Welcome in the New Year with friends old and new.
Calling everyone for a reunion of Bishop Auckland, Crook and Barnard Castle staff.
Come and meet up with friends who you haven’t seen for a while.
There will be a nice buffet so hope you’re feeling hungry.
Please could you let Claire Wigham know if you’ll be coming along just so she knows how many to cater for. (Text: 07880 368915)
£500 for a 7 night break in a 3 bedroom cottage - with all money going straight back into the charity its a great way of getting a good value stay whilst being able to support the charity.
The cottage is dog friendly so take along your well behaved pup for an additional £30.
Click on the link to go to our live booking page and check availability. School holiday dates usually go very quickly.
Self Catering - The Police Treatment Centres
We also have Bed and Breakfast breaks available in both Harrogate and Anchterarder for all of the Police Family. Book multiple rooms and come away with friends for the weekend. Check avilability here Bed and Breakfast - The Police Treatment Centres
Please share with colleagues as the cottage is open to all of the Police family
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Margaret worked for Durham County Constabulary from 20th March 1953 until 11th January 1994 (nearly 41 years).
She started her employment at the old Aycliffe Police Headquarters, where she worked as a secretary. In later years of her service, she was the PA/Secretary to the Chief Constable, a role she held for many years. Margaret was always immaculately dressed and very particular about her appearance; she was very much a ‘lady’, whilst retaining a good sense of humour.
Born in Bishop Auckland, Margaret lived in their family home, initially with her parents and sibling, Julia who died in 2017.
In 2021 Margaret suffered a stroke, but after hospitalisation and physiotherapy, she continued to live independently, with the help of her close friends. Margaret’s health eventually caused her to move into Eden House Care Home, in Bishop Auckland. During weekly visits from her friends, she loved to reminisce about her days as a secretary at Durham Constabulary’s Aycliffe HQ. Two friends she made there remained in touch with her right to her end.
After retirement, Margaret liked to spend time with friends and even took up Bell Ringing at St Andrew’s Church, South Church, Bishop Auckland. This activity kept her fit and afterwards, with fellow campanologists she would visit the neighbouring pub, ‘just to be sociable’. Aided by her carer, she attended St Andrew’s Church in April 2024, for the ‘Blessing of the new Bell Ropes’ service.
Another great passion of hers was shopping, particularly for clothes, never failing to buy a new outfit; she was always smartly dressed and very fashionable.
Sadly, in October this year, Margaret suffered a further stroke, from which she did not recover; she will be sadly missed.
A funeral service is to be held at 12.30pm on Friday 22nd November 2024 at Wear Valley Crematorium, Coundon, Bishop Auckland DL14 8PE
Family flowers only, donations in lieu please to Dogs Trust.
After the funeral, friends are invited to meet for refreshment at Bishop Auckland Hospital Social Club, 32 Escomb Road, Bishop Auckland DL14 6TZ
Would anyone likely to meet at the wake please contact the Durham NARPO Chairman on 07535261063 or Durham2@narpo,org.uk in order that numbers can be passed on for catering purposes.
Our thoughts are with Margaret’s family and friends at this sad time.
Brian joined Durham County Constabulary in 1955, retiring in 1985 after 30 years’ service. Brian was the local policeman and absolutely loved his job.
The family have received many messages following Brian’s death; they describe him as ‘A Legend of the Police Force’ and ‘He was just the officer we need today’.
The beloved husband to the late Joan, Brian leaves sons David and Stephen, daughter Kathryn, daughters-in-law Julie and Tracey, son-in-law Graham. He was also a grandad, great grandad and brother.
A funeral service is to be held at 12.45pm Tuesday 5th November 2024 at St John’s Church, John Street, Meadowfield, Durham DH7 8RP followed by a committal service at Durham Crematorium, South Road, Durham DH1 3TQ
Family flowers only, donations in lieu to the Royal Navy Association.
After the funeral, friends are invited to join the family at Meadowfield Club, Durham DH7 8NA
Our thoughts are with Brian’s family and friends at this sad time.
The celebration will take place upstairs at The Marlborough, Charles Street, Seaham commencing at 3.00pm on Saturday, 30th November, 2024
Unfortunately, we will not be getting drinks at 1974 prices 😣
This is an open invitation to all who served, worked or covered Seaham and Peterlee Sub-Divisions (even Traffic!).
If you have any queries, will you kindly contact Joyce Teare either by SMS to 07747814879, or email to j.teare57@gmail.com
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 30th November.
It is with deep regret that we inform you of the death of retired Police Officer, Sergeant 1305 Alan Trenerry, who died in hospital in Bordeaux on Wednesday 25th September 2024, aged 74 years.
Alan joined Durham County Constabulary on 1st December 1971; he retired from the force on 30th November 2001.
A funeral service is to be held at 10.00am Thursday 7th November 2024 at Durham Crematorium, South Road, Durham DH1 3TQ
Family flowers only, donations in lieu to the British Heart Foundation & Stroke Research.
After the funeral, family and friends only, are invited to join the family at Brancepeth Golf Club, The Village, Brancepeth, Durham DH7 8EA
Our thoughts are with Alan’s family and friends at this sad time.
The ONS have now published the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for September 2024 and this stands at 1.7 %.
As a result, Police Pensions will increase by 1.7% as of April 2025.
Full details can be found on the
ONS website
Patrick joined Durham County Constabulary in 1955, his initial posting being to Darlington until in 1958 when he was posted to Whickham Division, based at Stanley and covering South Moor Section. In 1972 he was promoted to Sergeant and posted to Hartlepool Division, working at Peterlee.
Some 7 years later, Patrick was promoted to the rank of Uniformed Inspector and posted to Durham City, 2 years later saw him posted back to Peterlee.
His career concluded with him as Deputy Sub-Divisional Commander at Seaham, from 1983, up to his retirement in 1987.
Patrick is survived by wife Eileen, children Kevin, Kathleen, Michael and Peter; father-in-law to Trish, Dawn and Jennifer and beloved granda to Maria, Simon, Catherine and Hannah.
A funeral service is to be held at 12.00pm Monday 28th October 2024 at Our Lady of the Rosary RC Church, Westway, Peterlee, SR8 1DE followed at 1.30pm by a committal service at Durham Crematorium, South Road, Durham DH1 3TQ
Family flowers only, donations in lieu to Kidney Cancer
After the funeral, friends are invited to join the family at The Royal George, Old Shotton, Peterlee SR8 2ND
Our thoughts are with Patrick’s family and friends at this sad time.
A Division Bishop Auckland Sub Divsions Bishop Auckland
Spennymoor
Barnard Castle
Wolsingham
B Division Hartlepool Sub Divisions Hartlepool
Peterlee
C Division Chester le Street Sub Divisions Chester le Street
Washington
Houghton le Spring
Seaham
D Division South Shields Sub Divisions South Shields
Jarrow
E Division Darlington Sub Divisions Darlington
Newton Aycliffe
F Division Durham Sub Divisions Durham
Meadowfield
Consett
Stanley
G Division Gateshead Sub Divisions Gateshead
Whickham
H Division Sunderland Sub Divisions Sunderland (Central)
Wheatsheaf (Roker)
All territorial police forces in England and Wales (except the Metropolitan Police and City of London Police) were abolished and reconstituted at midnight on 31st March 1974 / 1st April 1974.
Durham Constabulary was reconstituted, some areas were transferred to Cleveland Constabulary and Northumbria Police
It will take place at Darlington Cricket Club, Feethams, commencing at 7.30pm on Thursday, 14th November, 2024.
We chose May last year as we thought more people may attend if the weather was better, but it turned out a lot were on holiday, so back to the dark nights it is.
The evening is open to all retired Police and Support Staff who served or worked in the Division. There will be a free drink on arrival. 14th November is both national Spicy Guacamole Day and National Pickle Day. Have no worries - you’re getting a Taylors pie and peas.
As usual there will be a raffle with some wonderful prizes. We hope you will contribute as this will help finance future reunions. Cash is preferable If you can think of anyone else who may not receive this, then please pass on the message.
Unfortunately, we will be unable to provide transport.
We look forward to welcoming you on the 14th November.
Signed: The Committee
Sean Jackson, Fred Wood, Malcolm Lear, Alec Francis, John Hoar and Paul Murphy
We have arranged for their local representative to attend our next branch meeting which will be held at the Masonic Centre, Station Road, Chester-le-Street, DH3 3DU at 19:30 hours on Monday 11th November.
The speaker will present a light hearted talk explaining about making a will, powers of attorney both for finance and health, and what will happen to your cash and property if you depart this earth without making the choices you intended.
There will be no "hard sell". If, when the talk is over, you are interested then a private meeting arrangement will be made. Or you can take a card and discus matters at home and then make your own decisions.
Please spread the word. It would be great to see the meeting well attended.
Don't forget to let Sue know if you are attending so that she has some idea of the catering requirements. Text 07932 613 031
Stuart Ingram - Secretary (Durham@narpo.org)
John joined Durham County Constabulary on 27th December 1967 and served his 2-year probationary period at Durham City. His next posting was to Sherburn Section, where he remained for 18 years before taking up the role of Coroner’s Officer, taking him up to his retirement on 26th December 1997, after 30-years’ service.
Whilst at Sherburn Section, John bought the police house in which he lived, together with the adjacent Section Office when it closed in 1977. He lived in this house for 51 years.
Whilst at Sherburn Section, John and his friend and fellow officer Jeff Marshall tendered their allotment at the rear of the Section Office, growing leeks and flowers, which were shown around the county, winning many prizes along the way.
John was predeceased by his wife Ann in 2017 and is survived by daughters Deborah and Victoria, son Grahame and grandchildren Andrew, Philip, Kathryn and Sophie.
A funeral service is to be held at 12 noon Wednesday 9th October 2024 at St Joseph’s RC Church, Gilesgate, Durham DH1 2JG, followed by a private committal service at Durham Crematorium
Family flowers only, donations in lieu to be shared between the RNLI (Cullercoats) and the Police Treatment Centres.
After the funeral, friends are invited to join the family at Sherburn Village Workingmen’s Club, Front Street, Sherburn DH6 1HB
Our thoughts are with John’s family and friends at this sad time.
Ian joined Durham County Constabulary in 1971; his first posting being to Darlington. Around 1977 he moved to CID, based at Newton Aycliffe. Upon promotion to Sergeant, Ian moved back into uniform at Bishop Auckland, and, after a period in uniform, he became a member of the Regional Crime Squad, based at Chester-le-Street.
His next promotion saw him back at Bishop Auckland as uniformed Inspector, prior to moving to Barnard Castle, from where he retired in 2001, after 30 years’ service.
During Ian’s Police career, he was awarded several commendations and in 1981, following an incident which left him seriously injured; his arm being almost severed by a machete, Ian was presented with the Matt Wilkinson Memorial Trophy.
Ian is survived by wife Jackie, sons John and David and grandchildren Charlotte, Leah, Isla and Sophia.
A funeral service is to be held at 2.00pm Tuesday 17th September 2024, at Darlington Crematorium Chapel, Carmel Road North, Darlington DL3 8RY
Family flowers only, donations in lieu to St Teresa’s Hospice, 91 Woodland Road, Darlington DL3 7UA
After the funeral, friends are invited to join the family for refreshments at the Model T, Fulthorpe Road, Darlington DL3 9XT
Our thoughts are with Ian’s family and friends at this sad time.
Just a reminder.......
We are meeting at the Garden House (Cartologist), Durham from 6.30pm onward on Thursday 5th September and would love any ex-cadets, from ANY year, to join us and celebrate. All are welcome from any intake year.
This year is the 50th anniversary of the Cadet intake of 1974 but all ex-cadets from any year are welcomeThe years are rolling by very quickly these days and it will be great to meet up again and reminisce from our time at Aykley Heads (as were no longer 16-19yrs :-) ) and catch up on what we've all been doing these past 50+yrs.
It is with deep regret that we have to inform you of the death of a retired Police Officer: PC 470 Thomas Partridge Clish who died at Springfield Care Home, Durham on Tuesday 30th July 2024, aged 91yrs.
Tom suffered latterly with dementia and for the last seven months was in care at the Springfield Care Home, Durham.
Tom is survived by his wife Elizabeth Ann and three children . Daughter Christine and husband Keith, with Grandson Gary.
Son Martin and his wife Jane and their daughter Rebecca & Husband Sean and Great Grandchildren Orla and Izzie. Daughter Laura and her husband Martin.
The funeral is to take place at 11am on THURSDAY 15th AUGUST 2024 at Durham Crematorium.
This will be followed by a gathering of friends and former colleagues at Belmont Working Men's Club.
Family flowers only. Donations will be collected and will be divided between Alzheimer Research and the Residents fund of Springfield Care Home.
Our thoughts are with Tom’s family and friends at this sad time.
Elsie is survived by husband Alan, daughters Susan and Cheryl, sons-in-law Dane and Adam, grandsons Adam (Australia) and Ethan, granddaughter Hannah, brother Jim and sister-in-law Jeanette. Elsie was predeceased by brothers Gordon and Jack.
A funeral service was held at 12.30pm Tuesday 18th June 2024 at Wear Valley Crematorium, Coundon, Bishop Auckland DL14 8PE
Our thoughts are with Elsie’s family and friends at this sad time
Bill joined Durham County Constabulary as a cadet in 1961.
He was appointed Constable in the Force on 30th September 1963 and after his initial training he was posted to Durham City (foot patrols). He was later transferred to Motor Patrols at Consett and then at Durham City. Upon promotion to Sergeant Bill was posted to Bishop Auckland and then to Durham City after his promotion to the rank of Inspector and later returned to Traffic Patrols. Bill then took up a post in recruiting at Headquarters, before moving to the Force Inspectorate as Temporary Chief Inspector. He later transferred to Admin Support Unit, Newton Aycliffe. He then moved across to Personnel Department at Headquarters, where he served until his retirement on 20th July 1995.
He was a Full Member of the Durham Branch of the National Association of Retired Police Officers (NARPO) and actively served on its committee for many years.
Bill is survived by wife Nina, sons Richard and his wife Nicola, Andrew and his wife Lisa, grandchildren Becca, Jess, Madelene and Abigail and great grandchild Emilia.
A funeral service is to be held at 12.30pm Tuesday 13th August 2024 at Wear Valley Crematorium, Coundon, Bishop Auckland DL14 8PE
Family flowers only, donations in lieu to the Great North Air Ambulance.
After the funeral, friends are invited to join the family at Bishop Auckland Golf Club, Durham Road, Bishop Auckland DL14 8DL
Our thoughts are with Bill’s family and friends at this sad time.
The family wish Bill's service at the Crematorium to be a celebration of his life and have requested no dark clothing
Ronnie first joined the Police Service as a Durham Constabulary Cadet.
During his service he served at Bishop Auckland on beat patrols, front office and temporary spells with Scientific Aids. He was also stationed with the Traffic Department, being based at Meadowfield and later Newton Aycliffe although his car was garaged at Darlington, that being his patrol area.
He latterly served at West Auckland Section, where he received a serious injury to his knee, whilst on duty. Following a lengthy period of sick leave, Ronnie was medically retired, late in his service.
Ronnie is survived by wife Margaret.
A funeral service is to be held at 3.00pm Tuesday 30th July 2024 at Darlington Crematorium, Carmel Road North, Darlington DL3 8RY
Our thoughts are with Ronnie’s family and friends at this sad time.
Please Note: The date for the Durham NARPO Annual Luncheon printed in the latest (Summer 2024) edition of the Durham Peeler is wrong, it should read Sunday 1st September 2024 and not the 3rd September as was printed.
Kevin served for 30 years in Durham Constabulary retiring from the Crime Intelligence unit in 2014.
Kevin leaves two adult daughters Emma Gregory and Katie Hall and two younger sons Daniel and Benjamin Curry
The funeral will take place at Mountsett Crematorium, Ewehurst Road, Dipton, Stanley, Co.Durham DH9 9JP at 11am on Friday 5th July 2024 followed by a gathering at Consett & District Golf Club.
The funeral is not private and friends and former colleagues are most welcome.
Family flowers only please.
Donations will be collected at the Crematorium and at the Golf Club and will be distributed to The National Police Treatment Centre.
Members should by now have had a copy of the Peeler dropping through their letterbox
Ray said: "The compilation of the magazine is very time consuming and the content and quality of the magazine relies heavily on reports, articles and photographs provided by its readers.
If you have anything, either current or historic, please forward it to me for consideration of its inclusion."
If anyone is able to help with the packaging or delivery to fellow NARPO members local to them of the magazine in the future would they please contact Ray Jones (Durham NARPO chairman).
Ray is currently on holiday and so our Branch Secretary, Stuart Ingram and his able assistant (wife June) have packaged all the Peeler magazines & arranged the circulation of them ... (Thank You Stu & June)
PLEASE NOTE : Apologies from the editor: The article on pages 10 & 11 of this Peeler relate to retired Sgt Lawrence Cummings.
Ray is available on : 07535 261063 or via email : Durham2@narpo.org
Viv transferred to Durham Constabulary from Kent Constabulary in 1991 and retired from the Financial Investigation Unit at Doxford Park in 2014.
Viv is survived by husband Jeff (Retired Durham D/Sgt), sons Sam and Matthew and grandchildren Camilla, Rupert and Matilda
The funeral arrangements are as follows:
The service is at 1:45pm on Thursday 20th June at the Church of St Michael and All Angels, Middleton Tyas.
Following the service, refreshments will be available at Middleton Tyas Memorial Hall and The Shoulder of Mutton Public House.
Please be aware that parking near to the Church is limited.
Viv wished her life to be celebrated not mourned, therefore bright clothing is the order of the day, especially turquoise.
A tribute page has been opened where any thoughts or donations can be made. (Link Below)
https://viviannepow.muchloved.com
All donations received will be divided between Cancer Research UK and St Teresa.s Hospice Darlington.
Our thoughts are with Jeff's family and friends at this sad time.
David joined Durham Constabulary in 1971 and served at Seaham and Murton for ten years, followed by ten years in the North Eastern Fingerprint Bureau. Then eleven years in Durham City on Patrol,Town Office, Crime Prevention and finally as Crown Court Liaison retiring on 31st January 2002.
He is survived by daughter Samantha and son Simon. Sadly, his wife Anthia died earlier this year.
The Funeral is to be held at St Johns Church, Meadowfield, Durham DH7 8RP at 11am on Tuesday 25th June 2024 followed by Cremation at Durham.
After the funeral, friends are invited to join the family at the Duke of Wellington, Elvet Moor.
Family flowers only please. Donations in lieu may be left at the Church and will be shared equally between Save the Children and Church funds.
Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time.
Peter joined Durham Constabulary from the Civil Service in 1971 and served at Bishop Auckland until 1975, then Birtley and Chester-le-Street before transferring to Traffic / Motorway Patrols where he retired from in December 1999.
He leaves a wife Christine, sons Chris (Serving Sgt in Durham), Steve and a daughter Sara.
The Funeral is to be held at Durham Crematorium at 12:00 mid-day on Monday 17th June 2024.
After the funeral friends are invited to join the family at Chester-le-Street Masonic Hall.
Flowers or donations in lieu of flowers may be left at either the Crematorium or the Masonic Hall and the funds raised will be donated to a COPD charity.
Our thoughts are with Christine and her family at this sad time.
Alf joined Durham County Constabulary in 1969. He spent most of his service in CID departments, throughout Durham County, including attachments to Special Branch and Regional Crime Squad. He also instructed in HQ Training, teaching interview techniques. Alf retired in 1997, from his last posting, at Peterlee.
Alf is survived by his wife, Karen.
Alf’s funeral is a Pure Cremation, therefore there will be no service.
Our thoughts are with Alf’s family and friends at this sad time.
The next Branch Meeting of Durham NARPO is on Thursday 9th May at 7.30pm, at Bishop Auckland Hospital Social Club, everyone welcome.
If it is your intention to attend, please contact either Stuart Ingram (Secretary) - Tel: 07989 333025 Email: Durham@narpo.org, or Sue Knaggs (Treasurer) - Tel: 07932 613031 Email: susan0095@gmail.com, in order to assist with catering numbers.
Lilian was the widow of retired Police Sergeant 220 Norman Lee, who died in August 2021, aged 87 years.
Lilian served as a Policewoman in Durham County Constabulary, completing 7 years’ service. Whilst stationed at Consett she met Norman, who she married in 1962.
Lilian is survived by daughters Barbara and Jayne, and grandchildren Hayden, Adam, Lewis and Paige.
A funeral service is to be held at 1.30pm Wednesday 1st May 2024 at Durham Crematorium, South Road, Durham DH1 3TQ
Family flowers only, donations in lieu to the Alzheimer’s Society.
After the funeral, friends are invited to join the family at The Duke of Wellington, Darlington Road, Durham DH1 3QN.
Our thoughts are with Lilian’s family and friends at this sad time.
Details of this event will be circulated in due course, however please note that this is scheduled to take place in November and NOT in May, as previous events.
The time will be 7.30pm and the venue, Darlington Cricket Club.
Kind regards
Ray Jones Tel: 01325 327165 Mob: 07535 261063
It must be a time for a celebration. And there we have it, World Martini Day.
It will take place upstairs at The Marlborough, Charles Street, Seaham commencing at 3.00pm on Saturday, 15th June, 2024.
I’ve done some digging, so before the complaints come rolling in, it’s also Trooping of the Colour, Magna Carta Day, Beer Day Britain, National Lobster Day and believe it or not, World Juggling Day!
This is an open invitation to all who served, worked or covered Seaham and Peterlee Sub-Divisions (even Traffic!).
You’ll be pleased to know that there are no yellow lines, parking meters or Traffic Wardens operating in Marlborough.
If you have any queries, will you kindly contact Joyce Teare either by SMS to 07747814879, or email to j.teare57@gmail.com
If you can think of anyone else who may not read this then please pass on the message via word of mouth, FB, Twitter, Whats App or text.
For information, the bar is cash only, no cards or contactless.
We look forward to welcoming you on the 15th June.
Doris is survived by daughters Debbie and Fiona, grandchildren Katie, Matthew, Harriet and Emily and great grandchildren Leila and Zarina.
A funeral service is to be held at 12.15pm Friday 26th April 2024 at All Saints Church, Ravensdale Road, Darlington DL3 8DT
Family flowers only, donations in lieu to Stroke Association.
After the funeral, friends are invited to join the family at Bannatyne Hotel, Southend Avenue, Darlington DL3 7HZ
Our thoughts are with Doris’s family and friends at this sad time.
( Durham NARPO: Death of a retired Police Officer : Det. Supt. Brian Hunter Turner)
Public service pensions which have been in payment for a year will be increased by 6.7% from 8 April 2024 in line with the September-to-September increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Any pension which has been in payment for less than a year will be increased by a proportionate amount depending on the number of months it has been in payment.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/public-service-pensions-increase-2024
More information can be found here on the UK Parliament website:
Written statements – Written questions, answers and statements – UK Parliament
Joe joined Durham County Constabulary in 1956.
As a young Constable, he worked at Middleton Teesdale where he was tasked with keeping the Irish workers in check. He also policed Bishop Auckland and was able to name all of its 51 Public Houses, which he had duty to patrol.
During the early part of his service, he has hoped to get into CID, however as he owned a motorcycle and was a proficient rider, was encouraged to take a posting in the Motorcycle Section. Joe also worked the Motorway.
For many years, he was the driver to a number of Durham’s Chief Constables.
Leading up to his retirement he was involved in the setting up a Crime Prevention Office at Force Headquarters, securing a decommissioned bus, which was kitted out to become a mobile exhibition vehicle, advising on home security.
When Joe retired in 1994 after 38 years’ service and was at that time one of the longest serving officers in Durham, something that his family are very proud of.
Joe is survived by son James, daughters Judith and Jane and grandchildren Amy, Sophie, Emily, James and Hannah.
A funeral service is to be held at 11.30am Wednesday 20th March 2024 at Durham Crematorium, South Road, Durham DH1 3TQ.
Family flowers only, donations in lieu to St Cuthberts Hospice.
After the funeral, friends are invited to join the family for light refreshments at Judith and Steve’s house in Chester-le-Street.
Our thoughts are with Joe’s family and friends at this sad time.
Paul joined Durham Police as a Cadet in 1970 and was appointed as a regular Police Officer on 21 March 1973. After initial training he was posted to Stanley. His Police career within Durham saw him serving in both the North and South of the County, including Crook, Bishop Auckland, Peterlee and Seaham. He also spent a number of years with Traffic Patrols (North).
Paul met Janet, his wife, in 1971 when they were both Police Cadets in Durham; Janet also went on to join Durham Constabulary as a Police Officer and they married in 1975.
In 1984, Paul transferred to Dorset Police and was based at Dorchester and was seconded throughout most of 1984 in the Midlands, during the Miner’s Strike. However, he and his wife, Janet, deeply missed the North East and returned to the Durham Force in 1987.
Paul rose through the ranks in Durham Constabulary, spending a number of years as a Supervisory Officer, attaining the rank of Inspector. His final posting was with Professional Standards at Peterlee.
For a number of years, Paul was the Force’s Hostage Negotiator.
A number of commendations were awarded to Paul during his career; one being for rescuing a man who had fallen in the River Wear, in Durham. Another was awarded for apprehending a violent drunken man in the early hours, at a nightclub in Dorchester. This man had assaulted staff and Paul, who was on duty, alone at the time was also badly assaulted.
In 2005, Paul retired as a Police Officer to become the Office Manager in Professional Standards; he retired from Police Service altogether in 2015, after 45years service, including his cadet service.
Throughout his life, Paul was a passionate runner and athlete. He was also a supporter of Newcastle United Football Club, attending many games with his grandfather and later with his two sons.
Paul is survived by wife Janet, son Mark (D/Insp Counter Corruption), daughter Aylsa (Vetting Researcher, Professional Standards), son Peter (Force Headquarters, Real Time Intelligence), Mark’s spouse Elizabeth (DC in Safeguarding) and Aylsa’s spouse Martin (Superintendent, District Commander with Cleveland Police) and much loved grandchildren Isla (14 years), Finlay (13 years), Camila (7 years) and Anna (7 years).
A funeral service is to be held at 12.00 noon Wednesday 27th March 2024 at St. John’s Church, Nevilles Cross, Durham DH1 4DU
Family flowers only, donations in lieu to St. John’s Church, Nevilles Cross, Durham.
After the funeral, friends are invited to join the family at St. John’s Church Centre, Nevilles Cross, Durham
Our thoughts are with Paul’s family and friends at this sad time.
Audrey is the widow of retired Police Sergeant 551 Daniel (Danny) Whitfield Ledger, who retired from Durham Constabulary in October 1990 and died in January 2009.
Audrey was born in Crook, the only girl of three children. Due to her father’s work, the family moved to Sacriston and attended Durham Girls Grammar School. Sadly, at the age of 14 years, Audrey’s mother passed away, followed by her father six months later.
This resulted in the children being separated and going to live with different families,Audrey moving to Tanfield Lea where she joined the choir of the local Methodist Chapel.
Danny was a choirboy at the same Chapel and on seeing Audrey he told a friend that he was going to marry her.
Danny performed his National Service in the RAF from 1952-54, and in addition to an administrative role, he trained up to Senior Aircraftsman.
In 1955 Danny kept to his word and he and Audrey were married. In 1957 Danny joined Durham County Constabulary, leaving in 1965, when the couple and their two daughters emigrated, to pursue a life in Australia.
Between 1966-68, Danny worked for the Melbourne Harbour Trust, where, after training he became a diver and a licensed motor boatman, he also trained in Fire Fighting and Emergency Operations. Audrey worked as School Secretary at Melbourne’s Methodist Ladies College.
Audrey was somewhat homesick and in 1969 the family moved back to the North East of England, where Danny resumed service with the Durham force and was later promoted to the rank of Sergeant. His police service began at Hebburn, then Chopwell where he rode a police motorcycle, then after the family’s return from Australia, he was posted to
Bishop Auckland, where he was involved with the Divisional firearms officers. He was also an instructor at Harperley Hall for a time and sang in the Durham Constabulary Male Voice Choir for many years; he finally retired in 1990.
Upon their return to England, Audrey took up employment as a Laboratory Assistant at King James Grammar School in Bishop Auckland. However, after learning of her employment status in Melbourne, she was offered the job of School Secretary, a position she held until her retirement in 1992.
She was a very active person and was a committee member of King James Sports Centre, and for many years was on the committee of Bishop Auckland Women’s Institute.
Danny had been a NARPO member and on the committee of the Durham Branch for at least 10 years, with he and Audrey taking an active interest in NARPO. After Danny’s death, Audrey continued her membership and was elected on to the committee in 2010, stepping down in 2024 due to her failing health. For many years she has supported the branch, attending the majority of meetings and social gatherings.
Audrey had a real love for books, poetry and crafts, particularly embroidery and knitting; she had knitted items for Premature Baby Units at the Hospital and ‘Trauma Teddies’ for the Police.
Audrey is survived by daughter Christine and son-in-law David, daughter Gillian, grandchildren Nicola, Alison, Richard and Rachel, and great grandchildren Jake, Emily and Erin.
A funeral service is to be held at 3.30pm Friday 22nd March 2024 at Wear Valley Crematorium, Coundon, Bishop Auckland DL14 8PE.
Family flowers only, donations in lieu to Great North Air Ambulance.
Our thoughts are with Audrey’s family and friends at this sad time.
This year is the 50th anniversary of the Cadet intake of 1974, so a few if us have got together to organise a reunion.
We are meeting at the Garden House (Cartologist), Durham from 6.30pm onward on Thursday 5th September and would love any ex-cadets, from ANY year, to join us and celebrate. All are welcome from any intake year.
Garden House - the premises have been renamed "The Cartologist" and are being renovated but will be completed by September. The management have asked that we give them some idea of numbers, so could you drop me a line if you are planning to come along.
Parking - the pub has limited parking but restrictions on the streets, both front and back, end at 6pm. So there's plenty of parking on the night.
Food - will be available to order from the pub menu on the night.
If you intend to go to the reunion please could you email: durhamnarpo@gmail.com
Please could you provide the intake/ year you joined and which house you were in (Finlay, Bede, Hardwick, Lambton ,Neville. Your details will be forwarded to the organizer's.
The years are rolling by very quickly these days and it will be great to meet up again and reminisce from our time at Aykley Heads (as were no longer 16-19yrs :-) ) and catch up on what we've all been doing these past 50+yrs.
Maria was the widow of the late Inspector 96 Don Smith, who died on 1 July 2016, aged 85 years.
Maria was mother to Dominic, Andreas, James, Fiona, Sean, Kieran, Monica and Lawrence; mother-in-Law to Claire, Earl, Eddie, Jenny and Anthea and grandmother to nine grandchildren.
A funeral service was held at 11.00am Friday 26 January 2024, at St. Mary’s R.C. Church, Vart Road, Bishop Auckland DL14 6PQ, followed by interment at Witton Park Cemetery.
Family flowers only were requested with donations in lieu to The British Heart Foundation.
Our thoughts are with Maria’s family and friends at this sad time.
It is with deep regret that we inform you of the death of a retired Police Officer’s wife, Jeanette Pygall, who died on Monday 26th February 2024, aged 66 years; the loving wife of Retired Detective Superintendent, Denis (Denny) Pygall, having been together since 1973 and marrying in 1976.
Jeanette passed away, suddenly and unexpectedly at home, whilst ‘resting her eyes’ prior to departing to Tenerife the next day, to celebrate her forthcoming birthday on 3rd March.
Jeanette is survived by husband Denis, sons Patrick (serving D/Insp Durham Constabulary), Daniel and Jake; their respective wives Victoria, Jo-Anne and Anna, and seven grandchildren. A much loved wife, mother and grandmother.
A funeral service is to be held at 1.30pm, Wednesday 13th March 2024, at Durham Crematorium, South Road, Durham DH1 3TQ
Family flowers only, donations in lieu to The People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA)
After the funeral, friends are invited to join the family at Durham City Rugby Union Football Club, Hollow Drift, Green Lane, Durham DH1 3JU
Our thoughts are with Jeanette’s family and friends at this sad time.
