Death of Police Widow: Mary Oldfield

It is with deep regret that we inform you of the death of Police widow, Mary Oldfield, who died at the John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford on Thursday 24th July 2025, aged 89 years.

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.

Death of retired Police Officer: Police Constable 582 Peter William Wright

It is with deep regret that we inform you of the death of retired Police Officer: Police Constable 582 Peter William Wright, who died suddenly at home on Saturday 19th July 2025, aged 73 years.

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.

Death of Retired Police Officer : Police Constable 764 Leslie Reay

It is with deep regret that we inform you of the death of retired Police Officer: Police Constable 764 Leslie Reay (known as Les), who died at home on Tuesday 29th July 2025, aged 67 years.

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.

Durham NARPO Annual Sunday Lunch

This year’s luncheon is to be held on Sunday 7th September 2025, at the Rowlandson (Masonic) Hall, North Street, Ferryhill DL17 8XH.

The lounge will be open from 12.00 noon, meal served at 1.00pm.  

Welcome drink, Sunday lunch with free rafflke @£18 per head.

The menu and booking form for the luncheon is on the inside back cover of the Summer 2025 edition of the Durham Peeler magazine.  

Why not come along with your spouse/partner for a warm welcome and meet up with some old colleagues and friends.

Durham Peeler - Summer 2025

Ray Jones (Durham NARPO chairman) and Editor of the magazine Durham Peeler has been hard at work over the past few months to produce the latest (Summer 2025) edition of the magazine

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.

Back Row (L to R): Ron Scrafton, Brian Petrie, Gordon Clark, John Lindsay, Ian Kirkup, Neil Marshall, Dave Wardman, Eric Burdis, John Race, Dave Hutchinson, Dave Martin

Front Row (L to R): Tom Clayton, Jim Wood, Dave Surtees, Joe Bussey, Dave Carroll, Geoff Harrison

Photo supplied by David Surtees