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 Ray Jones, Durham2@narpo.org.uk in order that we can monitor the take up and advise the Sunderland Branch, out of courtesy.

This social meeting is regularly attended by retired Durham officers

The next meeting is on Thursday 19th February.

Use the attached address for The Beacon:

https://beaconoflight.co.uk

Please Note:
From Sunderland NARPO Chairman Colin Dobson: "As from 26th August 2025 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 19th February 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 Officer’s Wife: Margaret Anderson

It is with deep regret that we inform you of the death of retired Police Officer’s wife, Margaret Anderson, who died at St Cuthbert’s Hospice, Park House Road, Durham on Saturday 31st  January 2026, aged 77 years.

Margaret is the wife of Police Constable 1316 Kenneth (Ken) Anderson, who retired from Durham Constabulary in March 2003.

Margaret was born in 1948 in Hythe, Kent, the eldest of three daughters. Following the family’s move to the North East, she attended Pelton School before beginning a career in the Civil Service.

She was known for her kindness and strong commitment to family life. Alongside a full social life, she enjoyed travel, gardening, and a wide range of creative activities. Margaret faced illness with strength, dignity and courage, and throughout her life remained a much-loved presence to her family, friends and all who knew her.

Margaret is survived by husband Ken, sons Philip and David, daughters in law Emma and Kristy and grandchildren Sam, Libby, Neeve, Olivia, Cara, Sophia and Jake.

A funeral service is to be held at 11.30am Thursday 26th February 2026, at Durham Crematorium, South Road, Durham DH1 3TQ

Family flowers only, any donations in lieu to be shared between Cancer UK (Sunderland Branch) and St Cuthbert’s Hospice, Durham.

After the funeral, friends are invited to join the family at the Masonic Hall, Station Road, Chester le Street DH3 3DU

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

Death of Retired Police Officer: PC 1524 William (Billy) Thornton Leng

It is with deep regret that we inform you of the death of retired Police Officer: PC 1524 William (Billy) Thornton Leng, who died at Pavillion Nursing Home, Houghton le Spring on Friday 16th January 2026, aged 81 years.

Billy joined Durham Police Cadets in 1960, at the age of 16 years, before joining the regular force in 1962.  Initially posted to Chester le Street and then Washington, he trained as a dog handler, covering Durham and Chester le Street from the Sherburn Dog Section base.  In 1971 he and his dog came 1st at the Tyneside Summer Exhibition.  The following year he and his dog came 4th in the National Police Dog Trials.  Billy also attended a Home Office Course at Keston, Surrey, where he qualified as an Instructor in Police Dog Training and took up this role at Harperley Hall Dog Training School, up until his retirement.

Prior to retirement in 1986, Billy was awarded the Police Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.

Billy is survived by wife Pamela, daughter Susan and son in law’s Ian and Craig, grandchildren Philip, Jonathan and Anna and great grandchildren Codie, Harry and Ophelia.  He is predeceased by daughter Alison.

A funeral service is to be held at 11.30am Monday 16th February 2026 at Durham Crematorium, South Road, Durham DH1 3TQ

Family flowers only, any donations in lieu please, to PawsUp.org.uk

After the funeral, friends are invited to join the family at The Honest Lawyer, Croxdale Bridge, Durham DH1 3SP

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