An A5 newsletter was published and circulated to members last November.
Ray Jones (Durham NARPO chairman) has took over the role of Editor of the magazine from the founder of the Peeler, Alan Watson and has put together a Winter 2021 edition of the magazine which will be distributed to members in the near future.
If you cannot wait for copy of the Peeler to drop through your letterbox (together with your 2022 diary & pen) then you can view the magazine, in all it's glory, online by clicking on the image.
Ray is always looking for interesting articles for the magazine so please get in touch with him if you have anything you can share
If anyone is able to help hand deliver any of the magazines to fellow NARPO members in their area would they please contact Ray Jones (Durham NARPO chairman) ASAP.
Ray is available on : 07535 261063 or via email : rayjones2341@gmail.com
It is with deep regret that we announce the death of Police Widow, Audrey Wood, formerly of Carrville, who died in Belmont Grange Care Home on 13th November 2021, aged 87 years.
Audrey (nee Brown) was the widow of retired Police Sergeant 559 Mick Wood, who died in May 2017, aged 76 years.
Audrey was also a Policewoman, joining Durham County Constabulary in 1958, undergoing her initial training at No. 4 District Police Training Centre, Mill Meece, near Eccleshall, Staffordshire.
She is survived by her daughters Karen and Joanne, sons-in-law Patrick and David, and granddaughters Kristen and Stephane.
A funeral service is to be held at 11.15am on Thursday 2nd December at Carrville Methodist Church, followed by committal at Durham Crematorium.
Due to the current Covid situation, these are restricted to family and close friends.
Family flowers only, if desired donations in lieu to Guide Dogs for the Blind.
Our thoughts are with Audrey’s family and friends at this sad time.
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 9th November 2021, aged 73 years.
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 28th October 2021 aged 84 years.
John served 25 years retiring in 1986 when he became a Coroners Officer for 5 years.
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 13th 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 12th 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.
It is with regret that we announce the death of Police Widow, Winifred Gettings, who died in Shotley Park Care Home, Shotley Bridge on 22nd September 2021, aged 93 years.
Mrs Gettings was the widow of the late Sgt 154 Thomas Gettings.Full details can be found on the ONS website
Alan joined Durham Constabulary on 31st March 1969 doing his initial training at the District Police Training Centre, Newby Wiske, North Yorkshire.
He served in uniform at Washington, Tyne & Wear before transferring to Darlington & Newton Aycliffe. In 1973 Alan joined the Scientific Aids Department, and then CID, both at Bishop Auckland. In the 1980’s he moved to the Chemist’s Shops Department, before joining the Crime Support Unit where he was an integral team member, investigating two long running enquiries into the murders of Daphne Torok and Ann Heron.
In 1991, he served as Field Intelligence Officer & CID at Newton Aycliffe up to his retirement on 4th August 1996.
Alan is survived by his wife Marjorie, daughter Alyson, son-in-law Michael and granddaughters Chloe and Evie.
A funeral service will take place at St Clare’s Church of England Church, St Cuthbert’s Way, Newton Aycliffe DL5 5NT at 2.15pm Friday 22nd October 2021.
Family flowers only, donations in lieu to St Teresa’s Hospice, Butterwick Hospice and Marie Curie.
Please note that a video link is being made available for Alan’s committal service only, which is to be held at 3.30pm at Durham Crematorium (family & invited guests only)
Those wishing to access will need to use the following link and log in details:
https://www.wesleymedia.co.uk/webcast-view
Login / Order ID: 111758 Password: qwydefbh
Our thoughts are with Alan’s family at this sad time.
Fred joined Durham Constabulary on 31st October 1966 serving at HQ Training, West Hartlepool, Hartlepool Central, Stanley, Darlington, Barnard Castle, Staindrop, Darlington and Middleton-St-George prior to him leaving the Force on 30th June 1990.
Frederick was the much-loved father of his son Peter and daughter Anne-Marie, he will be greatly missed by all his family and friends.
A private family Cremation will take place.
Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time.
Donations in lieu of flowers have been requested to Alzheimer’s Society.
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 Frederick Hewitson Gill)
Keith served Durham Constabulary joining in May 1977, initially serving in uniform at Consett and then Catchgate section. In June 1983 he was posted to CID at Consett and subsequently to Crime Support Unit at HQ then FIO at Consett.
Keith was promoted to uniform Sgt at Crook moving on to then work in Intelligence at Bishop Auckland.
In later service Keith ran Crimestoppers from Sacriston.
After Keith retired in 2007 he did return to Durham Constabulary in a civilian role as crimestoppers co-ordinator then moving onto a role within the Crime Scene dept based at Peterlee Warehouse when the crimestoppers role was centralised - retiring from that role in 2017.
Keith is survived by his wife Sheila, son Stephen & daughter in law Emma.
Keith was well known for his love of holidays and his dry sense of humour and he will be greatly missed by his family, friends and all those who knew him.
The funeral will be held at Mountsett Crematorium Dipton Stanley on Monday 6th September 2021 at 1015am.
Those who are unable to attend the funeral will be able to access via a link on livestream – if you wish to have this link please contact Carla.Sayer@durham.police.uk.
All are welcome at Lanchester Cricket Club after the funeral to share memories of Keith.
Donations in lieu of flowers have been requested to Ward 18 ITU RVI Newcastle NE1 4LP.
Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time.
It is with regret that we have to announce the death of retired Police Officer : PC 1282 Graham Hall, Graham died on the 3rd August 2021 aged 62 years.
Graham Hall initially joined Durham Constabulary on 26th August 1975 as a cadet and became a police officer on 6th February 1978. From HQ training he served at Stanley, Stanhope, Crook/Willington & Newton Aycliffe. He later transferred to Seaham and worked both the Town Section and Northlea Beat prior to his retirement on 15th February 1990.
Graham was the much-loved husband of Susan and father of John. He will be greatly missed by all his family and friends.
A private family Funeral will take place.
Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time.
Donations have been requested in lieu of flowers. Graham’s wish was for anyone who would like to make a donation to donate to a charity of their choice.
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 Graham Hall)
Eunice died in the North Durham University Hospital on Wednesday 11th August aged 67 years following a long illness of respiratory and circulatory problems.
Her funeral will take the form of a "Celebration of Life" and will be held at Durham Crematorium on Wednesday 25th August at 11:30 hours.
The family have requested that bright clothing be worn by those attending if possible.
Eunice Miller's funeral is to be webcast live on the day and will be available for 14 days. This is especially helpful for those unable to attend in person for various reasons.
https://www.wesleymedia.co.uk/webcast-view
Login / Order I D : 107144
Password : mxmbtxvv
Bob Hall joined Durham Constabulary on 1st April 1963. From HQ Training he was posted to Durham, West Hartlepool and Hartlepool Central. In February 1968 he moved onto Motor Patrols and worked out of Durham until March 1970 when he joined CID at Durham, then Meadowfield.
In 1972 he was seconded to No2 Regional Crime Squad (Teesside) until he returned to Peterlee CID in 1976. In December 1977 he was promoted to Sgt and moved to Sedgefield CID for 2 years. Bob then moved into uniform at Spennymoor and Newton Aycliffe. In June 1982 he was promoted to Inspector in the Computer Project Team before moving into Crime Support Unit then at Peterlee CID.
In February 1988 Bob was promoted to Det. Ch/Inspector initially based at Durham then HQ CID. Bob retired as Det.Supt. on 28th September 1997.
Bob was the much-loved husband of Brenda, father to Jeanette, Christopher and Jonathan and devoted grandfather and great grandfather who will be greatly missed by all his family and friends.
Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time.
Bob's funeral was held at St Charles RC Church, Tudhoe on Tuesday, August 10th at 10.am (Durham NARPO was not officially notified of Bob's death by HQ, until today 13/08/2021)
Donations in lieu of flowers have been requested to Cancer Research UK.
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 Bob Hall)
Peter Norman Willis joined Durham Constabulary as a cadet and served for many years at Quarrington Hill, Lanchester and Meadowfield before his retirement in the mid-1980s.
Peter combined his policing job with football refereeing. Peter began officiating in the Football League in 1972, spent 18 years as the national president of the Referees’ Association and refereed the 1985 FA Cup Final at Wembley.
Peter was the much loved father to Susan and Peter. He will be greatly missed by all his family and friends.
A funeral will take place on 5th August 2021, 13:30 at Wear Valley Crematorium. All are welcome.
Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time.
Donations in lieu of flowers have been requested to Marie Curie.
Any condolence cards are welcome and can be sent to 24 Leesfield Gardens, Meadowfield, Durham, DH7 8NQ.
Back Row L to R : Barry Knevitt, Ivan Wood, Colin Crathorne, Ian Bestford, Sgt Eric Brown & Terry Ditchburn.
Front Row : Tom Fortune & Mick Forrest
It is with regret that we have to announce the death of a retired Police Officer : Chief Insp. John “Jack” Johnson, who died on the 3rd July 2021, aged 83 years.
Jack initially joined Durham Constabulary and served at West Hartlepool, Bishop Auckland, Bowburn and Newby Wiske for many years until he transferred to Northumbria Police during the amalgamation of 1974.
He continued to serve in Northumbria until his retirement as a Chief Inspector in 1993.
Jack was the much loved husband of Eunice, father to Susan, Karen, Richard and Michael and grandfather to six grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by all his family and friends.
A funeral service will take place on the 19th July 2021, 11:30hrs at St Roberts Church Morpeth, following the service there will be a private cremation.
Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time.
Donations in lieu of flowers have been requested to the Stroke Association.
Any condolence cards are welcome and can be sent to 59 Abbey Meadows, Kirkhill Est, Morpeth, NE61 2AZ.
George was a Police Cadet with Durham prior to 2-years National Service in Egypt. He then joined the regular force as a Police Constable and following initial training at Plawsworth, he was
stationed at Darlington and Newton Aycliffe.
George is survived by his sister Margaret, daughters Caroline and Christine, son-in-law Derek, daughter-in-law Glenda, 9 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. He is predeceased by wife Ruth (2016) and son Charles (2011).
A funeral service was held at Darlington Golf Club on Thursday 27th May 2021, where he had been a past Captain(1978) and President since 2007. He also wrote a book on the history of the golf club.
Any donations to The MS Society.
Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time.
It is with regret that we have to inform you of the death of a retired Police Officer : Sgt 820 Alfred Brown, who died on the 24th May 2021 aged 81 years.
Alfred served with Durham Constabulary at Easington/Hetton, Wingate, Edmondbyers, Durham and he also worked at Dishforth for many years prior to his retirement on 14th August 1987.
Arthur was the much loved Husband of Roslyn and Father to Randall, Ken and Melanie, he will be greatly missed by all his family and friends.
A family Funeral will take place on Wednesday 9th June 2021, 12:30 at South Shields Crematorium.
People are invited to stand outside of the crematorium to watch the service via a webcast to pay their respects. 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 Freeman Heart and Lung Transplant Association: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ros-brown3
David joined Durham Constabulary in 1985. In 2000 he went onto be an Investigative Officer which lead him to serving as a Detective in CID and the Serious Crime Team at Aykley Heads and Darlington for many years.
David retired in 2014 but he continued to work in Safeguarding at Bishop Auckland and then moved to Cleveland Police as a Police Staff Investigator.
David was the much loved husband of Clare, father to Grace, father figure to Jonathan, Molly, Michael, Freddie and also Grandpa to Emelie. He will be greatly missed by all his family and friends.
A family Funeral will take place on Tuesday 15th June 2021, 13:00 at St Cuthbert’s Church, Darlington.
People are invited to stand outside of Darlington Police Station where a guard of honour will take place or are welcome to stand outside of the church to pay their respects.
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 Newcastle RVI, The Great North Children’s Hospital.
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 David Ripley)
Bob joined Durham County Constabulary on 28th June 1952 and retired on 31st 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 28th 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
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 17th April 2021 aged 95 years. The funeral took place at Durham Crematorium under Covid restrictions
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 25th July 1996.
Arthur will be greatly missed by his wife Maureen and all his family and friends.
Funeral to be held on Monday 17th 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
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.
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
Members of the Credit Union may recollect that a decision taken at the Durham Constabulary Credit Union AGM on 21st 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 1st 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 17th 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
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 24th 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 6th 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 5th 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)
Too many lives have been cut short and millions have been bereaved.
Behind the statistics and whatever the cause, every death has been devastating for the people left behind.
Many have been unable to properly say goodbye to their loved ones, comfort or even hug each other.
As a nation, we need to acknowledge the millions in silent pain.
So join us on 23rd March, the first anniversary of the first UK lockdown, for a National Day of Reflection.
Let’s come together to reflect on our collective loss, support those who’ve been bereaved, and hope for a brighter future.
There are still tough times ahead, as the death toll continues to rise.
So whatever your background, whatever your beliefs, and whatever you’ve been through, please join us for our first National Day of Reflection.
This annual day will give us all time to pause and think about this unprecedented loss we’re facing, and support each other through grief in the years to come.
It is with regret that we have to announce the death of a retired Police Officer : Sgt 1108 Ian Derek Richardson.
Ian died on the 5th March 2021 aged 70 Years.
Ian served with Durham Constabulary initially joining as a Police Cadet in 1965 and then worked across the Force in Jarrow, Newton Aycliffe, Traffic, Darlington and Barnard Castle prior to his retirement on 4th August 1996.
Ian was much loved and will be greatly missed by his wife Judith, two children and friends and family.
The funeral will take place on 16th March 2021 at Wear Valley Crematorium at 15.30hrs.
The service is limited to close family and friends but the Crematorium has advised you may stand outside as long as social distancing guidelines are adhered to.
Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time.
Donations in lieu of flowers have been requested to Air Ambulance.
PW’s Jean Peck & Liz Garry (Nickson) with Austin Mini Cooper S Patrol Car
This is the text from a press article dated 22nd December 1966 :
Four policewomen - one of them from Darlington - have just completed a four-week police driving course. And now they have two months to prove the worth of women
on motor patrol duty.
Elizabeth Garry from Darlington, Stationed at Washington, Jean Peck, stationed at Peterlee, Valerie Welsh, stationed at West Hartlepool, and Mrs. Ann Laing, stationed| at Stockton, all drive the 90-mile|an hour police Mini Coopers.
The idea came from the Chief Constable for Durham County, Mr. Alec Muir. The head of the traffic department, Chief Supt. William Harper, said that if it is a success, |policewomen might be put on motor patrol duty permanently.
“There is a large percentage of woman drivers, and they may feel more at home talking to a police-woman,” he said.
All the girls could drive before they took the Police Course-it was intended to teach them how the experts cope.
They also learnt something of the mechanical side,
If the experiment works, they may go on to take an advanced course at the Sedgefield Motor School.
It is with regret that we have to announce the death of a retired member of Police Staff, Elizabeth Mitchinson, who died in Darlington Memorial Hospital on 11th February 2021, aged 90 years.
Liz joined Durham County Constabulary in 1959 and worked at Bishop Auckland Police Station as a typist, with most of her service being involved in the preparation of files in its Court Office. After 31 years dedicated service she retired in September 1990.
Her funeral is to take place at Wear Valley Crematorium, Coundon at 3.30pm Wednesday 24th February (Covid restrictions apply). Donations if desired to the Great North Air Ambulance charity.
Our thoughts are with her family at this sad time.
Regarding the death of Police Staff (7947), formerly retired Police Officer (PC 1754) Janet Williams, who sadly passed away on 8th February 2021. (See website entry of the 13th Feb)
Durham Constabulary has set up an internal book of condolence, which is not accessible to anyone outside of the force. It is therefore requested that if anyone has any messages they would like to be added to the Book of Condolence, they be forwarded either directly to Welfare Department, Constabulary Headquarters, Aykley Heads, DURHAM DH1 5TT, or to our Branch Secretary, Stuart Ingram at durham@narpo.org
Please clearly mark the message, Ref: Janet Williams.
Back Row L to R : Supt. S.M. Finlay, Liz Garry, Sheila Colter, Kath Wood, Val Welsh. Front Row : Sue Tait & Eileen Jackson
Picture shows The Chief Constable (Mr A.A. Muir) showing County Durham’s girl police cadets weapons from the force’s Black Museum.
The text below is from the newspaper article with the picture from March 1959
“Six girl police cadets, were the first in the Durham County Constabulary were on parade at the Aycliffe HQ yesterday to meet the Chief Constable (Mr A.A. Muir).
Most of them joined the force last month and they were wearing their new uniforms. These are the same as those of County Durham policewomen except the cadets have berets instead of hats.
Mr Muir joking about the smartness of the berets, said he would probably have to change the policewomen over to them as well. He did in fact have the Durham policewomens uniform changed to a more feminine style about six months ago. The tunic now has fewer pockets and no belt. Later white blouses may replace collars & ties.
The six cadets , all grammar school girls were chosen by Mr Muir and Miss S Finlay the policewoman Superintendant from about 40 applicants.
They are Eileen Jackson from Darlington who is stationed at the Aycliffe Headquarters, Susan Tait from gateshead stationed at Whickham, Elizabeth Garry at Darlington, Kathleen Wood from Wolsingham at Hartlepool, Sheila Colter at Consett and Valerie Welsh, still at school.
Kathleen Wood is 18 and the others 17. Sheila Colter is the daughter of a policeman, Insp. P.H. Colter of Consett
The girls have so far been doing clerical and recording work in the police offices, but later they will be going out with policewomen on visits and interviews. Kathleen Wood said she enjoyed every minute of it. Eillen Jackson said she had always wanted to join the police force since she was ten, anyway "I really like it"
Hitherto a girl wishing to join the police force in County Durham has had to wait until she was 20, and perhaps take another job in the meantime and at 20 the constabulary has been unable to recruit enough girls of the right type. The cadet scheme is intended to fill the gap.”
Photo's of Joseph Spencer and Harry Kirkup who were awarded the George Medal. Text below from newspaper article.
4576 SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 20TH JUNE 1961 : Awarded the George Medal:
PC Joseph SPENCER, Constable, Durham County Constabulary.
PC Henry Marshman KIRKUP, Constable, Durham County 'Constabulary.
Constables Spencer and Kirkup were on duty in a Police Patrol car when they received a radio message that three men using a motor
vehicle had. been disturbed while attempting to break and enter a Social Club.
At about 12.30 a.m. they saw the vehicle containing the three men. The officers gave chase and pursued the suspect car for a distance of about five miles at very fast speeds.
During the chase twelve shots were fired at the Police car. The pursued car eventually crashed in a back street and the three men, each armed with rifles, got out and pointed their rifles towards the Police Officers whose car had drawn up behind. Undeterred, the Officers rushed forward to make an arrest.
A shot was fired directly at Kirkup and the bullet passed through his uniform cap within two inches of his head. Another man fired at P.C. Spencer.
The 'Constables arrested one man on the spot. The other two men were
arrested later.
Photo of Durham Police Cadets, Finlay house from March 1972.
Cadet Commandant Hugh Blenkin (centre front) and the late Liz (Garry) & George Nickson who were tragically killed in a road accident in Scotland in July 1977
It is with deepest sadness that we advise colleagues of the death of Mrs Janet Williams (7947) who worked as Resolution Adviser in the Complaint and Internal Investigation Team within the Professional Standards Department.
Janet previously served with Durham Constabulary as a police officer (PC 1754) from May 15th 2000 and served at Peterlee, Seaham, and Durham City retiring September 14th 2015.
She returned to the force in February 2016 initially in Intelligence at Durham City before moving into Professional Standards Dept.
Janet died in hospital on February 8th.
Our thoughts are very much with Janet’s husband John, their wider family, friends, and colleagues at this sad time.
Further to previous messages regarding the loss of colleague and friend Janet Williams who died in hospital on 8th February 2021 funeral arrangements are now confirmed as follows:
A funeral service will be held at 2pm on Tuesday 2nd March 2021 at Sunderland Crematorium. Due to current restrictions only those invited by family are able to be present for the service.
Any sympathy cards or messages can be sent to John and family via Welfare @HQ. Janet’s niece has also set up a Just Giving page where anyone who would like to make a donation in memory of Janet can contribute https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/KerryParkin1
Our thoughts remain with Janet’s family and friends during this sad time.
Due to the current restrictions, brought about by the Covid pandemic, our Annual General Meeting,
usually held in early January was unable to take place. As a result, we have sent out emails to our
entire membership for whom we hold addresses, with details of our Branch Officers, Committee and
vacant roles, together with a copy of the 2020 AGM minutes.
Copies of our annual accounts have not been generally circulated, but I can assure you that we are in
a sound financial position. Any queries regarding the 2020 minutes or accounts should be directed
to the Branch Secretary.
If you have any queries regarding these documents please contact our Branch Secretary at
durham@narpo.org
Vacant Branch Positions are for an Assistant Secretary, Welfare Officer (1 nomination has been
received for this role) and 2 Committee Members.
The names of all Branch Officers and Committee can be viewed on page 4 of the Winter 2019 edition
of the Durham Peeler.
The current Officers and Committee, with the exception of Paddy Farrell (died 10 December 2020)
and Ches Brighouse (standing down), are willing to serve a further term.
The closing date for nominations for the vacant positions is Sunday 21 February 2021.
Hopefully all vacant positions will be filled and it is proposed that, subject to objection, all current
Officers and Committee will be re-elected en bloc.
It is with regret that we have to announce the death of a retired Police Officer : 1685 John James Woodward.
John died on 21st January 2021 after being ill for some time.
John James Woodward served Durham Constabulary prior to his retirement on 20th January 1989.
A private family Funeral will take place due to the current restrictions on 15th February 2021.
Our thoughts are with his partner Maureen at this sad time.
It is with regret that we have to announce the death of retired Police Officer : PC Gordon Galley, who died on the 19th January 2021 aged 90 years.
Gordon was appointed on 5th July 1952 serving at HQ training, Darlington, Easington Colliery and Peterlee Traffic/Motor Patrols in 1957. He went on to the dog section initially at Chester-le-Street in 1961, then Darlington and from 1967 at Harperley Hall. In November 1979 he moved into the Control Room at Darlington then in 1980 he moved to Darlington Town Office before retiring on 4th July 1982.
Gordon was a much loved Father to Bryan and Jill. He will be greatly missed by all his family and friends.
A private family funeral will take place due to the current restrictions.
Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time.
Donations in lieu of flowers have been requested to the Motor Neurone Disease Association.
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 Gordon Galley)
It is with regret that we have to inform you of the death of Joan Wood, who died on the 31st December 2020, aged 72 years. Mrs Wood is the wife of the late Sgt 2312 John Wood, who retired from the Custody Suite at Durham City Police Station in 1997.
A private funeral, due to current restrictions, took place at 11.00am Friday 22nd January 2021, at Durham Crematorium.
Mrs Wood is survived by her two daughters, Lindsay and Catherine and granddaughter, Cecilia and will be sadly missed.
Our thoughts are with her family at this sad time.
Donations in lieu of flowers has been requested to Age UK, County Durham.
It is with regret that we have too inform you of the death of a retired Police Officer : Chief Inspector William Maurice Kennedy, who died on the 3rd November 2020 aged 89 years.
Mr Kennedy joined Durham Constabulary on 30th August 1954, having spent 3 years serving in the RAF and having worked as an Apprentice Draughtsman.
From HQ training Mr Kennedy served at Stockton, Norton, Stockton CID, Stanley CID and HQ CID Northern Crime Squad.
Promoted to Sergeant in Sept 1967 he served at HQ CID Admin then at Crook CID for 5 years.
In July 1975 he was promoted to the rank of inspector and served in Control Room, Crime Prevention, Durham City where he was Deputy to the sub divisional Commander.
In Sept 1982 he was promoted to Chief Inspector and served as Deputy Sub Divisional Commander at Wear Valley, then as Chief Inspector (Admin) at Durham.
In January 1984 he joined Community Relations Branch until January 1985 when he transferred to Derwentside, he medically retired on 13th March 1985
William will be sadly missed by all his family and friends and our thoughts are with them at this sad time.
A private Funeral was held due to current restrictions.
Donations in lieu of flowers have been requested to Cancer Research.
It is with regret that we have to announce the death of a retired Police Officer : Mr Arthur Newsome aged 83yrs, who died on 31st December 2020.
Arthur served in the Sunderland Borough, Durham and Northumbria Forces until his retirement in 1989.
He retired to the Whitley Bay area of the north east.
Details were forwarded by the Sunderland NARPO Branch Secretary.
