Copper Plate–Summer 2012 (Issue 87)

Summer 2012 edition of Copper Plate can be viewed by clicking on the image.
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Chief Constable John Stoddart steps down at the start of October

Chief's retirement message..
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.

CG REUNION LUNCH

Durham Indoor Bowling Club, Pity Me.
Friday, 9^th November 2012
12 Noon for 1pm.
Cost : £15:25

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You are cordially invited to the 15^th 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 26^th 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

The Prince’s Trust needs volunteers

Are you a retired police officer, or about to retire?

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

Next Meeting of Durham NARPO–Monday 3rd September

The next meeting of NARPO (Durham Branch) will be held at 7.30pm on Monday 3^rd September at Durham Indoor Bowling Centre.
Light buffet afterwards. All members or prospective members are invited to come along & enjoy
If you don't know where to go, Click On This Link and you'll see a map of the location and you can get driving directions to it.