Death of retired Police Officer : PC 1249 Robert (Bob) Samuel Wombwell

It is with regret that we announce the death of retired Police Officer : PC 1249 Robert (Bob) Samuel Wombwell, who died at home on the 10^th May 2021, aged 92 years.

Bob joined Durham County Constabulary on 28^th June 1952 and retired on 31^st August 1977. 
Following initial training at Plawsworth, he served at Stockton, Hartlepool (3 postings), Durham City, Broompark, Darlington and latterly at Bishop Auckland (Town Office and Court Clerk).
During his career, Bob received commendations from H.M.I., the Chief Constable and Quarter Sessions Judge.
Bob is survived by wife Jean and was father to Steven, Sandra, Stuart and the late Ian.
A funeral service is to be held at 12.30pm on Friday 28^th May 2021 at Wear Valley Crematorium, Coundon, Bishop Auckland DL14 8NR.
Any donations to Marie Curie Cancer Care
Following the funeral, family and friends are invited to Bishop Auckland Hospital Social Club, 32 Escomb Road, Bishop Auckland DL14 6TZ.
Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time

Death of a Police Widow - Mrs Georgina Scrafton

It is with regret that we report the death of Mrs Georgina Scrafton, the widow of the late PC George Scrafton of Chester-le-Street.

Mrs Scrafton died on 17^th April 2021 aged 95 years.  The funeral took place at Durham Crematorium under Covid restrictions

Death of a retired Police Officer : Chief Inspector Arthur Gill

It is with regret that we have to announce the death of a retired Police Officer : Chief Inspector Arthur Gill, who died on 1st May 2021 aged 77 years.

Arthur served 30 years with the Durham Constabulary.

He joined the Force on the 25^th July 1966.

On completion of his initial training he was posted to Jarrow as a uniformed constable.

In 1968 he transferred to Darlington and then in 1970 he joined Darlington C.I.D. as a detective.

In 1977 he was promoted to the rank of sergeant and was initially transferred to traffic patrols before moving to the fraud squad as a detective sergeant.
He remained with the squad until 1984 when he was promoted to uniformed inspector, serving at Bishop Auckland, Newton Aycliffe and then Darlington.
In 1989 he transferred as an investigator to the complaints and discipline department at police headquarters.
In 1993 he was promoted to chief inspector and remained with the department until his retirement on the 25^th July 1996.

Arthur will be greatly missed by his wife Maureen and all his family and friends.

Funeral to be held on Monday 17^th May at 12.00hrs at St Augustines RC Church, Darlington
Family and close friends only inside the church – you may stand outside the church to pay your respects but current guidelines must be adhered to.
Donations in lieu of flowers to British Heart Foundation

Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time

Death of a retired Police Officer : DC 870 Graeme Raper

It is with regret that we have to announce the death of a retired Police Officer : DC 870 Graeme Raper,who died on the 3rd May 2021 aged 58 years

Graeme joined Durham Constabulary in 1987 working as a PC at Aykley Heads, Bishop Auckland, West Auckland and Crook for many years.

Graeme went on to be a Detective in 1995/6 and then became a Source Handler before retiring in 2013. 

Graeme was the much loved husband of Susan and father to Sam. He will be greatly missed by all his family and friends.

A private family Funeral will take place due to the current restrictions.

As Graeme was a proud volunteer at Spennymoor Football Club, people are invited to pay their respects by being present outside the football ground on Wednesday 12th May 2021 at 14:10hrs. Please ensure social distancing guidelines are met.

Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time.

Donations in lieu of flowers have been requested to Solan Connor Fawcett Trust.

Drug & Alcohol sample Collection Officer Vacancies – Randox Testing Services

Randox Testing Services is a leading provider of workplace drug and alcohol testing services within the UK and Europe.
We are currently looking for a suitable candidate in the Durham area to carry out Drug & Alcohol testing at our clients premises. The testing consists of collecting samples from our clients employees of urine, oral fluid or hair for drugs sample analysis and breath samples for alcohol in line with Randox Testing Services procedures.
Our service is available 24/7, 365 days of the year of which Collection Officers will be offered either scheduled appointments, being given advance notice or unscheduled appointments where you will be required to attend our client site within a target time of 2 hours.
Full training is given and all equipment supplied. The role is self-employed, very flexible and ideally suited to retired Police Officers.
If you wish to have an informal chat or require any further information please contact:
Ian Tew
Collection Service Manager
Email:  ian.tew@randox.com
Mobile: 07436 589439 

DURHAM CONSTABULARY CREDIT UNION LTD AND SERVE AND PROTECT CREDIT UNION MERGER

Members of the Credit Union may recollect that a decision taken at the  Durham Constabulary Credit Union AGM on 21^st November 2019 was in essence to progress a merger with a larger Credit Union in order that benefits for members would be greatly enhanced and Succession Planning was assured.

Due to the Covid 19 Pandemic progress has been slower than anticipated. After a scrutiny of the major Police Credit Unions it was decided that the Serve and Protect Credit Union was the most appropriate. We have visited the Serve and Protect Offices at Guardians House, Birmingham met with the Chief Executive Officer, Directors and Staff and have satisfied ourselves that this is a most efficient and professionally run business.

It is our intention that the full merger will take place on 1^st September 2021. Prior to this two virtual Special General Meetings will be held, the first one being between 2.0pm and 3.30pm on Monday 17^th May 2021. Any member of the Credit Union may request a Registration Form from ourselves to receive the link to join in the SGM. Members will be kept updated on the progress of the merger.

For further information in respect of “Serve and Protect” please see the attached flyer or you are able to visit their website at:-www.serveandprotectcu.co.uk

Once the merger takes place Gillian Robinson will still be the Durham Administrative link to give direction and assistance to Members.

Any local queries in respect of the merger please don’t hesitate to contact me at :-david.robinson2@durham.police.uk  or 07974213690

Death of a retired Police Officer : Insp.233 Brian Hamilton Wright

It is with regret that we have to announce the death of a retired Police Officer : Insp.233 Brian Hamilton Wright, who died on the 24^th April 2021 aged 87 years.
Brian served at Gateshead and Durham for many years. He joined Gateshead Police in 1954 on the beat. He went onto be a Police Photographer and then became a Crime Prevention Officer for Durham Constabulary in 1968.
Brian retired on 6^th December 1984 after being in charge of the Criminal Records Department.
A family Funeral will take place at St Helen’s Church, Low Fell on Wednesday 5^th May 2021 at 14:30.
Due to the current restrictions numbers are limited in the church but those who wish to pay their respects are welcome to stand outside as long as the social distancing guidelines are met.
Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time.
Donations in lieu of flowers have been requested to Salvation Army.
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 Brian Wright)