Death of a retired Police Officer : Sgt 1556 John Charlton Noble

It is with regret that we have to announce the death of a retired Police Officer :  Sgt 1556 John Charlton Noble, who passed away on the 24^th November 2018. He was aged 72 years.
He leaves a widow Kim Marie Noble.
Former Sergeant 1556 John C Noble joined Durham Constabulary on 3^rd March 1969 and from HQ Training he was posted to Peterlee. There he undertook roles as Area Car Driver and for six weeks he covered Horden area as Residential Beat Officer.
In April 1974 he moved to Horden Section for five months before returning to work on Peterlee Town Section in September 1974. In July 1976 John went back to work at Horden Section for 3 months then in October he moved to Easington Section.
In May 1979 he went back to Peterlee where he worked until he was promoted to Sergeant and moved to Traffic Patrols North. He remained in Traffic as a supervisor and spent 2 years from 1984 - 1986 in Traffic Management . He retired on 26^th August 1994.
The funeral took place on the 3^rd December at Inverness Crematorium.
Donations have been requested in lieu of flowers to Children's Cancer and Leukaemia Group.
Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time.

Winter 2018 edition of the Durham Peeler now online

Alan Watson,  Editor of Durham Peeler has been hard at work over the last few months producing the Winter 2018 edition of the Durham Peeler. The magazine looks great and is full of interesting stories & info.

If you have any stories you’d like to share in future issues of the magazine, please get in touch with Alan at : suenala7@ntlworld.com

To view this latest edition of the magazine online, please click on the image.
If you would like to view other editions of the Durham Peeler please Click Here
Hard copies of the magazine will be distributed to members soon

Printed copies of the magazine will be sent out to members in the first week of December…

Lest We Forget

Death of a retired Police Officer : PC 110 Stephen Kell

It is with regret that we have to announce the death of a retired  Police Officer : PC 110 Stephen Kell, who died on 22nd October 2018, aged 53 years.
Mr Kell commenced his Police career in 1986 and served at Durham Constabulary, until his retirement in 1995.
Mr Kell leaves a widow Jennifer Kell.
I can confirm that his funeral will take place on Thursday 8^th November 2018 at 1:30pm at Durham Crematorium.
This will be followed by a wake at the Blackbull pub, Trimdon.
Neither of these services are private.
Family have encouraged that anybody who would like to attend the wake confirm they are attending by joining the Facebook event on Steve’s Facebook page. (https://www.facebook.com/events/2020132551363430/)
Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to Cancer Research.
Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time.

Death of a retired Police Officer : Detective Constable 1307 Philip Clapham

It is with regret that we have to announce the death of a retired Police Officer : Detective Constable 1307 Philip Clapham, who passed away on the 19^th October 2018. He was aged 55 years.
He leaves a widow Sharon.
He was appointed with Durham Constabulary on the 19^th January 1998 until he left the force on the 31^st December 2015. In his career with Durham Constabulary he received two commendations and one bravery award.
He received a commendation for his actions on June 2014, whilst off duty he confronted 4 men who were committing an armed robbery at Shotton, Post Office, DC Clapham chased the offenders but he was threatened with a firearm and they made good their escape, he returned to the scene of the crime to look after the victims.
He was commended for his professionalism and determination during a sensitive investigation which ensured the safeguarding of a vulnerable victim and her baby which resulted in the successful conviction of the defendant who was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment for rape.
The funeral service will be taking place on the 1^st November at 10.45am at St.Saviour's Church, Shotton Colliery, than 12pm at Durham Crematorium, afterwards at Shotton Hall Banqueting Suites for refreshments. Everyone is welcome to attend but Philip's wife Sharon has requested that no-one attends in police uniform.
Donations have been requested in lieu of flowers to the Alice House Hospice at Hartlepool.
Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time.

Consumer Price Index (CPI) for September 2018 released

The ONS have now released the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for September 2018 which shows an increase of 2.4 %. As a result, Police Pensions will increase by 2.4 % as of 1st April 2019.

Full details can be found on the ONS website

Death of a retired Police Officer : PC 1539 Stephen Craigs

It is with regret that we have to announce the death of a retired Police Officer : PC 1539 Stephen Craigs who passed away on the 26^th September 2018 aged 59yrs.
Mr Craigs leaves a widow, Karen and children Christopher, Matthew and step son Daniel.
Mr Craigs was appointed to the force in 1979 where he worked at Darlington and Peterlee.
In 1986 he joined the dog section where he worked until he retired in 2009 as a police dog trainer.
Mr Craigs then returned to work as Police Staff for the Youth Offending Service , a role he enjoyed greatly.
The funeral will be held on Monday 22^nd October 2018 at 11.30 at Durham Crematorium. Please note this service is not private and afterwards at the Beefeater Broomside Park Pub, Belmont Industrial Estate, Broomside Lane, Durham,
DH1 1GG
Family flowers only , donations have been requested in lieu of flowers to MacMillan Cancer Support or the Butterwick Hospice.
Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time.

Death of a retired Police Officer : PC 360 Keith (Shep) Shepherd

It is with regret that we have to inform you of the death of a retired Police Officer : PC 360 Keith (Shep) Shepherd, who passed away peacefully at home on Sunday 26^th August, aged 62yrs.
Keith was the cherished son of Dorothy and step son of Ruth. Much loved husband of Alison, devoted and loved Dad of Vanessa Jane and Andrew Keith, and step father of Hannah Jo.
Also dearest father in law and much loved Grandad.
Keith joined Durham Constabulary on the 31^st December 1979 and retired on the 30^th December 2009.
Family and friends please meet for a funeral at Sunderland Crematorium on Wednesday 12^th September at 10.30am.
Everyone is welcome to join the family at Lumley Snooker Club after the Crematorium.
Family flowers only, charity donations in lieu if so desired to the charity 'Mind' a donation box will be available on the day.
Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time

PSUK Fly Fishing

I’ve been approached by Tony BARCLAY who is the new PSUK north east regional secretary for the PSUK fly fishing section.
He has asked me to forward an email to all in the hope of raising a Durham Team. We currently don’t have one and he says as such, missing out on regional/national comps, 35% discounts on Aiflo Tackle and discounts on various lakes, ponds, hotels around the country.
Serving officers, support staff or retired are all welcome to take part in the comps but we would need a formal Durham Club.
Please come back to me, Kev Woodcock, if interested or forward if you are aware of Durham police fly fishermen past and present.

Please reply to : kevinwoodcock722@btinternet.com

Death of an ex Police Officer : PC 1946 Jeremy Guy Ashcroft

It is with regret that we have to announce the death of an ex Police Officer : PC 1946 Jeremy Guy Ashcroft who passed away on the 24^th July 2018, aged 50.
Mr Ashcroft does not leave a widow.
PC 1946 was appointed on the 4^th March 2002 and resigned on 30^th November 2005.
The funeral service was held on 2^nd August 2018.
Donations have been requested in lieu of flowers to St Cuthbert’s Hospice.
Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time.

Death of a retired Police Officer : PC 1407 Clive HALL

It is with regret that we have to announce the death of a retired Police Officer : PC 1407 Clive HALL, who passed away on the 26^th July 2018, aged 76.
Mr Hall leaves a widow, Mrs Barbara Hall.
Clive was appointed on 21^st February 1966 having served at HQ training and Control Room at Stanley in Enquiry/Communications. He then retired on pension on 20^th February 1996 from Control Room.
He also returned to work in Communications as a temporary member of staff.
The funeral service will be held on Tuesday 7^th August 2018 at 11:00 at Durham Crematorium.
Please note the service is not private.
Donations have been requested in lieu of flowers to Cancer Research UK.
Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time.

Death of a retired Police Officer : Chief Superintendent Tom Walker Whitton

It is with regret that we have to inform you of the death of a retired Police Officer : Chief Superintendent Tom Walker Whitton who died on 26^th July 2018 aged 78.
Tom served in the Coldstream Guards as a Dispatch Rider before  joining Durham Constabulary as a PC on 28^th January 1962 and was initially stationed at Hartlepool. During his service Tom had various postings including being Chief Constable’s P.A, Firearms Team , Regional Crime Squad and Special Branch.  He retired on 31^st March 1997 as Chief Superintendent of Operations Dept. .
Mr Whitton leaves a widow Mrs Anne Whitton and two adult children Sandra Whitton and Nigel Whitton.
The funeral will be held on Friday 10^th August at Durham St Cuthbert’s Church at 12:00, the funeral is not private.
Refreshments will be available after at Ramside Hall in the Foyer of the Ball Room at 13:30hrs
Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time.

Death of a retired Police Officer : PC 1273 Ralph Graham Suddick

It is with deepest sadness that we have to announce the death of a retired Police Officer : PC 1273 Ralph Graham Suddick, who passed away on the 18^th July 2018, aged 84 years.
Mr Suddick does not leave a widow.
Graham Suddick joined Durham Constabulary on 3^rd April 1956. From HQ Training he began his service at Darlington where he spent two years before moving to Jarrow for a year. In April 1959 he joined the motorcycle unit and after six months moved into traffic patrols working throughout the Durham and Stockton area in 1966 he became an instructor in motor school, instructing on advanced driving courses before retiring medically on 16^th January 1985.
The funeral service will be held on Monday 30^th July 2018 at 10:30 at Durham Crematorium. Please note the service is not private.
Donations have been requested in lieu of flowers to Stroke Association.
Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time.

Prisoner Transfer to Parkhurst , Isle of Wight

These pictures turned up recently on Facebook with Ian Dickinson asking if anybody could help identify the officers & what they were doing as it was thought that they were on an escort to the Isle of Man

John Andrew Bell & Gordon Bacon ‘came to the rescue’ and put the names to the faces.

The top photo  shows Dave Kilner & John Tait standing in front of Westminster and to the left of them is Gordon Balderstone & Ken Garbutt.

On the bottom photo the three officers standing in front of the Westminster car are Norman Cuerdon, Dave Kilner and Billy Hall (Malcolm Hall's brother) formerly all stationed at Hartlepool.

Gordon Bacon spoke to Dave Kilner and they believe it was a prisoner escort from Durham to Parkhurst on the Isle of Wight.

Gordon remembers a number of Cat A prisoners were moved at short notice following the escape from Durham Prison of John McVicar in '68.

Death of a retired Police Officer : 288 Ernest William (Bill) Midgley

It is with regret that we have to announce the death of a retired Police Officer : 288 Ernest William Midgley (better known as Bill), who passed away on the 16^th July 2018. He was aged 88 years.
He does not leave a widow.
Mr Midgley retired from Durham Constabulary on the 22^nd May 1977.
The funeral service will be held on the 27^th July 2018 at 1.45pm at Darlington Crematorium, the service is not private.
Donations have been requested in lieu of flowers to Cancer Research.
Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time.

Death of retired Police Staff : 5778 Brian Donkin

It is with regret that we have to announce the death of retired police staff member 5778 Brian Donkin, who passed away on the 24^th April 2018. He was aged 73 years.
He leaves a widow, Kleophatty and a son Chris.
Mr Donkin joined Durham Constabulary on the 29^th July 1996 where he served as a Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator at Consett, he was then posted as a Community Liaison Officer where he served at Consett and Stanley. He retired from Durham Constabulary on the 12^th November 2009.
The funeral service will be taking place on the 26^th July 2018 at 1pm at St. Aidan's church, Brunton Park, Gosforth this will then be followed by refreshments at Northern Rugby Club.
Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time.

Death of retired Police Officer : DC 340 Kenneth Thomas Parkin

It is with regret that we have to announce the death of retired Police Officer : DC 340 Kenneth Thomas Parkin, who passed away on the 27^th June 2018. He was aged 72 years.
He leaves a widow Susan and a daughter and son, Catherine and Andrew and four grandchildren.
Mr Parkin joined Durham Constabulary on the 7^th October 1974 and he retired on the 4^th November 2003.
The funeral service will take place on the 6^th July 2018 at 10.30am at Durham Crematorium. The service is not private.
Donations have been requested in lieu of flowers to Alice House Hospice.
Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time

Death of retired Police Officer : Inspector Howard Hudson

It is with deepest sadness that we have to announce the death of retired Police Officer : Inspector Howard Hudson. He passed away on the 22^nd May 2018, aged 78.
Howard leaves a widow Dorothy Hudson.
He retired from Durham Constabulary as an Inspector in Traffic on 30th September 1988.
Howard joined Durham Constabulary on 4^th August 1959 and from HQ training his first posting was to Stockton where he served for 2 and a half years and then moved to Barnard Castle. In February 1963 he moved to Eldon Lane and in June 1963 to Byerley. He became a Divisional Car Driver in February 1965 based at Bishop Auckland then went on to Traffic Patrols from October 1969. In October 1974 he took up the first of three secondments to the Police Training Centre at Dishforth and during his second secondment in February 1975 he was promoted to Sergeant.
Returning from Dishforth, Howard was posted to Newton Aycliffe moving into training in July 1980. On promotion to Inspector on 16^th January 1984 he served at Darlington for 14 months before moving back to Traffic where he retired on 30^th September 1988.
The funeral will be taking place at 10:30 on Thursday 7^th June 2018 at Wear Valley Crematorium. The service is not private.
Donations have been requested in lieu of flowers to The North East Air Ambulance Service.
Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time.

Death of a retired Police Officer : Sgt 1230 Edward Minchell

It is with regret that we have to announce the death of a retired Police Officer : Sgt 1230 Edward Minchell. He passed away on the 19^th May, he was aged 80 years.
He does not leave a widow.
He retired from Durham Constabulary on the 6^th June 1986.
The funeral service will be taking place on the 4^th June 2018 at 1pm at Durham Crematorium, the service is not private.
Donations have been requested in lieu of flowers to the Alzheimer's Society.
Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time.

Summer 2018 edition of the Durham Peeler now online

Durham Peeler editor Alan Watson has been keeping himself busy over the last few months to produce the Summer 2018 edition of the Durham Peeler.
To view this latest edition of the magazine online, please click on the image.
If you would like to view other editions of the Durham Peeler please Click Here
Hard copies of the magazine will be distributed to members soon.

Please note on page 4 of the magazine it states that the November NARPO  meeting (12.11.2018) is at Bishop Auckland General Hospital Social Club when in fact it should read Durham Indoor Bowling Club.

Death of a retired Police Officer : 101 Maurice Kay

It is with regret that we have to announce the death of a retired Police Officer : 101 Maurice Kay, who passed away on the 6^th May 2018. He was aged 86 years.
He does not leave a widow.
The funeral service will be taking place on the 22^nd May 2018 at 1pm at Durham Crematorium. The service is not private.
Donations have been requested in lieu of flowers to Macmillan Cancer Nurses.
Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time

Death of a retired Police Officer : 1433 Joseph Downing

It is with regret that we have to announce the death of a retired Police Officer :  1433 Joseph Downing, who passed away on 5^th May 2018 aged 83 years.
Joseph does not leave a widow.
Joseph joined Durham Constabulary on 25^th June 1962 and served at HQ training, Consett, Chopwell and Chester-le-Street. He retired from traffic patrols on the 7^th February 1985.
The funeral service will be taking place on the 29^th May 2018 at 11:45am at Mountsett Crematorium, Dipton. The service is not private.
Donations have been requested in lieu of flowers to the University Hospital of North Durham, Chemo Unit.
Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time.

Death of a retired Police Officer : PC Bert White

It is with regret that we have to inform you of the death of a retired Police Officer : PC Bert White, aged 90 years, of Bowes, died peacefully in Richardson Hospital, on May 7^th.
Beloved husband of the late Ann, dearly loved father of Philip and Barbara, loving grandad of Callum and Sarah.
Sadly missed by all family and friends.
Would friends please meet for funeral service at St. Giles' Church, Bowes, on Friday May 18^th, at 11.00 a.m, followed by interment.
Family flowers only please, donations if desired, may be given in Church to Church Funds and Friends of the Richardson Hospital.
Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time

Death of a retired Police Officer : Inspector Richard ('Dick') Hadlow

It is with regret that we have to inform you of the death of a retired Police Officer : Inspector Richard ('Dick') Hadlow, 87 years of Windy Nook, Gateshead a former member of Durham County Constabulary who died on the 24^th April 2018.
Dick served as a uniform Constable from 1950 at Dunston, Felling, Hebburn and Jarrow, then Sergeant at South Shields.  At the 1974 amalgamation he opted for Northumbria and retired as Inspector at Whickham in 1979.
A keen sportsman in his younger days, he was a very good golfer.
The funeral will be held at South Shields Crematorium, John Reid Rd at 2.45pm Monday 14^th May, 2018

Death of a retired Police Officer : Sergeant Eric Raymond Smith

It is with regret that we have to announce the death of a retired Police Officer :  Sergeant Eric Raymond Smith, who passed away on the 12^th April 2018. He was aged 87 years.
He leaves a widow Sheila.
He retired from Durham Constabulary on the 11^th July 1967.
The funeral service took place on the 8^th May at St Joseph's Church, Norton.
Donations have been requested in lieu of flowers to Cancer Research UK.
Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time

Death of a retired Police Officer : 209 Ronald Willis

It is with regret that we have to announce the death of a retired Police Officer : 209 Ronald Willis, who passed away on the 25^th April 2018. He was aged 91 years.
He leaves a widow Alice.
Ronald retired from Durham Constabulary on the 11^th August 1972.
The funeral service will be taking place on the 14^th May at 12.30pm at Hurworth Church, this will then be followed by the cremation service at Darlington.
The funeral service is not private.
Donations have been requested in lieu of flowers to the British Heart Foundation.
Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time.

Death of a retired Police Officer : Detective Constable 1835 John Darwin

It is with regret that we have to announce the death of a retired Police Officer : Detective Constable 1835 John Darwin who passed away on the 30^th April 2018. He was aged 62 years.
He leaves a widow, Lynn
John joined Durham Constabulary on the 12^th March 1979 and had various postings including Durham City, HQ Drugs Squad and Durham CID, from where he retired on the 29^th March 2009
The funeral service will be taking place on the 16^th May at 10.30am and it will be held at St. Cuthbert's Church, Durham.
This will then be followed by the cremation service at 11.30am. The funeral service is not private.
Donations have been requested in lieu of flowers to the University Hospital of North Durham - Chemo Unit
Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time.

Death of a retired Police Officer : Superintendent 239 William Percy Tate,

It is with regret that we have to announce the death of a retired Police Officer : Superintendent 239 William Percy Tate, who passed away on the 11^th April 2018. He was aged 87 years old.
He does not leave a widow but leaves two children and three grandchildren.
Mr Tate joined Durham Constabulary on the 26^th April 1952 and from HQ training he took up his first post at Crook then moved to Shildon in 1953, Chester Le Street in 1955 and Houghton in 1956 where he performed beat duties.
In July 1956 he became Detached Beat Officer for New Lambton area before performing the role of Scientific Aids Officer at Chester Le Street from January 1959 and he joined CID at Chester Le Street in 1962.
In October 1965 he was promoted to Sergeant 1521 and promotion saw him transfer to the role of Town Sergeant based at Bishop Auckland. In May 1967 he became Section Sergeant for Langley Park until his promotion to Control Room Inspector in October 1968.
September 1977 saw him promoted again becoming Chief Inspector 239 and becoming Deputy to the Superintendent, Comms. In September 1979 he became Deputy Sub Divisional Commander at Peterlee, later to move into the Sub Divisional Commander role at Chester Le Street in December 1980.
On Promotion to Superintendent in September 1982 he moved in to a role in Complaints and Discipline and he retired from this post on 30^th April 1984.
During his service, Mr. Tate received 4 Chief Constable Commendations:
In 1957 – for persistent and intelligent enquiries resulting in the conviction of a man for larceny.
In 1961 – for efficiency and persistence which resulted in the conviction of 4 juveniles for offences of breaking and entering and receiving stolen goods. Also commended by Magistrates.
And in 1962 – for persistent enquiries resulting in the arrest of 5 men for shop breaking. Factory breaking with intent, grievous bodily harm and receiving. Also commended by Magistrates.
He was awarded the Police Long Service and Good Conduct Medal in July 1974

The funeral service will take place on the 27^th April 2018 at 1.30pm at Durham Crematorium, the service is not private.
Donations have been requested in lieu of flowers to the St.Cuthbert's Hospice.
Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time

Death of a retired Police Officer : Sergeant John LOWES (MBE)

It is with regret that we have to inform you of the death of a retired Police Officer :  Sergeant John Lowes (MBE),  who died on the 4^th April 2018, aged 70yrs.
John initially joined Durham Constabulary and he served there from 1967 until he moved to Northumbria in 1974, retiring in 1994. During his service John served in various departments, Marine Division, Ashington, Newby Wiske DPC as a PTI before finishing his service in Training where those who used the law library at Ponteland found him a mine of information.
  Despite suffering from  a debilitating illness, osteoporosis, John battled on relentlessly to everyone's great and sustained admiration.
  In retirement, John supported his community with a spell of civic duties and was a regular and solid supporter of NARPO.
  He did voluntary work for the National Osteoporosis Society for which he was awarded the MBE.
John leaves his wife, Liz,  his son  Johnathon,a serving officer, Jane his daughter and four grand children.
His funeral will take place at 11.30am on Monday, 16^th April, 2018 at St James' Church, Newgate Street, Morpeth followed thereafter by cremation at Blyth Crematorium at 1pm.
This will then be followed by refreshments at the Morpeth Rugby Club, Mitford Road, Morpeth Northumberland NE61 2UJ
No flowers by request. Donations if desired to the Osteoporosis Society and RSPCA
Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time.

Self Employed Field Based Sign Up Agents Required

JOB SUMMARY
As a Field Representative for UK Legal Assist you will visit customers in their own homes, report any queries and issues, fill in forms and obtain the necessary signatures on legal and financial documentation. You will need to be a committed, professional individual to join this nationwide field force.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
Experience preferred but full training will be given.
DRESS CODE
Smart business attire is to be worn at all times, no casual clothing.  Avoid overpowering perfume/aftershave and be conscious of strong food and drink smells or smoke on your breath and clothes.
WHAT IS REQUIRED
Smart Phone / iPad
Car
Scanning Facilities
Printing Facilities
TO APPLY - Email CV to louise@uklegalassist.co.uk

Traffic Officers reunion

Following on from the reunion events in 2017,  we are now going our first informal reunion of 2018 and hopefully capture the ex colleagues who were unable to attend in the past.
It's going to be at the same venue as the last time, the Spectrum Leisure Centre, Willington (thanks to Ian Hirst for making the place available for us.) and will be on Wednesday 25^th April 2018 from 10.30am.
Can I ask that you spread the word to any ex colleagues you are in touch with so we can renew friendships and have a good chinwag about times past. 

Look forward to seeing you there - hope you can make it.
Regards
Jim Holmes

Spectrum Leisure Complex
Hunwick Lane
Willington
Co Durham
DL15 0JA

Durham Constabulary Male Voice Choir – Annual Concert 2018

Death of a retired Police Officer : Sergeant 115 George Dent Barnes

It is with regret that we have to announce the death of a retired Police Officer :  Sergeant 115 George Dent Barnes, who passed away on the 23^rd March 2018. He was aged 89 years.
He leaves a widow, Joan
George joined Durham Constabulary in 1949 and served at West Hartlepool, Eighton Banks, Chester-Le-Street, Darlington, Houghton, Ryhope, Leechmere, Cherry Knowle, HQ Admin and CID Admin. He retired from the force in 1974.
The funeral service will be taking place on the 10^th April at 11.30am at Durham Crematorium, the service is not private.
Donations have been requested in lieu of flowers to Marie Curie.
Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time.

Death of a retired Police Officer : Sergeant 543, Alfred Derek Newton Addison

It is with regret that we have to announce the death of a retired Police Officer : Sergeant 543, Alfred Derek Newton Addison, who passed away on the 15^th March 2018. He was aged 85 years.
Alfred retired from Durham Constabulary on the 1^st January 1984.
He does not leave a widow but leaves three daughters and a son, Diane, Dale, Angela and Ross.
The funeral service will be taking place on the 5^th April at 11am, which will be held at the Grove Methodist Church, The Grove, Consett. All are welcome to the funeral service. A burial will then follow on the 6^th April in Yorkshire where Alfred will be laid to rest alongside his wife who passed away 11 years ago.
Donations have been requested to Macmillan Cancer Support.

Death of a retired Police Officer: Superintendent James Arthur HOPPS

It is with regret that we have to announce the death of a retired Police Officer: Superintendent James Arthur HOPPS, 89 years, who died unexpectedly in hospital on Saturday 17^th March 2018.
Arthur joined Durham Constabulary on the 3^rd October 1955, and was posted to uniform patrols in Consett.
He joined the CID in 1960, and served in Consett and Lanchester before being promoted to Detective Sergeant in Stockton in 1967.
He then moved to Durham CID and was appointed as uniform Inspector at Peterlee in 1974.
This was followed by postings as a Detective Inspector in Consett and Stanley before promotion to Detective Chief Inspector at Chester-le-Street in 1979.
In 1984, Arthur became Superintendent at Bishop Auckland prior to his retirement on pension in October 1985.
His late wife Nancy passed away in 2016. He leaves two sons – Philip (retired Sergeant who also served in the Durham Constabulary) and Geoffrey, along with 2 grandsons and 2 great granddaughters.
The funeral will take place on Friday 6^th April 2018 at 2.45pm at St Michael & All Angels Church, Witton Gilbert.
The funeral service is not private. This will be followed by cremation at Durham Crematorium. Refreshments afterwards at the Travellers Rest, Witton Gilbert.
Donations have been requested in lieu of flowers to The British Lung Foundation.
Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time

BikeWise 2018…..save the date

Death of a retired Police Officer : DC 2194 Norman Bell

It is with regret that we have to announce the death of a retired Police Officer :  DC 2194 Norman Bell, who died on the 30^th January 2018. He was aged 92 years.
He does not leave a widow but leaves a son David George Bell.
Norman joined Durham Constabulary on the 8^th May 1950 and he served at South Shields Scientific Aids, he also served in the royal navy from 10^th May 1944 to 13^th December 1946 and also served at Sunderland police from 13^th January 1947 to 7^th May 1950.
The funeral service will be taking place on the 14^th February 2018 at 13.15pm at South Shields crematorium, this will then be followed by refreshments at Cleadon Club at South Shields. The funeral service is not private.
Donations have been requested in lieu of flowers to Marie Curie.
Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time.

Death of a retired Police Officer : PC 298 Michael Wharton

It is with regret that we have to announce the death of a retired Police Officer : PC 298 Michael Wharton, who died on the 23^rd January 2018. He was aged 54 years.
He leaves a widow Susan.
Mr Wharton joined Durham Constabulary on the 12^th August 1991, he was posted to HQ, Bowburn, Durham City before he retired from Bishop Auckland.
The funeral service will take place on the 21^st February 2018 at 11am, to be held at Mountsett Crematorium. The service is not private.
Donations have been requested in lieu of flowers to Cancer Research UK

Great site for Dishforth / Pannal Ash PTC photos

My own (Bob Brown) syndicate photo from initial training August - October 1975 at Dishforth,  which I hadn't seen for over thirty years.

Found on a Facebook Group named Pannal Ash Dishforth PTC's .....its a closed group.. If you are a Facebook user you will need to answer three questions to be approved to get access to the group.

Loads of photos.

Sgt Howard Hudson from Durham & Sgt Dick Treece from Humberside were the instructors on the course.

Seems like yesterday !!

Death of a retired Police Officer : Inspector John Malcolm CRAIG

It is with regret that we have to report the death of a retired Police Officer : Inspector John Malcolm CRAIG, 75 years of age, who died in hospital on Thursday, 18^th January, 2018 after a long illness.
Malcolm was appointed to Durham County Constabulary in 1961, serving at Chester le Street & Edmundbyers. He then served on Motor Patrols at Hartlepool and later in the Special Incident Squad based at Aycliffe and Sergeant on Motor Patrols.
He transferred to Cleveland Police with the reorganisation on 1^st April, 1974 , retiring on medical grounds in the rank of Inspector in 1987/8.
He does not leave a widow.
He has two sons Andrew & Ian and two grandchildren.
Malcolm was the elder brother of Alan Craig, who also served in Durham Constabulary.
The ceremony of cremation on is to take place at Stranton Crematorium, Hartlepool (postcode : TS25 5DD) at 2.30pm on Friday, 2^nd February, 2018.
No flowers by request.
Donations in lieu of flowers to the Hartlepool Hospice.

Durham Constabulary set to recruit new police call handlers

DO you have what it takes to make critical decisions in emergency situations?

Think you could be the reassuring voice at the end of the phone for people during their hour of need?

Want a career at the frontline of policing? One which will challenge you, excite you and where no two days are the same?

Durham Constabulary are recruiting new police call handlers to work in the Force Control Room answering both 999 and 101 calls.

Applications open at 9.30am on Monday, January 15 and close on Tuesday, January 30. If a sufficient number of applications are received prior to the closing date the advert will be closed.

Following a paper sift, successful candidates will be provided with a detailed information pack. This will include guidance on the assessment centre process and interview skills and techniques.

Assessment centres will be held between February 12 and March 2, followed by interviews which will take place week commencing March 5.

Chief Constable Mike Barton said: “Our police call handlers are at the very heart of Durham Constabulary – they are the first point of contact for people in their hour of need, and deal with some of the most harrowing and distressing situations people will ever face in their lifetimes.

“To be a police call handler you need to be confident, hard-working and have a real desire to make a difference to people’s lives.

“You’ll also need to be able to think on your feet in a fast-moving and high pressured environment, and will have the ability to remain calm and composed when making critical decisions in emergency situations. The role is challenging, but extremely rewarding.

“If you think you’ve got what it takes to become a police call handler at one of the country’s best performing police forces, we want to hear from you.”

Ron Hogg, Police, Crime and Victims’ Commissioner for County Durham and Darlington, said: “This is a really important role. Police call handlers are the first voice from the Constabulary that many people speak to. It’s a rewarding role and I encourage people to apply.”       

To apply, visit durham.police.uk/join-us

A Traffic officers dream car ?

A couple of photos sent in by Robin Dodd... Slightly better than the old Rover SD1's ?

AGM of Durham NARPO – Monday 8th January 2018

 

Date for your Diary…….

Monday 8^th January at 1930hrs

The Annual General Meeting of Durham NARPO, with guest speakers from Force Executive,PCC and Federation.
The National President of NARPO is attending along with Regional and Area reps.  The CC is unfortunately busy but his Deputy Jo Farrell is attending along with the PCC Mr Ron Hogg.
The Federation JBB Secretary will also be in attendance
All members welcome to attend and participate
Ideal time to meet your old colleagues and friends.
Please try and see if you can attend, meet / vote for who you want on the committee and see the hard work they are doing throughout the year on your behalf

There is a bar at the premises & light refreshments are provided
The meeting will be held at the Durham Indoor Bowling Centre, Pity Me, Durham, DH1 5GE

View Durham Indoor Bowling Club in a larger map

Death of a retired Police Officer : Chief Superintendent Raymond Thompson

It is with regret that we have to announce the death of a retired Police Officer : Chief Superintendent Raymond Thompson who was an Additional Member of the Durham Branch and a Full Member of the Gateshead Branch of NARPO.
Mr Thompson died peacefully on Thursday 28^th December 2017. aged 87yrs.
He retired from Northumbria in 1987 having first served in Durham prior to the 74 boundary changes.
The funeral will take place at 10am on the 22^nd January at Fellside Methodist Church, 54 Ancaster Road, Whickham, NE16 5BJ  followed by cremation at 11am at Mountsett Crematorium, Ewehurst Road, Dipton, DH9 9JP.
Light refreshments will be available at Sunniside club after the service.
All his old friends and colleagues are welcome to attend. Family flowers only please with any donations to Alzheimer's uk.
Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time.

Death of a retired Police Officer : Sergeant 385 Henry Henson

It is with regret that we have to announce the death of a retired Police Officer : Sergeant 385 Henry Henson, who passed away on the 18^th December 2017. He was aged 91 years.
He does not leave a widow but he leaves a son Michael
Mr Henson joined Durham Constabulary on the 30^th November 1953 and from HQ training he served at Blaydon, Horden, Dene House and Peterlee. On June 1969 he was promoted to Sgt and he went on to serve at Durham City, Meadowfield and then Framwellgate Moor.
Donations have been requested in lieu of flowers to the Blind Veterans UK
The funeral will be taking place on the 10^th January at 10am at Durham Crematorium, this will be a private service only.
Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time.