Wednesday, 26 March 2025

Death of Retired Police Officer’s Wife: Jennifer (Jen) Jackson

It is with deep regret that we inform you of the death of Jennifer (Jen) Jackson, who died at her home on Monday 17th March 2025, aged 70 years, after a 7-year battle with cancer.

Jen is the wife of retired Police Constable 1090, Alan Jackson, who served at Barnard Castle, Ferryhill and with Scientific Aids and Communications.

Joining Durham Constabulary in 1988, she served as a Communications Clerk at Spennymoor Police Station, leaving in 1992.

Jen is survived by husband Alan, daughter Emma, her husband Martin and their children, Jude and Jonah, daughter Lauren, her partner Andrew and their children Archie Ray and Aria Grace, all of whom Jen lived for and loved dearly.

A funeral service is to be held at 11.30am Thursday 3rd April 2025 at Wear Valley Crematorium, Coundon, Bishop Auckland DL14 8PE

The funeral is restricted to family and close friends.

Family flowers only please, any donations in lieu to the Bobby Robson Foundation.

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

Tuesday, 25 February 2025

Death of retired Police Officer: Police Constable 673 Alan Geoffrey Briggs

It is with deep regret that we inform you of the death of retired Police Constable 673 Alan Geoffrey Briggs, who died at home on Wednesday 19th February 2025, aged 65 years.

Alan joined Durham Constabulary on 12th November 1979. His first posting was at Darlington, as a beat officer. He was then posted to Barnard Castle, where he worked for several years. In 1985, he successfully applied to go onto Traffic and covered the A1 and A66. Towards the end of his career, Alan moved into the Telephone Investigation Unit where he worked until he retired on 11th November 2009.

Alan received a Commendation for good collective police work, which effected the conviction of numerous persons for burglary, theft, handling, criminal deception, attempted criminal deception, driving whilst disqualified and other offences. His actions were said to have been in the best traditions of Durham Constabulary and were admirable examples of first-class police work.

Alan also received a Certificate of Service stating that his period of service from 1979 until 2009 was exemplary.

Alan is survived by wife Maria and daughter Hannah.

A funeral service is to be held at 3.00pm Tuesday 11th March 2025 in the Maplewood Chapel at Stockton Crematorium, Junction Road, Stockton-on-Tees TS19 9NA

Family flowers only please, donations in lieu to Cancer Research UK.

The family have requested that people attending the funeral wear bright colours to represent Alan’s sense of humour and outgoing personality. All friends and former colleagues are welcome to attend the funeral service and wake to give Alan the best send off and to share memories.

After the funeral, friends are invited to join the family at The Parkwood Hotel, 64 -  66 Darlington Road, Hartburn, Stockton-on-Tees TS18 5ER

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

Monday, 24 February 2025

Death of Retired Police Officer: Detective Constable 1210 Andrew Stuart Lynn

It is with deep regret that we inform you of the death of retired Police Officer, Detective Constable 1210 Andrew Stuart Lynn, who died at Darlington Memorial Hospital on Wednesday 5th February 2025, aged 70 years.

Andrew joined Durham Constabulary in 1982 and worked at Sedgefield, Newton Aycliffe and Darlington. He retired in 2012.

Andrew is survived by wife Glenda and sons David and Jonathan.

A funeral service is to be held at 11.00am Thursday 27th February 2025 at Darlington Crematorium, Carmel Road North, Darlington DL3 8RY

Family flowers only please, donations in lieu to Diabetes UK.

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

Friday, 21 February 2025

Death of retired Police Officer: Police Constable 494 John Andrew Bell

It is with deep regret that we inform you of the death of retired Police Officer: Police Constable 494 John Andrew Bell, who died at St Cuthbert’s Hospice, Durham on Wednesday 12th February 2025, aged 75 years.

John joined Durham County Constabulary as a cadet in September 1966 and was appointed as a Police Constable on 1st January 1969. During his service he served at Durham, Ferryhill, Motor Patrols, Accident Unit and Armed Response Unit. John retired on 21st May 1999.

John is survived by his partner Rita, son Mark and his wife Leigh and granddaughters Sophie and Tali.

A funeral service is to be held at 11.00am Thursday 27th February 2025 at St Catherine’s Church, North Terrace, Crook DL15 9AZ. This will be followed by a committal service at 12.30pm at Durham Crematorium, South Road, Durham DH1 3TQ.

Neither of the services are private.

Family flowers only, donations in lieu to St Cuthbert’s Hospice, Durham.

After the funeral, friends are invited to join the family at St Catherine’s Masonic Hall,7 Church Street, Crook DL15 9BG

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

Death of a Retired Police officer: Sergeant 2770 Graham Russell

It is with deep regret that we inform you of the death of retired Police Sergeant 2770 Graham Russell, who died at home on Sunday 9th February 2025, aged 51 years.

Graham joined the Metropolitan Police Cadet Service in 1989. In 1992 he was appointed as Police Constable 222 with the Metropolitan Police, posted at Ilford. During his service with them he became an Authorised Firearms Officer and Class 1 driver, often driving for the Special Branch.

In March 2015 Graham transferred to Durham Constabulary and was posted to Bishop Auckland. He was promoted to Sergeant in January 2019. As a Community Officer Graham self-funded the ‘Plate Safe’ initiative, introducing anti-tamper screws to secure vehicle registration plates, tackling the theft of these items.

Following his retirement in May 2022, Graham took up civilian employment with Durham Constabulary, as a Professional Development Officer, a position he held at the time of his death.

As well as being dedicated to his family, Graham’s other love was his three dogs.

Graham is survived by wife Lisa, sons Dillan and Daniel Mack, grandson Stanley, step-children Kara and Ben and step grandchildren Tyler, Kaela, Lilly, Jamima-Mae and Harley-Jay and mother-in-law Lynne Davies. He is predeceased by his younger sister, Holly.

A funeral service is to be held at 1.30pm Tuesday 25th February 2025 at Wear Valley Crematorium, Coundon, Bishop Auckland DL14 8PE

Family flowers only, donations in lieu to Cancer Research.

After the funeral, friends are invited to join the family at Bishop Auckland Football Club,Heritage Park, Stadium Way, St Helen Auckland, Bishop Auckland DL14 9AE

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

It is with deep regret that we inform you of the death of retired Police Officer’s wife, Norma Collingwood Reay, who died at home on Saturday 7 December 2024, aged 88 years.

Norma was the wife of retired Police Sergeant 343, Robert (Bob) T Reay who served with Durham Constabulary from 22 October 1956 until 22 October 1986. The last 10 years of Robert’s Police career was as a Dog Handler Instructor at No. 2 District Dog Training

Centre at Harperley Hall, Crook.

Norma began lace making in 1987 and qualified in Parts 1 & 2 City & Guilds (Lacemaking). In 1997 she became a volunteer at Beamish Museum, where she demonstrated her craft right up to 2024.

Norma is survived by husband Bob, daughters Norma Ann and Janet Caroline and husbands Peter and John, grandson Andrew and wife Ali and great grandchildren Ella and Luke, granddaughter Joanna and husband Chris and great grandchildren Jack and Ben.

A funeral service took place at 10.00am Thursday 19 December 2024 at Birtley Crematorium, Windsor Road, Birtley, Chester-le-Street DH3 1PQ

Donations in lieu of flowers were requested to the North East Air Ambulance.

Our thoughts are with Norma’s family and friends.

Wednesday, 19 February 2025

2025 Annual General Meeting of the Durham Branch of NARPO

The 2025 AGM of the Durham Branch of NARPO is to be held at The Masonic Centre, Station Road, Chester-le-Street, DH3 3DU at 19:30 hours on Monday 10th March 2025.



(If you can attend PLEASE text Sue Knaggs on 07932 613031 for accurate catering arrangements.)AGENDA

Welcome and introduction of our Invited Guest Speakers by the Chairman Mr Ray T Jones
1. The Deputy Chief Constable Mr Ciaron Irvine
    Police Federation - Insp. Lee Morris
    Mr Richard Critchley – National President of NARPO

2.  Attendance - Please sign the attendance book.
3.  Apologies for absence .
4.  Absent Friends
5.  Minutes of the AGM meeting held in January 2024 circulated to all committee members by email or  postal services. copies on the Durham NARPO web site and hard copies available.
6. Matters Arising not on this Agenda.
7.  New Members / Annual statistics.
8. The Chairman's Address.
9. The Treasures Report and statement of accounts.
10. Welfare Report
11. Election of Officers
Branch Chairman. R T Jones prepared to continue
Vice Chairman. Martin Hall – prepared to continue
Secretary Stuart Ingram – prepared to continue.
Treasurer Sue Knaggs prepared to continue
Welfare Officer - vacant
Welfare Officer – Jean Wombwell prepared to continue
Web Site  – Bob Brown – prepared to Continue
Assistant Secretary - Vacant
Durham Peeler Editor – Ray Jones
Committee Members (6). Current members being
M Davison, J. Miller, K I Anderson, P Harrison, R Smith
12. Annual Conference to be held in Blackpool 4th & 5th September 2025
13. Durham Peeler – Report from the Editor
14. Branch Sunday Lunch. Ferryhill Masonic Hall on Sunday 7th September 12 for 12.30
15. Any other business.
Diaries – Result of pole
Peeler Magazine -
Regional - Next meeting

Area - Next meeting July 2025 Date time and venue to be announced.

Next Branch Meeting – Thursday 8th May at Bishop Auckland Hospital Club.

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 20th February 2025.  There is a cafe that does toasties etc if anyone is peckish.

Use the attached address for The Beacon:

Sunday, 9 February 2025

Message from Pauline Naden (Wife of PC 1304 Tom Naden)

I just wanted to let you know that £800 will be donated today to Cancer Research UK in Toms memory.  (Durham Retired Police Officers: Death of Retired Police Officer: PC 1304 Thomas (Tom) Naden)
£747 was raised at Toms funeral and I have topped it up to £800 in Melanie and Jamie’s name. Money which would have been spent on a wreath but this means so much more.

The day itself went so well. Whitehouse Funeral Directors and the Celebrant Carole Briggs were so lovely. The turnout of friends, family and colleagues was amazing. It was what Tom wanted and I’m so pleased we were able to do this for him.
I would like to thank all those who attended. 
Their attendance, cards, kind words and donations mean so much.
Is it possible to post my thanks on the website.

Kindest regards
Pauline

Officers from Cheshire Police have arrested a man in London

Officers from Cheshire Police have arrested a man in London following allegations of fraud involving a campaign that was set up following the murder of WPC Yvonne Fletcher.

WPC Fletcher, 25, died in 1984 after she was shot while on duty outside the Libyan Embassy in London. Following her death an investigation was undertaken by the Met Police but to date nobody has been convicted of her murder.

In July 2024, the Met Police received reports of financial irregularities regarding the campaign to bring to justice those responsible for the murder of WPC Fletcher.

To ensure there was no conflict of interest, the case was passed to Cheshire Police who have today, Wednesday 4 December, conducted a search warrant at an address in the Mill Hill area of London where they arrested a 69-year-old man.

The man has been arrested on suspicion of fraud, he has since been released under investigation pending further enquiries.

Detective Constable Ed Currie, of the Cheshire Police Economic Crime Unit, said:

“We understand the concern that this arrest is likely to cause, and our colleagues from the Met Police are closely linked with the family of Yvonne who have been updated on today’s developments.

“As part of ongoing enquiries, we’re keen to hear from anyone who believes that they may, at any time, have donated to the campaign to bring about justice for WPC Yvonne Fletcher. This is not linked to Yvonne’s family nor is it to be confused with the official Police Memorial Trust charity.

“Anyone who believes that they may have donated to the campaign to obtain justice for Yvonne is asked to visit the Public Portal .”

If your information is urgent please call Cheshire Police on 101 quoting Op Dielectric

Wednesday, 5 February 2025

Northumberland Coast Mighty Hike

In September Neil Malkin & his family are taking part in the Northumberland Coast Mighty Hike to help raise money for people living with cancer. 

There are currently 3 million people living with cancer in the UK today. It's Macmillan's goal to be there for everyone from the moment of diagnosis, but they can't do this without donations

Neil & his family are wishing to collectively raise money in Angela’s name  (Durham Retired Police Officers: Death of Former Police Officer : PC 655 Angela Malkin)  for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Please click on the link below to go to the Just Giving page:

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Angela-1958?utm_source=SFMC&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=LFCFRUK_Day5_Full&mi_u=38986255&mi_ecmp=LFCFRUK_Day5_Full

Miner's Strike 1983-84 - A Level Student's Questionnaire

A request for help has been received from Susan Laffey, a school teacher daughter of one of our members (Ret'd Insp Ken Garbutt).  One of her students has a project to complete for his A level examination.

The topic of his project is the Miners’ Strike of 1983-84 and to assist him, he has put together a questionnaire consisting of ten tick box questions.  There are seven additional questions which, if completed, seek opinions in respect of certain aspects of the strike.

The questionnaire can be accessed via the following link:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfMc-_ZN6rscQIHod-Q1x0LsPzY0geeWVcbaS-LLFj3TkZJDw/viewform?usp=sharing


The form begins with the following statement:

Hello,
I appreciate you taking the time out of your schedule to answer this questionnaire,
If you have any questions or other information that you would like to submit, feel free to contact me at any point.
All of the information you submit will be treated with considerate and professional confidentiality, the data provided will be used only on the basis of completing my A-level EPQ course. If you click submit however you will be giving your consent for the data provided to be used within my Project. However, nothing personal will be displayed or mentioned and your answers will remain confidential.
Ideally, and to aid the student fully, all questions would need to be answered, however should anyone not feel comfortable in answering any of these, they can be left blank.
No personal information is requested and the identity of those taking part would remain anonymous. No email address is collected unless provided at the end of the questionnaire, if interested in potentially being interviewed as part of the survey.

The student’s identity cannot be revealed, for safeguarding reasons, however if any further information is required Susan Laffey can be contacted via laffey@blueyonder.co.uk


Saturday, 25 January 2025

Death of Retired Police Officer: Chief Inspector Michael 'Mick' Robinson (Northumbria - ex Durham)

It is with deep regret that we inform you of the death of retired Police Officer, Chief Inspector Michael 'Mick' Robinson (Northumbria - ex Durham), who passed away on Saturday 11th January 2025, aged 79 years.
Mick originally joined Durham Constabulary but then transferred to Northumbria Police on the 1974 amalgamation.
Mick was a renowned Traffic Officer in Sunderland and was then promoted in uniform through the ranks, retiring as Chief Inspector at Sunderland West
He was also a stalwart of Houghton le Spring Police Club in it's heyday and an accomplished snooker player
In his retirement Mick was a Registrar

A funeral service is to be held on Monday 3rd February at 12.00pm in St Michael’s Catholic Church, Durham Road, Houghton le Spring DH5 8NF followed by a burial at the cemetery next to it.
After the funeral all are welcome at the nearby Mill Inn PH, Rainton Bridge afterwards, to share memories
Our thoughts are with Mick’s family and friends at this sad time.
The above information was forwarded by Sunderland NARPO Branch

Thursday, 23 January 2025

Death of Retired Police Officer: Detective Chief Inspector 228 Albert Stanley (Stan) Bramfitt

It is with deep regret that we inform you of the death of retired Police Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Albert Stanley (Stan) Bramfitt, who died at home on Saturday 11th January 2025, aged 90 years.

Stan Joined Gloucestershire Constabulary on 19th September 1960.  His first posting being at Staple Hill near Bristol, then later at Cheltenham.

He later transferred to Durham County Constabulary and was posted to Stockton, then to Bishop Auckland CID.  He was seconded to the Regional Crime Squad as Detective Sergeant and worked at Spennymoor, Newton Aycliffe and Durham City.  On promotion to Detective Inspector Stan returned to the RCS and worked at Darlington and Bishop Auckland.  As Detective Chief Inspector he was stationed at Police HQ and Chester-le-Street, retiring on 31st May 1989.

During his Police career, Stan received Five or six Commendations, one being from HM Coroner, his Police Long Service and Good Conduct Medal and a Diploma from the Regional Inspectors Course.

Stan is survived by wife Anne, daughter Carol, son-in-law Mike; grandchildren Marc and Charlotte and their respective partners Megan and Lee and great grandchildren Albie and Marlo.

A funeral service is to be held at 1.30pm Wednesday 5th February 2025 at Durham Crematorium, South Road, Durham DH1 3TQ

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

After the funeral, friends are invited to join the family at The Honest Lawyer Hotel, Croxdale Bridge, Croxdale, Durham DH1 3SP

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

Monday, 13 January 2025

Hardwick Camp Police Cadet Reunion 2025

Hardwick Camp Police Cadet Reunion

Saturday 28th June 2025 at 7pm
Sedgefield Cricket Club, Sedgefield Village, Co Durham TS21 2BY

Admission by Ticket Only
If you worked as a Police Cadet, Junior Fireman, Cadet Instructor or member of staff at the Police Cadet Training School at Hardwick Camp, Sedgefield in the 1960’s then this reunion is for you!
1962 marked the first intake of cadets at Hardwick Camp.
We would like to invite ALL who attended the camp during its tenure from the early 1960’s until its closure. Please come along, there will be someone you remember! Large name labels will be available on the night!

Tickets are £10.00 each, as per the last event and are limited to ex cadet, junior firemen, instructors and staff simply due to the restriction on numbers for the venue. Order soon to avoid disappointment.
Tickets available preferably by bank transfer, (I will provide my banking details) or by cheque to G. Storey (email gstorey52@hotmail.com)
Please let us know your full name, the years you were at the camp and your House. 
A running update of those who have paid will be on the Hardwick Camp, Cadet Training Facebook page.

Death of Retired Police Officer: PC 1304 Thomas (Tom) Naden

It is with deep regret that we inform you of the death of retired Police Constable 1304 Thomas (Tom) Naden, who died at Freeman Hospital, Newcastle-upon-Tyne on Tuesday 24th December 2024, aged 69 years.

Tom was appointed with Durham Constabulary in 1978, serving as a beat officer at Newton Aycliffe, Shildon, Bishop Auckland and Spennymoor.  In 1987 he transferred to the Dog Section until, in 1996 Tom was posted to the Community Safety Team at Wear and Tees.  Tom retired from the force in 2006.

Tom is survived by wife Pauline, son Jamie and partner Beth, daughter Melanie and husband Martyn

A funeral service is to be held at 11.30am Friday 24th January 2025 at Wear Valley Crematorium, Coundon, Bishop Auckland DL14 8PE

Family flowers only, donations in lieu to Cancer Research.

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

Friday, 10 January 2025

Death of Retired Police Officer: Sergeant 2463 Alan James Flannery

It is with deep regret that we inform you of the death of retired Police Sergeant 2463 Alan James Flannery, who died at University Hospital North Durham on Tuesday 24th December 2024, aged 77 years.

Alan began his police career in Durham City on 1st May 1972 and lived in the hostel above the station. In 1974 he was posted to Peterlee; he later transferred to Traffic Patrols North, based at Peterlee and eventually onto the Motorway Unit.
In 1985 he worked briefly in Control Room before being promoted 4 months later to Sergeant and posted to Derwentside, where he spent the rest of his career working as Town and Custody Sergeant. He was then given the role of ASU Sergeant and remained there until he retired in 2002.

Alan is survived by his wife Sharon, who retired as a serving officer in 2018, son Andrew and his wife Anna and grandchildren Imogen & James and son Matthew, a serving officer in Northumberland and his partner Steph and grandson Freddie.
 
A funeral service is to be held at 1.30pm Monday 20th January 2025 at Durham Crematorium, South Road, Durham DH1 3TQ

Any Donations will be for St Cuthbert’s Hospice, Durham.
After the funeral, friends are invited to join the family at Durham Amateur Rowing Club, Green Lane, Durham DH1 3JU. Those joining the family will need to input their vehicle registration numbers on the screen in the bar area.
Our thoughts are with Alan’s family and friends at this sad time

Tuesday, 7 January 2025

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 16th January 2025.  There is a cafe that does toasties etc if anyone is peckish.

Use the attached address for The Beacon:

Death of Retired Police Officer: Chief Superintendent 205 Joseph Russell Peart

It is with deep regret that we inform you of the death of retired Police Officer, Chief Superintendent 205 Joseph (Russell) Peart, who died at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary on Friday 13th December 2024, aged 90 years.

In November 1954, following 2 years National Service with the RAF, leaving with the rank of Corporal, Russell joined Sunderland Borough Police, posted to Sunderland, where he remained until 1958.  In May of that year, he transferred to C.I.D. on a temporary basis; this appointment was made permanent in December 1961.

He was promoted to sergeant and transferred to uniform branch in May 1964, this included working in the Traffic Department.  A transfer back to C.I.D. took place in March 1967.

In April 1968, Sunderland Borough and Durham County Constabulary amalgamated, and Russell took on the role of Acting Detective Inspector until 1969, when he was promoted to rank of Inspector in C.I.D., covering Consett & Stanley. During this period, he became involved with the force murder squad.

A further promotion to the rank of Chief Inspector in 1976 saw him seconded to No. 2 Regional Crime Squad as officer in charge of the mid-Durham branch office.  Three years later, in August 1979, he was recalled to the uniform branch as Deputy Sub-Divisional Commander (Consett and Stanley).

In June 1980 Russell was promoted to Superintendent within the Force’s Complaints and Discipline branch, becoming Head of Department in June 1981.  His final promotion, to Chief Superintendent, occurred in 1982, when he was posted to Bishop Auckland as Divisional Commander.

Russell retired on 7th November 1984 after 30yrs service.

During his 30 years service Russell received 5 commendations; 1 from the Chief Constable, 2 from Judges and 2 from Magistrates.

During his working life he was a keen fisherman and golfer and after retiring became more involved in these sports.  He ended up running the Veteran’s Society at Garesfield Golf Club, where he later became Club Secretary.  He enjoyed fly fishing at local reservoirs and Knitsley Mill, tying his own flies.

Being a lifelong Sunderland supporter, he and wife Audrey attended the opening game at the Stadium of Light against Ajax in 1997.  Horseracing was another of his loves and, with his family, celebrated his 90th birthday at the first meeting of the season at Cartmel in Cumbria.

Ill health resulted in a move from his home at Shotley Bridge to a flat in an assisted living complex in Kendal, to be nearer his daughter and her family.

Russell was predeceased by wife Audrey in December 2021, after 65 years of marriage. He is survived by daughter Karen and her husband Stuart, son David and his wife Lesley, grandchildren Rebecca, Nicola, Louise, Lauren and Abbie, great grandchildren, Ethan, Isabelle, Harry, Zach, Ayvah and Elsey.

A private committal service is to be held at 12.30pm Tuesday 14th January 2025 at Beetham Hall Crematorium, Milnthorpe, Cumbria LA7 7BQ

This will be followed by an open ‘Celebration of Life’ service at 1.30pm at Sandylands Methodist Church, Kendal LA9 6EU, followed by a buffet.

Family flowers only, donations in lieu to Bowel Cancer UK www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk

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

Monday, 6 January 2025

Special Notice

Please be advised that the next Branch Meeting of Durham NARPO takes place at 7.30pm Monday 13th January 2025, at the Masonic Hall, Station Road, Chester-le-Street.

The meeting, which is open to all, has an item of Special Interest:

I'm sure that most of you will know that we lost colleague and dear friend Jim Porter in March 1982, when he was fatally wounded at Woodhouses, Bishop Auckland.

On Tuesday 10th December 2024, Jim's Son and Daughter Brian and Tracey, were invited to Windsor Castle, where they were presented with the Elizabeth Emblem and Scroll from His Majesty, King Charles.  The Elizabeth Emblem is a new award and is presented to the next of kin to those who lost their lives in service.

Brian has kindly offered to come along to the meeting and bring the Emblem and Scroll for us all to see.  Brian will be pleased to tell us about his experience.

Please come along and support your Branch and meet up with fellow members

It would be appreciated if anyone intending to attend the meeting let us know in order that we can provide sufficient catering.

Secretary:   Stuart Ingram   Durham@narpo.org

Chairman:   Ray Jones   Durham2@narpo.org

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.

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