Death of Retired Police Officer’s Wife: Elsie Muir

It is with deep regret that we inform you of the death of retired Police Officer’s wife, Elsie Muir, who died on Monday 6th October 2025, aged 87 years.

Elsie was the beloved wife of retired Durham Police Inspector, David Muir.

Elsie is survived by husband David, son Stephen, daughters Helen and Sharon and grandchildren and great grandchildren.

A funeral service is to be held at 11.00am Tuesday 28th October 2025 at Darlington Crematorium, Carmel Road North, Darlington DL3 8RY

Family flowers only, donations in lieu will be gratefully received following the service.

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

Darlington Pensioners Night 2025

Following the last year’s success, where there were 85 attendees, we are continuing with the November event.

It will take place at Darlington Cricket Club, Feethams, South Terrace, Darlington, DL1 5JD, commencing at 7.30pm on Thursday, 13th November, 2025.

The evening is open to all retired Police and Support Staff who served or worked in the Division. 

13th November is National Indian Pudding Day. Have no worries - you’re getting a Taylors pie and peas. 

As usual there will be a raffle with some wonderful prizes. We hope you will contribute as this will help finance future reunions. Cash is preferable.

John Hoar has offered his services as a wandering photo snapper during the evening. We are mindful of privacy, so, if you’re not comfortable with this, please speak to any of the Committee.

If you can think of anyone else who may not receive this, then please pass on the message.

Unfortunately, we will be unable to provide transport.

We look forward to welcoming you on the 13th November.

Signed: The Committee

Sean Jackson, Fred Wood, Malcolm Lear, Alec Francis, John Hoar and Paul Murphy

Invitation from Sunderland NARPO ( Beacon of Light social meeting)

The Sunderland Branch of NARPO hold a social meeting on the THIRD THURSDAY of each month at The Beacon of Light which is situated near The Stadium of Light directly adjacent to The Aquatic Centre.

They have a court booked for 1 hour from 11.00am but normally meet about 10.30am in the ground floor cafe for a coffee.  For anyone who hasn’t been it's a fantastic facility and the court can accommodate 4 table tennis tables, 2 pickleball courts, a badminton court and a five-a-side football pitch.

It is emphasized that not everyone participates and there is no pressure to do so.  Some just come for the craic and to spectate.  They have been going since July 2024 and normally have around ten to fifteen regular attenders.

It is an alternative to the more formal NARPO meetings.  As the event can obviously cater for more, the committee have asked me to offer the hand of friendship to your members if they want to pop along even if it's just as a recce.  There is no charge and no need to contact in advance, simply turn up.

There is a cafe that does toasties etc if anyone is peckish.

If anyone is considering accepting this offer, would you please notify either Stuart Ingram – Durham@narpo.org.uk or Ray Jones Durham2@narpo.org.uk in order that we can monitor the take up and advise the Sunderland Branch, out of courtesy.

The next meeting is on Thursday 16th October.

Use the attached address for The Beacon:

https://beaconoflight.co.uk

Please Note:
From Sunderland NARPO Chairman Colin Dobson: "As from 26th August car parking charges have been introduced. Currently 0-2 hours: Free, 2-4 hours: £4, 4-8 hours: £8 and 24 hours: £10.
IMPORTANT: Payment will be taken via the EVOLOGY cashless parking app.
The next meeting is this Thursday 18th September 10.30am for 11.00am. I would suggest that to save time you download the app to your phone and REGISTER AND CREATE YOUR ACCOUNT. If you intend staying for more than 2 hours then the first payment shown in the app is for £4.25 for 4 hours ie the free 2 + 2 hours.
As Narpo funds the actual event this is the only expense on the day, excluding any refreshments. What I will say is that the craic and camaraderie is priceless."

Death of Retired Police Staff: Eric Slater

It is with deep regret that we inform you of the death of retired Police Staff, Eric Slater, former Headquarters Vehicle Workshop Manager, who died at Greenways Court Nursing Home, Consett on Sunday 21st September 2025, aged 89 years.

Eric was Durham County Constabulary’s Fleet Manager, responsible for overseeing the purchase and maintenance of a wide range of motor vehicles operated throughout the force.  He carried out this role over many years, from around 1977 until his retirement in August 2001.

He also took it upon himself to photograph new vehicles introduced into the fleet, maintaining albums of them for historic purpose.

Prior to his employment with the Constabulary, Eric worked for several vehicle dealerships in the County, such as Adams and Gibbon and J S Robson, where he was the Workshop/Service Manager.

Eric is survived by sons Colin and Cliff, daughter-in-law Cathy and grandchildren Vicky, Terry, Chloe, Charlotte and Christopher.  He was predeceased by wife Margaret.

A funeral service is to be held at 2.45pm Tuesday 7th October 2025 at Mountsett Crematorium, Ewehurst Road, Dipton, Stanley DH9 9JP

Family flowers only, donations in lieu, if desired, to Alzheimer’s Society.

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

Death of Retired Police Chief Superintendent John (Jack) Ebblewhite Fidiam

It is with deep regret that we inform you of the death of retired Police Officer, Chief Superintendent John (Jack) Ebblewhite Fidiam, who died at Ayresome Court, Yarm on Tuesday 23rd September 2025, aged 95 years.

Jack joined Durham County Constabulary, as a Police Cadet in 1947, based at Castle Eden until 1949.  In August 1950 he joined the force as a Police Constable and was posted to Felling.  He undertook duty with the Traffic, Serious Incident Squad and General Duties.

In 1964, Jack was promoted to Sergeant based at Aycliffe Police Workshops. October 1968 on promotion to Inspector the family moved to Consett, Jack being posted to Traffic North.  When promoted to Chief Inspector in 1976, Jack was based in Consett division.

Promotion to Superintendent in 1979 saw him serving at Darlington and in the Training Department at Force Headquarters, Aykley Heads.

Jack retired from Durham Constabulary in August 1987, having served his final 4 years as Chief Superintendent at Durham City.

Having retired after 2 years as a Cadet and 37 years Police Service with Durham, Jack was not prepared to end his commitment with the Force and in 1988 became Commandant of the Special Constabulary for a further 3 years, after which he concluded his Police Career from Durham Constabulary, ‘Retiring completely’.

Jack is predeceased by his wife Audrey, who passed away in October 2014.  Audrey was well known within Durham Constabulary as a member of Police Staff for 36 years.

Jack and his late wife Audrey were both very well respected by Police Officers and Staff of all ranks.

He is survived by daughter Allyson, son-in-law David Horner (Ex-Durham Police Cadet and retired Police Superintendent with Cleveland Police) and grandson Adam.

A funeral service is to be held at 11.30am, Friday 24th October 2025 at Durham Crematorium, South Road, Durham DH1 3TQ

Friends are welcome to join the family at Bowburn Hall for refreshments following the service.

Family flowers only please, donations in lieu if so desired, to St Cuthbert’s Hospice, Durham.

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

Death of Retired Police Officer’s Wife: Janet Stadius

It is with deep regret that we inform you of the death of a retired Police Officer’s wife, Janet Stadius, who died at Willowburn Hospice, Lanchester on Wednesday 27th August 2025, aged 65 years.  Janet was married to retired Durham Police Officer, Detective Constable 216 John Stadius, now a Police Staff member.

Janet also served with Durham Constabulary as a member of Police Staff with the Technical Support Unit (TSU) from 1979 to 1981. After leaving the Police, she became a professional dancer.

Janet is survived by husband John, son Adam and his partner Sabie, Grandchildren Etta and Winnie and nieces Rachel and Victoria and much loved by all the extended family.

A funeral service is to be held at 11.30am Friday 3rd October 2025 at Durham Crematorium, South Road, Durham DH1 3TQ

Family flowers only donations in lieu, if so desired, to Willowburn Hospice and St Cuthbert’s Hospice.

After the funeral, friends are invited to join the family at The Avenue, Avenue Street, High Shincliffe, Durham DH1 2PT

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