Recruitment for Durham Constabulary opens 29th May

Death of a retired Police Officers wife : Linda Ann Knevitt (Wife of Supt. Barry Knevitt)

It is with deep regret that we have to inform you of the death of a retired Police Officers wife :  Linda Ann Knevitt, aged 64 years, the wife of retired Superintendent Barry Knevitt  who died on Friday 1^st May 2020 after suffering a massive brain haemorrhage.
The funeral will take place at Wear Valley Crematorium at 1.30 pm. on Tuesday 19^th May 2020.
Current guidelines require social distancing resulting in 10 people in the main room, 10 in the entrance hallway and the remainder, providing numbers are not excessive may remain outside, keeping at least 2 metres apart
The service will be streamed live for the many friends and relatives that may not be able to attend due to the Covid-19 situation.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pioneering Care Partnership at Newton Aycliffe.

Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time

Death of a NARPO member’s wife : Dorothy Farrell (wife of DC Paddy Farrell)

It is with regret that we have to inform you of the death of a NARPO member’s wife :  Dorothy Farrell, who died in Tenlands Care Home, Ferryhill on 4^th April 2020, aged 89 years. 
Dorothy was married to retired Police Officer DC Patrick (Paddy) Farrell, one of our NARPO (Durham Branch) committee. 
Paddy’s last posting was CID Durham City prior to his retirement in 1979.
Dorothy had been in ill health for sometime and was cared for at home by Paddy, then with the assistance of carers prior to necessitating a move into the care home.
In line with current funeral arrangement and attendance restrictions, Dorothy’s funeral service was held at Wear Valley Crematorium, Coundon, followed by interment at York Road Cemetery, Spennymoor on 22^nd April 2020.
Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time.

Workshop Staff 1994

Many Thanks to Anthony Loughlin, the son of Audry & Tommy Loughlin.  for sending in the picture of HQ Workshop staff on the retirement of Alan Hodgson in January 1994.
From L to R : Gary Gilmore. (Apprentice), Tom Cowan (Driver Handyman), John Morley Hope. (Bob Hope to everyone), Dennis Williams.  Stephen Layton,  David Heightley, Geoff Iceton, Ian Morgan, Barry March, Neil Shingleton, John Knill (in front of Neil), Audrey Loughlin with Margaret short in front of her, Neville Scott, George Walker, Keith Maddison (next to Neville), Trevor Coad, Lynne Scott, Reg Stobbs (Driver Handyman), Bryan Booth, Ian Nicholson, Neville Richardson, Chris Carmichael, Ian Graham.
Front row : Tommy Chaplow, Alan Hodgson, Eric Slater.

Durham NARPO Branch - information on planned events

Durham NARPO Branch Meetings

Although stating the obvious, due to the current position with regard to the Covid-19 restrictions, the Branch Meeting due to be held at Bishop Auckland Hospital Club on Monday 11^th May 2020 is cancelled.  It may well be that we may also have to review the July meeting, again due to be held at Bishop Auckland.

The Prince Bishop river cruise that was to be considered in June 2020 has also, at this point, been postponed.  This will be reviewed as and when circumstances permit.

The Summer 2020 edition of the Durham Peeler is currently postponed and depending upon changes that would allow us to progress this we may, at present, have to dispense with the Summer edition all together and resume publication once facilities allow.

Annual Luncheon

Obviously we are not, at present, in a position to say whether or not we will be able to hold our luncheon in October.  There are a number of factors beyond our control, which will determine our final decision.  It would be great to think that some normality resumed, which would allow our annual gathering to proceed; please do not hold your breath for such news.

Advice and Assistance

Please keep up to date via the Durham NARPO website, stay safe and feel free to contact us if you have any issues that you feel we may be able to assist with.

Death of a Widow Member : Ethel Ruth Turnbull

It is with regret that we have to inform you of the death of one of our Widow Members, Ethel Ruth Turnbull, who died on 11^th April 2020, aged 82 years. 
She leaves daughter Claire and her husband Neil and daughter Julie and her husband Brian.
Ruth was the widow of DC Harry Turnbull who retired from the force about 1989/90, after 32 years service. 
His last posting was Police HQ, Aykley Heads; unfortunately Harry died from cancer in 1993, aged just 58 years.
After the onset of Alzheimer’s, Ruth was initially cared for at home but when her condition became unmanageable she became a resident of Stanley Park Care Home, Stanley, Consett in September 2017.
Sadly when Covid-19 struck the care home, Ruth was unable to fight the symptoms.
Due to current restrictions a private family only funeral was held on Tuesday 28^th April 2020.
A fund raising page has been set up in honour of Ruth at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ruthturnbull-alzheimers
Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time.

Lyke Wake Walk - information needed

Retired Policewoman and ex-cadet, Sheila Mulgrew (nee Richardson), has been contacted by the reformed Lyke Wake Walk Club to assist in the update of the records of those who have completed the 40-mile challenging walk across the North Yorkshire Moors between Osmotherley and Ravenscar.
Sheila, like many other Police Cadets and Police Probationers, endured this ‘walk’ on more than one occasion, however, it is not just Police personnel that are being sought; anyone who completed the course with any group or organisation such as youth clubs, scouts, guides etc., are asked to provide details.
The collator is keen to know the likes of the date, direction, organisation and leader in addition to any other detailed information as can be recalled.
The information can be forwarded by email, either directly to Gerry at tiredlegs2017@gmail.com or to Sheila at sheilamulgrew@gmail.com who will pass on the information provided.

Death of a retired Police Officer : PC 1939 John Wilson

It is with great regret that we have to announce the death of a retired Police Officer : PC 1939 John Wilson,  who died on the 26^th April 2020 aged 74yrs.
John (aka Big John) commenced his police career with the Metropolitan Police in 1963 , first as a cadet and then as a Police Officer.
John returned to the North East in 1967, transferring to Sunderland Borough Police which was then absorbed into Durham Constabulary in the same year.
John spent most of his service with Durham based at Ferryhill Section, until his retirement in 1991.
The Funeral Service will be held at Wear Valley Crematorium, Coundon, on Friday 8^th May at 11.30hrs, this will be a private service due to current restrictions.
In lieu of flowers if anyone wishes to make a donation, the family have asked that these be made in John’s name to either: The British Heart Foundation or Diabetes UK.
John’s wife Ursula and children, Sue and Mark, hope to arrange a memorial event at a later date, to allow everyone to celebrate John’s life with family, close friends and ex-colleagues.
Any condolence cards are welcome and will be distributed to the family via Occupational Health at Headquarters (Please write on the envelope FAO The family of John Wilson)
Ours thoughts are with the family at this sad time.