Death of Retired Police Widow: Margaret Pringle

It is with deep regret that we inform you of the death of Police Widow, Margaret Pringle of Brandon, who died peacefully at home, surrounded by her girls on Monday 13th July 2026, aged 84 years.

Margaret is the widow of retired Police Constable 1114 Arthur Pringle.

Margaret is survived by daughters Alyson, Diane, Debra and Vicki, and their respective husbands and partners, 9 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.   Reunited with youngest daughter, Lisa who died in October 2021 and husband Arthur, who died in November 2022.

A funeral service is to be held at 10.30am Monday 3rd August 2026 at Durham Crematorium, South Road, Durham DH1 3TQ

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

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

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

Death of Retired Police Officer: Police Constable 1393 Ian Thomas Whittaker (Whitty)

It is with deep regret that we inform you of the death of retired Police Officer, Police Constable 1393 Ian Thomas Whittaker (Whitty), who peacefully died at Teesside Hospice on Wednesday 8th July 2026, aged 55 years, surrounded by the love of his family.

Ian joined Durham Constabulary on 21st April 1997, having previously served in the Military.  He worked, in uniform, at Darlington and Ferryhill, before embarking on a pathway as a career detective.

He served with reactive CID and was seconded to various teams within regional policing with West Yorkshire.  He also worked in the Professional Standards Department, before spending his last year as full-time Vice Chair and Treasurer of Durham Police Federation

Ian was medically retired on 15th January 2025.

Ian is survived by his wife Tracy, son Thomas, daughter Sarah, stepson Reece, stepdaughter Allanah, mother Margaret, in-laws Terry and Christina, brother Don and sister Joanne.  An Idolised uncle, nephew and grandad.

He is predeceased by his father Donald. 

A funeral service is to be held at 3.00pm Monday 27th July 2026, in St Bede’s Chapel, Teesside Crematorium, Acklam Road, Middlesbrough TS5 7HD

Family flowers only, donations in lieu, if so desired, to RSPB and Teesside Hospice.

After the funeral, friends are invited to join the family at Acklam Rugby Club, Talbot Park, Saltersgill Avenue, Middlesbrough TS4 3PR

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

Annual Sunday Lunch - Sunday 30th August 2026

 

Sunderland NARPO social event.....

Quick reminder that the Sunderland Branch of NARPO hold a social meeting 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 a £3 voluntary contribution per session (to help cover the cost of hiring the court & equipment) via a 'honesty box' and no need to contact in advance, simply turn up.

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

This social meeting is regularly attended by retired Durham officers

The next meeting is on this Thursday -  16th July 2026

Address for The Beacon of Light: Stadium Way, Monkwearmouth, Sunderland SR5 1SN

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.

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.

Next NARPO Branch Meeting (New Venue and daytime meeting)

Our next Branch meeting is our first Daytime meeting which we are trying to see if we can gain an increase in support. It is to be held at Ferryhill Masonic Hall, 35 North Street, Ferryhill, DL17 8HX at 11am on Monday 13th July. (Opposite the Manor Hotel) There is a large free car park at the rear with views across to Penshaw Monument.

Also attached is the order form for the Sunday Lunch to be held at the same venue on 30th August 2026.

Please click on image below for downloadable pdf of the menu

Death of retired Police Officer: PC 2017 Geoffrey Hopps

It is with regret that we inform you of the death of retired Police Officer, PC 2017 Geoffrey Hopps who passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on 28th June 2026 aged 72 years.

Geoff joined Durham Constabulary as a Cadet in 1969. He was appointed Constable in 1971 and posted to Bishop Auckland where he completed his probation. He followed his dream to become a Dog Handler and, later in his career, was well remembered for his work with the Community Relations Department, promoting Community safety with “Jet and Ben”. He visited every primary school in the Durham County area increasing awareness in relation to strangers. 

Geoff retired due to ill health in 1996 after 27 years’ service.

Geoff is succeeded by his wife Ann. Sons, Paul and Gareth and grandchildren, India, Hugo and Mollie.

The funeral will take place at 10:30 am on Friday 17th July 2026 at Wear Valley Crematorium, Coundon, Bishop Auckland. DL14 8PE. The funeral is not private however the family have requested family flowers only.

Following the service the family will be making their way to “The County” at Aycliffe Village where friends and former colleagues will be most welcome.

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