This photograph was taken at Durham Castle during the visit of HRH Princess Anne to Mackay's Carpet Factory and the Castle on 4th April 1984.
L to R : PC 756 Peter Todd, Sgt 293 Duncan Adamson, Chief Superintendent Alf Charlton, PC 1017 Brian Jones, PC 1660 Joe Butters and PC 903 John Knaggs.
(Many Thanks to Brian Jones for supplying the photo)
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Two pictures that turned up via FaceBook and came to our attention..
Ford Granada : NGR71T – Alpha Red 44 out of Spennymoor
Picture shows Bob Brown on crewmate Martin Hall’s drive at Spennymoor. The opposite crew of Martin & Bob were Keith Maddison & Brian Stabler, who are sadly no longer with us.
Ford Escort XR3i : A278BJR– Mike 10 out of Darlington
Crewed by Ian Bestford & John Laidlaw & ???
Another XR3i, A277BJR was based at Peterlee, call sign possibly AR47 and crewed by Barry Cowie & Ken Arthur / Mal Thomas & Neil Walton
Who’s on the police bike and where was this taken ??
You can view older editions of Copper Plate by clicking on the menu bar above or by CLICKING HERE
Don’t Miss Out This Year! Read this carefully, NOW!
The 4th Retirees Reunion and Social Afternoon Spectacular at Durham Constabulary, H.Q., Aykley Heads, on Sunday 30th June, 2013 - 1.30pm to 5pm
Durham Constabulary and Durham Branch of N.A.R.P.O. invite ALL members of Durham Constabulary police and police support staff- both retired and serving to come along to this amazingly enjoyable social afternoon. A great deal of hard work, planning and co-ordination between the Strategic Development Team and your N.A.R.P.O. Committee to be sure that this year’s event will be even better than in the Olympic Year.
The majority of you, who have attended in previous years I know will be coming again – if you know of past colleagues who are not aware of the event – please tell them – they will be most welcome
There will be live entertainment by the Durham Constabulary Band and Choir; exciting demonstrations by the Dog Section, (emergencies excepted), the National Police Air Service Helicopter and its very interesting crew; displays by Durham H.Q. Archives; N.A.R.P.O. & The Blue. Then there are the true stars of the day, yourselves come along and meet old colleagues, tell your war stories” (if you can remember them) and best of all be part of the very friendly atmosphere that us old ‘uns’ can generate among each other.
Light refreshments will be provided and a super raffle organized and contributed by NARPO. The unique souvenir programme which can house your personal photograph taken on arrival- this has always proven to be very popular memento of the occasion.
Please Note: Admission is by ticket only & tickets are free.
PLEASE order quickly – strict and final closing date is 20th June 2013. So if you want to be part of the action – act now! Remember: No ticket – no entry!
N.A.R.P.O. Members including widows please order from:
Mrs Angie Crawford, 8, Warwick Place, Peterlee, SR2 2EZ. Tel. 0191 518 0996.
E-mail: angiechilton@yahoo.com
Non- NARPO Retired officers and Retired Police Support Staff please order from:
Mr Colin Appleby21, Lea Rigg, West Rainton, Houghton le Spring, DH4 6SR.
Tel. 0191 584 6178. E-mail appleby.colin@btinternet.com.
Serving Police Support Staff & Serving Officers – please order from:
Amanda Dodds or Amanda Hodgson. H.Q. Strategic Development Team
Click on the image to go to the Durham Peeler webpage where you can then click on the images of the Peeler and either read them online or download them to your own computer in pdf format
Members will shortly receive their printed editions through the letterbox.
If any of our readers has a story that you would like put into print, in the Durham Peeler then please email us on durhamnarpo@gmail.com and we will forward your details to the Editor – Alan Watson
While some settle immediately into full retirement some others enter into new phase of their lives.
For those that have already switched or for those that are thinking of beginning a new career in the security or private investigation sectors help is at hand in the form of EPIC (Ex Police in Industry and Commerce) It’s aims are to provide a business networking organisation exclusively for former police officers who can meet the highest standards of "integrity assured” candidature and pass the strictest vetting processes. The service is available to those both in the public and private sector who are employed or self employed
EPIC was established in 1979 and is the only business networking association for former officers of all ranks. All members are vetted prior to enrolment so as to comply with the organisation strap line of “Integrity assured” Members are both employed and self employed and enjoy a range of benefits
It holds regional meetings, conferences and has a sophisticated software platform, designed to drive new business to members and to have members support each other. The ethos of continuous professional development is promoted.
All members are entitled to use the EPIC Brand logo in their business and personal lives .EPIC considers itself to be part of the wider Police family.
It is also a provider of training, and particularly transition training for those leaving the police service, who want to continue in a second career, or engage in industry and commerce in their own business ventures.
EPIC also aims to be involved in consultative processes prior to regulatory impact assessments, and to represent members views in industry forums.
Members were traditionally involved in investigations and security, but now the organisation hosts all skill sets on a business to business context within industry and commerce, and so, consultancy, in all its disciplines, and specialists in HR, marketing, leadership, business and corporate support and a range of allied specialism’s are well represented.
We welcome all ranks, but senior status in the police service will not attract senior status within EPIC as all members are evenly represented in a business context. Eligibility is by previous UK police service, even to those who have left early and had their pension entitlement deferred, or those who have full pension entitlement
Membership benefits include;
EPIC is both a stepping stone and mentor organisation through the transitioning period of change for those coming into the industry
Regular meetings are held throughout the country with presentations on topical issues and subjects to keep members abreast on new developments in security, crime investigation and prevention techniques and forensic and physical security
Further information can be obtained from the organisation web site
or contact Colin Gibson via email : colin.gibson@tnt.co.uk
Many Thanks to Alan Hutchinson / Harry Clark for providing this photo of Traffic Branch 1972.
Double click on the image to view it in the gallery at a larger size…
Back Row : Sgt Terrington, Sgt Hillary,Sgt Colgrave, Sgt Jones, PC Dent, PC Scot, PC Naylor
Middle Row : Sgt Smith, Mary French, PW Fraser, G Smith,N.Parkinson, A Daglish, PW Bartley, Audrey Fidiam, PC Hall
Front Row : CI Kirkup, Supt Thompson, Supt Askew, C/Supt Harper, Supt Usher, CI Rutherford, Insp Dent.
If you can correct any of the names or give first names please send us an email to durhamnarpo@gmail.com
This message has been sent from NARPO Head Office :
Hi All,
I would be grateful if you would circulate the below to your members:
WERE YOU OFFERED EMPLOYMENT BY G4S DURING THE OLYMPICS?
As you are aware a large number of retired Police Officers were recruited by G4S to work in the lead up to and during the London Olympics.
Many of our members went through recruitment processes, vetting, accreditation and training stages but never received an offer of employment at the end of it and unfortunately Linder Myers Solicitors have informed us that those in that category will have no reasonable grounds to pursue a breach of contract claim against G4S.
However if you did receive a formal offer of employment from G4S which they accepted and then were let down with no actual employment forthcoming from them then you may have a claim against G4S for Breach of contract.
Should you fit into this category then please contact; Latham Parry at Linder Myers Solicitors on 0844 984 6448 or narpo@lindermyers.co.uk who will be pleased to consider individual/or a collective case should there be two or more claimants who come forward.
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L to R - PC's Greener, Wood, Simpson. Chief Constable Puckering and PC's Hedges, Turner and Leng
You can see more of the Police Dogs and in particular PC Bill Leng & PD Major by visiting the Dog Section’s new Paws Up website which is a Benevolent Fund for retired Durham Police Dogs.
You can read all about it at www.pawsup.org.uk and can even help raise funds for the fund whilst shopping online by clicking on their EasyFundraising link
Neville House Life Saving Team, winners of the cadet life saving competition. . From left to right: Bill Brennan is just visible, Jim McKenna, Geoff Perry, Ray Johnson, Ted Roberts (instructor), Bill Lippit, and Ian Hilton. Believed to be 1964/5. A team picked from all the cadet school was subsequently entered as Durham County Cadets and won the Regional Life Saving Championship, this caused a bit of a stir as they beat regular force teams. The cadet team eventually competed in the national finals in London.
It is with regret that we announce the death of retired Police Officer : PC 832 Charles Valentine Hedley, who died on the 4th March 2013 aged 87 years.
Charles retired from Durham Constabulary in August 1981.
The funeral will be taking place at Wear Valley Crematorium on the 25th March at 14:45, the service is not private.
Donations have been requested in lieu of flowers to the British Heart Foundation, cheques can be made payable to British Heart Foundation and can be forwarded to BHF Customer Service Centre, Lydon Place, 2096 Coventry Road, Sheldon, Birmingham, B26 3YU.
Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time.
It is with regret that we announce the death of retired Police Inspector Leslie Matthews, who died on 5th March 2013 aged 82 years.
He retired from Durham Constabulary on 19th October 1981.
He leaves a widow, Dorothy and a son Michael.
The funeral will take place at Darlington Crematorium on Monday 18th March 2013 at 2.45pm. This service is not private.
Donations have been requested in lieu of flowers to Friends of Darlington Memorial Hospital.
Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time.
Girl Cadets Hockey Team, 1973, picture taken at Police HQ, Aykley Heads…
Where are they all now ?? Click on the picture to view it at a larger size in the photo gallery
Picture kindly supplied by Carol (Potts) & Tim Moore
Every year it costs approximately £4m to run both of the Treatment Centres and with the falling numbers of serving officers, we find our donations going down accordingly and we must find new ways of raising money. In order to raise more funds for our highly valued service we are starting our own lottery.
As a Retired Officer you may well have paid into The Police Treatment Centre all of your working life and are now entitled to free treatment at either of our Centres, which I do hope you take advantage of if you need our help.
We would very much appreciate your help in getting the lottery off the ground and wondered if you would be kind enough to help promote the lottery within your NARPO branch and indeed to anyone who would like to purchase a ticket?
The lottery is open to absolutely anyone to buy a ticket. Tickets cost £1 each and will be drawn monthly with a first prize of £1000 with other cash prizes.
We are currently in the process of producing a lottery leaflet for promotional purposes as well as ensuring that the lottery entry form can be downloaded from our website. The entry form will be part of the lottery leaflet and can be posted to our lottery organizer for entry.
We would be so grateful if you could help in any way promote the lottery by telling people in your branch and asking them if they would like to buy a ticket.
If you do feel able to help us, could you let me know and I will arrange to have some leaflets sent to you.
My contact details are below :
Amanda Carter
PR & Fundraising Manager
The Police Treatment Centres
01423 504 448
Dear all,
I’m in the process of setting up a benevolent fund for our retired Durham Police dogs.
Part of this has involved launching a web site specifically for the fund and also covering aspects of the unit past and present, enabling some of its history to start being recorded too.
If you can (and would like to) help, .. I’m after any pictures / stories / articles of your ex serving dogs to put on the site.
A bit of history would help too – ie, when the dog served, how old when started / finished, gift dog or force bred, capabilities, DOB, etc etc….
Please have a look at the site at – www.pawsup.org.uk but bear in mind it’s still a ‘work in progress’ and is not the finished article yet.
The fund is to be called ‘PAWS UP’ and will be launched properly May / June this year.
Give me a shout if you want any more information on 07867993077 or any email correspondence via durhampolicek9@gmail.com
Hoping you can assist ..
Many thanks
Ian Squire
Dog Support Unit
We have had a couple of queries from people on the notification list to the effect that they have not been receiving emails recently.
The emails are being sent out as normal and we have had none returned to us as undeliverable so we can only presume that they are getting caught up in your providers Spam Filter.
Please add Durham NARPO to your contacts list, with the email address of durhamnarpo@gmail.com and check your Spam Filter to make sure there are no emails in the Spam Box. If they have gone in there mark them as NOT Spam.
This is the advice that Google give to users :
If you find a message wrongly classified as spam, you can unmark the message. Just select the message, and click the Not Spam button that appears at the top and bottom of your current view. Unmarking a message will automatically move it to your inbox.
If you find that some senders' messages are consistently being mislabeled as spam, you can prevent this by:
If you have not received any of the recent notifications, please drop us an email to durhamnarpo@gmail.com and we will send you a test email
Many thanks to Don Stephenson for sending in this picture from his Police Cadet days.
Picture of four Durham Police Cadets taken in 1969 when they were the first to go on a two week attachment to Minsteracres Monastery in Co Durham. Their job was to clear an area around the graves of two Brothers who had died recently.
Pictured from left to right.
Father Colum Devine, The Superior, Peter McNulty, Ronnie Fort, Don Stephenson and Peter Walton
Don went on to finish as a sergeant in Cleveland whilst Peter Walton finished as a sergeant in Northumbria. Anybody know about Peter & Ronnie ?
Durham Constabulary Choir at Aykley Heads - 5th May 1973 (the day Sunderland won the FA Cup).
Guitarists : Neil Burn & Alan Chesterton. (Picture provided by Fraser Gill (Northumbria cadet in back row)
Any more info ??
A request for some pictures from one of our readers. If any of you have any pictures of Harperley Hall, etc from this time (or suggest who might have), please can you forward via : durhamnarpo@gmail.com and we will publish on the site & in the gallery :
“Dear Sir/Madam,
I found your site fascinating seeing some faces I recognise from child hood.
I was brought up at Harperley Hall, Durham Constabulary's training facility and home at the time to the mounted branch and the police dogs , between 1971 to 1976 before moving to a Police house in near by Fir Tree village.
My father Bill Maltman, was a mounted officer and I was wondering if you have any more photos from Harperley Hall around the time 1971-1980.
My own family hear me talking about my childhood growing up with the excitement of Police horses and dogs and police cars being around but I've never been able to show them any photos.
Many thanks,
best regards,
Glenn “
The Police Federation, which represents rank-and-file officers, said the cut was 'ill-conceived and fails to reflect the dangers and demands inherent in the job'.
There was also widespread anger on social media sites used by officers. One wrote on Twitter: 'McDonalds starting salary £21.5k…'
Mrs May, the home secretary, said the starting salary for police constables in England and Wales will be cut by £4,000 to around £19,000 in the first major overhaul of police pay and conditions for more than 30 years.
She told MPs she was accepting the recommendations of the police arbitration tribunal which would help “modernise police pay and conditions so that they are fair to both officers and the taxpayer”.
Mrs May said she accepted the tribunal's recommendation that the salary for recruits with no experience, such as school-leavers, should be cut by 17 per cent, to £19,000.
Older recruits with relevant experience, such as a period as a special constable, will earn £22,000 a year. New recruits in London will earn a minimum of £21,000, which could rise to £25,500, if they live in an expensive part of the capital.
The move follows a landmark review of police pay and conditions by the former rail regulator Tom Winsor, who is now the first non-officer to hold the post of Chief Inspector of Constabulary, which angered rank-and-file officers.
Mrs May said: “Existing police pay and conditions were designed more than 30 years ago which is why we asked Tom Winsor to carry out his independent review.
“Police officers and staff deserve to have pay and workforce arrangements that recognise the vital role they play in fighting crime and keeping the public safe.”
The home secretary stressed that in reaching her decision she recognised that the police did not have the right to strike and the particular frontline role and nature of the office of constable.
But the home secretary has followed the recommendation of the police arbitration tribunal to delay a decision on the most controversial element of the Winsor package, which is the introduction of a system of making police officers compulsorily redundant for the first time.
The change was to be introduced from April giving discretion to chief constables struggling to make 23% cuts in police funding over three years. The home secretary has now given police staff associations and their employers until July to reach agreement on compulsory severance.
Elfyn Llwyd, a member of the Commons justice select committee, said the move was a “historical low”.
“These repeated attacks on funding for vital public services are counter-productive and grossly unfair,” he said.
“The police service throughout the UK does a fantastic job but both the reputation of these forces and the safety of communities are in jeopardy due to the Coalition's unsustainable budget cuts and proposed changes in working practices which will undermine the morale of hard-working officers.”
He added: “This is a historical low in terms of Government’s lack of respect for the police service and it will have far-reaching consequences including making it more difficult for the police to ensure that they are able to deal with crime and public order.”
Labour's police spokesman, David Hanson, said the £4,000 cut in starting pay could not be allowed to discourage the best quality candidates from coming forward.
"There is a real worry that the proposed starting salary for all police officers will damage the ability of police forces to recruit officers of the right skills and experience and directly contradicts the government's own wish to limit recruitment to those with three A-levels and recruit professional people from outside the police," he said.
"The other proposed changes will hit police morale further at a time when the Tory-led government are making cuts to the police force which go too far, too fast, with the loss of 15,000 police officers by 2015. I'm pleased there will be more discussion on the issue of severance packages and we will continue to discuss with police forces and staff in coming months what reforms are needed."
Keith Vaz, the chairman of the Commons home affairs select committee, said it was the wrong time to cut the pay of ordinary police officers.
"Morale in the police force is already at an all-time low and the landscape of policing is undergoing the most significant reform since Sir Robert Peel. If the home secretary wants her revolution in policing to be successful, she must carry the workforce with her," he said.
Steve Williams, chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales, said officers were disappointed, but had agreed to be bound by the process involving the police negotiating board.
“Whilst we remain disappointed with some of the PAT’s recommendations we acknowledge that the Home Secretary has honoured the process of the Police Negotiating Board,” he said.
“We accept that today’s decision by the Home Secretary is binding on the Police Federation of England and Wales and we will continue to engage fully on behalf of our members.”
The Association of Chief Police Officers (Acpo) said it was essential that the system of pay and conditions recognised the professional status of policing and moved towards a system where pay levels rewarded expertise and contribution.
"Acpo was concerned about the starting salaries range proposed and the outcome of these negotiations means that chief constables will now have the flexibility to pay a starting salary of up to £22,000 depending on skills and qualifications. Officers can also reach the top rate of pay three years earlier than under the current arrangements," said the chief constables' statement.
"Police service funding has already been considerably reduced and further financial pressure lies ahead. Chief constables must have the means available to them to manage their workforce through these difficult times, even if that means taking steps that are unwelcome. The slow pace of progress through current pay machinery both hampers the ability to secure reform and prolongs uncertainty for officers and staff."
Many Thanks to Ian McIntosh for sending us some pictures of his father, the late DS Jim McIntosh : http://www.durhamnarpo.com/2010/12/death-of-retired-police-officer-sgt.html
Back Row : Cliff Brown (Durham : Darlington), Brian Huscroft (Durham : Jarrow), Bill Paxton (Gateshead), Terry Denton (Hull City), Ray Cassie (Northumberland : Blyth), Jim Young (Durham : West Hartlepool), Malcolm Dalby (N.Riding : Southbank)
Middle Row : Don Glasper (Durham : West Hartlepool), John Hattersley (Durham : West Hartlepool), Jim McIntosh (Durham : Barnard Castle ) , Arthur Forrester (Durham : Seaham), Maurice Farn (Durham : Chester Le Street), Alan Dixon (Gateshead), Win Cole (Middlesbrough)
Front Row : Bill Webster (Newcastle), George Harrison (River Tyne), Sgt Santon (Durham), Mark Rannam (Newcastle), Ron Rochester (Newcastle)
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Early 60’s Diving pictures, Jim is the diver on the right
Wakefield Detective Training School 1969.Middle Row - Third from Left : Jim McIntosh (Durham)
Surveillance Course at Lancashire 1981 – Back row : DI Stan Bramfitt (Durham) & Third from left DS Jim McIntosh
To view the images in the NARPO gallery at a bigger size please click on them & if you know the names of anyone in the pictures please let us know
Retired Durham Officer PC 566 Dave Davies sent us a couple of pictures of himself with two of his police dogs
 Dave Davies with PD ‘ELLE’ |  Dave Davies with PD ‘MIKEY’ |
Dave transferred to Durham Constabulary from the Met Police on the 10th May 1986 and transferred dog section on the 4th January 1993 where he served until his retirement. Dave’s initial training for Dog Section was conducted by the late Paul Greener, who Dave says, “was a superb dog trainer especially for the day and age. Ahead of his time in methodology! “
During his service Dave served with numerous Police dogs : Max, Brutus, Tyler, Jack, Prince, Elle & specialist dogs Mikey (Lab, narcotics and firearm detection) & Hamish ( Terrier cross - Narcotics, Firearms and currency detection)
Dave retired on the 15th November 2009 and PD Elle & PD Hamish retired with him. All three are still enjoying retirement
Elle served from being a puppy!! and was bred in force, she retired with Dave and is now 9 years old.
Mikey was an unwanted gun dog, bought from a gun dog dealer in Alston and served from 1998 for five years or so, eventually being retired into Dave’s care and replaced by PD Hamish. Mikey has subsequently died.
Dave is now the editor for Service Dog, the official journal for The British Police & Services Canine Association. BPSCA are needing members, they have people from all branches of the forces and police, all are or have been dog handlers and trainers, so the knowledge base is superb. They have one trial a year held at Newbold Revel HMP college, Warwickshire. This year it is on the 13-7-2013. There is also a specialist dog search, usually drugs but this year it will cater for all disciplines such as fire brigade, explo, drug, weapons. Closing date for entries is last day of May.
For further info please visit : The British Police & Services Canine Association or Dave’s own website : www.daviddaviesdogtraining.com
 PC Bob Bell, Durham Market Place about 1950 ? |  Dick Collinson : about 1940 (Note tin helmet) |  Any idea’s who the PC is ? |
The Police Traffic Control Box in the Market Place in Durham City.
Notice the step halfway up the box, which officers used to use to climb into the box as it had no door.
This was later changed as it was deemed undignified for an officer, particularly a WPC, to climb in & out of the box
(Click on the images to view in the gallery)
One from Sedgefield Camp
Lambton House 1971
Bruce McMillan, ? ? Alan Borthwick, ? Jim Mordue, ? ?
? Steve Lackenby, ? Bill Sproates, Ian Martin, Colin Mitchell, Paul Caslaw, Nick Skelton,?
Phil Taylor, Richie Gibson, John Wright, John Gilsenan, Bill Miles, Hugh Blenkin, George Harrison, Geoff Seedman? Phil Iceton, Dave Dunn, ? — with Ian D. Martin.
(Click on the image to view in the gallery)
Cadet Instructors at Aykley Heads somewhere between 1972 and 1974
Back row; PC Ronnie Lambert (Northumbria), Insp.Colin Neal, PC/Sgt Dave Cromarty, Sgt John Smith (North Yorks). Tom Baxter (Referee in yellow shirt)
Front Row : Sgt Ray Clish, Sgt Frank Pickering, PC Lawrie Cummings and PC/Sgt George Nixon
Any of the Instructors or ex cadets remember what the occasion was ??
(Click on image to view in gallery)
Police Cadets Christmas Concert : 'Oliver' - 1973 or 74.
Sgt Dave Cromarty at front centre.
Other Durham cadets :
Steve Wintrell, Paul Wood, Frank Reed, Carol Potts (Moore), Lynn Cleveland, Janet Clasper, Mick Kent, Bob Brown, Steve McLean, Brian Henderson & Denny Pygall
Northumbria Cadets : Syd Wareham, Fraser Gill, George Barber, Gillian Oakley
Any more names ??
Happy New Year...
Here's wishing you all a happy, healthy, prosperous and safe 2013.
You can view older editions of Copper Plate by clicking on the menu bar above or by CLICKING HERE
 | Happy Christmas to All our Viewers |  |
Home Secretary Theresa May announced yesterday that he would lead the fresh police investigation into the deaths of the 96 Liverpool fans at the 1989 FA Cup semi-final at the home of Sheffield Wednesday.
Mr Stoddart has previously had high- profile responsibilities at a national level, he led the independent review of Operation Weeting, the Metropolitan police investigation into phone hacking by the national media and other suspected criminal activity.He also gave evidence to the Leveson Inquiry into phone-hacking in March and was given an OBE in the 2012 New Year’s Honours.
Mr Stoddart said: "I am aware of the great significance and personal responsibility which comes with leading this criminal investigation. My first priority is to meet with as many of the families as possible and to establish a working, open relationship with them throughout the investigation. I have held a number of meetings already and have been struck by the families’ humility and steadfast determination to see justice delivered for their loved ones.”
"My role is to ensure that we determine exactly what happened in the lead-up to and on the day of the disaster and establish where any culpability lies."
Families welcomed the move as the “first step towards accountability“ but urged all authorities to work together to ensure justice. The announcement came as High Court judges quashed the original accidental death verdicts on the disaster which occurred 23 years ago and ordered a fresh inquest. Both decisions follow a damning report from the Hillsborough Independent Panel in September, which laid bare the attempts to shift blame for the tragedy onto its victims.
Mr Stoddart will work closely with the previously announced Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) investigation into police conduct in the aftermath of the disaster. Both investigations will be conducted from the same office in Warrington, Cheshire. The Stoddart investigation will be into a range of agencies outside the IPCC’s remit but in order to maintain independence, the IPCC will look at the actions of police officers in relation to the deaths.
In addition to announcing a new investigation, a Liaison Board will be established to bring together all organisations working on behalf of the Hillsborough families. Mr Stoddart will be able to recruit investigators and staff to his team but will not be allowed to employ officers or former officers who have prior connection to the Hillsborough disaster.He is also unable to recruit any officers or former officers who worked in West Midlands, South Yorkshire or Merseyside police forces.
The investigation may trigger criminal prosecutions, the Home Secretary said, which will be the responsibility of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Crown Prosecution Service.
Mr Stoddart has been appointed to Metropolitan Police as assistant commissioner to carry out the investigation.
It is with regret that we announce the death of retired PC 1225 William Harland, who died on the 8th December, aged 87 years.
William was a beloved husband to the late Jennie and a dear dad to Alan.
William Harland retired from Dertwentside in 1977 after 21 years' service; he had previously served at Jarrow, Consett, and Bradley.
LABOUR'S Ron Hogg has won the election to become Durham's police and crime commissioner.
Ron Hogg won with 36,171 votes, beating independent Kingsley Smith on 18,813, UKIP's Mike Costello on 8,257 and Conservative Nick Varley on 6,900.
There was only a 14.7% turnout in the election.
It is with regret that we announce the death of retired Insp. 399 Richard Reynolds Brown, who died on the 11th November, aged 82 years.
His next of kin is Barbara Millicent Brownlie.
Mr Brown retired from HQ in 1984 after 31 years' service, he had previously served at Chester-le-Street, Hebburn and Jarrow.
P.C. 981 Sydney Bell. West Hartlepool.I am in possession of this and several other photographs of P.C. Sydney Bell but to my chagrined I can’t recall from whom I got them.
Can anyone out there enlighten me regarding the history of this officer and details of his career please .I’m afraid my memory isn’t what it used to be!
Alan S. Watson (Editor of Durham Peeler magazine)
It is with regret that we announce the death of retired Sergeant 186 John Waller, who died on the 6th November, aged 96 years.
He leaves a widow Freda Margaret Waller and a son Donald Waller.
John Waller retired from HQ in 1969 after 31 years' service, he had previously served at Barracks, Jarrow, Darlington, Consett, Annfield Plain and Stanley, serving in CID & Traffic departments.
Upon retirement Mr Waller continued to work in various civilian departments including driving school until finally retiring in 1981.
Click on the image to go to the Durham Peeler webpage where you can then click on the images of the Peeler and either read them online or download them to your own computer in pdf format
Members will shortly receive their printed editions through the letterbox.
If any of our readers has a story that you would like put into print, in the Durham Peeler then please email us on durhamnarpo@gmail.com and we will forward your details to the Editor – Alan Watson
The next meeting of NARPO (Durham Branch) will be held at 7.30pm on Monday 12th November at Bishop Auckland Hospital Club.
It is with great sadness that we have to inform you of the death of a retired Police Officer - PW 65 Jean M PECK.
Ron Hogg has taken the trouble to make direct contact with NARPO and shown commitment by furnishing details of his stance on the new post of Police Commissioner for Durham. We have published his words for information of all members.
There are three other official candidates for the election on 15th November, 2012 who have not yet made contact albeit they have an equal right to address our blog if they so wish. We are completely neutral and non- political on this issue. If they are not aware of NARPO then WHY NOT? it tells its own story as far as I’m concerned.
Our members can get further information on each of the candidates by clicking on this link :
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-19510224
I am not inclined to pursue each candidate directly – if candidates or our members are interested they, have a ready source of reference as outlined above.
Let me make it quite clear that we are completely open minded and NOT politically inclined nor showing any preference for any of the candidates
List of Candidates:
Mike Costello : UK Independence Party (Worked for many years at Durham Police H.Q. for many years as head of the IT Unit)
Ron Hogg : Labour ( Ex Deputy Chief Constable Cleveland and ex A.C.C. Durham)
Kingsley Smith : Independent (former Chief Executive Officer of Durham County Council)
Nick Varley : Conservative
Alan S. Watson
Chairman, Durham Branch N.A.R.P.O.
It was with a great sense of personal regret that I retired from the Police Service, just over 4 years ago, after 30 years service. It is an emotion that, I know, each of you will be familiar with.
However, I have been provided with the opportunity to once more serve our communities in the role of Police and Crime Commissioner. I have been selected as the Labour Party Candidate for Durham Constabulary. I find the opportunity of being associated once more with the Constabulary truly exciting and I hope that I can persuade you to support me by voting on 15th November.
These are difficult times for the service and I believe that the Commissioner needs a clear understanding of policing and working with communities if they are to be successful.
I attach for your information a brief statement of my commitments and hope that you will choose to support my nomination.
With very best wishes,
Ron Hogg
Election Address – Ron Hogg
As your Police and Crime Commissioner I promise to listen to your needs, seek out the concerns of all and tackle them. I will hold the Service to account on your behalf.
I will resist and make clear the impact of the Government cuts which have already cost 140 officers and 200 police staff.
I will ensure that we maintain neighbourhood policing at current levels and maintain a mix of police officers and PCSOs. We will deliver local policing, working with local people to deliver local solutions.
I will resist the drive for privatisation of your police service, ensuring that policing remains for people and not for profit. In this regard I will seek to develop imaginative solutions to ensure that public services continue to be delivered by public sector employees.
I will work tirelessly to protect all members of our community, but especially the weak and the vulnerable. I will work with the victims and witnesses to crime so that we can improve our service to them. I will tackle domestic violence which makes up one third of all violent crime. I shall ensure that through me our communities have a voice.
I will address known concerns such as anti-social behaviour and drug and alcohol related problems, and work with the Police and partners to ensure a coordinated response in tackling and reducing crime.
In short I promise to work with you and to work for you. I have 30 years policing experience working at the highest levels and I know that I can make a difference.
Summer 2012 edition of Copper Plate can be viewed by clicking on the image.
In his last few weeks as a serving police officer, Chief Constable Jon Stoddart has spoken of his plans to keep active - and his pride at leading the force over the last seven years.
Mr Stoddart steps down at the start of October, bringing to an end a distinguished 30-year career.
Newcastle born and bred, he was educated at the city's Royal Grammar School and then Northumbria University.
But his plans to join the police after graduating were put on ice for almost two years, courtesy of a broken ankle sustained during a rugby game.
He finally joined his local force in 1982 and was singled out for accelerated promotion, reaching the rank of chief superintendent during his 16 years with Northumbria.
After moving to Lincolnshire as assistant chief constable, he returned to the north east in 2003 to become Durham's deputy chief. Two years later he succeeded Paul Garvin in the top job
"It's the appropriate time to retire and will be helpful to the incoming police and crime commissioner to have a new chief constable, someone who no doubt intends to be in place for a number of years. But I plan to carry on working in some capacity and involved in a number of causes close to my heart," said Mr Stoddart.
"I feel young enough to keep exercising those 'little grey cells', and it will also keep me out of the house.
"But I will miss policing terribly. Durham will always be my number one force and I am proud of its fantastic achievements. The Durham culture is one of working with partners and the community to tackle the root causes of problems so we can solve them permanently," said the chief, who was awarded an OBE in the last New Year's Honours list.
He is also delighted the force is able to recruit once again, after a period when officer and staff numbers were steadily falling.
"As chief I inherited a force which was already downsizing and finance was very tight. Previous chiefs had enjoyed the luxury of being able to increase the workforce on the back of revenue streams from the Home Office.
"The whole redundancy and restructuring process was painful, but we got ahead of the game compared to most other forces. The end result is that we are now in a far better place than many."
Looking ahead to the issues facing the force over the next few years Mr Stoddart remains confident Durham is equipped to meet the issues head-on.
"Mike Barton will succeed me as acting chief and I know he and the rest of the executive will do a tremendous job easing us through those early stages under a police commissioner," he said.
"When I first came to Durham the force had six basic command units, as many as 11 control rooms and an IT system which frankly, didn’t work. Now we have restructured to become more efficient, we are about to start building a new headquarters and we have more modern, streamlined ways of carrying out our business," he said.
Over the last few years Mr Stoddart has also been the national police spokesman on alcohol issues, and he is convinced the easy access to cheap drink is something which must be tackled.
"I'm a firm believer in a minimum unit price for alcohol. Quite simply it is far too cheap and far too easily available. And I think it is only now being recognised that alcohol abuse is something which goes across all social classes, causing immense problems for our emergency and health services."
As he contemplates his change of life, 53-year-old Mr Stoddart thanked his family for their support throughout his career. His wife, Kate has just finished an education degree and is taking up a post with a school for special needs students in Northumberland. And his retirement also means he will get to see more of his son, 13-year-old George as well as freeing up time to maintain his passion for cycling.
"There are lots of challenges ahead, but Durham Constabulary is in good hands. I am sure the organisation and its people will respond positively to those challenges and continue our excellent record," he said.
Durham Indoor Bowling Club, Pity Me.
Friday, 9th November 2012
12 Noon for 1pm.
Cost : £15:25
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You are cordially invited to the 15th annual reunion.
The cost includes: welcome drink, four course lunch and raffle.
The menu comprises:-
Vegetable soup,
Roast beef or chicken breast (both with Yorkshire pudding)
Gateaux and cheese board,
Tea/coffee.
The vegetarian option is Tuna Pasta Bake.
The closing date is Friday 26th October, 2012, there can be no refunds on any cancellation after this date.
Cheque's (payable to CG Fund) together with choice of main course forwarded to:-
H. ANGUS. 26 EDLINGHAM RD., DURHAM, DH1 5YS
Tel. No. 01913840505
Are you interested in making a real and lasting difference to the lives of young people in your local community? If so, The Prince’s Trust has a range of volunteering opportunities available to you.
The Prince’s Trust work with 13 to 30 year-olds who have struggled at school, have been in care, are long-term unemployed or have been in trouble with the law. They give practical and financial support, developing key workplace skills such as confidence and motivation.
The Prince’s Trust help 100 young people every day and more than three in four of them move into work, education or training.
Whether you have a few hours a month or are available full-time, there is a rewarding and challenging volunteering opportunity for you. If you can give:
four hours every month you can mentor a young person and help them to progress in life
one or two days a week you could help coordinate other volunteers to enable them to support young people
20 days over a 12-week period you could support 15 young people as they progress through a personal development programme
Opportunities are available throughout Wales and England - from Bangor to Barry and Cornwall to Cumbria.
For more details please contact Bob Clewley on : retired.police@princes-trust.org.uk
For more information about the work of The Prince’s Trust please visit the website princes-trust.org.uk
The next meeting of NARPO (Durham Branch) will be held at 7.30pm on Monday 3rd September at Durham Indoor Bowling Centre.
The team will be performing duties at the road based cycling events which will include the men's and ladies Road Races and Individual Time Trial events, which will be held this Saturday & Sunday and then next Tuesday and Wednesday.
Look out for the Durham Police FJR’s on your TV screens as our motorcycle riders rub shoulders with Bradley Wiggins, Mark Cavendish & co (although I wouldn't want to sprint against ‘Cav’ even on a FJR !!)
No doubt the team will have some interesting stories and photo's of the events, when they return home late next week.
Here’s hoping they at least get a bit more sunshine down south than we’ve been having recently
