Blue Light Card

Whilst some retired Police Officers are aware of the existence of the Blue Light Card, I know that many do not, despite it being advertised in previous issues of NARPO News (Page 34 of the May 2022 edition).

The card allows the cardholder to obtain discounts on a whole range of goods and services, some being time limited. Most of the offers are online, albeit some are in-store; one such example is ASDA (10% discount off your shopping bill – certain product exceptions exist) on production of the card and addition ID, such as a bank card or driving licence, when paying at the checkout (this discount end's on 31 st October 2022).

Membership is open to retired offices, via an online application at a cost of £4.99 and is valid for 2-years (renewable); you will be asked for your NARPO membership number.

Visit https://www.bluelightcard.co.uk for more details.

Enquiries from the Durham Branch of NARPO are ongoing to check as to whether the purchase and use of the card extends to our widow(er) members also.

Land’s End to John O'Groats Charity Cycle Ride.

On 24 May 2022, one of our members, retired Motor Patrols Officer Brian Harrison and his cycling buddy, Lynn Johnston, set off on a cycle ride that would occupy their time and test their stamina and endurance over the following 18 days.

Their challenge was to cover the 950 or so miles from Land’s End to John O'Groats and raise money for the Alzheimer's Society.

Whilst their cycle ride has been completed, their JustGiving page is still open to anyone who would like to donate and support Brian and Lynn in raising funds for this very worthwhile charity. Donating is quite straightforward and the donating page can be accessed by clicking on the following link:

 https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/iamorganisingmyowncycle2021-brianharrison?utm_source=Sharethis&utm_medium=fundraising&utm_content=iamorganisingmyowncycle2021-brianharrison&utm_campaign=pfp-email&utm_term=e613ac5351084f2f9d33018da0f8db76

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to Alzheimer's Society, so it's the most efficient way to give - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

Death of a retired Police Officer: DC 1144 Laurie Bawden

It is with regret that we have to inform you of the death of a retired Police Officer: DC 1144 Laurie Bawden, who died peacefully on 11th July, 2022. 

Laurie joined the police force in County Durham in 1970 as a police cadet. He served at South Stanley and Stanhope in Weardale, before joining CID in Durham City. He left the police force in 1985. After the police force he relocated to the south, starting a successful guarding organisation, Sirius Security Services Ltd in the city of London. He retired in 2003.

He is survived by 2 children, Mark and Sara. 

Laurie requested a pure cremation and there will be a memorial to remember him at 11:00 on 28th September, 2022, at St Cuthberts Church, Stokesley Road, Marton, Middlesbrough, TS7 8JU.

The family request no flowers but donations in memory of Laurie to the charity Dementia Adventure, https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/sara-calgie5

Afterwards all are invited to join us in the church hall for refreshments - 1pm, followed by a more relaxed gathering in the Rudds Arms, Marton Road, 

To assist with catering you are asked to notify sara@thestartstudio.co.uk of your intentions to attend.

Our thoughts are with all the family at this time.

Death of a retired Police Officer : Chief Inspector William (Bill) Hancock

It is with regret  that we have to inform you of the death of a retired Police Officer :  Chief Inspector William (Bill) Hancock, who died on the 22nd June 2022 at the age of 84 years.

Bill was born on the 1st April 1938 had suffered poor health for some years due to crippling arthritis and died following multiple bouts of pneumonia.

On joining Durham County Constabulary, he was posted to Hartlepool. On promotion to Sergeant he was posted to Stanley and then seconded onto the training staff at Newby Wiske. He was then seconded to the Police College at Bramshill and then promoted to Inspector at Peterlee. He was then promoted to Chief Inspector and spent his final years in the Training Departement at Aykley Heads HQ. 

Bill is survived by his wife Marion and their two children Michael and Alison, three Grandchildren and 1 Great Grandchild.

Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time.

The Funeral is to be held at 12-00 noon on Thursday 14th July at Sacriston Methodist Church, Wesley Close, Front Street (B6532) DH7 6JG.  Followed by Cremation at Durham Crematorium.  Friends and former colleagues are very welcome to attend.    Family flowers only please. Donations in lieu of floral tributes may be made to Sacriston Methodist Church and will be collected at the funeral.  Following which you are invited to join the family back at the Church for refreshments.

Cards of condolence would be very much appreciated at the home address, however if you are not in possession of that address, they can be forwarded to "NARPO Durham Branch, 2, Whitworth Close, Spennymoor, DL16 7LH."   Please mark your envelope clearly FAO  Hancock family.

Big Little Crimes

 Bob Productions are seeking contributors for a brand new BBC1 series titled Big Little Crimes. The show will focus on successfully concluded police investigations where an approach/arrest for one offence leads to a major prosecution for another more serious one. This will take many forms – there are no limits on the category of cases we will feature – but could, for example, be a traffic stop that leads to the arrest of a drug kingpin, a stop and search that leads to the discovery of a serial burglar, or a house call for low level fraud that develops into a murder inquiry.

Brown Bob enjoyed an excellent working relationship with some fantastic retired officers for our hit BBC1 show Moment of Proof and would love to continue that for this new series. Anyone interested who believes they have a story to share should contact the show’s Producers on kieranagnew@brownbob.com or 0161 6678035.