Death of Retired Police Widow: Helen Ann Morgan

It is with deep regret that we inform you of the death of retired Police Widow, Helen Ann Morgan, who died at Durhamgate Care Home, Spennymoor on Sunday 15th December 2024, aged 81 years.

Helen joined Bedfordshire Police on 13th January 1964, where, as Woman Police Constable 15, she worked in the Policewomen’s Department at Bedford.
Whilst in service she married Police Constable 595, Thomas Trevor Morgan, who had joined Bedfordshire Police in March 1965. Helen left the force on 7th February 1969 to start a family.  Their daughter Nicola and son David were both born in Bedford.
In 1972 Trevor, by then a Traffic Officer, transferred from Bedfordshire Police to Durham County Constabulary as Police Constable 1634. Trevor soon renewed his Traffic Officer status within Durham and later became a Collision Investigator, a role he held up until his compulsory retirement at age 55 years, in January 1995.  Sadly, Trevor died in 2008.
Helen liked to socialise and regularly attended Durham Police Club and the Durham Prison Officer’s Club until they both closed.
Helen is survived by daughter Nicola and her husband Greg, son David and his wife Helen and grandchildren James, Jonathan, Ben and Emma.
A funeral service is to be held at 2.00pm Wednesday 8th January 2025 at Durham Crematorium, South Road, Durham DH1 3TQ
Family flowers only, donations in lieu to Lung Cancer Research Foundation.
After the funeral, friends are invited to join the family at The Honest Lawyer, The Bridge, Croxdale, Durham DH1 3SP.
Our thoughts are with Helen’s family and friends at this sad time.

Death of Retired Police Officer’s Wife: Joan Harrison

It is with deep regret that we inform you of the death of retired Police Officer’s wife, Joan Harrison, who died at University Hospital North Durham on Sunday 15th December 2024, aged 69 years.

Joan is the wife of retired Police Constable 1076 Brian Harrison with Durham Constabulary 1977-1990 (Medically Retired).  Brian served at Spennymoor and Traffic Patrols South.

Joan and Brian fostered children for a number of years and latterly Joan was very much involved in the running of Binchester Community Centre.

Joan is survived by husband Brian, daughter Bryony and partner Steve, granddaughter Autumn and sister Sheila.

A funeral service is to be held at 1.30pm Thursday 2nd January 2025 at Wear Valley Crematorium, Coundon, Bishop Auckland DL14 8PE

Family flowers only, donations in lieu to Arc Moparru Orphanage, India.

After the funeral, friends are invited to join the family at Byers Green Club, North Street, Byers Green, Spennymoor DL16 7PU

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

On a lighter note! ....

Hi all, just wanted to take a minute to wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy year, most of all good health! 

These days people don't spend much time or thoughtful words with their friends or family, they just copy and paste some random message and send it on. 

So after all we've been though together this year I want to thank you all for your friendship and wish you a happy and fulfilling 2022 - you're the best gymnastics group anyone could ask for. 

Best wishes,

Helen xxx  

On a more serious note!😀😀 Best wishes for Xmas and the New Year from Durham NARPO 😀😀

Chairman’s Christmas Greetings

With Christmas and New Year rapidly approaching, I send my sincere best wishes to our Branch Officers, Committee and the entire Durham NARPO membership for a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Sadly, we have seen a number of bereavements over the past few months and I know that the festive season will not be the same for those who have recently suffered the loss of a loved one, however, please be assured that our thoughts will be with you at this time and beyond.

Raymond T Jones

Durham NARPO - Branch Meetings 2025

Durham NARPO - Branch Meetings 2025

Dates for you diary

Monday 13th January 2025 at Chester le Street Masonic Hall  7.30pm

Monday 10th March 2025  at Chester le Street Masonic Hall  7.30pm (AGM)

Thursday 15th May 2025 Bishop Auckland Hospital Social Club 7.30pm

Thursday 17th July 2025 Bishop Auckland Hospital Social Club 7.30pm

Thursday 11th September 2025 Bishop Auckland Hospital Social Club 7.30pm

Our Branch meetings take place on alternative months and are open to all.

Please continue to check out our website durhamnarpo.org.uk for information, news and updates.

Current Branch Meeting Venues :

Chester-le-Street Masonic Hall: Station Road, Chester-le-Street DH3 3DU

Bishop Auckland Hospital Club: 32A Escomb Road, Bishop Auckland DL14 6TZ

Death of Retired Police Officer: Chief Inspector David William Carroll

It is with deep regret that we inform you of the death of retired Police Officer, Chief Inspector David (Dave) William Carroll, who died at Wilton House Care Home, Darlington on Sunday 8th December 2024, aged 76 years.

Dave began his career with Durham County Constabulary as a 16 year old Police Cadet at Hardwick Camp, Sedgefield.  He then joined the force as a regular Police Officer and was posted to Durham City, followed by various postings throughout North Durham, included South Shields.

After County Boundary changes in 1974, he decided to remain with the Durham Force and around 1979 was posted to Darlington.  In the mid 1980’s Dave was promoted to Sergeant.

He was later promoted to Inspector with postings at Barnard Castle, Shildon, Crook and Bishop Auckland.

A promotion to the rank of Chief Inspector saw Dave being posted to Force Headquarters at Aykley Heads, Durham.  After 34 years’ service, Dave retired from Durham Constabulary in July 2001.

Dave is survived by wife Christine, daughter Julie and her partner Russ, son Paul and his wife Katie and grandchildren Sarah, Will and Riley.

A funeral service is to be held at 2.00pm Monday 23rd December 2024 at Darlington Crematorium, Carmel Road North, Darlington DL3 8RY

Family flowers only, donations in lieu to Lewy Body Society and Wilton House Care Home.

After the funeral, friends are invited to join the family at the Model T, Fulthorpe Avenue, Darlington DL3 9XT

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

Durham Constabulary Male Voice Choir present an evening of song

Durham Constabulary Male Voice Choir are delighted to announce a joint concert with Houghton Area Youth Band.

They will present an evening of song at Coxhoe Community Centre :

7:00 pm, Saturday, 21st December at COXHOE COMMUNITY CENTRE

Admission: £6 (Adult), £3 (Student)

Please purchase on the door, at Coxhoe Community Centre reception, or from Stuart Ingram on 01384 882999 or from any member of the band or choir.

Durham Peeler - Winter 2024

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 2024) edition of the magazine

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

Ray said: "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 : Durham2@narpo.org

Durham Constabulary Christmas Carol Service

This years Christmas Carol Service will be on Sunday 22nd December at 1.30pm.

It’s an informal event and an opportunity for members of the police family to come together sing some carols and catch up with people they’ve not seen in a while! 

Everyone is welcome and the kids will get a selection box too!! 

Christmas jumpers are optional! 🌲🎅🎄

St Cuthbert's Church, North End, Durham  DH1 4NH 

https://maps.app.goo.gl/3d6HUT25hUNGqLi96

Elizabeth Emblem and Commemoration - DC James Brian Porter

 A deserving remembrance and acknowledgement to the late Detective Constable James Brian Porter recently took place.

Jim was fatally shot on 4th March 1982, at Woodhouses, Bishop Auckland. 

On Tuesday 10th December 2024, Jim's son and daughter, Brian and Tracey attended Windsor Castle by formal invitation of the Royal Household.  

There they were presented with the Elizabeth Emblem and Commemoration Scroll by His Majesty, King Charles.  A very proud and emotional milestone for the whole of the Porter family.

Named after the late Queen, the Elizabeth Emblem is presented to the next of kin of police officers, firefighters and public servants, who died in the line of duty.  

The Emblem is inscribed 'FOR A LIFE GIVEN IN SERVICE'.

Death of Retired Police Officer: Detective Constable 1437 Derek Mapp

It is with deep regret that we inform you of the death of retired Police Officer, Detective Constable 1437 Derek Mapp, who died in Darlington Memorial Hospital on Sunday 24th November 2024, aged 90 years.

Derek joined Durham County Constabulary on 26th June 1962 and served at Bishop Auckland, Crook and Crime Support Unit.  Most of his police career was served in C.I.D.  He was medically retired in December 1985.

Football was Derek’s main passion; he was a Referee for local clubs, before signing up as a Football League Referee with the Football Association in 1967.  He had been a Durham County Referee for some 24 years and became a Referee Assessor.

Derek leaves wife Christine, son Peter, daughter Vivienne, daughter-in-law Clare and son-in-law Edwin and grandsons Jonathan and Christopher.

A funeral service is to be held at 2.30pm Monday 9th December 2024 at Wear Valley Crematorium, Coundon, Bishop Auckland DL14 8PE

The family have requested that something red be worn.

Family flowers only, donations in lieu to Prostate Cancer UK

After the funeral, friends are invited to join the family at Bishop Auckland Golf Club, Durham Road, Bishop Auckland DL14 8DL

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

Death of Police Widow: Patricia (Pat) Mary Vallack

It is with deep regret that we inform you of the death of Police Widow, Patricia (Pat) Mary Vallack, who died on Thursday 14th November 2024, aged 89 years.

Pat was the wife of retired Police Sergeant 627 Joseph Vallack, who died in October 2007, aged 73 years.

Pat is survived by son Mark, daughters Louise and Debbie and grandchildren Joe, Rob, Aidan, Jess and Ben and great grandchildren Hera, Derek and Rory.

A funeral service is to be held at 12noon Wednesday 11th December 2024 at Darlington Crematorium, Carmel Road North, Darlington DL3 8RY

No flowers, donations in lieu to the donor’s own preferred charity.

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