Saturday, 14 June 2025

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.

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