Death of a Retired Police Officer and Wife: Police Constable 828 Allan Drake and wife Audrey

 It is with deep regret that we inform you of the death of retired Police Officer, Police Constable 828 Allan Drake, who died at Darlington Memorial Hospital on Tuesday 29th April 2025, aged 91 years.

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.

Death of Retired Police Officer : Inspector 1032 Raymond (Rae) Johnson

It is with deep regret that we inform you of the death of retired Police Officer, Inspector 1032 Raymond (Rae) Johnson, who died at the University Hospital of North Durham on Saturday 31st May 2025, aged 79 years.

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.