Death of a Retired Police Officer : Supt 198 Robert (Bob) Valks Bach

It is with deep regret that we inform you of the death of retired Police Officer, Supt 198 Robert (Bob) Valks Bach, who died at University Hospital North Durham on Monday 18th December 2023, aged 86 years.

Bob joined Durham County Constabulary in 1961; after initial training, he was posted to West Hartlepool and in 1964 was transferred to Easington Lane.  In 1966 he became an instructor in Cadet Training and after being promoted to Sergeant in 1971 was seconded to the Regional Training School at Dishforth.

After 2 years at Seaham Harbour between 1973-75, he gained a Diploma in Education at Garnett College, London and was seconded to the Central Planning Unit at Pannel Ash, Harrogate where he was promoted to Inspector.  During the 1980’s Bob’s postings included a period in the Communications Department and as Chief Inspector, Head of Overseas Training.

After being promoted to Superintendent Bob was head of Research and Development and Force Administration.  His final posting was as Divisional Commander at Wear and Tees Division.

Bob had a number of outdoor recreational activities and was Honorary Coach and Assessor with the Amateur Athletic Association (AAA) in Sprinting and Mid-distance running and assessor for the Duke of Edinburgh Awards (Cadet Training).  He also represented the force in Golf and Rugby and was involved in the organisation of Durham Constabulary’s Pro-Am Golf Tournaments.

Bob is survived by wife Jenny, sons Simon and Michael, their partners Sarah and Vicky, and grandchildren Aaron, Heidi and Elizabeth.

A funeral service is to be held at 2.30pm Monday 8th January 2024 at Durham Crematorium, South Road, Durham DH1 3TQ

Family flowers only, donations in lieu to Parkinsons UK.

After the funeral, friends are invited to join the family at Ramside Hall Hotel, Carrville, Durham DH1 1TD

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

Xmas Message from Durham NARPO Chairman

With the festive season almost upon us, I send my sincere best wishes for a Joyous and Peaceful time over Christmas and beyond and a Happy New Year to each and every one of our Durham NARPO members and their families.

Raymond T Jones

Durham Peeler : Winter 2023

Ray Jones (Durham NARPO chairman) and Editor of the magazine Durham Peeler has been hard at work over the past few months to produce the latest (Winter 2023) edition of the magazine

Members should by now have had a copy of the Peeler  dropping through their letterbox 

Ray said "I sincerely thank all of the volunteers who helped with the latest (Winter 2023) edition of the Durham Peeler magazine.  

The compilation of the magazine is very time consuming and the content and quality of the magazine relies heavily on reports, articles and photographs provided by its readers.  

If you have anything, either current or historic, please forward it to me for consideration of its inclusion."

If anyone is able to help with the packaging or delivery to fellow NARPO members local to them of the magazine in the future would they please contact Ray Jones (Durham NARPO chairman) .

Ray is available on : 07535 261063 or via email : rayjones2341@gmail.com

To view the Winter 2023 edition of the Durham Peeler online please either click on the image above or on this link : Click here to view Durham Peeler - Winter 2023

Death of a retired Police Officer: PC 2387 John Hall

It is with deep regret that we inform you of the death of a retired Police Officer: PC 2387 John Hall, who died at St Cuthbert’s Hospice, Durham on Monday 11th December 2023, aged 75 years.

John joined Durham County Constabulary in 1972 and after his initial training was posted to Spennymoor.  In May 1977 he transferred to Traffic Patrols South, also based at Spennymoor.  A move within the Traffic Department in 1996 saw John take up the position of Traffic Intelligence Officer.  He then returned to Traffic Patrols in 2000 working with the Motorway and Casualty Reduction Units, before retiring in 2002.

During his police career John received two Commendations.

Prior to joining the Police Service John served in the Royal Navy, during which time he married his lifelong companion, Vera.

John is survived by wife Vera, sons Andrew, Wayne and Lee, their respective partners Wendy, Joanne and Natalie and grandchildren Michael, Lydia, Faith, Tyler, Maisie and Thomas.

A funeral service is to be held at 12.30pm Wednesday 20th December 2023 at Wear Valley Crematorium, Coundon, Bishop Auckland DL14 8PE.

Family flowers only, donations in lieu for the joint benefit of St Cuthbert’s Hospice, Durham and St Paul’s Centre, Spennymoor, organization's who have provided John and Vera with friendship, help and assistance during John’s prolonged illness.

After the funeral, friends are invited to join the family at The Half Moon, Crowther Place, Kirk Merrington, Spennymoor DL16 7JL

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

Death of a Retired Police Officer: DC 349 Robert (Bob) John Hull

It is with deep regret that we inform you of the death of a retired Police Officer, DC 349 Robert (Bob) John Hull, who died at Lindisfarne Care Home, Newton Hall, Durham on Thursday 26th October 2023, aged 78 years.

Bob had been a resident of the home since June 2023, having been diagnosed with vascular dementia, a number of years ago.

He joined Durham County Constabulary as a cadet in 1962 before becoming a Regular Officer in the Force.  His first posting is believed to have been at Bishop Auckland and that most of his service was within CID.

Throughout Bob’s life he had loved all aspects of football and had been involved in playing, managing and watching the sport.

He also had a great love of nature and in particular, bird watching.  He also enjoyed travelling and seeing new places.

Bob is survived by his wife Joan, 2 children, 2 step-children and 9 grandchildren and will be sadly missed by all his family and friends.

A planned Pure Cremation has taken place for Bob and therefore there was no funeral service.

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

Durham Constabulary Band and Male Voice Choir : Annual Joint Festive Celebration Concert

The Durham Constabulary Male Voice Choir was formed in 1948 and earlier this year celebrated its "75" Anniversary by giving a joint Charity concert with the Northampton Male Voice Choir in the Town Hall, Spennymoor.  A total of £630.00 was raised for very good causes and a wonderful evening of song was enjoyed by all who were able to attend.  We are very grateful for the support given by all those who attended and also the Town Council who again made us very welcome.

On Thursday 21st December 2023,  The Durham Constabulary Band and Male Voice Choir will be holding their Annual Joint Festive Celebration Concert, again by kind permission of the Town Hall,  Spennymoor, commencing at 7pm. This time we are supporting the local "Food Banks" at their busiest time of their year.

Tickets are priced at £6.00 for adults and £2.00 for students,  

They may be obtained from the Town Hall Reception.

From www.ticketsource.co.uk/durhamconstabulary band and choir

From any Band or Choir member.

From the Band Secretary NEIL on 07904 723 283

The Choir Secretary - STUART on 07989 333 025

OR you can pay at the door if seats are still available on the night.