Death of Retired Police Officer: Police Constable 529 Stuart (Ben) Bennett

It is with deep regret that we inform you of the death of retired Police Officer, Police Constable 529 Stuart (Ben) Bennett, who died suddenly at home on Tuesday 26th May 2026, aged 64 years.

Ben was a Durham Police Cadet between 1978-80.  He was appointed as a Constable with Durham Constabulary on 19th May 1980 and served at Bishop Auckland, Crook and Stanhope and with the Motorcycle Section.  He left Durham Constabulary on 6th November 2000.   

Ben is survived by Yvonne, his wife of 43 years.

A funeral service is to be held at 2.30pm Monday 22nd June 2026 at Wear Valley Crematorium, Coundon, Bishop Auckland DL14 8PE

Family flowers only, donations in lieu to Guide Dogs.

After the funeral, friends are invited to join the family at The Royal Air Force Association, Spitfire Club, 12 North Terrace, Crook DL15 9AZ

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

Death of Retired Police Officer : PC 1654 Roland Keith Robinson

It is with deep regret that we inform you of the death of retired Police Officer, PC 1654 Roland Keith Robinson, who died at Darlington memorial Hospital on Wednesday 27th May 2026, aged 95 years.

Keith joined Durham County Constabulary on 30th December 1957 and started his service at Stockton-on-Tees (Town), he was later posted to Consett (Town), then to Medomsley (Detached Beat). Keith then joined HQ Traffic Motorcycle Section where he patrolled for many years before finishing his service at Bishop Auckland (Town).  He retired on 31st December 1986.

After his retirement he continued to ride his own motorcycle for several years.

Keith is survived by his daughter Ann and grandson Marcus.

A funeral service is to be held at 09.30am Wednesday 17th June 2026 at Wear Valley Crematorium, Coundon, Bishop Auckland DL14 8PE

Family flowers only, donations in lieu to any charity of choice.

After the funeral, friends are invited to join the family at Elm Road Workingmen’s Club, 20 Elm Road, Shildon DL4 1BH

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

PC Jess Turnbull, a Northumbria police officer, has tragically died in the line of duty after a collision in Northumberland

PC Jess Turnbull was responding to a collision which occurred on the A189 Spine Road in Cramlington at about 11.10pm on Monday.

While at the scene, she was outside of a marked police vehicle when she was struck by a black Mercedes CLC which was unconnected to the original incident.

Jess was taken to hospital where yesterday, surrounded by her loved ones, she sadly died.

Jess, who was 19, joined the Force in September last year and worked on the response policing team in Northumberland.

Our thoughts very much remain with her family and those impacted by this devastating loss.

Death of Retired Police Officer: PC 2001 Clive Ian Jeffery

It is with deep regret that we inform you of the death of retired Police Officer, PC 2001 Clive Ian Jeffery, who died in St Teresa’s Hospice, Darlington on Saturday 30th May 2026, aged 76 years.

Clive was appointed as a Police Constable with Durham County Constabulary on 1st June 1971.  He served at Gateshead and Darlington before retiring from the force on 16th September 2001.

Clive is survived by wife Lynne, daughter Sue, son Stephen, son-in-law Neil and grandson Jake.

A funeral service is to be held at 1.00pm Friday 19th June 2026 at Darlington Crematorium, Carmel Road North, Darlington DL3 8RY

Family flowers only, donations in lieu to St Teresa’s Hospice, Darlington.

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

Death of Retired Police Officer: Chief Inspector 1661 Robert Malcolm Fordy

It is with deep regret that we inform you of the death of retired Police Officer, Chief Inspector 1661 Robert Malcolm Fordy, who died suddenly at home on Tuesday 19th May 2026, aged 84 years.

Malcolm was appointed as a Police Constable with Durham County Constabulary on 4th July 1960.  He was promoted to Sergeant on 9th February 1976, followed by promotion to Inspector on 6th August 1979.  On 21st October 1985 Malcolm was promoted to the rank of Chief Inspector.  Malcolm ended his police career at Barnard Castle, retiring on 31st August 1993.

Malcolm is survived by daughter Heather, son Keith and daughter-in-law Mira, grandchildren Lauren, Lara and Maya.  He is predeceased by his wife Jean.

A funeral service is to be held at 2.00pm Monday 22nd June 2026 at Darlington Crematorium, Carmel Road North, Darlington DL3 8RY

Family flowers only, donations in lieu to The British Heart Foundation.

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

Death of Retired Police Officer: Detective Constable 1658 George Ian Dalton

It is with deep regret that we inform you of the death of retired Police Officer, Detective Constable 1658 George Ian Dalton, who died peacefully at Sunderland Royal Hospital on Saturday 16th May 2026, aged 79 years.

George was appointed with Durham County Constabulary on 25th July 1966.  He retired on 27th February 1994.  Little is known about George’s police career, other than his posting with CID at Peterlee.

Following retirement, George was involved with several retired officers, who prepared lunches for the elderly in the Easington area.

He is survived by his wife Audrey, daughters Fiona and husband Keith, Julie and husband Sean and grandchildren Lewis, Elisa, Patrick, Ryan and Tasmin.

A funeral service is to be held at 12 noon, Thursday 11th June 2026 at Peterlee Memorial Methodist Church, 4 Broadclose Court, Castle Dene, Peterlee SR8 1AJ, followed by a private committal service at Durham Crematorium, South Road, Durham DH1 3TQ

Family flowers only, donations in lieu to Parkinson Society.

After the funeral, friends are invited to join the family at The Half Moon, Easington Village, SR8 3AZ

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

Death of Retired Police Officer: PC 654 George Jeffrey (Jeff) Whittingham

It is with deep regret that we inform you of the death of retired Police Officer, PC 654 George Jeffrey (Jeff) Whittingham, who died peacefully at home in Chester on Wednesday 29th April 2026, aged 80 years.

Jeff joined Durham County Constabulary on 25th July 1966 and worked at Durham and Darlington, partly as a Scientific Aids Officer.  After 30 years’ service, he retired on 24th July 1996.  He was a part-time member of the Territorial Army and was very well known for his decorating skills, which he learned from his father.

After his retirement, Jeff Moved to Cheshire to be near his grandchildren.  After a short spell working in the family Newsagents, he worked part-time for a Funeral Director and at the Chester Wholesale News.

Jeff returned to policing in 1999, becoming Civilian Officer 9013 with Cheshire Police, on the Front Help Desk, retiring in 2018, at the age of 72 years, following a further 19 years’ service.  Whilst working on the Help Desk he received a Chief Superintendent’s Commendation for his services.

Jeff is survived by his daughter Allyson and her partner Stuart, grandchildren Alex and his partner Katy and Chris and his wife Ashleigh.  He is predeceased by his wife Sandra who died in 2007 and his loving partner of 8 years, Sue who died in October 2025.

Jeff passed away peacefully at home, following a short illness of Leukaemia.  A cremation service has been held, and his ashes are to be brought back to Darlington later this year, so that he can be reunited with his beloved home town.

A ‘Celebration of Life’ gathering, including lunch, is to take place on Sunday 2nd August 2026 between 12:00 and 17:00 at Thornton Hall Hotel, Thornton Hough, Wirral CH63 1JF, to which everyone is welcome.

Anyone intending to attend, please contact Allyson via email; aegowen2014@gmail.com ; mobile 07561 387652 or Facebook.

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

Celebration of life gathering

GEORGE 'JEFF' WHITTINGHAM

10th June 1945 - 29th April 2026

We would love you to join us, sharing stories and memories, at a gathering with family and dear friends.

Sunday 2nd August 2026    12:00 - 17:00

Thornton Hall Hotel, Neston Road, Thornton Hough, Wirral, CH63 1JF

Informal gathering, including lunch

RSVP: Allyson and family

Anyone intending to attend, please contact Allyson via email: aegowen2014@gmail.com , 07561 387652 or via Facebook

Death of Police Widow: Ada Price

It is with deep regret that we inform you of the death of  Police Widow, Ada Price, who died at Bethany House Care Home, Woodham, Newton Aycliffe on Sunday 24th May 2026, aged 98 years.

She is the widow of the late Inspector Bernard (Bernie) Edward Price, who died in January 2024, aged 95 years.

Ada is survived by daughters Mandy and Tania, son Neville and his wife Janice and grandchildren Lisa and Samantha and great grandchildren Sebastian and Sophia.

A funeral service is to be held at 11.30am Friday 19th June 2026 at Durham Crematorium, South Road, Durham DH1 3TQ

Family flowers only, donations in lieu for Age Concern.

After the funeral, friends are invited to join the family at The Duke of Wellington, Darlington Road, Durham DH1 3QN

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

Seaham & Peterlee Police Reunion - 20th June 2026

Seaham and Peterlee Police Reunion  -  Welcome to National Martini Day

And to celebrate get yourself down to

The Marlborough, Charles Street, Seaham at 3.00pm on Saturday, 20th June,2026

It’s always nice to have something to celebrate and this year is no different.

Whilst Martini may be in short supply you can be certain of a good Lambrini.

This is an open invitation to all officers and support staff who served, worked or covered Seaham and Peterlee Sub-Divisions (even Traffic!).

If you can think of anyone else who may not read this then please pass on the message via word of mouth, FB, Durham LA Forum,Twitter, Whats App or text.

For information, the bar is cash only, no cards or contactless.

We look forward to welcoming you on the 20th of June.