Durham Constabulary Male Voice Choir: Xmas Concert

 

Death of retired Police Officer: Superintendent 250 Barry Purdy

It is with deep regret that we inform you of the death of retired Police Officer, Superintendent 250 Barry Purdy, who died in St Cuthbert’s Hospice, Durham, on Friday 7th November 2025, aged 90 years.

Barry joined Durham County Constabulary on 5th September 1955, his first posting being to Jarrow, followed by a move to West Auckland.  Between 1959 and 1965 he worked on Crime and Motor Patrols.  In 1965 he was promoted to Sergeant and served at Seaham, Tutor Sergeant at Durham and HQ Training.  In 1969 Barry was promoted to Inspector at Durham City and 18 months later was seconded to the Management Service Unit at County Hall, where he worked on a Time Management and Safety Project.  

In 1973 he was seconded to the Home Office Technical Support Unit (HOTSU) as Liaison Officer and in 1979 was posted to Chester le Street.  Promotion to Chief Inspector in 1980 saw Barry serving in the Durham Administration Department, Press Office and Motor School.  He was further promoted to Superintendent in 1984, serving at Peterlee and retired from Durham Constabulary on 1st February 1987.

During his Police Career, Barry was awarded 3 Commendations from Magistrates in addition to 2 Chief Constable’s Commendations.

Barry is survived by wife Lorna and daughter Maxine.

A funeral service is to be held at 1.15pm Wednesday 3rd December 2025 at St Mary and St Cuthbert’s Parish Church, Church Chare, Chester le Street, DH3 3QW

This will be followed by a private committal service at Durham Crematorium, South Road, Durham DH1 3TQ

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

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 Barry’s family and friends at this sad time.

Durham NARPO Branch Meeting, takes place at 7.30pm, today, Monday 10th November 2025

A quick reminder that the next Durham NARPO Branch Meeting, takes place at 7.30pm, today,  Monday 10th November 2025, at Chester-le-Street Masonic Hall, Station Road, Chester-le-Street DH3 3DU.

Remembrance Day Service at Durham Police HQ

A Remembrance Day Service is to be held in the Remembrance Garden at Durham Police HQ on Tuesday 11th November 2025.

The service will be led by Senior Force Chaplain, Adrian Gatrill and a period of silence will be observed from 11 o'clock.

Durham NARPO will lay a poppy wreath during the service, which is open to all.

Those attending should meet in the garden area.

Message from family of the late Chief Superintendent Jack Fidiam

David, Adam and I would like to thank all those who attended the celebration of Jack’s life on Friday 24th October.

We are sorry we were unable to thank everyone personally, but are extremely grateful that so many of Jacks ex colleagues were able to attend.

The sum of £350 was raised for St Cuthbert Hospice and arrangements have been made to pass on the donation, in addition to a donation from the family.

Allyson ( Jack's daughter)