The lounge will be open from 12.00 noon, meal served at 1.00pm.
Welcome drink, Sunday lunch with free raffle @£18 per head.
Mary was married to the late PC 951 Arthur Oldfield, who served with Durham County Constabulary from 11/04/1960 until 31/08/1969.
Mary is survived by daughters Patricia and Ellen, sons-in-law Rob and Andrew, grandchildren James and Emily and was sister to the late Joseph and Wilfred Teesdale, sister-in-law to Harry and the late Julia Mordue and aunt to Margaret Hatton.
A funeral service is to be held at10.30am Thursday 21st August 2025 at St Wilfred’s R.C. Church, Bishop Auckland, followed by a committal service at Wear Valley Crematorium, Coundon, Bishop Auckland DL14 8PE
Family flowers only, donations in lieu for Woodview Medical Centre Equipment Fund.
After the funeral, friends are invited to join the family at the Town Hall, Market Place, Bishop Auckland DL14 7NP
Our thoughts are with Mary’s family and friends at this sad time.
Peter joined Durham Constabulary as a Police Cadet prior to being appointed as a Police Constable on 3rd May 1971. During his probation he was posted to Durham City. Immediately afterwards he transferred to Traffic Patrols (North).
He served the remainder of his service with the Traffic Department in various roles including Traffic Patrols, Motorway Unit, Accident Unit, VIP Driving and Search Teams.
Whether in uniform or civilian clothing, Peter was always immaculately dressed. His pride in his appearance also extended to any Police or personal vehicle he drove.
Peter is survived by his wife Jacky, also a retired Police officer.
A Pure Cremation has been held. Any donations in Peter’s memory should be sent to St Cuthbert’s Hospice, Park House Road, Durham DH1 3QF
Our thoughts are with Peter’s family and friends at this sad time.
Les joined Durham Constabulary as a Police Cadet in 1974 before being appointed as a Police Constable on 15th March 1976. He had several postings before becoming a Dog Handler in the Consett area. He later became a trainer at the Dog Training School. Although retiring on 14th March 2006, Les continued his Police Service under the 30+ scheme until 2nd May 2007.
Les is survived by wife Gail, sons Christopher and Paul, daughters-in-law Zoe and Anna and grandchildren Charlie, Oliver, Isabella and Joseph.
A funeral service is to be held at 2.30pm Friday 22nd August 2025 at Gateshead Crematorium, Saltwell Road South, Low Fell NE9 6DT
Family flowers only, any donations in lieu, to Macmillan.
After the funeral, friends are invited to join the family at Chester-le-Street Cricket Club, Ropery Lane DH3 3PF
Our thoughts are with Les’s family and friends at this sad time.
Members should by now have had a copy of the Peeler dropping through their letterbox
Ray said: "The compilation of the magazine is very time consuming and the content and quality of the magazine relies heavily on reports, articles and photographs provided by its readers.
If you have anything, either current or historic, please forward it to me for consideration of its inclusion."
If anyone is able to help with the packaging or delivery to fellow NARPO members local to them of the magazine in the future would they please contact Ray Jones.
Ray is available on : 07535 261063 or via email : Durham2@narpo.org
Please note: the 1966 Cadet Photo on page 20 of the printed copy of the magazine has been flipped horizontally during printing. This is the correct picture with names.
Geoff joined Durham Constabulary in1984 and started his Police career at Peterlee. He also served as a Detective Constable at Bishop Auckland and Barnard Castle.
Whilst at Barnard Castle, Geoff worked with fellow officers investigated the theft of a small, pearl encrusted mouse in 1994. He led the enquiry into the theft of the £90,000 mouse for many years, working closely with the Metropolitan Police after Victoria and Albert Museum staff came forward with information.
A legal battle then ensued, to identify the owner of the mouse, one of only six in the world. Eventually, some eight years after the theft and following some repairs, the exhibit was returned to Bowes Museum in the year of the Queen Mother’s death, she having been patron of the museum.
Geoff later became a dedicated source handler, retiring from the force on 6th January 2006.
After his retirement, Geoff was recruited as a civilian investigator, working on ‘Cold Cases’ in Northern Ireland for several years. He also worked on the Hillsborough Enquiry.
Geoff is survived by his wife Elaine, son Scott and his wife Ali, daughter Courtney and her husband Kev, grandchildren Phoebe, Jack, Robyn and Eydis. Also, brother David, who is also a retired Durham Police Officer.
A funeral service is to be held at 1.30pm Tuesday 5th August 2025 at Wear Valley Crematorium, Coundon, Bishop Auckland DL14 8PE
Family flowers only, donations in lieu of to St Teresa’s Hospice.
After the funeral, friends are invited to join the family at Barnard Castle Golf Club, Harmire Road, Barnard Castle DL12 8QN
Our thoughts are with Geoff’s family and friends at this sad time.
Ray died in hospital on the 8th July 2025 after a long battle with diabetes.
He joined Durham Constabulary as a 16 year old Cadet in about 1959.
His Police career is not fully available as his current wife Annette, did not meet Ray until after his Police Service ended.
It is understood that he served as a Uniform Constable before spending time on the dog section and then CID.
His rank on retirement is believed to have been Detective Constable. He retired from the police service in 1993 and lived in Newton Aycliffe till moving to Shaftesbury in Dorset in 2011.
Ray has two sons from his first marriage, Steven and Stuart and one grandson, Will.
The funeral is to be held at Salisbury Crematorium , Barrington Road, Salisbury, SP1 3JB at 12 noon on Tuesday 5th August 2025. Former colleagues will be most welcome to attend.
Family flowers only please. A collection will be taken after the service and donated to "Diabetes UK".
Anyone wishing to donate towards the collection is asked to contact the Funeral Director, Merefield & Henstridge on 01747 853532.
Annette would be pleased to receive correspondence from any of Rays former colleagues. Please contact the Branch Secretary for details.
Our thoughts are with Annette and the family at this sad time.
Mr Charlton is survived by his son Geoff, sister Grace, grandsons Daniel and Philip, three great grandchildren and other extended family. Alf was pre deceased by both his wife Joan, who died in 2019 and his daughter Gill, who died in 1996.
Alf joined Durham County Constabulary as a Cadet in March 1945. He was appointed as a Constable on 30th April 1949.
Throughout his long and varied Police career he had 14 different stations / departments / positions including:- Helicopter Observer, Sgt Instructor at Cadet Training, Research Dept, Sub Divisional Command at three stations & Deputy Divisional Command at two Stations. He was head of of Acc. Prevention 1963 to 1968, Motor School 1969 to 1972 & Traffic Dept. Operations Durham County including during the Miners Strike of 1984.
In 1956 he was awarded the Queens Commendation for brave conduct. He was Commended three times by the Chief Constable and once by the Magistrates.
In 1983 Alf was the Chairman of the Superintendents Association Durham County. He was also the National Chairman of the Federation of British Police Motor Clubs for many years.
Alf retired from Durham Police as Chief Superintendent on 30th April 1984.
During his 41 years of retirement his expertise was globally acknowledged and he travelled far and wide to pass on his knowledge.
Alf's funeral service is to take place at 10am on Wednesday 30th July at Durham Crematorium.
The service is not private. Family flowers only please. Any donations in lieu of floral tributes may be deposited on leaving the Crematorium.
The family wish for the donations to be given in Alf's memory to Cancer Research UK and Safe Lives.
Durham NARPO - Branch Meeting
Allan joined Durham County Constabulary on 1st October 1956, with his first posting being at Stockton; his beat covered Brown’s Bridge and the High Street. Around 1960 he was a detached beat officer at Stanhope, his mode of transport being a bicycle, prior to being provided with a motorcycle.
It is thought that Allan transferred to the Traffic Department in the mid 1960’s, based at Aycliffe. He was later drafted to Durham Police’s Motor School, as an instructor, initially at its base at Sedgefield Camp, and then in 1972 Police Headquarters, Aykley Heads became the new home of the Motor School with its purpose-built skid pan, training roads and classrooms.
Allan instructed on Advanced Driving Courses, where Police Officers aimed to gain a Class I or II certificate, allowing them to drive the force’s high-performance vehicles and being a prerequisite for transfer to the Traffic Department. Allan remained in this post up to his retirement from Durham Constabulary in September 1986.
Sadly, Allan’s wife, Audrey, died at home on Monday 3rd March 2025, aged 90 years, some 8 weeks prior to Allan. Audrey’s funeral took place at 10.30am Friday 11th April 2025 at St Clare’s Church, St Cuthbert’s Way, Newton Aycliffe DL5 5NT, followed by a committal service at Wear Valley Crematorium, Coundon, Bishop Auckland DL14 8PE
Allan & Audrey are survived by sons, Stephen, Peter and Andrew, their respective wives, Christine, Wendy and Lesley, Audrey’s brother, Marshall and grandchildren Hannah, Alice, Heather. Callum, Christopher and Ross. Allan was predeceased by his sister, Lorna.
A funeral service is to be held at 11.30am Wednesday 18th June 2025 at Wear Valley Crematorium, Coundon, Bishop Auckland DL14 8PE
Family flowers only, donations in lieu to Durham NARPO.
After the funeral, friends are invited to join the family at Woodham Golf & Country Club, Burnhill Way, Newton Aycliffe DL5 4PN
Our thoughts are with Allan & Audrey’s family and friends at this sad time.
Rae joined Durham County Constabulary on 24th May 1965, having previously been a Police Cadet with the force. He started his career at Durham City, then to Sacriston on promotion to Sergeant. He then served at Darlington and Chester-le-Street, where he was promoted to the rank of Inspector in ASU. Rae retired from Durham Constabulary on 30th March 1997.
Throughout his police service Rae was involved with the Durham Police Bowling Team, as a player, in addition to organising matches and tours. In 1984, he and his great friend George Harwood won the Police National Pairs bowls competition.
After retirement from the force, he took up the position of manager of the newly formed Durham Indoor Bowling Club at Pity Me, helping it grow from fledgling to well established club. He was also involved with its trading company, Durham Indoor Bowling Community Association Ltd, initially as Secretary and later as a Director and served as Chairman.
Rae is survived by daughter, Lynne, son Peter and grandchildren Eva-Mae and Thomas. He is predeceased by wife, Jean.
A funeral service is to be held at 1.00pm Monday 16th June 2025 at Durham Crematorium, South Road, Durham DH1 3TQ
Family flowers only, donations in lieu to Freeman Hospital Liver Unit, Freeman Road, High Heaton, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE7 7DN
After the funeral, friends are invited to join the family at Durham Indoor Bowling Club, Abbey Road, Pity Me, Durham DH1 5GE
Our thoughts are with Rae’s family and friends at this sad time.
SEAHAM AND PETERLEE POLICE REUNION
Time for another get together. Usual time and place.
The Marlborough, Charles Street, Seaham commencing at 3.00pm on Saturday, 7th June, 2025
It’s always nice to have something to celebrate and this year is no different.
June 7th, 1778, saw the birth of Beau Brummell. Renowned English cricketer and fashion designer, but more famous in Seaham for having a clothes factory in Denehouse Road.
This is an open invitation to all officers and support staff who served, worked or covered Seaham and Peterlee Sub-Divisions (even Traffic!).
If you can think of anyone else who may not read this then please pass on the message via word of mouth, FB, Durham LA Forum, Twitter, WhatsApp or text.
For information, the bar is cash only, no cards or contactless.
We look forward to welcoming you on the 7th June.
John joined Durham County Constabulary on 30th October 1967. After his initial training, he served at Chester-le-Street, Houghton-le-Spring, Shotton Colliery and Motor Patrols. He retired from Durham Constabulary on 13th December 1998.
John is survived by his wife Angela and daughter Sarah Joanne. Daughter Susan passed away in 2024.
A funeral service is to be held at 12.00 noon Friday 9th May 2025 at St Cuthbert’s RC Church, Ropery Lane, Chester-le-Street DH3 3PH
Family flowers only please, any donations in lieu to NARA - The Breathing Charity
After the funeral, friends are invited to join the family at Chester-le-Street Cricket Club, Ropery Lane, Chester-le-Street DH3 3PF
Our thoughts are with John’s family and friends at this sad time.
Tom first joined Durham Constabulary as a Cadet at Durham City before he was called to complete his National Service.
He became PC 902 in December 1953 and was posted to Felling as a beat constable. He was appointed as Accident Prevention Officer and transferred to Whickham when the Divisional HQ moved there. Tom then went onto Detached Beat Officer duties in Swalwell.
On Promotion to Sergeant 379 he was posted to Traffic Management at Headquarters which at that time was at Newton Aycliffe.
He retired on medical grounds in 1982 after 29 years service.
Tom leaves his wife Sheila and their three children Keith, Ian and Lynne together with their partners, six Grandchildren and five Great Grandchildren.
The funeral will take place at 3pm on Wednesday 30th April at the Methodist Chapel, 103 High Street, Carville, Durham DH1 1BQ. The funeral is not private.
Friends and former colleagues are welcome to attend. Family flowers only please.
Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time.
Richard joined Durham County Constabulary on 13th August 1966, retiring from Durham Constabulary on 27th March 1996.
After his retirement, Richard enjoyed fishing and woodworking projects.
Richard was predeceased by his first wife, Joy and survived by his wife Dorothy and daughter Helen.
A private committal service was held on Tuesday 4th March 2025.
Our thoughts are with Richard’s family and friends at this sad time.
Jen is the wife of retired Police Constable 1090, Alan Jackson, who served at Barnard Castle, Ferryhill and with Scientific Aids and Communications.
Joining Durham Constabulary in 1988, she served as a Communications Clerk at Spennymoor Police Station, leaving in 1992.
Jen is survived by husband Alan, daughter Emma, her husband Martin and their children, Jude and Jonah, daughter Lauren, her partner Andrew and their children Archie Ray and Aria Grace, all of whom Jen lived for and loved dearly.
A funeral service is to be held at 11.30am Thursday 3rd April 2025 at Wear Valley Crematorium, Coundon, Bishop Auckland DL14 8PE
The funeral is restricted to family and close friends.
Family flowers only please, any donations in lieu to the Bobby Robson Foundation.
Our thoughts are with Jen’s family and friends at this sad time.
Alan joined Durham Constabulary on 12th November 1979. His first posting was at Darlington, as a beat officer. He was then posted to Barnard Castle, where he worked for several years. In 1985, he successfully applied to go onto Traffic and covered the A1 and A66. Towards the end of his career, Alan moved into the Telephone Investigation Unit where he worked until he retired on 11th November 2009.
Alan received a Commendation for good collective police work, which effected the conviction of numerous persons for burglary, theft, handling, criminal deception, attempted criminal deception, driving whilst disqualified and other offences. His actions were said to have been in the best traditions of Durham Constabulary and were admirable examples of first-class police work.
Alan also received a Certificate of Service stating that his period of service from 1979 until 2009 was exemplary.
Alan is survived by wife Maria and daughter Hannah.
A funeral service is to be held at 3.00pm Tuesday 11th March 2025 in the Maplewood Chapel at Stockton Crematorium, Junction Road, Stockton-on-Tees TS19 9NA
Family flowers only please, donations in lieu to Cancer Research UK.
The family have requested that people attending the funeral wear bright colours to represent Alan’s sense of humour and outgoing personality. All friends and former colleagues are welcome to attend the funeral service and wake to give Alan the best send off and to share memories.
After the funeral, friends are invited to join the family at The Parkwood Hotel, 64 - 66 Darlington Road, Hartburn, Stockton-on-Tees TS18 5ER
Our thoughts are with Alan’s family and friends at this sad time.
Andrew joined Durham Constabulary in 1982 and worked at Sedgefield, Newton Aycliffe and Darlington. He retired in 2012.
Andrew is survived by wife Glenda and sons David and Jonathan.
A funeral service is to be held at 11.00am Thursday 27th February 2025 at Darlington Crematorium, Carmel Road North, Darlington DL3 8RY
Family flowers only please, donations in lieu to Diabetes UK.
Our thoughts are with Andrew’s family and friends at this sad time.
John joined Durham County Constabulary as a cadet in September 1966 and was appointed as a Police Constable on 1st January 1969. During his service he served at Durham, Ferryhill, Motor Patrols, Accident Unit and Armed Response Unit. John retired on 21st May 1999.
John is survived by his partner Rita, son Mark and his wife Leigh and granddaughters Sophie and Tali.
A funeral service is to be held at 11.00am Thursday 27th February 2025 at St Catherine’s Church, North Terrace, Crook DL15 9AZ. This will be followed by a committal service at 12.30pm at Durham Crematorium, South Road, Durham DH1 3TQ.
Neither of the services are private.
Family flowers only, donations in lieu to St Cuthbert’s Hospice, Durham.
After the funeral, friends are invited to join the family at St Catherine’s Masonic Hall,7 Church Street, Crook DL15 9BG
Our thoughts are with John’s family and friends at this sad time.
Graham joined the Metropolitan Police Cadet Service in 1989. In 1992 he was appointed as Police Constable 222 with the Metropolitan Police, posted at Ilford. During his service with them he became an Authorised Firearms Officer and Class 1 driver, often driving for the Special Branch.
In March 2015 Graham transferred to Durham Constabulary and was posted to Bishop Auckland. He was promoted to Sergeant in January 2019. As a Community Officer Graham self-funded the ‘Plate Safe’ initiative, introducing anti-tamper screws to secure vehicle registration plates, tackling the theft of these items.
Following his retirement in May 2022, Graham took up civilian employment with Durham Constabulary, as a Professional Development Officer, a position he held at the time of his death.
As well as being dedicated to his family, Graham’s other love was his three dogs.
Graham is survived by wife Lisa, sons Dillan and Daniel Mack, grandson Stanley, step-children Kara and Ben and step grandchildren Tyler, Kaela, Lilly, Jamima-Mae and Harley-Jay and mother-in-law Lynne Davies. He is predeceased by his younger sister, Holly.
A funeral service is to be held at 1.30pm Tuesday 25th February 2025 at Wear Valley Crematorium, Coundon, Bishop Auckland DL14 8PE
Family flowers only, donations in lieu to Cancer Research.
After the funeral, friends are invited to join the family at Bishop Auckland Football Club,Heritage Park, Stadium Way, St Helen Auckland, Bishop Auckland DL14 9AE
Our thoughts are with Graham’s family and friends at this sad time.
Norma was the wife of retired Police Sergeant 343, Robert (Bob) T Reay who served with Durham Constabulary from 22 October 1956 until 22 October 1986. The last 10 years of Robert’s Police career was as a Dog Handler Instructor at No. 2 District Dog Training
Centre at Harperley Hall, Crook.
Norma began lace making in 1987 and qualified in Parts 1 & 2 City & Guilds (Lacemaking). In 1997 she became a volunteer at Beamish Museum, where she demonstrated her craft right up to 2024.
Norma is survived by husband Bob, daughters Norma Ann and Janet Caroline and husbands Peter and John, grandson Andrew and wife Ali and great grandchildren Ella and Luke, granddaughter Joanna and husband Chris and great grandchildren Jack and Ben.
A funeral service took place at 10.00am Thursday 19 December 2024 at Birtley Crematorium, Windsor Road, Birtley, Chester-le-Street DH3 1PQ
Donations in lieu of flowers were requested to the North East Air Ambulance.
Our thoughts are with Norma’s family and friends.
WPC Fletcher, 25, died in 1984 after she was shot while on duty outside the Libyan Embassy in London. Following her death an investigation was undertaken by the Met Police but to date nobody has been convicted of her murder.
In July 2024, the Met Police received reports of financial irregularities regarding the campaign to bring to justice those responsible for the murder of WPC Fletcher.
To ensure there was no conflict of interest, the case was passed to Cheshire Police who have today, Wednesday 4 December, conducted a search warrant at an address in the Mill Hill area of London where they arrested a 69-year-old man.
The man has been arrested on suspicion of fraud, he has since been released under investigation pending further enquiries.
Detective Constable Ed Currie, of the Cheshire Police Economic Crime Unit, said:
“We understand the concern that this arrest is likely to cause, and our colleagues from the Met Police are closely linked with the family of Yvonne who have been updated on today’s developments.
“As part of ongoing enquiries, we’re keen to hear from anyone who believes that they may, at any time, have donated to the campaign to bring about justice for WPC Yvonne Fletcher. This is not linked to Yvonne’s family nor is it to be confused with the official Police Memorial Trust charity.
“Anyone who believes that they may have donated to the campaign to obtain justice for Yvonne is asked to visit the Public Portal .”
If your information is urgent please call Cheshire Police on 101 quoting Op Dielectric
There are currently 3 million people living with cancer in the UK today. It's Macmillan's goal to be there for everyone from the moment of diagnosis, but they can't do this without donations
Neil & his family are wishing to collectively raise money in Angela’s name (Durham Retired Police Officers: Death of Former Police Officer : PC 655 Angela Malkin) for Macmillan Cancer Support.
Please click on the link below to go to the Just Giving page:
A request for help has been received from Susan Laffey, a school teacher daughter of one of our members (Ret'd Insp Ken Garbutt). One of her students has a project to complete for his A level examination.
The topic of his project is the Miners’ Strike of 1983-84 and to assist him, he has put together a questionnaire consisting of ten tick box questions. There are seven additional questions which, if completed, seek opinions in respect of certain aspects of the strike.
The questionnaire can be accessed via the following link:
The student’s identity cannot be revealed, for safeguarding reasons, however if any further information is required Susan Laffey can be contacted via laffey@blueyonder.co.uk
Stan Joined Gloucestershire Constabulary on 19th September 1960. His first posting being at Staple Hill near Bristol, then later at Cheltenham.
He later transferred to Durham County Constabulary and was posted to Stockton, then to Bishop Auckland CID. He was seconded to the Regional Crime Squad as Detective Sergeant and worked at Spennymoor, Newton Aycliffe and Durham City. On promotion to Detective Inspector Stan returned to the RCS and worked at Darlington and Bishop Auckland. As Detective Chief Inspector he was stationed at Police HQ and Chester-le-Street, retiring on 31st May 1989.
During his Police career, Stan received Five or six Commendations, one being from HM Coroner, his Police Long Service and Good Conduct Medal and a Diploma from the Regional Inspectors Course.
Stan is survived by wife Anne, daughter Carol, son-in-law Mike; grandchildren Marc and Charlotte and their respective partners Megan and Lee and great grandchildren Albie and Marlo.
A funeral service is to be held at 1.30pm Wednesday 5th February 2025 at Durham Crematorium, South Road, Durham DH1 3TQ
Family flowers only, donations in lieu to the British Heart Foundation.
After the funeral, friends are invited to join the family at The Honest Lawyer Hotel, Croxdale Bridge, Croxdale, Durham DH1 3SP
Our thoughts are with Stan’s family and friends at this sad time.
Hardwick Camp Police Cadet Reunion
Saturday 28th June 2025 at 7pm
Tom was appointed with Durham Constabulary in 1978, serving as a beat officer at Newton Aycliffe, Shildon, Bishop Auckland and Spennymoor. In 1987 he transferred to the Dog Section until, in 1996 Tom was posted to the Community Safety Team at Wear and Tees. Tom retired from the force in 2006.
Tom is survived by wife Pauline, son Jamie and partner Beth, daughter Melanie and husband Martyn
A funeral service is to be held at 11.30am Friday 24th January 2025 at Wear Valley Crematorium, Coundon, Bishop Auckland DL14 8PE
Family flowers only, donations in lieu to Cancer Research.
Our thoughts are with Tom’s family and friends at this sad time.
In November 1954, following 2 years National Service with the RAF, leaving with the rank of Corporal, Russell joined Sunderland Borough Police, posted to Sunderland, where he remained until 1958. In May of that year, he transferred to C.I.D. on a temporary basis; this appointment was made permanent in December 1961.
He was promoted to sergeant and transferred to uniform branch in May 1964, this included working in the Traffic Department. A transfer back to C.I.D. took place in March 1967.
In April 1968, Sunderland Borough and Durham County Constabulary amalgamated, and Russell took on the role of Acting Detective Inspector until 1969, when he was promoted to rank of Inspector in C.I.D., covering Consett & Stanley. During this period, he became involved with the force murder squad.
A further promotion to the rank of Chief Inspector in 1976 saw him seconded to No. 2 Regional Crime Squad as officer in charge of the mid-Durham branch office. Three years later, in August 1979, he was recalled to the uniform branch as Deputy Sub-Divisional Commander (Consett and Stanley).
In June 1980 Russell was promoted to Superintendent within the Force’s Complaints and Discipline branch, becoming Head of Department in June 1981. His final promotion, to Chief Superintendent, occurred in 1982, when he was posted to Bishop Auckland as Divisional Commander.
Russell retired on 7th November 1984 after 30yrs service.
During his 30 years service Russell received 5 commendations; 1 from the Chief Constable, 2 from Judges and 2 from Magistrates.
During his working life he was a keen fisherman and golfer and after retiring became more involved in these sports. He ended up running the Veteran’s Society at Garesfield Golf Club, where he later became Club Secretary. He enjoyed fly fishing at local reservoirs and Knitsley Mill, tying his own flies.
Being a lifelong Sunderland supporter, he and wife Audrey attended the opening game at the Stadium of Light against Ajax in 1997. Horseracing was another of his loves and, with his family, celebrated his 90th birthday at the first meeting of the season at Cartmel in Cumbria.
Ill health resulted in a move from his home at Shotley Bridge to a flat in an assisted living complex in Kendal, to be nearer his daughter and her family.
Russell was predeceased by wife Audrey in December 2021, after 65 years of marriage. He is survived by daughter Karen and her husband Stuart, son David and his wife Lesley, grandchildren Rebecca, Nicola, Louise, Lauren and Abbie, great grandchildren, Ethan, Isabelle, Harry, Zach, Ayvah and Elsey.
A private committal service is to be held at 12.30pm Tuesday 14th January 2025 at Beetham Hall Crematorium, Milnthorpe, Cumbria LA7 7BQ
This will be followed by an open ‘Celebration of Life’ service at 1.30pm at Sandylands Methodist Church, Kendal LA9 6EU, followed by a buffet.
Family flowers only, donations in lieu to Bowel Cancer UK www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk
Our thoughts are with Russell’s family and friends at this sad time.
The meeting, which is open to all, has an item of Special Interest:
I'm sure that most of you will know that we lost colleague and dear friend Jim Porter in March 1982, when he was fatally wounded at Woodhouses, Bishop Auckland.
On Tuesday 10th December 2024, Jim's Son and Daughter Brian and Tracey, were invited to Windsor Castle, where they were presented with the Elizabeth Emblem and Scroll from His Majesty, King Charles. The Elizabeth Emblem is a new award and is presented to the next of kin to those who lost their lives in service.
Brian has kindly offered to come along to the meeting and bring the Emblem and Scroll for us all to see. Brian will be pleased to tell us about his experience.
Please come along and support your Branch and meet up with fellow members
It would be appreciated if anyone intending to attend the meeting let us know in order that we can provide sufficient catering.
Secretary: Stuart Ingram Durham@narpo.org
Chairman: Ray Jones Durham2@narpo.org