the parole board that Harry Roberts, who was found guilty of the murder of three police officers, was to be recommended for release has prompted an e-petition calling for a  Compulsory Life Tariff for Murder of the Police.

To sign the petition use the link below :

Click Here to View/Sign E-Petition

The President of NARPO Ian Potter has described the release of the notorious police killer Harry Roberts, who was jailed for life for murdering three unarmed officers in Shepherd's Bush, West London, in 1966 as ‘a disgrace and an insult to the families of the victims and yet another demonstration of how this Government have scant regard for policing in this country.’ Roberts was released from Prison on Tuesday(11/11/2014) despite opposition from various police bodies including the Police Federation. Ian Potter said ‘ A large number of our members will have been serving at the time of this heinous crime, which at the time sent shock waves through the Police Service owing to the nature of this callous and cold blooded murder of three unarmed Police Officers carrying out the job they loved. This man should never have been considered for release and should have remained incarcerated for the rest of his life for committing this cowardly act, which was an offence against both the victims and the nation as a whole. We wholeheartedly agree with the comments made by the Police Federation amongst others and our thoughts are with the victims’ families and our NARPO colleagues who served with the victims at the time of their deaths. I now call upon this Government to urgently introduce legislation that ensures life means an ‘entire life sentence’ for the killers of police officers.’

Tuesday 11 November 2014

Is this how we start a Steel Band ?

1970 Durham City Magistrates

This photo was taken outside of Durham City Magistrates Court in 1970 and taken from the Northern Echo.

If I remember correctly,  Clishy “Hendo, is this how we start a Steel Band?”

(The real story was that these items were recovered from the main Durham to London railway line by Tom Clish… disaster averted and a commendation for Tom)

In pic left to right, Jeff Wittingham? Tom Clish, Peter McNulty and John Henderson.

Many Thanks to John Henderson for sending in the photo.

PS. Tunic’s and ‘Bulled’ boots – Those were the days Smile

Monday 10 November 2014

THINK! Don’t Drink Drive 50th Anniversary Advert

The 11th hour of the 11th Day of the 11th month

Flanders FieldRemembrance Day is also known as Poppy Day.

It was first observed in 1919, however until 1945 it was called Armistice Day. Traditionally there is two minutes of silence at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month because that was the time (in Britain) when the armistice became effective in 1918.
Today, in the UK Remembrance Sunday is also observed on the Sunday nearest to November 11th. So, in the United Kingdom, two minutes' silence is observed on November 11 itself, and on the second Sunday of November. Remembrance Sunday, ceremonies are held at War Memorials, all over the UK and over the years it has become a day to commemorate not just the sacrifice of servicemen and women but the suffering of civilians in times of war.

Remembrance Sunday is commemorated by church services around the UK and a parade of ex-service personnel in London’s Whitehall. Wreaths of poppies are placed on war memorials from the Cenotaph, a war memorial in Whitehall, to the tiniest war memorials in villages all over Britain. Small wooden crosses are placed in Gardens of Remembrance as private acts of remembering individual losses and suffering and people pin poppies to their coat or jacket.

History states that it was the poem 'In Flanders Fields' written in 1915 by Colonel John McCrae, a Canadian Medical Officer, that captured the imagination of the British people in the dark days of trench warfare on the Western Front when so many young soldiers failed to return. Six months before the Armistice, McCrae was brought on a stretcher to a big hospital on the French coast and saw the cliffs of Dover from his room. He died that night and was buried in a cemetery above Wimereux. Before he died, he said to the doctor: "Tell them this . . . If ye break faith with us who die, we shall not sleep." An American woman, Miss Moina Michael, wrote a moving poem in reply and bought 25 red poppies, wearing one herself as a way to keep faith with the war dead; a French woman, Madame Guerin, came up with the practical idea of making and selling artificial poppies to help ex-service men and their dependents in need.

Britain's first Poppy Day was held in 1921 and the money raised helped children in war-devastated areas. The Royal British Legion opened its own poppy factory in London in 1922 to give practical help in time of need to all who have served in the armed forces and their widows and dependents. The paper poppies that are worn today are made by ex-service personnel and are sold by representatives of the Royal British Legion, an organisation of ex-servicemen and women. Today, they make more than 35 million poppies and 65,000 wreaths for the annual poppy appeal. Poppies grew in great abundance in the shell-torn fields of Flanders during the War. Because of its abundance it became the symbol of remembrance of two world wars.

Newly Promoted Inspectors Course. 1979

Newly Promoted Inspectors Course. 1979<br />

Newly Promoted Inspectors Course. 1979
Joe Alderson, Tom Soulsby (Northumbria), Matt Longstaff, John Bell (Northumbria), Lloyd Luke, Barrie Bell (Northumbria), Terry Stonehouse? (Cleveland)
Alan Craig (N.Yorks), Norman Davison, John Burke (Cleveland), Alan Campbell ( Director of Studies),
Ronnie Haine (Northumbria Instructor), Angela Shaw (North Yorks) Jim Strachan

Many Thanks to Norman Davison for the photo

The new Durham Constabulary Headquarters

HQ HQ inside

Durham Constabulary has recently taken ownership of a state of the art new Headquarters facility, designed to provide everything needed for the challenges of modern-day policing.
It replaces the old building, which was constructed in the 1960s and was no longer fit for purpose.

The new-build, which staff moved into during August and September, is positioned opposite the old base at Aykley
Heads,Durham. It houses call handlers and dispatchers, as well as other central services including the force’s
executive team, and the finance, human resources, criminal justice, intelligence and information technology
departments.There is also an office for Durham Police and Crime Commissioner Ron Hogg.
Chief Constable Mike Barton said:“A few years back we took a look at our existing headquarters, the on-going
maintenance cost for a building that was becoming a bit of a money pit, and the feasibility of maintaining it longer
term, and deciding it was time to do something about it.
“The build of the new headquarters along with the on-going developments across our estates were essential for us to police effectively in the 21st century”.
“We now have around 600 people housed under one roof, and have moved a selection of other departments out to other locations in order to streamline operations.
“Our old facility was out dated and had become a drain on resources, costing far too much of our budget each year to
maintain. The gas bill is 0% and the electricity is 6% of the former HQ. All these savings mean £750k per annum -
which pays for 17 police officers.We took the decision to invest in our future and develop a purpose-built central hub.
We’ve been able to deliver this project on time and within budget due to the commitment of our small estates team,
who have worked tirelessly over the past few years to make this happen.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Ron Hogg said: “I am delighted that we have taken ownership of a new headquarters
building that is constructed to an extremely high standard, and is designed to last 60 years”.
“Durham Constabulary headquarters staff now operate in an open-plan work environment,which lends itself to
smarter team working between separate departments. I firmly believe that this can only make the service we offer the
people of County Durham and Darlington even better.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all those involved in the development of the new build and for their on-going
commitment to improving the estates facilities across the organisation. It’s also important to note that we own the
buildings – they are not PFI contracts which are now proving very expensive to maintain”.

Thursday 6 November 2014

Death of a retired Police Officer : PC 1187 George Edward Atkinson

It is with regret that we have to announce the death of a retired Police Officer :  PC 1187 George Edward Atkinson, of Howden le Wear, who died on October 31st aged 74yrs, .
PC Atkinson was appointed by West Riding Constabulary on the 14th September 1959.
He transferred to Durham on the 30th September 1965, where he served until he was medically retired on the 28th February 1985.
He leaves a wife  Betty, daughter Gillian & sons Andrew and Christophe.
The funeral service will take place on Friday, 7th November 2014, at 10.45am in the Howden Le Wear Methodist Church, followed by Cremation in the Wear Valley Crematorium. Family flowers only, donations in memory may be left at the church for Church Funds. The service is not private.
Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time.

Monday 3 November 2014

Latest edition of the Durham Peeler now online

Durham Peeler - Winter 2014NARPO chairman Alan Watson has been burning the candle at both ends to once again to produce the Winter 2014 edition of the Durham Peeler.

Please CLICK HERE or on the image to view the magazine

To ‘catch up’ on previous editions of the Durham Peeler visit the website at :

http://www.durhamnarpo.org.uk/p/durham-peeler.html

Police Federation Magazine for October is now online

October 2014Police Federation Magazine for October is now online on the website.
To view the magazine please click HERE and then click on the individual thumbnail image on the page

Sunday 2 November 2014

Death of a retired Police Officer : Inspector Ronald Bell (Ex Durham & Northumbria)

Ron Bell 2

It is with regret that we have to inform you of the death of a retired Police Officer : Inspector Ronald Bell (Ex Durham & Northumbria) who died on Monday 27th October 2014, aged 89yrs.
Mr Bell joined Durham County Constabulary on the 22nd May 1948 and served at Horden,Stockton,Billingham,Port Clarence & Billingham Crime Cars.
He was seconded to British Police Cyprus between August 1958 and February 1959 and on return was promoted Sergeant at Darlington in 1960, also serving at Seaham and Easington before being promoted to Inspector in October 1967 and was transferred to Sunderland where he served until he retired in September 1976 (Northumbria after amalgamation in 1974)
He was a Founder member of the Durham County Constabulary Male Voice Choir in 1948 and sang until May 2014 a total of 66 years
He is survived by his son John, a former Durham Police Officer (PC 494) and partner Dorothy.
The funeral will be held at  Ewesley Road, Methodist Church Sunderland SR4 7RJ at 12.45pm Friday 7th November 2014, followed by cremation at Sunderland Crematorium  SR4 7RS 1.30 pm.
There will be a buffet at the Rosedene, Queen Alexandra Road, Sunderland SR2 9BT after and all friends are invited
Any donations to the British Heart Foundation
Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time
Picture below shows Ron in his Billingham Car Crime days....

img006

Thursday 30 October 2014

Death of a former member of police staff : Miss Marjorie Preston

It is with regret that we have to announce the death of a retired member of Police staff : Miss Marjorie Preston, who died on 25th October 2014 aged 79 years.
Former colleagues will recall that Marjorie worked in Finance dealing with Pay and Pensions for many years and retiring in 1993.
The funeral arrangements are now confirmed and the service will be held at 11am on Monday 10th November at St Mary Magdalene Church, Belmont. The service is not private and friends are asked to meet at church
Marjorie will be dearly missed by her many friends and our thoughts are with them at this sad time.

Death of a former member of police staff : Audrey Fidiam

It is with regret that we have to announce the death of a retired member of Police staff : Mrs Audrey Fidiam, who died on 28th October 2014, aged 86 years.
Audrey worked for Durham Constabulary for 36 years based in Traffic for many years and retiring from the Welfare Office on the 30th April 1987.
Audrey leaves a husband, Jack (ex Chief Superintendent with Durham),  daughter Allyson, grandson Adam and son-in-law David.
The funeral service is not private and friends are asked to please meet for a service at Durham Crematorium on Thursday November 6th at 11.00am. Family flowers only please, any donations in lieu will be shared between St. Cuthbert's Hospice, Durham  and Great North Air Ambulance and a collection plate will be at the Crematorium for those who would wish to donate.
Our thoughts are with Jack and his family at this sad time.

Monday 27 October 2014

Death of a retired Police Officer : Sgt 374 Adrian Lacey

It is with regret that we have to announce the death of a retired Police Officer, Sgt 374 Adrian Lacey, who died on the 19th October 2014, aged 81 years.
Mr Lacey leaves a widow Patricia and a son Tim.
Mr Lacey retired from Durham Constabulary in 1986.
The funeral service will be held on Wednesday 29th October 2014 at 11.15am, this will take place at Darlington Crematorium. The service is not private.
Donations have been requested in lieu of flowers to the Friarage Scanner Appeal, these can be sent c/o John Blenkiron & Sons Ltd, Funeral Directors, Victoria House, 21 Queens Road, Richmond, DL10 4AJ
Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time.

Remembrance Service at the new Police HQ

Lest_we_forgetThe Remembrance Service will be held at the new Police HQ at 1030am on Tuesday 11th November. 
The event will include:
 
A rededication of the honours boards from the old Police HQ

A dedication of the Garden of Remembrance

Normal Remembrance Service

Tuesday 21 October 2014

Paws Up Calendar 2015

2015-CalendarThe ‘must have  ‘accessory’ for 2015 is at the printers - the ‘Paws Up’ 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 twelve pictures of  of our four legged friends for you to view over the next year.


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

Order now as last years calendars sold out very quickly.

Orders will be sent out as soon as we receive the calendars from the printers

Wednesday 15 October 2014

Federation Magazine : new updates

April 2014 May 2014 June 2014 July 2014
  August 2014 September 2014  

Police Federation Magazines for April through to October are now online on the website.

To view the magazines please click HERE and then click on the individual thumbnail images on the page

September CPI figure released

The Office of National Statistics has today released the Consumer Price Index for September 2014 as 1.2% down from 1.5% in August.

For those eligible for Pension Increase, Police Pensions will rise by 1.2% in April 2015

Sunday 12 October 2014

Death of a retired Police Officer : Chief Inspector 1388 Gordon Smith

It is with regret that we have to inform you of the death of a retired Police Officer : Chief Inspector 1388 Gordon Smith who died on 2nd September 2014, aged 71 years.

Gordon joined Durham Constabulary in 1960 and served as a Police Cadet for two years before being appointed as a constable on 1st April 1962 when his first posting was to Consett.  He later served at Bleach Green, Whickham then at Stockton where he undertook roles on Beat Duty, as Divisional Car Driver and in Motor Patrols. He continued to serve with Motor Patrols moving to Durham in March 1968.  In 1971 he was attached to Fingerprints returning to Motor Patrols in 1972.  In 1973 he moved back to Consett, leaving there in 1976 on promotion to Sgt at Durham City.  In 1979 he was seconded to Dishforth as an Instructor returning after 2 years to work at Durham City then at Meadowfield Section.

He was promoted to Inspector and had a further secondment as an Instructor from 1983, serving two years at Pannal Ash, Harrogate.  Gordon returned to force in 1985 initially at Chester-le-Street then in Force Training where he was promoted to Chief Inspector.  After he left Training he went into Control Room and then Criminal Justice Admin retiring on 25th May 1997.

Mr Smith leaves a widow Vivienne, daughters Julie and Louise, sons-in-law Rex and Steve and grandchildren Ana and Alice.

Gordon’s funeral has already taken place and our thoughts remain with his family during this difficult and sad time.

Saturday 4 October 2014

Death of a retired Police Officer : Sergeant 73 George Robson

It is with regret that we have to announce the death of a retired Police Officer : Sergeant 73 George Robson who died on the 28th September 2014, aged 88 years.
George does not leave a widow.
George was Sgt 73, and he retired on the 31st March 1978, from the Driving School where he spent many years.
The funeral Service will take place on Thursday 9th October 2014, at 11.15am at Darlington Crematorium.  Family flowers
only by request but donations if so desired may be left at the Crematorium or with the family and will be passed to Alzheimer’s UK. 
Friends and former colleagues are asked to meet at the Crematorium.  George’s family have extended an invitation to join them
at his daughter Carol’s home, 31 Troon Avenue, Darlington for refreshments after the service.
Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time.

Death of a retired Police Officer : David Hodgson

It is with regret that we have to announce the death of retired Police Officer David Hodgson of Willington who died on the
29th September 2014, aged 95 years.
David was the beloved husband of Winifred and much loved dad of Jeff and partner Lyn. Also a dear brother,
brother-in-law and uncle. David will be sadly missed by all his family and friends.
The service will take place on Monday, 6th October 2014, at 12.30pm at the Wear Valley Crematorium in Coundon.
The service is not private.
Family flowers only please. Donations in lieu to Help for Heroes may be left at the Crematorium.
Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time.

Friday 5 September 2014

Death of a retired Police Officer : PC938 Eric Richard Hall

It is with regret that we have to advise you of the death of a retired Police Officer - PC 938 Eric Richard Hall who died on 28th August 2014 after a short illness, aged 86 years.
Mr Hall retired from Durham Constabulary on 1st July 1984, having served his later years at Traffic South & Traffic Admin.
He leaves a daughter & son, Christine and Robert and father-in-law of Colin. Adored by grandchildren Mike, Ruth, Laura and Matthew and great-grandchildren Holly, Evan, Nuala, Rowan and Freddie.
The Funeral is to be held on Monday, 8th September. Would family and friends please meet for service in Darlington Crematorium at 2.45pm.
Family flowers only please. Donations if desired may be sent for the Alzheimer's Society c/o Whitehouse Funeral Service. 11 West Auckland Road, Darlington. DL3 9EJ.
Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time.

Wednesday 27 August 2014

Death of a retired Police Officer : Sgt 156 Robert Elleanor

It is with regret that we have to advise you of the death of a retired Police Officer : Sgt 156 Robert Elleanor who died on 10th August 2014, aged 95 years.
Mr Elleanor retired from Durham Constabulary on 14th March 1973. 
He does not leave a widow but will be much missed by family and friends.
The Funeral service is to be held at 1.15pm on Thursday 28th August 2014 at St Luke’s Church in Ferryhill.  This will be followed by Cremation at Durham Crematoruim at 2pm.  The service is not private & all are welcome to join family & friends following the Crematorium at St Lukes.
Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time.

Thursday 21 August 2014

Widow’s Pension for Life

An enduring injustice in the 1987 Police Pension scheme is that those in receipt of a widow or widowers’ pension under those scheme rules lose their pension if they remarry or cohabit. Although improvements have been made to this aspect of the police pension in subsequent schemes, the provisions were not made retrospective in their affect so most police widows are still in the position of losing their pension in these circumstances. We believe this provision is demeaning and not an appropriate condition in a modern age and it should be abolished.

The link below is to a petition seeking a change to this provision and we would encourage members to sign it. 

E-PETITION

Friday 15 August 2014

Death of retired Police Officer - PC 1646 Eric Alderton

It is with regret that we have to announce the death of retired Police Officer - PC 1646 Eric Alderton, who died on the 9th August 2014, aged 82 years.
Mr Alderton leaves a widow Anne Alderton and a son Eric.
The funeral service is taking place on Monday 18th August 2014 at 1530hrs at Durham Crematorium, the service is not private.
Donations can be made in lieu of flowers to the British Heart Foundation.
Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time.

Death of a retired Police Officer - PC 1275 Arthur Soppitt

It is with regret that we have to announce the death of a retired Police Officer - PC 1275 Arthur Soppitt, who died on the 7th August 2014. He was aged 78 years.
Mr Soppitt was medically retired from Durham Constabulary on the 2nd June 1984.
Mr Soppitt leaves a widow and a daughter.
The funeral service will be taking place on Monday 18th August 2014 at Durham Crematorium at 1300hrs, the service is not private.
Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time.

Wednesday 13 August 2014

Former policeman from Crook with multiple sclerosis to be pushed round BUPA Great North Run for charity

Ossie OutersideA FORMER policeman who developed multiple sclerosis after running the first ever Great North Run is tackling this year's race in a wheelchair.
Ossie Outterside, 67, completed the Newcastle to South Shields half marathon in 1981 with pal Norman Clarke.
They were two of the 12,000 runners to cover the 13.1mile course while raising funds for charity.
Mr Outterside succumbed to multiple sclerosis 21-years ago. He is now in a wheelchair and is a resident of Bradbury House, Crook, County Durham - run by Leonard Cheshire Disability.
He is part of a team, which includes staff members and fellow resident John Broadley, 49, who has spina bifida.
The pair will be pushed round the half marathon course in their wheelchairs by care home staff on September 7 as part of the race.
Mr Outterside spent 26 and a half years as a police constable covering Darlington, Newton Aycliffe, Bishop Auckland and Barnard Castle.
He said: “I liked running when I did the first race and we raised quite a lot of money for good causes.
“It was hard but there was a great atmosphere. I ran the Great North Run twice. I’m looking forward to this year’s race and I’m especially looking forward to the finishing line.”
Michelle Cooper, Debi Parker, Carol Carr and Sarah Bowes who work at the home, on Worthington Close, will push the wheelchairs.
Care home volunteers Jason Bailey and Glyn Burlingson and Mrs Parker’s husband, Steven, will also help.
Fellow staff member Olena Rusa is also running the race but not as part of the wheelchair team.
They are all aiming to raise £2,500 for Leonard Cheshire Disability to use to help Bradbury House patients.
Mrs Parker said: “We’ve been to Hamsterley Forest to do some training. We pushed the wheelchairs for about five and a half miles.
“We’re going to do some more training. It will be hard but we will be taking turns with the pushing and we’re excited and looking forward to it. We hope to take three hours.”
To sponsor the runners visit justgiving.com/BradburyHouse/ or text LCDB69 plus a cash figure to 70070.

Who is the Sgt ??

PC Jack Blair & Sgt ??

Photo shows PC Jack Blair on his Norton motorcycle (JPT404) but who is the Sgt next to him on the Norton (RPT156)

If you can help, please leave a comment below or email us at durhamnarpo@gmail.com

Saturday 9 August 2014

One for the Police Women

‘If Not Us Films’ are making a landmark and definitive feature length documentary for BBC FOUR that will celebrate 100 years of  women in the police to coincide with the centenary next year. They are currently looking to speak to police women who: Were the ‘first’… be it in the mounted branch, traffic officer, WPC to carry a gun, female police officer in their regional force, female police officer of an ethnic minority, to wear trousers, on a bomb disposal team etc.
Any retired policewomen who were part of the Women's Auxiliary Police Corps
If you were any of these things we’d like to hear from you.
You can reach the team on 01273 322717 or email :

molly@ifnotusfilms.com

Any volunteers to help with SSAFA

I am a volunteer organiser with SSAFA, The Soldiers, Sailors and Airmens Families Association (the oldest Military Charity in the world) While SSAFA nationally has a wide remit of services caring for those who are still serving or who have served in any of our armed forces, in County Durham we are mainly concerned with the welfare of ex-service personnel and their dependants.
We have a pressing need for volunteer caseworkers to visit our clients and identify their needs and then work to procure the resources necessary to meet that need.
We are particularly short of volunteers in the Durham and Derwentside areas.
Given the ethos of service within the emergency services and the fact that many of your members are likely to be ex-service  personnel, I therefore request that you might include an appeal for volunteers for SSAFA, in any NARPO circulations you may have.
While everyone in SSAFA Durham is a volunteer (we have no paid staff) we do pay out of pocket expenses and we give full training for any role undertaken (usually in our central office in London).
Our Address is SSAFA, RFCA, 53 Old Elvet, Durham City DH1 3JJ Tel. 0191 383 9452  (24 hr. answerphone)
Our office is open Monday and Thursday 10 am - 12.30 pm.
Thank you so much for your consideration
Kind Regards
Terry Walton

Sunday 13 July 2014

Next meeting of NARPO (Durham Branch)

diary-plgThe next meeting of NARPO (Durham Branch) will be held on Monday 14th July 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.

Please Note :
Cockton Hill Road, Bishop Auckland will be closed from 7th July, for 2 weeks. This will be from the junction with Craddock Street, continuing west along Watling Road, in the direction of Tindale Crescent and West Auckland.
The Bishop Auckland Hospital Club, is in Escomb Road, so anyone coming in from South Church, Darlington, or West Auckland would have to make a detour.

Friday 4 July 2014

Death of a retired Police Officer : Sgt 580 David W. Young

Dave Young

It is with regret that we have to inform you of the unexpected death of a retired Police Officer :  Sgt 580 David W Young who died on Wednesday 2nd July, aged 55 years.

Dave joined Durham Constabulary in 1982 and after leaving HQ training worked at Seaham Town and New Seaham before going into Peterlee ASU in April 1989.  From July 1989 to March 1990 Dave worked in CID at Peterlee before returning to Seaham.  In August 1991 he moved to Chester-le-Street, going on to serve at Sherburn in January 1996 and returning to Seaham in 1998 on promotion.  He went on to spend two years as Custody Sergeant at Peterlee and returned to Seaham from September 2001 until September 2004. Dave then worked on the Anti-Social Behaviour Unit in the North Area for 15 months before taking over the Executive Management lead at Durham Agency Against Crime.
He leaves a wife, Carole, who many of you will recall from her long service with the Constabulary.  Dave was also father to Rebecca, Matthew and Adam and to Emma.

The funeral service is to be held at 1.15pm on Monday 14th July 2014 at Elvet Methodist Church, Durham City, to be followed by cremation.
Parking around the church can be problematic so anyone attending the service may need to take this into consideration when planning their arrangements.
Friends and former colleagues are asked to please meet at church, and Carole and family have expressed an open invitation to join the family for refreshments at The Stonebridge PH, Durham, after the service.
Family flowers only would be preferred however anyone wishing to make a donation, in lieu of flowers in Dave’s memory, is asked to consider making this to St Cuthbert’s Hospice, Durham City please.
Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time.

Wednesday 18 June 2014

The Police Mutual Wellbeing Zone

Message from NARPO HQ
The Police Mutual Wellbeing Zone has now gone mobile see attached and below for Instructions on how to install.
Mobile App
Great news! The Wellbeing Zone is now available as a Mobile App – on iOS, Android and Blackberry platforms.
In partnership with PMAS, we have now completed the work which means your Wellbeing Zone site is now accessible via the PMF Wellbeing App.
We have updated your website so there is now a ‘Call to Action’ banner on your Landing Page with links to the private store pages, where your users can install the app. We have also put the details on the attached Login Flyer for you, and summarised below.
All your members need to do is visit the relevant Store Page link from their smartphone and follow the instructions to install the app –their site username and password will then allow them to login to the App.
They need to use the Store Page links, as distribution is not via the public app stores, because the ‘PMF Wellbeing App’ is a private, bespoke business B2B application.
Installation details:
iPhone:
·         Install only available directly via policemutualfoundation.wellbeingzone.co.uk/appstore/iphone
Android:
·         Install directly via policemutualfoundation.wellbeingzone.co.uk/appstore/android
·         User can also search on 'PMF Wellbeing Zone' in Google Play Store and install directly from there.
Blackberry:
·         Install only available directly via policemutualfoundation.wellbeingzone.co.uk/appstore/blackberry
Please circulate to members

National Police Training Centres Reunion

Members will have seen the recent notice regarding a reunion for past trainers at Pannal Ash, Central Planning Unit, Newby Wiske, Dishforth and Durham Police Training Centres.  The response has been very good and a large attendance will take  place at the Holiday Inn, Harrogate on Wednesday 8th October 2014.
Overnight accommodation, dinner and entertainment  at special prices , including drinks, make this an attractive event.
The organisers have received several requests from former trainers from other training centres and because the venue is sufficiently large, we have now decided to open the occasion to ALL former trainers at Ryton, Bruche, Chantmarle, Ashford and Cwmbran.  Tables will be arranged to ensure that everyone will be with former colleagues.  Spouses and partners are most welcome.
It should be a unique reunion of those responsible for initial training of police officers in the 60's,70's and 80's and a good night is guaranteed.
A reduced two night package at the hotel is available making it even more attractive for those travelling long distances.
Please contact either
Dave Tingle :  dave@tinglefamily.net  tel 01909772713  or
Brendan Lally :  bplally146@sky.com
for detailed information of cost etc

Death of a retired Police Officer :Chief Superintendent William (Bill) Hills

Bill Hills2It is with regret that we have to announce the death of retired Chief Superintendent William (Bill) HILLS , who died on 15th June 2014, aged 77 years.
Mr Hills joined Durham Constabulary 13.11.1956 and served at HQ Training, Darlington, Birtley, Motor Patrols, HQ Research Department, as the Chief Constable’s driver, and as an Instructor at Harperley Hall, before returning to Motor Patrols.  In 1969 he was promoted to the rank of Inspector and went on secondment to the No 2 District PTC as an Instructor, returning to force in 1971 in HQ Admin.  In 1972 he returned to Darlington,  then undertook roles in Training and the role of Deputy Sub-Divisional Commander at Sedgefield.  In 1982 he was appointed Superintendent and headed the Community Relations Department moving on to be Deputy Divisional Commander at Bishop Auckland from 1984.  In 1989 he was promoted to Chief Superintendent and headed the Uniform Operations Department until his retirement in March 1992.
He leaves a widow Pat and two adult sons.
The funeral will take place at 13:30hrs on Wednesday 25th June 2014 at Elm Ridge Methodist Church, Darlington. This service is not private but is to be followed by a private cremation.
Family flowers only by request please.  Donations in lieu of flowers, if so desired, can be made to Parkinsons UK – a plate will be available in church.
Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time.

Saturday 7 June 2014

Brazilian Police gear up for the World Cup

With the World Cup ‘kicking off’ this next week the Brazilian Motorcycle Police have been having a busy time preparing for one or two escorts !!

Brazil 1 Brazil 7 Brazil 5
Brazil 4 Brazil 6
Click on pictures to enlarge
Brazil 2

FIFA world cup 2014 Brazil
There are approximately 600 motor officers of the Brazilian Federal Highway patrol in all Brazil, the number may vary in states depending on the displacement of games and selections.

Groups of motor officers will be escorting the teams and chiefs of state and other representative figures, other groups of motor officers (that are called MOTOPOL) will reinforce security in critical areas nearby the stadiums and highways and also give support to the escorts. Groups can be remobilized , according to demands.

At 600 units in service it is believed that the Brazilian Federal Highway Patrol may be the largest single agency employing Harley-Davidson Police Model Motorcycles

Many Thanks to Officers : Emerson Luiz & Allan Oliveira for the information & pictures

Brazil 3

Tuesday 3 June 2014

Two-week opportunity for UK to reduce threat from powerful computer attack

NCAThe NCA is today urging members of the public to protect themselves against powerful malicious software (malware), which may be costing UK computer users millions of pounds.

Action taken by the NCA to combat the threat will give the UK public a unique, two-week opportunity to rid and safeguard themselves from two distinct but associated forms of malware known as GOZeuS and CryptoLocker.
Members of the public can protect themselves by making sure security software is installed and updated, by running scans and checking that computer operating systems and applications are up to date.
The NCA’s alert is part of one of the largest industry and law enforcement collaborations attempted to date. Activity in several countries, led by the FBI in the US, has weakened the global network of infected computers, meaning that action taken now to strengthen online safety can be particularly effective.
GOZeuS (also known as P2PZeuS) has been assessed as being responsible for the fraudulent transfer of hundreds of millions of pounds globally. Recent intelligence has suggested that more than 15,500 computers in the UK are currently infected, with many more potentially at risk.
By disrupting the system used by the infected computers to communicate with each other, and the criminals controlling them, this activity aims to significantly reduce the malware’s effectiveness.
Individuals in the UK may receive notifications from their Internet Service Providers that they are a victim of this malware and are advised to back up all important information – such as files, photography and videos. Businesses should also test their incident responses and business resilience protocols and work with their IT departments or suppliers to educate employees on the potential threat.
Get Safe Online is providing advice, guidance and tools on its website at www.getsafeonline.org/nca to help internet users understand more about the malicious software and how to protect themselves and their computers from attacks. A number of cyber security companies have supplied remediation tools, which can be accessed via Get Safe Online, to help clean up infected machines.
Andy Archibald, Deputy Director of the NCA’s National Cyber Crime Unit, said: “Nobody wants their personal financial details, business information or photographs of loved ones to be stolen or held to ransom by criminals. By making use of this two-week window, huge numbers of people in the UK can stop that from happening to them.
“Whether you find online security complicated or confusing, or simply haven’t thought about keeping your personal or office computers safe for a while, now is the time to take action. Our message is simple: update your operating system and make this a regular occurrence, update your security software and use it and, think twice before clicking on links or attachments in unsolicited emails.”
“Those committing cyber crime impacting the UK are often highly-skilled and operating from abroad. To respond to this threat, the NCA is working closely with law enforcement colleagues all over the world, and developing important relationships with the private sector.”
GOZeuS and CryptoLocker
Users are typically infected by clicking on attachments or links in emails which may look like they have been sent by genuine contacts and may purport to carry invoices, voicemail messages, or any file made to look innocuous. These emails are generated by other victims’ computers, who do not realise they are infected, and are used to send mass emails creating more victims.
If the file or link is clicked on an unprotected computer, GOZeuS is downloaded and installed and it will then link the victim’s computer to a network of already-infected machines, known as a BotNet.
The malware waits silently, monitoring the user’s activity until the opportunity arises to capture banking or other private information, which is then transmitted back to the criminals via the BotNet infrastructure.
Where a computer infected with GOZeuS turns out not to offer a significant financial reward, it can ‘call in’ CryptoLocker, to give the criminal controllers a second opportunity to acquire funds from the victim.
CryptoLocker works unseen in the background, encrypting the user’s files. Once that process is complete, the victim is presented with a pop-up telling them what has happened and a timer appears on their screen, which starts counting down. That is the time the victim has in order to pay a ‘discounted’ ransom, currently one Bitcoin (£200-£300 approximately) for UK users.
The NCA has been working with international law enforcement partners including the FBI and Europol, as well as partners from the banking, internet security and ISP sectors.
Information on ensuring security software is up to date can be found at Get Safe Online and Cyber Streetwise
Members of the public who think they have lost money through malware such as P2PZeus and Cryptolocker should report it to Action Fraud.

Death of a retired Police Officer : PC 566 Harry Victor Parish

It is with regret that we have to inform you of the death of a retired Police Officer :  PC 566 Harry Victor Parish who died on the 27th May 2014 aged 87 years.
Mr Parish retired in 1983 having served at Barnard Castle.
Further details are not known regarding Mr Parish's service details.
Mr Parish does not leave a widow but leaves a son Jonathan and a daughter Janet.
The funeral service will be held at St Mary's Church, Newgate, Barnard Castle on Thursday, 5th June at 12.15pm.
The service is not private.
Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time.

Friday 30 May 2014

Death of a retired Police Officer : PC 702 Robert (Bob) Bell

It is with regret that we have to inform you of the death of retired officer ex PC 702 Robert (Bob) Bell who died peacefully at home in Spennymoor on Sunday 25th May,  aged 90 years.
Bob was appointed to Durham Constabulary 6th September 1947 and retired on pension from NECRO on 17th June 1977  
He had  previously served at HQ, Easingwold, Stockton, Spennymoor, Kimblesworth,  Framwellgate Moor, Durham, Traffic Patrols, Special Incident Squad
Before joining Durham Constabulary Bob served with the RAF from 19th Sep 1942 – 07 Feb 1947
He does not leave a widow but will be much missed by family and friends.
Funeral service is to be held at 1.15pm on Monday 2nd June 2014 at St Paul’s Church in Spennymoor.  This will be followed by committal at Durham Crematorium. Family and friends are asked to meet at church.  There has been a request for family flowers only but donations if so desired may be given to Marie Curie and Macmillan Nurses.

Saturday 17 May 2014

DogWise 2014 - Sunday 18th May 2014

Dog Wise 2014 Poster (port)

This year our DogWise event will be held at East Durham College Houghall Campus on Sunday 18th May 2014 from 10am – 4pm

 

ENTRY IS FREE!*

*NB - Parking is limited so there will be a charge of £5 per car you wish to park on the campus grounds.

Dogs are of course welcome but must be kept on a lead at all times.

A brief timetable of events is as follows -
All timings are approximate

10.00 - Event open

10.20 - Opening address from Chief Constable Barton

10.30 - Durham Police Dogs display
11.15 - PawsUp address by Patron Mike Pannett
11.20 - Public agility. A chance for the public to have a go at our agility course under the guidance of one of our instructors... Just for fun
12.00 - K9 Pusuits display. See Gill and Andi strut their stuff and work their amazing dogs 'Tilly' and 'Goose' to music. As recently seen at Crufts !!
12.50 - Display by 'Scrappy' the Fire Brigade dog and his handler Lee Asprey
13.30 - Husky Rescue display
14.00 - TBC
14.30 - Durham Police Dogs display .. a second chance to see us make fools of ourselves !
15.30 - Public Agility
16.00 - Finish

Thursday 15 May 2014

Durham Peeler : Summer 2014

DP - Summer 2014Chairman 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

Thursday 8 May 2014

Death of a retired Police Officer : Sgt 598 George Felton

It is with regret that we have to announce the death of retired Police Officer : Sgt 598 George Felton who passed away on April 26th, peacefully with his family, at Tudhoe.
George retired from Durham Constabulary on the 25th May 1995 after serving at various stations throughout the County, including, Spennymoor, Ferryhill & Stanhope.
George was an adoring and loving husband to Mary, much loved dad to Catherine and Chris, dearest father-in-law to Phil and Lisa, devoted Grandpa to Katy, Lucy and Sam.
Friends please meet for Requiem Mass at St. Charles R.C. Church, Tudhoe, Friday May 9th at 10.00 a.m. Cremation to follow at Durham Crematorium. Family flowers only by request. Donations if desired to the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.
Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time.

Friday 2 May 2014

Message from Chief Constable. Mike Barton for information of serving and retired officers

We have just finished a £2m development of Darlington Police Station and you are all welcome to the open weekend between 10am and 4pm on Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th May. 

If you are interested in attending please book your place by either calling the Safer Neighbourhood Unit in Darlington on 01325 346221 or emailing DJSNU@durham.pnn.police.uk or by messaging us on Darlington's Neighbourhood Facebook page. 

Due to security issues only those who have booked will be allowed entry on the day.

Saturday 26 April 2014

Those were the days…. Durham Market Place 1960

Durham Market Place as it used to be.


 
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)

Pc 859 'Jim' Best taken approx 1945/46 when he was posted in Durham and living in the barracks in Durham City Police office
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)
Video courtesy of www.britishpathe.com
And…. as it was in 1944
 

Thursday 24 April 2014

Durham Cadet Training School : September 1980

Durham Police Cadet Training School : September 1980

Many Thanks to Neil Spurgeon for providing the picture of the Durham Cadet Training School, taken September 1980.
Anyone who can help with names  ?  Leave a comment below

Neil is sitting down on the front row – far right.

Click on picture to view enlarged in NARPO gallery

Is Employment and Support Allowance deductible from an Injury Pension?

Will be of interest to those receiving an Injury Pension :

“We are aware that the position on this matter is varied throughout the country with some Forces deducting ESA and others not deducting it.

ESA is a direct replacement for Incapacity benefit so on first sight one would expect it to be deductible, however Incapacity Benefit is expressly detailed as a ‘relevant benefit’ under Schedule 3 of The Police [Injury Benefit] Regulations 2006; ESA however as it is a new DWP benefit is not so detailed.

In an effort to clarify the situation we recently wrote to the Home Office seeking clarification of the matter. The response we received from the Home Office included the following:

In principle, we believe it would be appropriate to change both the police pension and injury benefit regulations to make ESA deductible.

This obviously leads us to surmise that the Home Office are of the opinion that ESA is not deductible from an Injury Pension at present. The letter also makes it clear that Police Forces are responsible for administering pensions within the regulations and in view of this we suggest that those who are having ESA deducted from their Injury Pension write to their Force in an attempt to clarify the matter and receive back any monies unlawfully deducted.”

We have prepared a template letter for you to use to write to your Force see the website for more at: http://www.narpo.org.uk/index.php/pensions/injury-pensions.html

HAPPY EASTER

Steve Edwards

Deputy Chief Executive

01924 331 251

www.narpo.org

Death of former colleague Mary Elizabeth Welsh (nee Murray)

It is with deepest sadness that we have to advise you of the death of former colleague Mary Elizabeth Welsh (nee Murray) who died peacefully on April 12, 2014 aged 90 years.
Mary retired from Durham Constabulary in 1976 from HQ Crime Stats and in retirement she was heavily involved in establishing and promoting Neighbourhood Watch in Durham area.  She was also a proud volunteer Steward of Durham Cathedral for 24 years.
Mary was the dearly loved wife of the late Robert, mother of the late Donald, a dear grandma to Sarah, Emma and Louis, great-grandma to Faith and mother-in-law to Angie.
Friends and former colleagues are asked to please meet for service in Durham Cathedral on Wednesday April 30 at 2.00pm. Cremation to follow.
Donations in lieu of flowers please to Friends of Durham Cathedral by request. Refreshments to follow at the Court Inn, Court Lane, Durham, DH1 3AW.

Friday 11 April 2014

Durham Police K9…. Easter

EasterMany of you will be aware of Durham Motorcycle Sections annual BikeWise Easter Egg Run...
This is a hugely popular event, that, with assistance from the force's motorcycle section, regularly sees up to 1,000 motorcyclists enjoying a 'closed road' ride from Durham to Darlington Memorial Hospital and then back to University Hospital of North Durham, where easter eggs and toys are donated to the respective children's wards, and a generous amount of money is raised for a nominated charity.

This is actually a hugely popular national initiative, supported by motorcyclists from all backgrounds, with a common goal of making Easter a bit more enjoyable for the children who can't be at home to enjoy the festivities.
Unfortunately, this year sees the first time since 2005 that  our motorcycle section are unable to host the event.
We at the Dog Support Unit have, for a long time, enjoyed a good relationship and affiliation with our bike section, and a few of the unit are regulars at the Easter Egg Runs.
With this in mind, we have decided to try and keep the tradition going by hosting our own Easter event, still with the children's wards in mind, and hopefully continuing with the great public support and interaction with ourselves and the organisation, that has been built since 2005.

We obviously wouldn't be able to coordinate the 'closed road' ride, so the following has been proposed :

From Monday 14th April 2014, please drop off your Easter eggs / toys / donation (voluntary) at any of your local Police stations, including HQ reception at Aykley Heads or with us at the Dog Support Unit.
Make sure all items are clearly marked for the 'Dog Support Unit (DSU) Easter Event' so that we can collect them easily at various times throughout the week.
If possible, please drop us a quick email at durhampolicek9@gmail.com to tell us where you have left your gifts.

On Saturday 19th April a couple of our handlers and dogs will visit the children's wards at Darlington, Bishop Auckland and Durham (UHND) hospitals to hand out your gifts and give the children and families a chance to meet and play with  some of our friendlier dogs and learn about their work.
A representative from 'BikeWise' will also be with us as they are generously donating some money to some of the wards.
There is also to be a special visit to the stroke ward at Bishop Auckland, in recognition of the assistance given to a colleague who sadly and very recently passed away.
We'll see how this year turns out, but there is every chance this will turn into a fabulous annual event for our unit.
All suggestions are welcomed ...!

Please spread the word and here's looking forward to brightening up Easter weekend for some poorly kids.
This year's nominated charity is PawsUp

Some other dates for your diary :
Sunday 18th May 2014 -
Durham Constabulary Dog Support Unit's annual 'DOGWISE' event. At Haughall College campus, Durham. 10am - 4pm.
More details to follow at a later date.

Sunday 20th July 2014 -
Durham Constabulary's annual 'BIKEWISE' event. Police HQ, Aykley heads, Durham.
More details to follow at a later date

Friday 4 April 2014

Death of a retired Police Officer : Brian Snaith (Ex Durham & Northumbria)

It is with regret that I announce the death of retired Police Officer : Brian Snaith,75yrs, who died on the 30th March 2014.
Brian Snaith joined Durham Constabulary in 1961,he then transferred to Northumbria in 1974 and subsequently retired on medical grounds from Northumbria in 1994.
e was a member of Northumbria NARPO and an additional member of Durham Branch NARPO
He leaves son's Michael, Paul & David
The funeral will be held on Wednesday 9th April 2014 at South Shields Crematorium at 1pm, the service is not private.
Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the Stroke Unit, South Tyneside District Hospital.
Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time.

Death of a retired Police Staff member : John Kenneth Hall (Ken)

It is with regret that we have to announce the death of a retired Police Staff Member : John Kenneth Hall (Ken), who died on the 28th March 2014. He was aged 55 years old.
He was a loving dad of Scott and Zoe, also a sadly missed brother of Peter, twin Gary and the late Pauline.
Ken Hall Joined Durham Constabulary on the 22nd February 1983, he served as a Driver Maintenance Officer, until he was medically retired on the 14th June 2010 after serving 27 Years and 3 months.
The funeral service will be taking place on Tuesday the 8th April 2014 at 10.30am, it will be held at Durham Crematorium.
The family have requested family flowers only but donations can be made in lieu of flowers if desired to MIND, there will be a box provided at the crematorium.
Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time.

March edition of Police Magazine

March 2014The March 2014 edition of Police Magazine is now available to view on the site.

Please click on this link or the image to go to the Federation, Police Magazine, page of the website.

Friday 28 March 2014

Death of a retired Police Officer : Sgt 1109 Dave Storey

Dave Storey

It is with regret that we have to announce the death of a retired Police Officer : Sgt 1109 Dave Storey who died after a short illness as a result of a stroke, on Tuesday 25th March 2014, aged 53 years.
Dave joined Durham Constabulary on the 3rd October 1983, serving at stations throughout the south of the County and at HQ, retiring as a D/Sgt at Darlington on the 18th March 2014.
He does not leave a widow but he leaves sons Andrew and Ben
The funeral service will take place on Thursday 3rd April, 11am at St Cuthbert’s Church, Darlington, followed by cremation at Durham at 1pm.
The funeral & cremation services are not private.
Friends are invited to meet afterwards at Darlington Rugby Football Club, Blackwell Meadows, Grange Road.
Donations can be made in lieu of flowers to the Stroke Association & Cancer Research
Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time.

Police Training Centres Staff reunion

Were  you on staff at  the training centres at Pannal Ash, Newby Wiske or Dishforth during the 1960s, 70s or 80s ?
Ever wondered what happened to those old friends you have not seen for a while ?
Would you be interested in attending a reunion ?
If so,Dave Tingle and Brendan Lally have taken the initiative to jointly organise a reunion on a date to be determined and ideally at a venue which would minimise travel for everyone. It is envisaged we would choose an hotel where,following an early afternoon arrival, we might meet in a bar lounge pre dinner or buffet and have an evening of enjoyment and reminiscing ["Ours were the best times" etc] before,where required,retiring to bed.  Departure after breakfast.  Wives,partners etc would of course be welcome
As we all know, many police forces seconded staff to the centres.  Northumbria, Durham, Cleveland. North, South and West Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Humberside, Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, so we will be very  happy for this invitation to be passed to those areas 
If you are still in contact with anyone from those bygone days please do pass the invitation on
Any suggestions or comments will be welcomed.
To register your interest please contact Dave or Brendan on either of the following emails
dave@tinglefamily.net
bplally146@sky.com

Wednesday 26 March 2014

Death of a retired Police Officer : PW Joan Hunter (Fickling)

It is with regret that we have to announce the death of a retired Police Officer : PW Joan Hunter (Fickling), who died on Sunday 23rd March 2014, aged 66 years.
Joan was appointed to Durham Constabulary on 20th February 1967 and retired medically on 17th November 1977.
Her next of kin is her sister Mrs Mary Barrass (also a retired police officer).
The funeral service will take place on Monday 31st March 2014 at 12 noon at Durham Crematorium. This service is not private and friends and former colleagues are welcome to meet at the Crematorium prior to the service.
By request, donations in lieu of flowers are being split between Macmillan and Marie Curie Cancer Care.
Our thoughts are with Mary and Joan’s friends and family at this sad time.

Tuesday 25 March 2014

Miners Strike 1984/1985

photo (5) photo (7) 3480596979
photo (2) photo (4) c101920c
A few images of the Miners Strike of 1984 /1985 – which was a difficult time for a lot of Durham officers who were brought up in the mining villages of County Durham & had friends & family ‘facing’ them on the picket lines.. (Many Thanks to Martin Hall for providing these photo’s)

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