Sunday 28 January 2024

Death of a Retired Police Officer: D/Insp 269 Bernard (Bernie) Edward Price

It is with deep regret that we inform you of the death of a retired Police Officer, Det.Insp 269 Bernard (Bernie) Edward Price, who died at Bethany House Care Home, Woodham, Newton Aycliffe on Friday 19th January 2024, aged 95 years.

Bernie joined Durham County Constabulary on 16th June 1951 and served at Sunderland, Norton, Stockton on Tees, Consett, Bishop Auckland, Ferryhill, HQ Aycliffe, Scientific Aids (Forensics) Instructor at Sedgefield Camp, HQ Durham (Forensic).  He also taught to the residential Overseas Students at Aykley Heads.  Bernie had also served on the Serious Incident Squad (SIS).

He was promoted to sergeant on 13th February 1967 and to Inspector on 29th July 1974.

Bernie was awarded his Police Long Service and Good Conduct Medal and was one of very few Police Officers to receive the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Medal in 1977

He retired from the force on 7th February 1985, after almost 34 years’ service and had been retired for some 39 years; his Record of Service is recorded as Exemplary

Bernie is survived by wife Ada, children Mandy, Neville and his wife Janice, both of whom also served with Durham Constabulary, Tania, grandchildren Lisa and Samantha and great-grandchildren Sebastian and Sophia.

A funeral service is to be held at 15:30hrs Monday 12th February 2024, at Durham Crematorium, South Road, Durham DH1 3TQ

Family flowers only, donations in lieu to Age UK.

After the funeral, friends are invited to join the family at The Honest Lawyer Hotel, Croxdale DH1 3SP

Our thoughts are with Bernie’s family and friends at this sad time.

Tuesday 23 January 2024

Death of Police Widow: Delia Coulson

It is with deep regret that we inform you of the death of Police Widow, Delia Coulson, who died at home on 7th January 2024, aged 86 years.  Delia was the wife of retired Police Sergeant, Sydney (Syd) Coulson who died 25th January 2016.

Delia is survived by son Gary, a retired Durham PC and daughter-in-law Susan.

A funeral service is to be held at 9.30am Thursday 25th January 2024 at Durham Crematorium, South Road, Durham DH1 3TQ

Family flowers only, donations in lieu to RSPCA.

Our thoughts are with Delia’s family and friends at this sad time.

Tuesday 16 January 2024

Death of a Retired Police Officer: PC 348 David (Dave) Richardson

It is with deep regret that we inform you of the death of a retired Police Officer, PC 348 David (Dave) Richardson, who died at Seaham Harbour Marina on Wednesday 27th December 2023, aged 69 years.

It is believed that Dave joined Durham Constabulary in 1974, retiring in 2004 and was awarded the Police, Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.

It seems that after initial training, Dave’s first posting was at Peterlee.  Some 5 years later he transferred to Traffic Patrols North, working the coastal areas, where he spent the majority of his service.  His last posting was at Peterlee, where he performed front office duties.

Dave was a much loved Dad and Grandad.

A funeral service is to be held at 10.00am Monday 22 January 2024 at Stanley Street Independent Methodist Chapel, Stanley Street, Seaham SR7 0AH, followed by interment at Christ Church Churchyard, Station Road, Seaham SR7 0BH.

Family flowers only, donations in lieu to the RNLI or North East Air Ambulance.

After the funeral, friends are invited to join the family at The Mallard, Stockton Road, Seaham SR7 8EP.

Our thoughts are with all of Dave’s family and friends at this sad time.

Wednesday 3 January 2024

AGM of the Durham Branch of NARPO : Monday 8th January 2024

Date for your Diary…….

The Annual General Meeting of Durham NARPO

 Masonic Centre, Station Road, Chester-le-Street DH3 3DU, on Monday 8th January 2024


Please note that the AGM will commence at 7.30pm

All members welcome to attend and participate

Guest speakers are Chief Constable Rachel Bacon and NARPO Area Rep Bob Watson

Ideal time to meet your old colleagues and friends.

Please try and see if you can attend, meet / vote for who you want on the committee and see the hard work they are doing throughout the year on your behalf

MOST IMPORTANT - Catering Numbers

Please text Sue Knaggs on 07932 613 031 if you are attending the Buffet

Parking : There is a small car park at rear of Masonic Hall. The Osbourne Road council car park is free after 6pm and is only 100yards from the door.

“LET’S BRIGHTEN UP JANUARY” - Seaham and Peterlee Police Reunion

Christmas has passed, we're well into the New Year and as always, January is a glum month.

But not in Seaham.

We are delighted to announce another get together for retired Police Officers ,Support Staff and partners.


It will take place upstairs at The Marlborough, Charles Street, Seaham commencing at 3.00pm on Saturday, 13th January, 2024.


I’ve checked the calendar and Sunderland are away to Ipswich, 5.30pm kick off and Mags are home to Man City, also 5.30 kick off. There's a big telly upstairs, I wonder which match will be on? (It’ll be Sunderland)
This is an open invitation to all who served, worked or covered Seaham and Peterlee Sub-Divisions (even Traffic!).
If you have any queries, will you kindly contact Joyce Teare either by SMS to 07747814879, or email to j.teare57@gmail.com
If you can think of anyone else who may not read this then please pass on the message via word of mouth, FB, Twitter, Whats App or text.
For information, the bar is cash only, no cards or contactless.
We look forward to welcoming you on the 13th January.

Paul Murphy

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