Death of a Retired Police Officer: PC 1602 Brian Robson

It is with deep regret that we inform you of the death of retired Police Officer, PC 1602 Brian Robson, who died at home, surrounded by his family, on Thursday 19th October 2023, aged 79 years.

Brian joined Durham County Constabulary in 1966, retiring in 1997.

Following his Initial Training at Newby Wiske, Brian was posted to Hartlepool, later becoming a Scientific Aids Officer before moving to CID, whilst at Hartlepool he also carried out A/Sgt duties.  He was then posted to Durham and to Meadowfield Section in 1974.  This was followed by 6 years in CID at Durham.  In 1983 he carried out duties as Acting Coroner’s Officer before becoming District Collator.  He later moved to the Accident Support Unit, initially at Durham and latterly at Chester-le-Street.  Brian was also Secretary of Durham City Police Club for many years.

Brian is survived by his wife Valerie, son Paul, daughter Caroline and grandson Brad.

A funeral service is to be held at 2.00pm Monday 30th October 2023 at Durham Crematorium, South Road, Durham DH1 3TQ.

Family flowers only, donations in lieu to Durham Dialysis Unit and Durham Donkey Rescue.

After the funeral, friends are invited to join the family at the Stonebridge Inn, Durham DH1 3RX

Our thoughts are with Brian’s family and friends at this sad time.

Death of Retired Police Officer and NARPO Life Member: PC 711 Barry Chilton Crawford and his late wife Angela (Angie)

It is with sadness that we report the death of two stalwarts of the Durham Branch of NARPO namely PC 711 Barry Chilton Crawford and his late wife Angela (Angie)

Barry was born in Henry Street, Redcar on the 24th February 1935. He joined Lancashire Police on 29th October 1956 and transferred to Durham as PC 711 on 13th May 1962. His service in Durham was all based in and around Peterlee and he retired due to ill health on the 20th August 1983 after 27 years service. Barry’s first wife sadly died many years ago. They had three children, Michael, Margaret and Peter (Deceased) and subsequently five grandchildren. Apart from his love of Fishing especially with his son, Barry was dedicated to the Durham Branch of NARPO and was the Branch secretary for many years. Barry later remarried and his second wife, Angie, was always there beside him and became the Branch Welfare Officer and Buffet supplier. 

Upon stepping down after many years in office Barry was made a “Life Member” in 2019.

Barry and Angie resided in Peterlee until Angie’s sudden death aged 72 years on 28th December 2022. Barry died in the Bannatyne Lodge Care Home, Peterlee on 28th September 2023 aged 88 years. 

There was no funeral for Angie and the same will apply to Barry, as they both chose Direct Cremation.

Our thoughts are with Barry and Angie’s family and friends at this sad time.