Seaham Reunion - November 30th 2024

A bit remiss of me, but on 1st April 1974, Durham Constabulary as we knew it, changed forever. Gone went Sunderland, South Shields, Gateshead and Hartlepool Divisions. Seaham, which had been part of Houghton le Spring (which in turn had been part of Chester le Street Division) left and went into a new Durham Division becoming Bravo Foxtrot. Peterlee left Hartlepool Division also going into Durham Division and becoming Bravo Echo. 50 years have passed* since then which should be cause for celebration (I know, it’s a stretch!).

The celebration will take place upstairs at The Marlborough, Charles Street, Seaham commencing at 3.00pm on Saturday, 30th November, 2024

Unfortunately, we will not be getting drinks at 1974 prices 😣

This is an open invitation to all who served, worked or covered Seaham and Peterlee Sub-Divisions (even Traffic!).

If you have any queries, will you kindly contact Joyce Teare either by SMS to 07747814879, or email to j.teare57@gmail.com 

If you can think of anyone else who may not read this then please pass on the message via word of mouth, FB, Durham LA Forum,Twitter, Whats App or text.

For information, the bar is cash only, no cards or contactless.

We look forward to welcoming you on the 30th November.

Death of Retired Police Officer: Sergeant 1305 Alan Trenerry

It is with deep regret that we inform you of the death of retired Police Officer, Sergeant 1305 Alan Trenerry, who died in hospital in Bordeaux on Wednesday 25th September 2024, aged 74 years.

Alan joined Durham County Constabulary on 1st December 1971; he retired from the force on 30th November 2001.

A funeral service is to be held at 10.00am Thursday 7th November 2024 at Durham Crematorium, South Road, Durham DH1 3TQ

Family flowers only, donations in lieu to the British Heart Foundation & Stroke Research.

After the funeral, family and friends only, are invited to join the family at Brancepeth Golf Club, The Village, Brancepeth, Durham DH7 8EA

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

CPI for September 2024 (Police Pension Increase)

The ONS have now published the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for September 2024 and this stands at 1.7 %. 

As a result, Police Pensions will increase by 1.7% as of April 2025.

Full details can be found on the 
ONS website

Invitation from the Sunderland Branch of NARPO

The Sunderland Branch of NARPO hold a social meeting on the THIRD THURSDAY of each month at The Beacon of Light which is situated near The Stadium of Light directly adjacent to The Aquatic Centre.

They have a court booked for 1 hour from 11.00am but normally meet about 10.30am in the ground floor cafe for a coffee.  For anyone who hasn’t been it's a fantastic facility and the court can accommodate 4 table tennis tables, 2 pickleball courts, a badminton court and a five-a-side football pitch.

It is emphasized that not everyone participates and there is no pressure to do so.  Some just come for the craic and to spectate.  They have been going since July and normally have around 10 regular attenders.

It is an alternative to the more formal NARPO meetings.  As the event can obviously cater for more, the committee have asked me to offer the hand of friendship to your members if they want to pop along even if it's just as a recce.  There is no charge and no need to contact in advance, simply turn up.

If anyone is considering accepting this offer, would you please notify either Stuart Ingram – Durham@narpo.org.uk or Ray Jones Durham2@narpo.org.uk in order that we can monitor the take up and advise the Sunderland Branch, out of courtesy.

The next one is on Thursday 21st November.  There is a cafe that does toasties etc if anyone is peckish.

Use the attached address for The Beacon:

https://beaconoflight.co.uk

Request for Volunteer Drivers - Blind Life in Durham

 

Death of a Retired Police Officer: Inspector 357 Patrick (Paddy) O’Hanlon

It is with deep regret that we inform you of the death of a retired Police Officer, Inspector 357 Patrick (Paddy) O’Hanlon, who died at Sunderland Royal Hospital on Wednesday 9th October 2024, aged 89 years.

Patrick joined Durham County Constabulary in 1955, his initial posting being to Darlington until in 1958 when he was posted to Whickham Division, based at Stanley and covering South Moor Section.  In 1972 he was promoted to Sergeant and posted to Hartlepool Division, working at Peterlee.

Some 7 years later, Patrick was promoted to the rank of Uniformed Inspector and posted to Durham City, 2 years later saw him posted back to Peterlee.

His career concluded with him as Deputy Sub-Divisional Commander at Seaham, from 1983, up to his retirement in 1987.

Patrick is survived by wife Eileen, children Kevin, Kathleen, Michael and Peter; father-in-law to Trish, Dawn and Jennifer and beloved granda to Maria, Simon, Catherine and Hannah.

A funeral service is to be held at 12.00pm Monday 28th October 2024 at Our Lady of the Rosary RC Church, Westway, Peterlee, SR8 1DE followed at 1.30pm by a committal service at Durham Crematorium, South Road, Durham DH1 3TQ

Family flowers only, donations in lieu to Kidney Cancer

After the funeral, friends are invited to join the family at The Royal George, Old Shotton, Peterlee SR8 2ND

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

Durham Constabulary pre 1st April 1974

 

A Division  Bishop Auckland                  Sub Divsions   Bishop  Auckland

                                                                                       Spennymoor

                                                                                       Barnard Castle

                                                                                       Wolsingham

B Division   Hartlepool                           Sub Divisions   Hartlepool

                                                                                       Peterlee

C Division   Chester le Street                Sub Divisions   Chester le Street

                                                                                       Washington

                                                                                       Houghton le Spring

                                                                                       Seaham

D Division  South Shields                     Sub Divisions   South Shields

                                                                                      Jarrow

E Division  Darlington                           Sub Divisions   Darlington

                                                                                      Newton Aycliffe

F Division  Durham                              Sub Divisions   Durham

                                                                                     Meadowfield

                                                                                     Consett

                                                                                     Stanley

G Division   Gateshead                       Sub Divisions   Gateshead

                                                                                     Whickham

H Division   Sunderland                      Sub Divisions    Sunderland (Central)

                                                                                     Wheatsheaf (Roker)

All territorial police forces in England and Wales (except the Metropolitan Police and City of London Police) were abolished and reconstituted at midnight on 31st March 1974 / 1st April 1974. 

Durham Constabulary was reconstituted, some areas were transferred to Cleveland Constabulary and Northumbria Police

Darlington Pensioners Night 2024

It’s been a while - May 2023, but we are delighted to announce another Pensioners Night and a return to the November slot.

It will take place at Darlington Cricket Club, Feethams, commencing at 7.30pm on Thursday, 14th November, 2024.

We chose May last year as we thought more people may attend if the weather was better, but it turned out a lot were on holiday, so back to the dark nights it is.

The evening is open to all retired Police and Support Staff who served or worked in the Division. There will be a free drink on arrival. 14th November is both national Spicy Guacamole Day and National Pickle Day. Have no worries - you’re getting a Taylors pie and peas.

As usual there will be a raffle with some wonderful prizes. We hope you will contribute as this will help finance future reunions. Cash is preferable  If you can think of anyone else who may not receive this, then please pass on the message.

Unfortunately, we will be unable to provide transport.

We look forward to welcoming you on the 14th November.

Signed: The Committee

Sean Jackson, Fred Wood, Malcolm Lear, Alec Francis, John Hoar and Paul Murphy

Silvertime Legal Services

We have arranged for their local representative to attend our next branch meeting which will be held at the Masonic Centre, Station Road, Chester-le-Street, DH3 3DU at 19:30 hours on Monday 11th November.

The speaker will present a light hearted talk explaining about making a will,  powers of attorney both for finance and health, and what will happen to your cash and property if you depart this earth without making the choices you intended.

There will be no "hard sell".  If, when the talk is over, you are interested then a private meeting arrangement will be made. Or you can take a card and discus matters at home and then make your own decisions.

Please spread the word. It would be great to see the meeting well attended.

Don't forget to let Sue know if you are attending so that she has some idea of the catering requirements.  Text 07932 613 031

Stuart Ingram - Secretary (Durham@narpo.org)