Bishop Auckland, Crook and Barnard Castle Staff Reunion on Thursday 9th January 2025

Bishop Auckland, Crook & Barnard Castle Police & Staff Reunion

A reunion of the above sub-divisions has been organised for Thursday 9th January 2025 at Bishop Auckland Rugby Club, from 6pm onwards.

The reunion is open to serving and retired police officers and staff from all departments, and their friends.

Start the New Year with colleagues and friends from your past and welcome new friends into our lives.

There will also be a nice buffet, so hope that you're hungry.

Please contact Claire Wigham (Text: 07880 368915) if you intend to join us, in order that she can cater for you.

Police Treatment Centre's - 2025 Cottage bookings now open

I'm writing to let you know that the PTC self catering cottage in Auchterarder is now available to book for 2025.

 £500 for a 7 night break in a 3 bedroom cottage - with all money going straight back into the charity its a great way of getting a good value stay whilst being able to support the charity.

The cottage is dog friendly so take along your well behaved pup for an additional £30.

Click on the link to go to our live booking page and check availability. School holiday dates usually go very quickly.

Self Catering - The Police Treatment Centres

 We also have Bed and Breakfast breaks available in both Harrogate and Anchterarder for all of the Police Family. Book multiple rooms and come away with friends for the weekend. Check avilability here Bed and Breakfast - The Police Treatment Centres

Please share with colleagues as the cottage is open to all of the Police family

Death of Retired Police Staff: Margaret Pattenden

It is with deep regret that we inform you of the death of retired Police Staff, Margaret Pattenden of Bishop Auckland, who died in Darlington Memorial Hospital on Monday 28th October 2024, aged 90 years.

Margaret worked for Durham County Constabulary from 20th March 1953 until 11th January 1994 (nearly 41 years).

She started her employment at the old Aycliffe Police Headquarters, where she worked as a secretary.  In later years of her service, she was the PA/Secretary to the Chief Constable, a role she held for many years.  Margaret was always immaculately dressed and very particular about her appearance; she was very much a ‘lady’, whilst retaining a good sense of humour.

Born in Bishop Auckland, Margaret lived in their family home, initially with her parents and sibling, Julia who died in 2017.

In 2021 Margaret suffered a stroke, but after hospitalisation and physiotherapy, she continued to live independently, with the help of her close friends.  Margaret’s health eventually caused her to move into Eden House Care Home, in Bishop Auckland.  During weekly visits from her friends, she loved to reminisce about her days as a secretary at Durham Constabulary’s Aycliffe HQ.  Two friends she made there remained in touch with her right to her end.

After retirement, Margaret liked to spend time with friends and even took up Bell Ringing at St Andrew’s Church, South Church, Bishop Auckland.  This activity kept her fit and afterwards, with fellow campanologists she would visit the neighbouring pub, ‘just to be sociable’.  Aided by her carer, she attended St Andrew’s Church in April 2024, for the ‘Blessing of the new Bell Ropes’ service.

Another great passion of hers was shopping, particularly for clothes, never failing to buy a new outfit; she was always smartly dressed and very fashionable.

Sadly, in October this year, Margaret suffered a further stroke, from which she did not recover; she will be sadly missed.

A funeral service is to be held at 12.30pm on Friday 22nd November 2024 at Wear Valley Crematorium, Coundon, Bishop Auckland DL14 8PE

Family flowers only, donations in lieu please to Dogs Trust.

After the funeral, friends are invited to meet for refreshment at Bishop Auckland Hospital Social Club, 32 Escomb Road, Bishop Auckland DL14 6TZ

Would anyone likely to meet at the wake please contact the Durham NARPO Chairman on 07535261063 or Durham2@narpo,org.uk in order that numbers can be passed on for catering purposes.

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

Death of Retired Police Officer: PC 861 Brian Carr

It is with deep regret that we inform you of the death of retired Police Officer, PC 861 Brian Carr, of Brandon, who died in University Hospital North Durham on 20th October 2024, aged 93 years.

Brian joined Durham County Constabulary in 1955, retiring in 1985 after 30 years’ service.  Brian was the local policeman and absolutely loved his job.

The family have received many messages following Brian’s death; they describe him as ‘A Legend of the Police Force’ and ‘He was just the officer we need today’.

The beloved husband to the late Joan, Brian leaves sons David and Stephen, daughter Kathryn, daughters-in-law Julie and Tracey, son-in-law Graham. He was also a grandad, great grandad and brother.

A funeral service is to be held at 12.45pm Tuesday 5th November 2024 at St John’s Church, John Street, Meadowfield, Durham DH7 8RP followed by a committal service at Durham Crematorium, South Road, Durham DH1 3TQ

Family flowers only, donations in lieu to the Royal Navy Association.

After the funeral, friends are invited to join the family at Meadowfield Club, Durham DH7 8NA

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