Death of a retired Police Officer : Sgt 881 Christopher Arran Field

It is with deep regret that we have to inform you of the death of a retired Police Officer : Sgt 881 Christopher Arran Field, who died in the Freeman Hospital, Newcastle on 18^th February 2022, aged 59 years.

Arran joined Durham Constabulary on 3^rd June 1985, retiring on 3^rd June 2015; he was promoted to Sergeant in 1996.  Arran served at Newton Aycliffe, Sedgefield, Consett, Durham, Pelton and Chester-le-Street and also a period as Custody Sergeant at Peterlee.
Arran is survived by wife Kate, daughters Lauren and Rebecca, younger brother Glenn and parents Margaret and Gordon.
His funeral service will take place at 12:50 Monday 14^th March 2022 at St Patrick’s R.C. Church, Victoria Road, Consett DH8 5AX, followed by a private committal service at Mountsett Crematorium.
Donations in lieu of flowers to the ‘Thin Blue Line UK’ charity.
Our thoughts are with Arran’s family and friends at this very sad time.

Memorial service for DC James Brian Porter : Important Update

At 11:30 on Friday 4^th March 2022, a memorial service will be held in the force’s memorial garden at the front of Durham Constabulary HQ, Aykley Heads and is expected to last approximately 40 minutes.

The following important information finalises the procedure and arrangements for this event:

In order to maximise the safety of everyone attending, it is requested that a lateral flow test be taken the night before.

Those testing positive or experiencing any symptoms should not attend.

Please be in position for the service by 11:15 and have some form of ID with you, ideally photo ID.

Only limited seating will be available during the service.

Those attending should feel free to wear medals or decorations.

After the service, you are invited to attend County Hall, where 3 short addresses will be given by Deputy Chief Constable David Orford, Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen and Force Chaplain Rev. Adrian Gatrill, within the ‘Durham Room’.   

Limited car parking is available at both Police HQ and County Hall.

The allocated parking area at Police HQ has moved to the main car park to the right-hand side of the building, through the gated entrance.

Limited disabled parking is available to the front of Police HQ.

Wherever possible and if comfortable doing so, please consider car sharing in order to reduce congestion at both Police HQ and County Hall.

If anyone has any queries regarding the event, please continue to contact Ray Jones (Durham NARPO Chairman) via rayjones2341@gmail.com  or  07535261063 

AGM of the Durham Branch of NARPO : Monday 14th March 2022

 

Date for your Diary…….

Monday 14^th March 2022,  7.30pm,  Spennymoor Masonic Hall, Dundas Street, Spennymoor, DL16 6AS

The Annual General Meeting of Durham NARPO, The following speakers have confirmed their attendance.  The Chief Constable, The PCC, Police Federation rep.  Our local NEC member from Northumberland Bob Watson and hopefully out new National President - Richard Critchley.
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

MOST IMPORTANT - Catering Numbers

Please text Sue Knaggs on 07932 613 031 if you are attending the Buffet

Parking : The Masonic hall adjoins Wilson’s Vet’s ( which is in the premises of the old Pit Laddie PH). There is a small council car park at the rear of the vets, however the best parking is in the Town Hall / Aldi car park which has CCTV surveillance and is approx a 60yards walk to the Masonic Hall

Memorial service for DC James Brian Porter

At 11:30 on Friday 4^th March 2022, a memorial service will be held in the force’s memorial garden at the front of Durham Constabulary HQ, Aykley Heads. This is to mark the 40^th anniversary of the fatal shooting of DC James Brian Porter at Woodhouses, Bishop Auckland.  The service is expected to last approximately 40 minutes.

Parking will be available at HQ (old all-weather pitch to the right-hand side of the drive, before the right-hand bend) and will be signposted.  A limited number of disabled parking bays are available at the front of the building.
Would those wishing to attend the service please contact Ray Jones (Durham NARPO Chairman) via rayjones2341@gmail.com  or  07535261063 as soon as possible; if accompanied, please also provide their names.  This will enable HQ personnel to be advised of the expected attendance.

Death of a retired Police Officer : Insp Wilfrid (Wilf) Lavery

It is with regret that we inform you of the death of a retired Police Officer : Insp Wilfrid (Wilf) Lavery, who died at home on 23^rd January 2022, aged 75 years.

Wilf joined Durham Constabulary on 20^th May 1974; he was promoted to Sergeant in November 1985 and then to Inspector in June 1992.  He served around the county, including Traffic Patrols, finishing his service at Headquarters and retiring on 19^th May 2004.
On 4^th July 1978, by the Queen’s order, Wilf’s name was published in the London Gazette as commended for brave conduct, charging the Prime Minister to express her high appreciation of his rendered services.  This followed the apprehension of an armed robber for which he was also awarded the Matt Wilkinson Trophy.
Prior to his appointment, Wilf served in the Royal Navy from 4^th May 1965 to 3rd May 1974 as a Leading Steward and Ship’s Diver; his longest draft was onboard HMS Eagle in the Far East for 18 months.
Wilf is survived by wife Claire, daughter Catherine and husband Matthew, son Dominic and wife Demi and grandchildren Ross and Christopher.
A Requiem Mass will be held at 10.00am Saturday 12^th February 2022 at St Patrick’s RC Church, Goatbeck Terrace, Langley Moor DH7 8JJ, followed by a private interment in Meadowfield Cemetery.
Family flowers only please, any donations in lieu to the RNLI or the Northern Centre for Cancer Care Centre (Freeman Hospital).
Our thoughts are with Wilf’s family and friends at this sad time.

Death of a retired Police Officer : Sgt 639 Terence (Terry) Joseph CORRIGAN

It is with regret that we inform you of the death of a retired Police Officer, Sgt 639 Terence Joseph Corrigan, who died in the ITU of Darlington Memorial Hospital on 22^nd January 2022, aged 70 years.

Terry joined Durham County Constabulary in 1972 and served at Darlington, Hartlepool, Stanley, Shotley Bridge and Durham and retired in 2002.
For a period of time Terry was also a representative of Durham Police Federation Joint Branch Board.
Terry is survived by wife Margaret, daughter Vikki and her husband Ian, Stepdaughter Catherine and her husband Ian, grandchildren Eleanor, Deborah, Joshua and Heidi.
A funeral service will be held at 10.30am Thursday 10^th  February 2022 at Wear Valley Crematorium, Coundon, Bishop Auckland DL14 8PE.
Family flowers only please, any donations in lieu to the ITU of Darlington Memorial Hospital.
Following the funeral family and friends are invited to meet at The Navy Club, Bluebell Way, Newton Aycliffe DL5 7PW.
Our thoughts are with Terry’s family and friends at this sad time.