Christmas Charity Concert 2021

 Unfortunately, due to bereavements and Covid confinements by several members, the Constabulary Choir has had to withdraw from this concert. 

HOWEVER the Band has invited "Stanhope Silver Band" and  the chorus group "Bon Accord" to perform in their stead.

Death of a retired Police Officer, Detective Inspector 415 John Michael (Mick) Burdess

It is with deep regret that we announce the death of a retired Police Officer, Detective Inspector 415 John Michael (Mick) Burdess, who died at home on Tuesday 9^th November 2021, aged 73 years.

Mick joined Durham Constabulary on 6^th October 1969 and was initially posted to Hartlepool, then Bishop Auckland, Darlington, Durham and Chester-le-Street.
He was promoted to the rank of Sergeant on 1^st December 1977 and to Inspector on 16^th January 1984.
In 1985 he served as a Detective Inspector in Durham City before moving to No.2 Regional Crime Squad, before returning to Durham City.
Mick finally moved to HQ Intelligence, setting up the surveillance team and staying there until his retirement on 18^th July 1996.
Mick is survived by wife Susan, son David and daughter Jayne, son-in-law Graeme Hoseasons and grandchildren Sophie, Jack, Ellie and Morgan.
Jayne, a former Police Officer with Northumbria Police, transferred to Durham Constabulary in 2006, taking over her father’s Police No. 415 before she retired in December 2020.  Police No. 415 was proudly worn by the Burdess family during the period between 1969 and 2020.
All are welcome at the funeral service, which will take place at 12.30pm Wednesday 24^th November 2021, at Wear Valley Crematorium, Coundon, Bishop Auckland DL14 8PE.
Following the funeral, the family invite Mick’s ex colleagues, friends and family friends to join them for refreshments and to share in one of his social activities by raising a glass, or two, at Bishop Auckland Hospital Club, 32 Escomb Road, Bishop Auckland DL14 6TZ.
Those attending the Hospital Club are asked to notify Jayne in advance so that she knows who to expect ( 07790 012350 or coco8284415@gmail.com )

Death of a retired Police Officer : PC John Alfred Davies

It is with regret that we have to inform you of the death of a retired Police Officer : PC John Alfred Davies, of Catchgate, Consett,  died 28^th October 2021 aged 84 years. 

John served 25 years retiring in 1986 when he became a Coroners Officer for 5 years. 
Mr Davies was a widower and he leaves a son Ian and daughter Jill Graham. 
Funeral at Mountsett Crematorium at 11.45 hrs on Tuesday 23^rd November 2021.
Our thoughts are with John's family at this sad time

Death of a retired Police Officer : Ch/Supt Raymond Norman Dinning

It is with regret that we have to announce the death of a retired Police Officer, Ch/Supt Raymond Norman Dinning, who died suddenly in the University Hospital of North Durham on 13^th October 2021, aged 87 years.

Ray joined Durham County Constabulary, as a cadet in July 1950 before being called up for National Service with the RAF in 1952.  He then returned to the Durham force in 1954, where he commenced his initial training and probationary period; some 21 days later he was transferred to CID at Chester-le-Street.

In 1963 he was promoted to D/Sgt at Police HQ, then posted to Regional Crime Squad in 1965 and appointed Designated No. 2 Regional Squad Murder Room Administrator.  Ray was promoted D/Insp at Gateshead in 1970 and to Detective Chief Inspector / Commanding Officer of No 2 Regional Crime Squad in 1972.

4-years later he was recalled to the Durham Force and took command of the Discipline and Complaints Department, where in 1977 he was promoted to Superintendent.  In 1980 Ray became Deputy Departmental Head of the Force CID.  In November, 1981 he was again seconded to No. 2 Regional Crime Squad, with the rank of Detective Chief Superintendent and Regional Commander of the Squad.

Ray retired from the Police Service in June 1989, however, for many years after he retained the position of President of No2. Regional Crime Squad Association until it was disbanded.

He will also be remembered for his dedicated and charitable work in Freemasonry, in which he had held a considerable number of senior positions.

Sadly, Ray’s wife, Margaret Rose Dinning (nee Dawson) also a retired Police Officer, PW48, passed away in April 2017.

Ray is survived by son Steven and wife Jennifer, daughter Tracey and wife Joanne,

grandchildren Kirsty and Andrew, Kirsty’s husband Alex and Andrew’s partner Jill.

The funeral is to take place at 11.30pm on Friday 12^th November 2021, at St Mary and St Cuthbert’s Church, Church Chare, Chester-le-Street DH3 3QB, followed by a Private Committal Service at Durham Crematorium.

Family flowers only, donations in lieu to the British Heart Foundation.

Our thoughts are with Ray’s family at this sad time.