43244 durham peeler indd

24
Durham Branch N.A.R.P.O. Magazine Happy New Headquarters Durham Peeler WINTER 2014

description

The Durham Peeler. The magazine of the Retired Police Officers (NARPO)(Durham Branch)May appeal to retired police officers nationally. Produced twice/year.

Transcript of 43244 durham peeler indd

Page 1: 43244 durham peeler indd

Durham Branch N.A.R.P.O. Magazine

Happy New Headquarters

Durham PeelerWINTER 2014

Page 2: 43244 durham peeler indd

 

Front cover photograph: The Handover of the New Durham Constabulary Headquarters.    

Officials (left to right) : Assistant Chief Officer, Garry Ridley; Chief Constable, Mike Barton; Assistant Chief Constable, Dave Orford; Police & Crime Commissioner, Ron Hogg; Deputy Chief Constable, Michael Banks and Managing Director of Keir Construction for north east and Scotland, Brian McQuade.

Chief  Constable  Mike  Barton  and  Police  &  Crime  Commissioner,  Ron  Hogg  proudly  presents  the  new  Durham  Constabulary  Headquarters.      Durham  Constabulary  has  recently  taken  ownership  of  a  state-­‐of-­‐the-­‐art  new  headquarters  facility,  designed  to  provide  everything  needed  for  the  challenges  of  modern-­‐day  policing.  It replaces the old building, which was constructed in the 1960s and was no longer fit for purpose. (Albeit I’m sure readers enjoy many happy memories)

The new-build, which staff moved into during August and September, is positioned opposite the old base at Aykley Heads, Durham. It houses call handlers and dispatchers, as well as other central services including the force’s executive team, and the finance, human resources, criminal justice, intelligence and information technology departments. There is also an office for Durham Police and Crime Commissioner Ron Hogg.

Chief Constable Mike Barton said: “A few years back we took a look at our existing headquarters, the on-going maintenance cost for a building that was becoming a bit of a money pit, and the feasibility of maintaining it longer term, and deciding it was time to do something about it.

“The build of the new headquarters along with the on-going developments across our estates were essential for us to police effectively in the 21st century”.

“We now have around 600 people housed under one roof, and have moved a selection of other departments out to other locations in order to streamline operations.

“Our old facility was outdated and had become a drain on resources, costing far too much of our budget each year to maintain. The gas bill is 0% and the electricity is 6% of the former HQ. All these savings mean £750k per annum - which pays for 17 police officers. We took the decision to invest in our future and develop a purpose-built central hub. We’ve been able to deliver this project on time and within budget due to the commitment of our small estates team, who have worked tirelessly over the past few years to make this happen.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Ron Hogg said: “I am delighted that we have taken ownership of a new headquarters building that is constructed to an extremely high standard, and is designed to last 60 years”.

“Durham Constabulary headquarters staff now operate in an open-plan work environment, which lends itself to smarter team working between separate departments. I firmly believe that this can only make the service we offer the people of County Durham and Darlington even better.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all those involved in the development of the new build and for their on-going commitment to improving the estates facilities across the organisation. It’s also important to note that we own the buildings – they are not PFI contracts which are now proving very expensive to maintain”.

The Remembrance Day Service, 2014, is being held at the new Headquarters building at 10.30am Tuesday, 11th November and there will be a Ceremony of Rededication of the Durham Constabulary Honours Boards   and   a  Dedication  Ceremony  for  the  new  Garden  of  Remembrance, a fitting tribute, leading up to the 175th Anniversary of the formation of Durham County Constabulary formed in the year 1840. Long may it continue to prosper& serve.  

Page 3: 43244 durham peeler indd

Don’t You Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day? The Durham N.A.R.P.O. Chairman and Committee members wish you all “The Season’s Greetings, a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year” You can always be sure that our committee will always work in your best interests and be supportive of those who have unfortunately suffered bereavement, ill health or other personal tragedy. We extend our heart- felt condolences. If you feel the need for confidential support, a confidence boost or more assurance, please do not hesitate to make contact with any of your representatives (they are listed overleaf on page 4.) After all it is said that “a problem shared is a problem halved”. When it comes to preparation time for the latest Durham Peeler magazine, I find myself reflecting on the year’s events and try to balance the really good and happy times against some of the more unlikely and sometimes unpleasant events That we have experienced and keep wondering “what if…?” Looking on the bright side, winter is upon us, it will soon be Christmas, there’s a brand New Year ahead, and the new Durham Constabulary Headquarters is now operational. Despite the budgetary and establishment cuts, the Force Executive and the Police & Crime Commissioner have together achieved tremendous economy savings. In so doing Durham Constabulary is now recruiting 60 new officers to help regenerate the beleaguered establishment. Good news? “non carburundum illegitimi”. Durham Constabulary will be celebrating the 175th Anniversary of its formation as a Police Service in 1840. It remains one of the more successful public services in the U.K. Long may it prosper & continue to be of service. Note: i. the combined Force and Retirees Open Day, 2015 at the new H.Q. is still being planned. (Check local press). ii. Police Pensioners with index linked pensions will receive a 1.2% increase from April, 2015. Could it be that we are ‘steaming towards a wide open General Election in England? Let’s just hope that we get a Government that will be respected for statesmanship, diplomacy and prosperity for all – or am I seeking Utopia? This year commemorates the 100th Anniversary of the commencement of the most historically devastating and tragic conflict ever experienced around the Globe, known as World War I. Its consequences changed the destiny of the World and indeed everyone’s future life forever.. Ironically, today we learn of the withdrawal of ALL British and Coalition Forces from Afghanistan after 13 years of warfare (“Operation Enduring Freedom”), resulting in the deaths of some 3,466 Coalition Troops, including 453 British, 2,234 American and 158 Canadian Armed Forces personnel during this pyrrhic and bloody war! Even more poignantly, many hundreds of young and very brave Servicemen have been cruelly maimed and injured physically and mentally, for life! Will we EVER learn? Well, I still believe in Father Christmas – don’t you? We wish you all, a very happy Christmas, an even more successful & peaceful new Year, (and very good health to enjoy it.) Alan S. Watson Chairman and Editor IMPORTANT. Please Read! Your views are important to us too!- Most of our members enjoy reading the Durham Peeler magazine. I’m delighted to say that quite a few volunteers have been kind enough to hand deliver some of the copies immediately after publication and we are thankful too. The costs of posting each copy is becoming very expensive and perhaps the longer term solution will be to appeal for even more volunteers to make hand deliveries. Would YOU like to help? Please contact the Secretary, Barry Crawford to learn more, either by e mail: [email protected] or telephone 01915180996. Every little helps. Another consideration that may help reduce our postage expenses could be by asking readers who have access to the Computer internet, “are you prepared to access future issues of the Durham Peeler direct online from a paperless p.d.f. file as an alternative to receiving a delivered copy?” Most readers will still wish to receive delivery of an original magazine. However it is encouraging to learn that an increasing number of members already use and read the computer blog page: www.durhamnarpo.org. The p.d.f. files (including back issues) can be accessed from these computer pages, together with up to date information, feedback, letters, announcements, and even an archives photo gallery. Try It.? Every copy delivered by hand or taken on-line saves NARPO postage of £1.10p per copy and up to a massive £4.30p if posted to an overseas address.

Page 4: 43244 durham peeler indd

N.A.R.P.O. Committee 2014/15 Chairman and Editor Durham Peeler Magazine Alan S. Watson, 38, Hummersknott Avenue, Darlington, DL3 8LG.  Tel No. 01325 465609. e mail: [email protected]   Vice Chairman; Raymond T. Jones, 11, Linburn Drive, Bishop Auckland DL14 0RG Tel. No. 01388 663098. e mail: [email protected] Honorary President (ex. Officio): Chief Constable, Mr. Michael Barton. Durham Constabulary H.Q Treasurer: Colin Appleby, 21, Lea Rigg, West Rainton, Houghton-le-Spring, DH4 6SR Tel. No. 0191 5846178 email: [email protected] Secretary: Barry C. Crawford, 8, Warwick Place, Peterlee, SR2 2EZ. Tel No. 0191 5180996 email: [email protected] Welfare Rep. & Assistant Secretary: Mrs Angie Crawford, 8, Warwick Place, Peterlee, SR2 2EZ Tel. No. 01`91 5180996 email: [email protected]. Committee Members: George Bennison. Tel. 01325 314879 Bill Bramfitt. Tel. 01388 604369 Ches. Brighouse Tel. 01388 818288 Tony Burn. Tel. 01388 813904 Alan Drake Tel. 01325 315820 Bob Gadd Tel. 0191 3862688 Martin Hall Tel. 01388 816617 Stuart Ingram Tel. 01388 814758 Audrey Ledger Tel. 01388 601267 Don Moody Tel. 01325 460314 For your diary: N.A.R.P.O. Durham Branch Meetings 2015.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            All  NARPO  members  are  cordially  invited  to  attend  each  and  every  one  of  these  meetings.  .                                                                                                  All  meetings  start  at  7.30pm  prompt.  

19th  January    2015                  7.30pm          Durham  Indoor  Bowling  Club  

16th  March,      2015                  7.30pm.        Durham  Indoor  Bowling  Club        *  Annual  General  Meeting*  

11th  May              2015                    7.30pm          Bishop  Auckland  Hospital  Club  

6th  July,                2015                      7.30pm            Bishop  Auckland  Hospital  Club  

24th  August  2015                      7.30pm            Bishop  Auckland  Hospital  Club  

23rd  Nov.          2015                    7.30pm            Durham  Indoor  Bowling  Club      

Thought from the Greatest Living Scottish Thinker--Billy Connolly "If women are so bloody perfect at multitasking, how come they can't have a headache and sex                                                                                                    At  the  same  time?  

The Role of the Police and Crime Commissioner by Ron Hogg

I was immensely proud when elected as Durham Constabulary's first ever Police and Crime Commissioner. However, given the vagaries of politics, which sees both the Labour Party and the Liberal Democrats vowing to abolish PCCs, this also means that I may be the last ever PCC. We will know more clearly after the General Election. For me, my election allowed a reconnection with policing, which had been my life for 30 years, but more importantly it brought me back into the family that is Durham Constabulary, and brought me into regular contact with friends and former colleagues. Although not specified as a part of the PCC's role I believe that as PCC it is vital to contribute to, and support the work of NARPO. This is important, not only to support former officers, but also to continue to celebrate the long and unselfish contribution that they have made to our communities when working as serving officers. Working as PCC has been a most challenging, yet rewarding experience. By wisely using the community safety budget that I hold, I have been able to provide support a broad range of fabulous initiatives within our communities. Many of these initiatives are designed to support the most vulnerable in our communities, whilst others deliver effective diversionary schemes aimed at keeping individuals out of trouble. As Examples of some of the work that I have been able to support includes the development of an indoor skate park in Darlington, whilst support has also been given to a number of groups to tackle areas such as domestic abuse. However, the most challenging and saddest aspect of the role has been to manage the massive cuts to the Police budget. Since 2010 we had had to reduce Police Officer numbers by just over 300, whilst also losing a similar number of Police Staff colleagues. My main task is to maintain an efficient and effective Police Service, but this is becoming increasingly more and more difficult. As you would expect your former colleagues have risen to the challenge which is immensely heartening, but even their efforts could not prevent a rise in crime last year for the first time in many years. Personally, I believe that the PCC role though is much more proactive than that of the Police Authority and this sees me out and about and regularly engaging with our communities to hear of their issues. What is encouraging here is the considerable and on-going support for the Constabulary, and it is through this continued partnership allied to the efforts of Officers, PCSOs and staff that the Force will continue to be one of the very best in the country.

Post W.W.II Class of 1946 , Easingwold

for

Page 5: 43244 durham peeler indd

The Role of the Police and Crime Commissioner by Ron Hogg

I was immensely proud when elected as Durham Constabulary's first ever Police and Crime Commissioner. However, given the vagaries of politics, which sees both the Labour Party and the Liberal Democrats vowing to abolish PCCs, this also means that I may be the last ever PCC. We will know more clearly after the General Election. For me, my election allowed a reconnection with policing, which had been my life for 30 years, but more importantly it brought me back into the family that is Durham Constabulary, and brought me into regular contact with friends and former colleagues. Although not specified as a part of the PCC's role I believe that as PCC it is vital to contribute to, and support the work of NARPO. This is important, not only to support former officers, but also to continue to celebrate the long and unselfish contribution that they have made to our communities when working as serving officers. Working as PCC has been a most challenging, yet rewarding experience. By wisely using the community safety budget that I hold, I have been able to provide support a broad range of fabulous initiatives within our communities. Many of these initiatives are designed to support the most vulnerable in our communities, whilst others deliver effective diversionary schemes aimed at keeping individuals out of trouble. As Examples of some of the work that I have been able to support includes the development of an indoor skate park in Darlington, whilst support has also been given to a number of groups to tackle areas such as domestic abuse. However, the most challenging and saddest aspect of the role has been to manage the massive cuts to the Police budget. Since 2010 we had had to reduce Police Officer numbers by just over 300, whilst also losing a similar number of Police Staff colleagues. My main task is to maintain an efficient and effective Police Service, but this is becoming increasingly more and more difficult. As you would expect your former colleagues have risen to the challenge which is immensely heartening, but even their efforts could not prevent a rise in crime last year for the first time in many years. Personally, I believe that the PCC role though is much more proactive than that of the Police Authority and this sees me out and about and regularly engaging with our communities to hear of their issues. What is encouraging here is the considerable and on-going support for the Constabulary, and it is through this continued partnership allied to the efforts of Officers, PCSOs and staff that the Force will continue to be one of the very best in the country.

Post W.W.II Class of 1946 , Easingwold

for

Page 6: 43244 durham peeler indd

Down Memory Lane with Alf Charlton The Summer 2014 edition of the Durham Peeler magazine featured an article by Chief Constable, Mike Barton in which he was asking for memories of the now ‘old ’HQ building at Aykley Heads, Durham. I thought perhaps the following may be of interest, especially to those of us who enjoyed the use of the Sports Complex facility over many years. Shortly after the three stages of the then new police buildings forming Headquarters, completed in 1969, plans were well advanced for the development of a new Sports Complex – to be constructed on what was previously the Aykley Heads sports playing fields. Alec Muir, the then Chief Constable of Durham, received a most unwelcome telephone call from the Home Office, declaring that there was no more money forthcoming to finance the previously agreed project’s construction! Mr Muir apparently let the Home Office mandarin expound the reasons for the curtailment of the Sports Complex and why it was no longer viable. Alec listened carefully to the declaration before astutely informing the official that the project was already being built to the original specifications! Clearly the confidently delivered rejoinder caught the mandarin ‘wrong footed’ and after a brief discussion, he agreed that money would be found and the project could be completed as originally planned… Whilst not on record, it is said that immediately after the above conversation, Mr Muir spoke to the County Surveyor and asked him to arrange for some turf to be dug out and a load of bricks delivered to the site in question…..! (Classic and typical Alec Muir tactics -the stuff of legends? Editor) Glory be to Alec Muir proclaimed by me and hundreds of others who have enjoyed more than 40 years of Sports Club membership. I am proud to say that I held membership card No. 1!) Almost daily swimming in the pool has kept me out of a wheelchair for many years! Thank you and God Bless Alec Muir. In the same edition of the Durham Peeler (what an enjoyable read!) there was a report and photograph by Geoff Dunn, showing him riding a 500cc BSA A7 motor cycle Reg. No.WPT 324 in 1956. Before that same motorcycle went into service, I had my photograph taken sitting astride it outside Police H.Q., Aycliffe, together with Alan Vickers and Jack Broadbridge on identical bikes. Chief Inspector Jimmy Jackson and Jock Myles were also in the photograph. We had just returned from Stroud in Gloucestershire, after winning the Police Service team award in the National Services rough trial, riding BSA 350cc Gold Star motor cycles on loan to us for 4 weeks by the BSA factory. Unfortunately, we had to leave the three trial bikes at the BSA works – hence this photograph was taken on newly acquired BSA road bikes, not the trials machines we had competed on. (No windscreen or radio at this time-the photo was taken before it went into the safe hands of Geoff Dunn) “Thanks to Geoff Dunn for the photograph and many happy memories” Alf Charlton

Citizens in Policing By Deputy Chief Constable Michael Banks

Citizens in Policing is the new term used as an ‘umbrella grouping’ of people who volunteer their services in policing, such as: Special Constables Police Support Volunteers Volunteer Police Cadets Neighbourhood Watch Association Co-ordinators. As well as my ‘day job’ as Deputy Chief Constable at Durham I am the National Lead for Citizens in Policing. Nationally we have over 17,500 Special Constables; 10,000 Police Support Volunteers; 6,500 Volunteer Police Cadets and 173,000 Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinators. All of these volunteers give their time and skills to support their police force in helping to police their communities. In the past few years, the skill level and professionalism of Specials has increased considerably. They have the same powers as regular officers anywhere in England and Wales and 24/7 i.e. not just when ‘on-duty’. As well as General Police Duties in Response and Neighbourhood Teams, Specials are increasingly being trained in additional skills to become “Specialist Specials” – for example we now have Specials in Roads Policing Units; Police Support Units; Safeguarding Teams; Major Incident Teams to name but a few. The key issue is that they are there to support not replace their regular colleagues. Last year Specials contributed 4.5 million hours to policing which would have cost £77 million! The value is not financial but as a direct link with our communities and an embodiment of the ‘Peelian Principle’ that “the police are the public and the public are the police”.

Police Support Volunteers have over 100 tasks that they can perform in support of Police colleagues. Again, they are not there to replace Police Staff jobs but to provide “additionality”. In Durham Constabulary we have 100 Specials; 150 Police Support Volunteers; 30 Volunteer Police Cadets and we have the best coverage of households under Neighbourhood Watch in the Country! As policing continues to develop in the 21st century Citizens in Policing has a significant contribution to make and that is something we should celebrate … and even join in!! My aim is to make it possible to have ‘A Career in Volunteering in Policing’, so that a person could in theory become a Cadet at 13 years old; join the Specials at 18 and in later life become a Police Support Volunteer as Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator. Policing has a mighty purpose and a noble cause and we work in partnership with our citizens to keep the peace in our communities. The Citizens in Policing who engage directly with forces represent a small proportion of our communities but their collective impact is considerable and they should be justifiably proud of ‘stepping up’ to protect their fellow citizens and supporting their local constabulary.

Page 7: 43244 durham peeler indd

Citizens in Policing By Deputy Chief Constable Michael Banks

Citizens in Policing is the new term used as an ‘umbrella grouping’ of people who volunteer their services in policing, such as: Special Constables Police Support Volunteers Volunteer Police Cadets Neighbourhood Watch Association Co-ordinators. As well as my ‘day job’ as Deputy Chief Constable at Durham I am the National Lead for Citizens in Policing. Nationally we have over 17,500 Special Constables; 10,000 Police Support Volunteers; 6,500 Volunteer Police Cadets and 173,000 Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinators. All of these volunteers give their time and skills to support their police force in helping to police their communities. In the past few years, the skill level and professionalism of Specials has increased considerably. They have the same powers as regular officers anywhere in England and Wales and 24/7 i.e. not just when ‘on-duty’. As well as General Police Duties in Response and Neighbourhood Teams, Specials are increasingly being trained in additional skills to become “Specialist Specials” – for example we now have Specials in Roads Policing Units; Police Support Units; Safeguarding Teams; Major Incident Teams to name but a few. The key issue is that they are there to support not replace their regular colleagues. Last year Specials contributed 4.5 million hours to policing which would have cost £77 million! The value is not financial but as a direct link with our communities and an embodiment of the ‘Peelian Principle’ that “the police are the public and the public are the police”.

Police Support Volunteers have over 100 tasks that they can perform in support of Police colleagues. Again, they are not there to replace Police Staff jobs but to provide “additionality”. In Durham Constabulary we have 100 Specials; 150 Police Support Volunteers; 30 Volunteer Police Cadets and we have the best coverage of households under Neighbourhood Watch in the Country! As policing continues to develop in the 21st century Citizens in Policing has a significant contribution to make and that is something we should celebrate … and even join in!! My aim is to make it possible to have ‘A Career in Volunteering in Policing’, so that a person could in theory become a Cadet at 13 years old; join the Specials at 18 and in later life become a Police Support Volunteer as Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator. Policing has a mighty purpose and a noble cause and we work in partnership with our citizens to keep the peace in our communities. The Citizens in Policing who engage directly with forces represent a small proportion of our communities but their collective impact is considerable and they should be justifiably proud of ‘stepping up’ to protect their fellow citizens and supporting their local constabulary.

You Got To Love A Good Nurse! (Internet. Very funny?) A policeman was rushed to the hospital with an inflamed appendix.. The doctors operated and advised him that all was well; however, the patrolman kept feeling something pulling at the hairs in his crotch. Worried that it might be a second surgery and the doctors hadn't told him about it, he finally got enough energy to pull his hospital gown up enough so he could look at what was making him so uncomfortable. Taped firmly across his pubic hair and private parts were three wide strips of adhesive tape, the kind that doesn't come off easily - if at all!! Written on the tape in large black letters was the sentence, "Get well soon, from the nurse in the Ford Mondeo you pulled over last week." Kind of brings tears to your eyes doesn't it?

Citizens in Policing By Deputy Chief Constable Michael Banks

Citizens in Policing is the new term used as an ‘umbrella grouping’ of people who volunteer their services in policing, such as: Special Constables Police Support Volunteers Volunteer Police Cadets Neighbourhood Watch Association Co-ordinators. As well as my ‘day job’ as Deputy Chief Constable at Durham I am the National Lead for Citizens in Policing. Nationally we have over 17,500 Special Constables; 10,000 Police Support Volunteers; 6,500 Volunteer Police Cadets and 173,000 Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinators. All of these volunteers give their time and skills to support their police force in helping to police their communities. In the past few years, the skill level and professionalism of Specials has increased considerably. They have the same powers as regular officers anywhere in England and Wales and 24/7 i.e. not just when ‘on-duty’. As well as General Police Duties in Response and Neighbourhood Teams, Specials are increasingly being trained in additional skills to become “Specialist Specials” – for example we now have Specials in Roads Policing Units; Police Support Units; Safeguarding Teams; Major Incident Teams to name but a few. The key issue is that they are there to support not replace their regular colleagues. Last year Specials contributed 4.5 million hours to policing which would have cost £77 million! The value is not financial but as a direct link with our communities and an embodiment of the ‘Peelian Principle’ that “the police are the public and the public are the police”.

Police Support Volunteers have over 100 tasks that they can perform in support of Police colleagues. Again, they are not there to replace Police Staff jobs but to provide “additionality”. In Durham Constabulary we have 100 Specials; 150 Police Support Volunteers; 30 Volunteer Police Cadets and we have the best coverage of households under Neighbourhood Watch in the Country! As policing continues to develop in the 21st century Citizens in Policing has a significant contribution to make and that is something we should celebrate … and even join in!! My aim is to make it possible to have ‘A Career in Volunteering in Policing’, so that a person could in theory become a Cadet at 13 years old; join the Specials at 18 and in later life become a Police Support Volunteer as Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator. Policing has a mighty purpose and a noble cause and we work in partnership with our citizens to keep the peace in our communities. The Citizens in Policing who engage directly with forces represent a small proportion of our communities but their collective impact is considerable and they should be justifiably proud of ‘stepping up’ to protect their fellow citizens and supporting their local constabulary.

Page 8: 43244 durham peeler indd

The  Oldest  Police  Force  in  Britain  By  Marjorie  MacKellar  (Published in The Highlander Magazine Nov/December, 2007)     Reprinted with permission of the author and The Highlander Magazine (www.HighlanderMagazine.com)    In the corner of St. Andrew’s Square in Glasgow is The Police Museum, which tells the story of the oldest police force in Britain. In 1779, the authorities in Glasgow decided to form a police force. They appointed a merchant, James Buchanan, as First Inspector of Police. He was commissioned for a further year in 1780. Unfortunately, lack of funds for running costs forced Buchanan to resign in 1781. The important thing was that the idea of a police force had been born. The second attempt was made in 1788 with the man in charge, Richard Marshall, to be known as “Intendant Of Police” and supported by eight officers dressed in red uniforms, clearly numbered. The officers had to swear an oath and deposit £50 of their own money as a pledge of “their honest and faithful behaviour”. Among their numerous duties they had to “detect house and shop breakings and theft by pickpockets” They were expected to “suppress riots, squabbles, begging and singing songs”. As for people who made a nuisance of themselves, the officers were to “apprehend vagabonds, vagrants and disorderly persons” Transport problems existed even in the 1780s. Controlling carts and carriages was also part of their duties”. This second effort at policing would have created an imaginative and successful force but once more the authorities were unable to get a bill through Parliament granting money to finance the venture! For a second time, the experiment failed. Glaswegians had to wait until 1800 before a bill allowing the authorities to levy rates to finance the creation of a credible police force received royal assent by the Monarch, King George III. The bill stipulated that citizens who paid £4 per annum in rent were compelled to pay rates to finance the new force. Because the citizens were paying, they wanted a say in the organization. Glasgow was divided into 24 districts and the citizens were allowed to elect 24 commissioners who were in charge of the 24 districts. The first Master of Police, John Stenhouse was appointed at a salary of £200 per annum. He was supported by a Clerk and Treasurer (salary £45 per annum). The force itself consisted of sergeants, officers and 68 watchmen. The watchmen could be recognized by their brown greatcoats with large white numbers on the back! They carried four foot long staves and were supplied with two candles for their lanterns during the hours of darkness and the other candle for a spare. Not only did they keep law and order but they had to call the hour, sweep the streets and light the street lamps. The police officers were smartly dressed in blue cloth and waistcoats. The sergeants wore shoulder knots of either blue or red threads. The money raised by the rates was boosted by fines and a most unusual source – the Sale of horse manure! With the solid structure of the toll booth jail ready to receive miscreants, surely iniquity would be driven off the streets? These early policemen obviously dealt with the usual assaults, thieving and robbery, but one type of crime was peculiar to this period of time – Body Snatching! Medical students wanted fresh and newly buried corpses for their research. Ramshorn churchyard was very close to the Old College of Glasgow University and the graves there soon became the lucrative targets of the body snatchers for their dastardly deeds! At the present day, the visitor can see the iron cages that were placed over the graves by relatives to protect their dead. If you were poor, you could rent an iron “mort safe” for a few months until the body was so decomposed it was of no further use! As for the wealthy, there is a large protected area, known as Paradise, reserved for those who could afford a plot within its high walls. Doctor Granville Pattison, Professor of Medicine, had students who raided the graves and the Glasgow Police Force was soon on their trail. On one occasion, a young woman was buried and who was considered “an excellent subject for dissection”. Two students, Robert Munroe and James McLean, were seen raiding the grave and reported to the

 

Durham County Police Football Team. (Year ?)    (photo Norman Davison)    (personnel  all  named  (except  2nd  player  left  &  extreme  right-­‐  back  row)  by  Norman  Davison  and  Derek  Sayers  –  thanks)    Back  row:                    Charlie Cranmer;- (?)-; John Allison; Albert Scott (goalkeeper); Teddy Wren; (?) White. Front row: Jimmy Coupar (trainer)-(Belmont bobby); Jim Connelly; Arthur Allen; Norman Davison; Bill Hillery; Gordon Galley; Ron Hutchinson (Manager)(Jarrow Div.)

Newly Promoted Inspectors Course. 1979    (photo  Norman  Davison)    Joe  Alderson;  Tom  Soulsby  (Northumbria);  Matt  Longstaff;  John  Bell  (Northumbria):  Lloyd  Luke;   Barrie Bell (Northumbria); Terry Stonehouse? (Cleveland)  Alan Craig (N.Yorks); Norman Davison; John Burke (Cleveland); Alan Campbell ( Director of Studies) Ronnie Haine  (Northumbria)  (Instructor);  Angela Shaw  (N.  Yorks):  Jim Strachan.  

Page 9: 43244 durham peeler indd

The  Oldest  Police  Force  in  Britain  By  Marjorie  MacKellar  (Published in The Highlander Magazine Nov/December, 2007)     Reprinted with permission of the author and The Highlander Magazine (www.HighlanderMagazine.com)    In the corner of St. Andrew’s Square in Glasgow is The Police Museum, which tells the story of the oldest police force in Britain. In 1779, the authorities in Glasgow decided to form a police force. They appointed a merchant, James Buchanan, as First Inspector of Police. He was commissioned for a further year in 1780. Unfortunately, lack of funds for running costs forced Buchanan to resign in 1781. The important thing was that the idea of a police force had been born. The second attempt was made in 1788 with the man in charge, Richard Marshall, to be known as “Intendant Of Police” and supported by eight officers dressed in red uniforms, clearly numbered. The officers had to swear an oath and deposit £50 of their own money as a pledge of “their honest and faithful behaviour”. Among their numerous duties they had to “detect house and shop breakings and theft by pickpockets” They were expected to “suppress riots, squabbles, begging and singing songs”. As for people who made a nuisance of themselves, the officers were to “apprehend vagabonds, vagrants and disorderly persons” Transport problems existed even in the 1780s. Controlling carts and carriages was also part of their duties”. This second effort at policing would have created an imaginative and successful force but once more the authorities were unable to get a bill through Parliament granting money to finance the venture! For a second time, the experiment failed. Glaswegians had to wait until 1800 before a bill allowing the authorities to levy rates to finance the creation of a credible police force received royal assent by the Monarch, King George III. The bill stipulated that citizens who paid £4 per annum in rent were compelled to pay rates to finance the new force. Because the citizens were paying, they wanted a say in the organization. Glasgow was divided into 24 districts and the citizens were allowed to elect 24 commissioners who were in charge of the 24 districts. The first Master of Police, John Stenhouse was appointed at a salary of £200 per annum. He was supported by a Clerk and Treasurer (salary £45 per annum). The force itself consisted of sergeants, officers and 68 watchmen. The watchmen could be recognized by their brown greatcoats with large white numbers on the back! They carried four foot long staves and were supplied with two candles for their lanterns during the hours of darkness and the other candle for a spare. Not only did they keep law and order but they had to call the hour, sweep the streets and light the street lamps. The police officers were smartly dressed in blue cloth and waistcoats. The sergeants wore shoulder knots of either blue or red threads. The money raised by the rates was boosted by fines and a most unusual source – the Sale of horse manure! With the solid structure of the toll booth jail ready to receive miscreants, surely iniquity would be driven off the streets? These early policemen obviously dealt with the usual assaults, thieving and robbery, but one type of crime was peculiar to this period of time – Body Snatching! Medical students wanted fresh and newly buried corpses for their research. Ramshorn churchyard was very close to the Old College of Glasgow University and the graves there soon became the lucrative targets of the body snatchers for their dastardly deeds! At the present day, the visitor can see the iron cages that were placed over the graves by relatives to protect their dead. If you were poor, you could rent an iron “mort safe” for a few months until the body was so decomposed it was of no further use! As for the wealthy, there is a large protected area, known as Paradise, reserved for those who could afford a plot within its high walls. Doctor Granville Pattison, Professor of Medicine, had students who raided the graves and the Glasgow Police Force was soon on their trail. On one occasion, a young woman was buried and who was considered “an excellent subject for dissection”. Two students, Robert Munroe and James McLean, were seen raiding the grave and reported to the

Page 10: 43244 durham peeler indd

police but were not caught immediately. However, when the young woman’s body was found in the College’s laboratory, the two students were arrested. Their trial ended in a “Not Proven” verdict and they were released. These two medical students were more fortunate than the grave robber in the Carlton district who had his arm nearly cut off by a policeman carrying a cutlass! The Carlton district was so unruly that the force had added cutlasses to their staves! When the supply of bodies from Glasgow dried up, students continued undeterred in their search for useable corpses. When a boat tied up in Glasgow, from Ireland, its cargo included large bags containing “cotton” and “linen”. When the bags began to smell, they were opened and inside were the bodies of men, women and children who had been bought by the students for £20 a- piece. The outrage over the discovery was so great that a merchant, George Provand, had his house gutted by a mob who took him for a “resurrectionist”. The police arrested several men who were subsequently transported! Richard Campbell was luckier. He was publicly whipped through the streets- the last time such a punishment was witnessed in Glasgow. The police had done their duty so effectively that Professor Pattison was forced to flee to America!

In 1811, three men, Huffey, MacKoull and French , set their sights on the Paisley Union Bank in Ingram Street. For several weeks they plotted the robbery, before infiltrating the bank so successfully, that they were able to take wax impressions of the keys to the strong room. A blacksmith in London made copies! On a lovely summer’s day in July, whilst a fair was in progress, they put their plan into action. A large sum of money was delivered to the bank and deposited successfully. The bank staff left when the delivery was completed. With only a caretaker in charge, the bank was an easy target. Using their forged keys, the three unlocked the strong room and relieved the bank of £45,000 worth of gold, silver and bank notes. When it was found that the three suspects had escaped, the Procurator Fiscal, Mr. Bennet pursued the thieves to London. Huffey was arrested when he visited the blacksmith. While he sat in jail, £12,000 of the stolen money was offered to the Bow Street Runners (often called London’s first professional constables) to buy his freedom! The money was accepted! Huffey continued in his evil ways and at a later date, he was arrested and hanged in Northampton. MacKoull eventually committed suicide and French was never caught.

Glasgow was the scene of great poverty in the latter part of the 19th Century, Highlanders driven by the Clearances and Irishmen escaping the Famine converged on the city. Entire families lived in single rooms. In many tenements there was no running water or toilet. Unemployment meant there was no money to feed the many mouths crying with hunger. The town tried to tackle the problem by distributing meals and setting up soup kitchens, but it was not enough. The police had their work cut out dealing with poverty related crimes. It was just a matter of time before the situation exploded. The Bread Riots began in 1848 when a crowd of 3,000 gathered on Glasgow Green. Armed with iron railings uprooted from the well- known Mentieth Row, the mob marched towards the City Hall. Their armour became more deadly as they ransacked several gunsmiths’ shops, stealing firearms and ammunition. Food stores, jewellers and any other vulnerable shops got the same treatment. The police who were hopelessly outnumbered, appealed for volunteers and the good citizens of Glasgow answered the call. Some 10,000 special constables were sworn in – but the mob still advanced. For two days and nights the riot went on. Streets were barricaded with carts and blocks of stone. Street lamps were smashed. To quell the Bread Riots, it became necessary to call on the army. Soldiers from various regiments hurried through from Edinburgh. They were joined by the Home Guard made up of pensioners (affectionately known as ‘Foggies’).

Glasgow-police-museum . Uniform 1800

Page 11: 43244 durham peeler indd

The army soon cleared the streets but the ‘Foggies’ were trapped and eventually opened fire. A David Campbell was killed. His body was placed on a shutter and paraded along the streets. A special constable also lost his life. He was a widower with seven children – the town gave £150 for their upkeep. At this point, the Riot Act was read by Sheriff Bell. The rioters returned home and the Bread Riots were at an end. By the end of the 19th Century, the Glasgow Police Force was well established – their duties over the years had been greatly extended. Among other things, they were given responsibility for street lighting, public health baths, and wash houses. Sanitation was added in the last decade of the century and the licensing of theatres and public shows also came under their jurisdiction. (Keeping order in the music halls was challenging!). A magistrate admonishing the villain in front of him , sent the man away with this advice, “The eyes of Almighty God and the Glasgow Police Force will be on you so be careful of your future conduct” The oldest police force in Britain was in good company!

A Few Fascinating historical facts?

“Is it true that the British Railway Police are the oldest established Police Force in the U.K.?”

Nick Birch answering the above internet Yahoo Answers query some seven years ago replied:

‘British Transport Police (BTP) can trace their pedigree back to 1826 when a mention is made of the Police establishment on the Stockton and Darlington Railway. The force are therefore one of the oldest Police Forces in the world, pre-dating London's Metropolitan Police by three years but was itself preceded by Glasgow City Police in 1800. (See feature article above. Editor)

The BTP have often been in the forefront of Policing Techniques. The first arrest to be made by the use of "information technology" was made in 1845 by Sergeant WILLIAMS of the Great Western Railway Police when he arrested a murderer after a description of the man was passed to him by the newly invented "electric telegraph" The Railway Police were one of the first to recruit women to their ranks and in 1908 the North Eastern Railway Police pioneered the use of Police Dogs.’

The army soon cleared the streets but the ‘Foggies’ were trapped and eventually opened fire. A David Campbell was killed. His body was placed on a shutter and paraded along the streets. A special constable also lost his life. He was a widower with seven children – the town gave £150 for their upkeep. At this point, the Riot Act was read by Sheriff Bell. The rioters returned home and the Bread Riots were at an end. By the end of the 19th Century, the Glasgow Police Force was well established – their duties over the years had been greatly extended. Among other things, they were given responsibility for street lighting, public health baths, and wash houses. Sanitation was added in the last decade of the century and the licensing of theatres and public shows also came under their jurisdiction. (Keeping order in the music halls was challenging!). A magistrate admonishing the villain in front of him , sent the man away with this advice, “The eyes of Almighty God and the Glasgow Police Force will be on you so be careful of your future conduct” The oldest police force in Britain was in good company!

The army soon cleared the streets but the ‘Foggies’ were trapped and eventually opened fire. A David Campbell was killed. His body was placed on a shutter and paraded along the streets. A special constable also lost his life. He was a widower with seven children – the town gave £150 for their upkeep. At this point, the Riot Act was read by Sheriff Bell. The rioters returned home and the Bread Riots were at an end. By the end of the 19th Century, the Glasgow Police Force was well established – their duties over the years had been greatly extended. Among other things, they were given responsibility for street lighting, public health baths, and wash houses. Sanitation was added in the last decade of the century and the licensing of theatres and public shows also came under their jurisdiction. (Keeping order in the music halls was challenging!). A magistrate admonishing the villain in front of him , sent the man away with this advice, “The eyes of Almighty God and the Glasgow Police Force will be on you so be careful of your future conduct” The oldest police force in Britain was in good company!

The army soon cleared the streets but the ‘Foggies’ were trapped and eventually opened fire. A David Campbell was killed. His body was placed on a shutter and paraded along the streets. A special constable also lost his life. He was a widower with seven children – the town gave £150 for their upkeep. At this point, the Riot Act was read by Sheriff Bell. The rioters returned home and the Bread Riots were at an end. By the end of the 19th Century, the Glasgow Police Force was well established – their duties over the years had been greatly extended. Among other things, they were given responsibility for street lighting, public health baths, and wash houses. Sanitation was added in the last decade of the century and the licensing of theatres and public shows also came under their jurisdiction. (Keeping order in the music halls was challenging!). A magistrate admonishing the villain in front of him , sent the man away with this advice, “The eyes of Almighty God and the Glasgow Police Force will be on you so be careful of your future conduct” The oldest police force in Britain was in good company!

A Few Fascinating historical facts?

“Is it true that the British Railway Police are the oldest established Police Force in the U.K.?”

Nick Birch answering the above internet Yahoo Answers query some seven years ago replied:

‘British Transport Police (BTP) can trace their pedigree back to 1826 when a mention is made of the Police establishment on the Stockton and Darlington Railway. The force are therefore one of the oldest Police Forces in the world, pre-dating London's Metropolitan Police by three years but was itself preceded by Glasgow City Police in 1800. (See feature article above. Editor)

The BTP have often been in the forefront of Policing Techniques. The first arrest to be made by the use of "information technology" was made in 1845 by Sergeant WILLIAMS of the Great Western Railway Police when he arrested a murderer after a description of the man was passed to him by the newly invented "electric telegraph" The Railway Police were one of the first to recruit women to their ranks and in 1908 the North Eastern Railway Police pioneered the use of Police Dogs.’

A Few Fascinating historical facts?

“Is it true that the British Railway Police are the oldest established Police Force in the U.K.?”

Nick Birch answering the above internet Yahoo Answers query some seven years ago replied:

‘British Transport Police (BTP) can trace their pedigree back to 1826 when a mention is made of the Police establishment on the Stockton and Darlington Railway. The force are therefore one of the oldest Police Forces in the world, pre-dating London's Metropolitan Police by three years but was itself preceded by Glasgow City Police in 1800. (See feature article above. Editor)

The BTP have often been in the forefront of Policing Techniques. The first arrest to be made by the use of "information technology" was made in 1845 by Sergeant WILLIAMS of the Great Western Railway Police when he arrested a murderer after a description of the man was passed to him by the newly invented "electric telegraph" The Railway Police were one of the first to recruit women to their ranks and in 1908 the North Eastern Railway Police pioneered the use of Police Dogs.’

A Few Fascinating historical facts?

“Is it true that the British Railway Police are the oldest established Police Force in the U.K.?”

Nick Birch answering the above internet Yahoo Answers query some seven years ago replied:

‘British Transport Police (BTP) can trace their pedigree back to 1826 when a mention is made of the Police establishment on the Stockton and Darlington Railway. The force are therefore one of the oldest Police Forces in the world, pre-dating London's Metropolitan Police by three years but was itself preceded by Glasgow City Police in 1800. (See feature article above. Editor)

The BTP have often been in the forefront of Policing Techniques. The first arrest to be made by the use of "information technology" was made in 1845 by Sergeant WILLIAMS of the Great Western Railway Police when he arrested a murderer after a description of the man was passed to him by the newly invented "electric telegraph" The Railway Police were one of the first to recruit women to their ranks and in 1908 the North Eastern Railway Police pioneered the use of Police Dogs.’

Page 12: 43244 durham peeler indd

Tribute to the late Jack Blair . World War II Bomber Command Nigel Dunnill

Many readers will remember Chief Inspector Jack Blair who retired in 1976 after 32 years service in Durham. He died in 2010 aged 85 years and is survived by his widow, Mrs Jenny Blair. Jack is one of many World War 2 veterans who have recently been awarded,( in Jack’s case posthumously), the Bomber Command Clasp to the 1939-45 Star. The award is made ‘in recognition of their bravery and unique contribution in protecting Britain during World War 2.’ Jack was from Fatfield and volunteered for RAF aircrew service in 1943. He was selected for pilot training but wanted to be a flight engineer and qualified as such on the Lancaster bomber early in 1944. He carried out 28 operations in Europe up to the end of the war and served in the RAF until 1947 when he was appointed to Durham County Constabulary. Jack did discuss his involvement in Bomber Command and was always mindful of friends and colleagues who lost their lives during the campaign. Of the 125,000 aircrew, more than 55,000 were killed. Before he died in 2010, Jack asked Jenny to try and preserve several items of his RAF service memorabilia which included photographs and documents including his flying log book. The items were entrusted to Nigel Dunnill, a retired inspector who served in Durham and Northumbria forces who commented: “I met Jack several times and he told me about some of the events during his RAF service. I have done quite a lot of research and so much information is now available on the internet relating to almost every operation that Jack and his crew were involved in. This is information that was not available during Jack’s lifetime and I think he would have been very interested in this. ‘I felt that the award of the Bomber Command Clasp would be a fitting tribute to his memory and was pleased when Mrs Blair allowed me to guide her, as next of kin, through the application process and the award was made earlier this year. I know that Jack would have been delighted to have received the award and the recognition for all his former colleagues.”

Jack spoke about, in particular, three events during his RAF service. The first was his involvement in air operations in France in the days leading up to and immediately following D-Day on 6 June 1944 which has been commemorated during 2014 on the 70th anniversary. He was also very proud of the humanitarian operations carried out in 1945 in support of Operations ‘Manna’ and ‘Exodus’ dropping food to a starving population in areas of Holland and airlifting British prisoners of war, for repatriation, from Europe to England. But Nigel Dunnill explains, “Perhaps one of Jack’s most memorable events was the day that he and his crew were shot down over Holland and their Lancaster ditched in the North Sea. Their crew along with many others were tasked to carry out an operation to destroy an occupied airfield north of Arnhem. From RAF records it is known that Jack’s Lancaster crew departed from Coningsby in Lincolnshire at 09.25 on 15 August 1944, arriving in the operational area at noon. The aircraft in the formation next to Jack’s exploded and disappeared and Jack’s aircraft was ordered to move up in the formation to replace the lost aircraft. At 12.09 a radio message was received from Jack’s aircraft that two engines were out of action due to anti aircraft fire. One of Jack’s jobs, as the flight engineer, was to put out the fire which he did and the aircraft turned for home losing height from 19,000 feet down to about 2,000 feet over the Dutch coast when it was hit again by anti aircraft fire. With only one engine the aircraft continued to lose height and was confirmed as ditched at 12.40 in the North Sea about 50 km from the Dutch coast. The crew were seen getting into a dinghy and fighters were called up to protect them. At 13.15, only the tail of the aircraft was showing above the surface. Their exact position was known and they were rescued by a high speed launch, unharmed, two hours later. Jack’s pilot was from the Royal Australian Air Force and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for ‘his fine leadership, high courage and great determination in saving his crew.’ Jack’s other crew members included airmen from the South African and Rhodesian air forces.”

by

Many of Jack’s colleagues were very young airmen and he was 18 years old when he joined the RAF. He can be seen in the photograph taken soon after joining the RAF. He served in three Lancaster squadrons from bases in Lincolnshire. Copies of Jack’s memorabilia have been sent to several aviation history organisations including the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre at East Kirby which was Jack’s first operational base in 1944. Jack’s widow Jenny said, “I was delighted when Nigel Dunnill told me that it would be possible to apply for the award posthumously. I know that Jack would have been very proud to have been honoured in this way, not only for himself but for the many colleagues he knew who lost their lives. I am pleased to accept the Bomber Command Clasp on his behalf. Jack spoke about his experiences and was very proud, especially of the humanitarian work he and his colleagues carried out.” Note: Nigel has further information and images if any reader has any particular interest. He can provide details on request to the Editor.. Our sincere thanks and congratulations to Nigel Dunnill for his dedicated and meticulous research which has encompassed interviews consultation and visits to some of the bases in Lincolnshire where Jack flew during the Second World War. We have now a public and lasting tribute to Jack and his many colleagues in Bomber Command. In addition some of Jack’s wartime records have now been preserved for posterity in recognized establishments including the RAF Heritage. Alan S. Watson. Editor Printers Notes. Photo captions:- 1. Jack Blair, R.A.F. Bomber Command at the age of 18 years, serving as Sergeant Flight Engineer 2. Jack’s W.W.II medals, Court Mounted (including Bomber Command Clasp to 1939-1945 Star and France & Germany Clasp to the Aircrew Europe Star) (photo Nigel Dunnill) 3. Jenny Blair and Nigel Dunnill with newly awarded Bomber Command Clasp to 1939-1945 Star (photo. Colin Appleby) 4. Welcome Home. Post War presentation H.M.I.Inspection.. Jack left foreground)

Page 13: 43244 durham peeler indd

Many of Jack’s colleagues were very young airmen and he was 18 years old when he joined the RAF. He can be seen in the photograph taken soon after joining the RAF. He served in three Lancaster squadrons from bases in Lincolnshire. Copies of Jack’s memorabilia have been sent to several aviation history organisations including the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre at East Kirby which was Jack’s first operational base in 1944. Jack’s widow Jenny said, “I was delighted when Nigel Dunnill told me that it would be possible to apply for the award posthumously. I know that Jack would have been very proud to have been honoured in this way, not only for himself but for the many colleagues he knew who lost their lives. I am pleased to accept the Bomber Command Clasp on his behalf. Jack spoke about his experiences and was very proud, especially of the humanitarian work he and his colleagues carried out.” Note: Nigel has further information and images if any reader has any particular interest. He can provide details on request to the Editor.. Our sincere thanks and congratulations to Nigel Dunnill for his dedicated and meticulous research which has encompassed interviews consultation and visits to some of the bases in Lincolnshire where Jack flew during the Second World War. We have now a public and lasting tribute to Jack and his many colleagues in Bomber Command. In addition some of Jack’s wartime records have now been preserved for posterity in recognized establishments including the RAF Heritage. Alan S. Watson. Editor Printers Notes. Photo captions:- 1. Jack Blair, R.A.F. Bomber Command at the age of 18 years, serving as Sergeant Flight Engineer 2. Jack’s W.W.II medals, Court Mounted (including Bomber Command Clasp to 1939-1945 Star and France & Germany Clasp to the Aircrew Europe Star) (photo Nigel Dunnill) 3. Jenny Blair and Nigel Dunnill with newly awarded Bomber Command Clasp to 1939-1945 Star (photo. Colin Appleby) 4. Welcome Home. Post War presentation H.M.I.Inspection.. Jack left foreground)

4.3.

2.1.

Many of Jack’s colleagues were very young airmen and he was 18 years old when he joined the RAF. He can be seen in the photograph taken soon after joining the RAF. He served in three Lancaster squadrons from bases in Lincolnshire. Copies of Jack’s memorabilia have been sent to several aviation history organisations including the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre at East Kirby which was Jack’s first operational base in 1944. Jack’s widow Jenny said, “I was delighted when Nigel Dunnill told me that it would be possible to apply for the award posthumously. I know that Jack would have been very proud to have been honoured in this way, not only for himself but for the many colleagues he knew who lost their lives. I am pleased to accept the Bomber Command Clasp on his behalf. Jack spoke about his experiences and was very proud, especially of the humanitarian work he and his colleagues carried out.” Note: Nigel has further information and images if any reader has any particular interest. He can provide details on request to the Editor.. Our sincere thanks and congratulations to Nigel Dunnill for his dedicated and meticulous research which has encompassed interviews consultation and visits to some of the bases in Lincolnshire where Jack flew during the Second World War. We have now a public and lasting tribute to Jack and his many colleagues in Bomber Command. In addition some of Jack’s wartime records have now been preserved for posterity in recognized establishments including the RAF Heritage. Alan S. Watson. Editor Printers Notes. Photo captions:- 1. Jack Blair, R.A.F. Bomber Command at the age of 18 years, serving as Sergeant Flight Engineer 2. Jack’s W.W.II medals, Court Mounted (including Bomber Command Clasp to 1939-1945 Star and France & Germany Clasp to the Aircrew Europe Star) (photo Nigel Dunnill) 3. Jenny Blair and Nigel Dunnill with newly awarded Bomber Command Clasp to 1939-1945 Star (photo. Colin Appleby) 4. Welcome Home. Post War presentation H.M.I.Inspection.. Jack left foreground)

Many of Jack’s colleagues were very young airmen and he was 18 years old when he joined the RAF. He can be seen in the photograph taken soon after joining the RAF. He served in three Lancaster squadrons from bases in Lincolnshire. Copies of Jack’s memorabilia have been sent to several aviation history organisations including the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre at East Kirby which was Jack’s first operational base in 1944. Jack’s widow Jenny said, “I was delighted when Nigel Dunnill told me that it would be possible to apply for the award posthumously. I know that Jack would have been very proud to have been honoured in this way, not only for himself but for the many colleagues he knew who lost their lives. I am pleased to accept the Bomber Command Clasp on his behalf. Jack spoke about his experiences and was very proud, especially of the humanitarian work he and his colleagues carried out.” Note: Nigel has further information and images if any reader has any particular interest. He can provide details on request to the Editor.. Our sincere thanks and congratulations to Nigel Dunnill for his dedicated and meticulous research which has encompassed interviews consultation and visits to some of the bases in Lincolnshire where Jack flew during the Second World War. We have now a public and lasting tribute to Jack and his many colleagues in Bomber Command. In addition some of Jack’s wartime records have now been preserved for posterity in recognized establishments including the RAF Heritage. Alan S. Watson. Editor Printers Notes. Photo captions:- 1. Jack Blair, R.A.F. Bomber Command at the age of 18 years, serving as Sergeant Flight Engineer 2. Jack’s W.W.II medals, Court Mounted (including Bomber Command Clasp to 1939-1945 Star and France & Germany Clasp to the Aircrew Europe Star) (photo Nigel Dunnill) 3. Jenny Blair and Nigel Dunnill with newly awarded Bomber Command Clasp to 1939-1945 Star (photo. Colin Appleby) 4. Welcome Home. Post War presentation H.M.I.Inspection.. Jack left foreground)

Page 14: 43244 durham peeler indd

Photo Steve Hodgson. Explosives Handling Course

I.P.A. Dinner 1970sCharlie Sams; Tommy Tipler; (?) ; Alan Drake; Mrs Audrey Drake;

Mrs Scott(?); Albert Scott

Explosives Handling Course, Catterick Camp 1960’s Special Incident Squad & H.Q. CID Officers. (photo courtesy Steve Hodgson) (Identification by Gordon Bacon). Back row: Lawrie Hodgson; Brian McDonnagh (S.B.?); Paddy Farrell; Maurice Soady; Dennis Cullen; ( ? )Army Major running the course; Jim Strachan;Harry Scott; Stan Davison Front row; Steve Coxon; Gordon Bacon; John Glendenning; Forensic Science Officer; Stan ? Bernie Price.      

Page 15: 43244 durham peeler indd

Inter Services Post Joint Operations ( photo courtesy Norman Davison)Emergency Dialysis Cabin Lift Annfield Plain, Catchgate area to Hare Low, Birtley.

Traffic North Officers: Peter Thomas; Ken Bailey; Bill Newby; Norman Davison; (?) ; pilot & co. pilot. R.A.F. Air/ Sea Rescue

Who is the Motorcycling Sergeant with Jack Blair?

I could be wrong but that Sgt on the motor bike on your website looks like an old Sgt I worked under as a probationer at Stanley in 1971. Sgt Douglas (Dougy) Fowler'. I've no idea if he ever worked with a bike - but it certainly looks like him. Sorry I've no recall of his shoulder number, but what a great old guy - the most professional I ever worked for! If it is him - would love to hear. Vic Codling - now also retired (via Northumbria and finally the Met').

Page 16: 43244 durham peeler indd

Durham County Firearms Team in competition with Royal Signals team (photo by George Hartley)

The Bucket List Job

by George Hartley I missed the N.A.R.P.O. Lunch on Sunday, 5th October as I was away from home, not that I eat very much these days, but I do like to meet old friends and colleagues to see how they are getting on. I have really enjoyed the Victor Brown’s stories which have been published in recent issues of the Peeler. I do believe that I may have been in the Hostel (Harewood House) Darlington when Vic was there. Do I recall something about learning to ride a bike? That was a very long time ago.

I remember sending a photograph which was published in the winter 2008 edition of the Peeler entitled “ Young Police Officers at Newby Wiske, circa 1959.” I could only name three of them: Alan Reed, myself (both Durham lads) and Brian Hawkins (Gateshead Borough). This little story is about Brian Hawkins as I knew him in another life:

As well as the N.A.R.P.O. events, I also attend the Brigade of Guards, where I am looked after by the old Pioneer Sergeant from our Battalion, in which Brian (‘Ginna’) Hawkins was a member of the Signal Platoon. About 2 years ago, I walked into the bar at the Jesmond Freemasons’ Hall where the lunch is held and a grey haired old man stood up, supported by a walking stick. Hawkins greeted me and I learned that as well as having suffered a Stroke, he had also undergone a hip replacement, which had left him with a shortened leg. During the course of the day, he asked if I was still in touch with “Big Eric Brown”, another man from the Signal Platoon. Brown had been a very big, smart man who was in the Escort ToThe Colours in the 1959 Queen’s Birthday Parade at Horse Guards Parade, London. Hawkins asked me to take him to visit Brown at his home at Normanby near Middlesbrough and I agreed, first warning Hawkins that he must not expect to see the man he knew. Eric Brown had in fact had also suffered from a stroke and was immobile and in poor health. I made the necessary arrangements with Eric’s wife, Jan and collected Hawkins from his home in Windy Nook, Gateshead. He had two carriers with him, one of which was quite heavy. He explained that there were 2 x litre bottles of Malt Whisky in the bag – one for me and one for Eric. I remonstrated with him , but he insisted and told me that I was fulfilling an important wish on his “Bucket List”! We had a great re-union with lots of photographs that Hawkins had in the second carrier bag – even some with me on them, including the one published in the 2008 Peeler magazine. As young men we had walked tall, eating and drinking and enjoying life – now one was limping with a stick, whist the other I had to push to the pub (The Povernia) in a wheel chair! I like to think that I made two old men happy for a day and also fulfilled a wish on the “Bucket List”

P.S. I enjoyed the Whisky! George Hart ley .13th October, 2014

The Bucket List Job

by George Hartley I missed the N.A.R.P.O. Lunch on Sunday, 5th October as I was away from home, not that I eat very much these days, but I do like to meet old friends and colleagues to see how they are getting on. I have really enjoyed the Victor Brown’s stories which have been published in recent issues of the Peeler. I do believe that I may have been in the Hostel (Harewood House) Darlington when Vic was there. Do I recall something about learning to ride a bike? That was a very long time ago.

I remember sending a photograph which was published in the winter 2008 edition of the Peeler entitled “ Young Police Officers at Newby Wiske, circa 1959.” I could only name three of them: Alan Reed, myself (both Durham lads) and Brian Hawkins (Gateshead Borough). This little story is about Brian Hawkins as I knew him in another life:

As well as the N.A.R.P.O. events, I also attend the Brigade of Guards, where I am looked after by the old Pioneer Sergeant from our Battalion, in which Brian (‘Ginna’) Hawkins was a member of the Signal Platoon. About 2 years ago, I walked into the bar at the Jesmond Freemasons’ Hall where the lunch is held and a grey haired old man stood up, supported by a walking stick. Hawkins greeted me and I learned that as well as having suffered a Stroke, he had also undergone a hip replacement, which had left him with a shortened leg. During the course of the day, he asked if I was still in touch with “Big Eric Brown”, another man from the Signal Platoon. Brown had been a very big, smart man who was in the Escort ToThe Colours in the 1959 Queen’s Birthday Parade at Horse Guards Parade, London. Hawkins asked me to take him to visit Brown at his home at Normanby near Middlesbrough and I agreed, first warning Hawkins that he must not expect to see the man he knew. Eric Brown had in fact had also suffered from a stroke and was immobile and in poor health. I made the necessary arrangements with Eric’s wife, Jan and collected Hawkins from his home in Windy Nook, Gateshead. He had two carriers with him, one of which was quite heavy. He explained that there were 2 x litre bottles of Malt Whisky in the bag – one for me and one for Eric. I remonstrated with him , but he insisted and told me that I was fulfilling an important wish on his “Bucket List”! We had a great re-union with lots of photographs that Hawkins had in the second carrier bag – even some with me on them, including the one published in the 2008 Peeler magazine. As young men we had walked tall, eating and drinking and enjoying life – now one was limping with a stick, whist the other I had to push to the pub (The Povernia) in a wheel chair! I like to think that I made two old men happy for a day and also fulfilled a wish on the “Bucket List”

P.S. I enjoyed the Whisky! George Hart ley .13th October, 2014

The Bucket List Job

by George Hartley I missed the N.A.R.P.O. Lunch on Sunday, 5th October as I was away from home, not that I eat very much these days, but I do like to meet old friends and colleagues to see how they are getting on. I have really enjoyed the Victor Brown’s stories which have been published in recent issues of the Peeler. I do believe that I may have been in the Hostel (Harewood House) Darlington when Vic was there. Do I recall something about learning to ride a bike? That was a very long time ago.

I remember sending a photograph which was published in the winter 2008 edition of the Peeler entitled “ Young Police Officers at Newby Wiske, circa 1959.” I could only name three of them: Alan Reed, myself (both Durham lads) and Brian Hawkins (Gateshead Borough). This little story is about Brian Hawkins as I knew him in another life:

As well as the N.A.R.P.O. events, I also attend the Brigade of Guards, where I am looked after by the old Pioneer Sergeant from our Battalion, in which Brian (‘Ginna’) Hawkins was a member of the Signal Platoon. About 2 years ago, I walked into the bar at the Jesmond Freemasons’ Hall where the lunch is held and a grey haired old man stood up, supported by a walking stick. Hawkins greeted me and I learned that as well as having suffered a Stroke, he had also undergone a hip replacement, which had left him with a shortened leg. During the course of the day, he asked if I was still in touch with “Big Eric Brown”, another man from the Signal Platoon. Brown had been a very big, smart man who was in the Escort ToThe Colours in the 1959 Queen’s Birthday Parade at Horse Guards Parade, London. Hawkins asked me to take him to visit Brown at his home at Normanby near Middlesbrough and I agreed, first warning Hawkins that he must not expect to see the man he knew. Eric Brown had in fact had also suffered from a stroke and was immobile and in poor health. I made the necessary arrangements with Eric’s wife, Jan and collected Hawkins from his home in Windy Nook, Gateshead. He had two carriers with him, one of which was quite heavy. He explained that there were 2 x litre bottles of Malt Whisky in the bag – one for me and one for Eric. I remonstrated with him , but he insisted and told me that I was fulfilling an important wish on his “Bucket List”! We had a great re-union with lots of photographs that Hawkins had in the second carrier bag – even some with me on them, including the one published in the 2008 Peeler magazine. As young men we had walked tall, eating and drinking and enjoying life – now one was limping with a stick, whist the other I had to push to the pub (The Povernia) in a wheel chair! I like to think that I made two old men happy for a day and also fulfilled a wish on the “Bucket List”

P.S. I enjoyed the Whisky! George Hart ley .13th October, 2014

The Bucket List Job

by George Hartley I missed the N.A.R.P.O. Lunch on Sunday, 5th October as I was away from home, not that I eat very much these days, but I do like to meet old friends and colleagues to see how they are getting on. I have really enjoyed the Victor Brown’s stories which have been published in recent issues of the Peeler. I do believe that I may have been in the Hostel (Harewood House) Darlington when Vic was there. Do I recall something about learning to ride a bike? That was a very long time ago.

I remember sending a photograph which was published in the winter 2008 edition of the Peeler entitled “ Young Police Officers at Newby Wiske, circa 1959.” I could only name three of them: Alan Reed, myself (both Durham lads) and Brian Hawkins (Gateshead Borough). This little story is about Brian Hawkins as I knew him in another life:

As well as the N.A.R.P.O. events, I also attend the Brigade of Guards, where I am looked after by the old Pioneer Sergeant from our Battalion, in which Brian (‘Ginna’) Hawkins was a member of the Signal Platoon. About 2 years ago, I walked into the bar at the Jesmond Freemasons’ Hall where the lunch is held and a grey haired old man stood up, supported by a walking stick. Hawkins greeted me and I learned that as well as having suffered a Stroke, he had also undergone a hip replacement, which had left him with a shortened leg. During the course of the day, he asked if I was still in touch with “Big Eric Brown”, another man from the Signal Platoon. Brown had been a very big, smart man who was in the Escort ToThe Colours in the 1959 Queen’s Birthday Parade at Horse Guards Parade, London. Hawkins asked me to take him to visit Brown at his home at Normanby near Middlesbrough and I agreed, first warning Hawkins that he must not expect to see the man he knew. Eric Brown had in fact had also suffered from a stroke and was immobile and in poor health. I made the necessary arrangements with Eric’s wife, Jan and collected Hawkins from his home in Windy Nook, Gateshead. He had two carriers with him, one of which was quite heavy. He explained that there were 2 x litre bottles of Malt Whisky in the bag – one for me and one for Eric. I remonstrated with him , but he insisted and told me that I was fulfilling an important wish on his “Bucket List”! We had a great re-union with lots of photographs that Hawkins had in the second carrier bag – even some with me on them, including the one published in the 2008 Peeler magazine. As young men we had walked tall, eating and drinking and enjoying life – now one was limping with a stick, whist the other I had to push to the pub (The Povernia) in a wheel chair! I like to think that I made two old men happy for a day and also fulfilled a wish on the “Bucket List”

P.S. I enjoyed the Whisky! George Hart ley .13th October, 2014

The Bucket List Job

by George Hartley I missed the N.A.R.P.O. Lunch on Sunday, 5th October as I was away from home, not that I eat very much these days, but I do like to meet old friends and colleagues to see how they are getting on. I have really enjoyed the Victor Brown’s stories which have been published in recent issues of the Peeler. I do believe that I may have been in the Hostel (Harewood House) Darlington when Vic was there. Do I recall something about learning to ride a bike? That was a very long time ago.

I remember sending a photograph which was published in the winter 2008 edition of the Peeler entitled “ Young Police Officers at Newby Wiske, circa 1959.” I could only name three of them: Alan Reed, myself (both Durham lads) and Brian Hawkins (Gateshead Borough). This little story is about Brian Hawkins as I knew him in another life:

As well as the N.A.R.P.O. events, I also attend the Brigade of Guards, where I am looked after by the old Pioneer Sergeant from our Battalion, in which Brian (‘Ginna’) Hawkins was a member of the Signal Platoon. About 2 years ago, I walked into the bar at the Jesmond Freemasons’ Hall where the lunch is held and a grey haired old man stood up, supported by a walking stick. Hawkins greeted me and I learned that as well as having suffered a Stroke, he had also undergone a hip replacement, which had left him with a shortened leg. During the course of the day, he asked if I was still in touch with “Big Eric Brown”, another man from the Signal Platoon. Brown had been a very big, smart man who was in the Escort ToThe Colours in the 1959 Queen’s Birthday Parade at Horse Guards Parade, London. Hawkins asked me to take him to visit Brown at his home at Normanby near Middlesbrough and I agreed, first warning Hawkins that he must not expect to see the man he knew. Eric Brown had in fact had also suffered from a stroke and was immobile and in poor health. I made the necessary arrangements with Eric’s wife, Jan and collected Hawkins from his home in Windy Nook, Gateshead. He had two carriers with him, one of which was quite heavy. He explained that there were 2 x litre bottles of Malt Whisky in the bag – one for me and one for Eric. I remonstrated with him , but he insisted and told me that I was fulfilling an important wish on his “Bucket List”! We had a great re-union with lots of photographs that Hawkins had in the second carrier bag – even some with me on them, including the one published in the 2008 Peeler magazine. As young men we had walked tall, eating and drinking and enjoying life – now one was limping with a stick, whist the other I had to push to the pub (The Povernia) in a wheel chair! I like to think that I made two old men happy for a day and also fulfilled a wish on the “Bucket List”

P.S. I enjoyed the Whisky! George Hart ley .13th October, 2014

Page 17: 43244 durham peeler indd

 

Syndicate 300B. Newby Wiske. February 1966 to May 1966 (photo. Bill Brennan)

Back  row:                        Rod  Walker  (Leeds);  Dave  Bradshaw  (W/Yorks);  Ron  Bell  (G/head);  Chris  Handley  (Hull);                                                            Bill Brennan  (Durham)  Middle  row:            Clive  Hall  (Durham)  Trevor  Robinson  (S.Shields)  John  Guest  (Durham)  Mick  Argument  (Newcastle)                    Alan  Paley  (Durham)  John  Ellis  (W.Yorks)  Barry  Cross  (Hull)  Front  row:            Arthur  Elliott  (N/castle)  Dave  Wright  (W/Yorks)  Jan  Leigh  (Durham)  Sgt.  Ian  Hamilton  (Northumberland)                          Sonia  Olsen  (?)  John  McPherson  (N/Yorks)  John  Minto  (Newcastle)    

Durham Cadets . Adventure Training, Ullswater, Lake District. (Foot of Helvellyn)  1964 Standing ( l – r ) : Bill Lippett; Tom Tate (Instructor); Dave Hutchinson; Mark Cass,; Ed. Ross-Sercombe; Jamie Coulson ; Mick Smith; Colin Neale (Instructor). Middle row (l – r): Ted Roberts (Instructor); Harry Walton; Eric Stephenson; John Knaggs; John Hodgson; ? Clarke (Supt. Clarke’s son) Front row (l – r) : Ian Hilton; Brian Johnson; Rob. Huxford; Bill Brennan; Tony Gardner; Peter King; Chris Craggs. Happy Days at Hardwick Camp. 1964 (photo Bill Brennan) Geoff Perry, Tony Gardner(‘Modo  the  Mod’) and Brian Johnson

Durham Cadets . Adventure Training, Ullswater, Lake District. (Foot of Helvellyn)  1964 Standing ( l – r ) : Bill Lippett; Tom Tate (Instructor); Dave Hutchinson; Mark Cass,; Ed. Ross-Sercombe; Jamie Coulson ; Mick Smith; Colin Neale (Instructor). Middle row (l – r): Ted Roberts (Instructor); Harry Walton; Eric Stephenson; John Knaggs; John Hodgson; ? Clarke (Supt. Clarke’s son) Front row (l – r) : Ian Hilton; Brian Johnson; Rob. Huxford; Bill Brennan; Tony Gardner; Peter King; Chris Craggs. Happy Days at Hardwick Camp. 1964 (photo Bill Brennan) Geoff Perry, Tony Gardner(‘Modo  the  Mod’) and Brian Johnson

Durham Cadets . Adventure Training, Ullswater, Lake District. (Foot of Helvellyn)  1964 Standing ( l – r ) : Bill Lippett; Tom Tate (Instructor); Dave Hutchinson; Mark Cass,; Ed. Ross-Sercombe; Jamie Coulson ; Mick Smith; Colin Neale (Instructor). Middle row (l – r): Ted Roberts (Instructor); Harry Walton; Eric Stephenson; John Knaggs; John Hodgson; ? Clarke (Supt. Clarke’s son) Front row (l – r) : Ian Hilton; Brian Johnson; Rob. Huxford; Bill Brennan; Tony Gardner; Peter King; Chris Craggs. Happy Days at Hardwick Camp. 1964 (photo Bill Brennan) Geoff Perry, Tony Gardner(‘Modo  the  Mod’) and Brian Johnson

The Bucket List Job

by George Hartley I missed the N.A.R.P.O. Lunch on Sunday, 5th October as I was away from home, not that I eat very much these days, but I do like to meet old friends and colleagues to see how they are getting on. I have really enjoyed the Victor Brown’s stories which have been published in recent issues of the Peeler. I do believe that I may have been in the Hostel (Harewood House) Darlington when Vic was there. Do I recall something about learning to ride a bike? That was a very long time ago.

I remember sending a photograph which was published in the winter 2008 edition of the Peeler entitled “ Young Police Officers at Newby Wiske, circa 1959.” I could only name three of them: Alan Reed, myself (both Durham lads) and Brian Hawkins (Gateshead Borough). This little story is about Brian Hawkins as I knew him in another life:

As well as the N.A.R.P.O. events, I also attend the Brigade of Guards, where I am looked after by the old Pioneer Sergeant from our Battalion, in which Brian (‘Ginna’) Hawkins was a member of the Signal Platoon. About 2 years ago, I walked into the bar at the Jesmond Freemasons’ Hall where the lunch is held and a grey haired old man stood up, supported by a walking stick. Hawkins greeted me and I learned that as well as having suffered a Stroke, he had also undergone a hip replacement, which had left him with a shortened leg. During the course of the day, he asked if I was still in touch with “Big Eric Brown”, another man from the Signal Platoon. Brown had been a very big, smart man who was in the Escort ToThe Colours in the 1959 Queen’s Birthday Parade at Horse Guards Parade, London. Hawkins asked me to take him to visit Brown at his home at Normanby near Middlesbrough and I agreed, first warning Hawkins that he must not expect to see the man he knew. Eric Brown had in fact had also suffered from a stroke and was immobile and in poor health. I made the necessary arrangements with Eric’s wife, Jan and collected Hawkins from his home in Windy Nook, Gateshead. He had two carriers with him, one of which was quite heavy. He explained that there were 2 x litre bottles of Malt Whisky in the bag – one for me and one for Eric. I remonstrated with him , but he insisted and told me that I was fulfilling an important wish on his “Bucket List”! We had a great re-union with lots of photographs that Hawkins had in the second carrier bag – even some with me on them, including the one published in the 2008 Peeler magazine. As young men we had walked tall, eating and drinking and enjoying life – now one was limping with a stick, whist the other I had to push to the pub (The Povernia) in a wheel chair! I like to think that I made two old men happy for a day and also fulfilled a wish on the “Bucket List”

P.S. I enjoyed the Whisky! George Hart ley .13th October, 2014

Page 18: 43244 durham peeler indd

Letter  via    www.Durhamnarpo.org.  blog:=    Dear Editor, I was a cadet in the Cadet Training Camp (previously an Army Camp) on Durham Road, Sedgefield for 3 years before joining Durham County Constabulary and later transferring to Northumbria. I believe it was called Hardwick Army Camp and I am trying to find out more about it. Can you help? We lived in billets which were known as ‘spiders’. There were four of them, which were houses named Bede; Lambton; Neville and Hardwick. Also based there were female Police cadets and the Motor School. I can remember some of the instructors who worked there during my time.: Superintendent Clarke was in charge of the Motor School; Inspector Lowne, together with Sergeants Kath Sturrock, Derek Richardson Maurice Cody, Ted Roberts and a P.C. George Wright, affectionately known as Cassius because of his physical stature and attitude. I found some old photographs the other day which sparked this off and I wish to find out which Army Regiment occupied the camp before the Police and what subsequently happened to the site? This would have been when Mr. Alec Muir was Chief Constable, followed by Mr. Arthur (Peter) Puckering. I followed in the footsteps of my father, Norman Gaffing, who was stationed ain Durham City when the “Box” was in the Market Place, opposite the Durham Advertiser newspaper office. That must be over 50 years ago now so many of the people that worked there may no longer be with us. This research is for my own personal satisfaction and I wondered if you could help me or give some guidance as to where to look for help. Kind regards, Eric Gaffing. Well now there’s a blast from the past – I’m sure many of your ex- cadet colleagues will remember you too. There were actually TWO Army camps in Sedgefield during and after WWII. One was on the racecourse and the second at Hardwick Camp which you refer to. Can’t tell you the names of the Regiments although I understand both were transit camps. Wounded soldiers from the Scots & English Regiments – some from Dunkirk, were also cared for at the Military Hospital near Fishburn. A fuller version of this subject can be found on website Sedgefield Development Trust or search for ‘Sedgefield Newsletter May, 2011’(page 2 refers).a good read! Hardwick Camp was demolished and is now a housing estate. Alan S. Watson. Editor  First  Refresher  Course,  Plawsworth1951  Dear Editor, In the photograph in the summer, 2014 edition of the Durham Peeler, 1st Refresher Course, Plawsworth 1951. the Constable in the back row,(5th from the right) is my father, Raymond Haw Raine who was a detective at Stockton and Newton Aycliffe, before he emigrated to Queensland, Australia in 1966. He died in Bundaberg, Queensland in November, 2012.                        Ian  Raine.  Retired  Senior  Sergeant,  Queensland  Police                      ***********************************  Correcting errors from summer edition Durham Peeler.

Trouble with e mail addresses and obituary entries- (misheard on telephone) :-

i. Bob  Brown  :  [email protected]      (  not  org.  as  published)  ii. Raymond  Jones,  Vice  Chairman  Durham  NARPO  :  [email protected]    

             Iii                    .In  obituary  list  in  summer  2014  edition  please  amend    :  William  (Bill)  Drown  (Not  William  Lowne)          Just so I don’t feel too bad.  “Howler” Newspaper Headlines. “Proof reading – a dying art”  (Internet)  ‘Police  Begin  Campaign  to  Run  Down  Jaywalkers.’              ‘Man  Kills  Self  Before  Shooting  Wife  and  Daughter.  ‘  (SVG Tribune) ‘ Panda Mating Fails; Veterinarian Takes Over.’ ‘Juvenile Court to Try Shooting Defendant.’ ‘War Dims Hope for Peace.’ ‘Typhoon Rips Through Cemetery; Hundreds Dead.’ ‘Red Tape Holding Up New Bridges.’  

Page 19: 43244 durham peeler indd

Durham Constabulary Brass Band Charity Concert. Held at Mainsforth Community Centre, Ferryhill Station. Saturday, 20th September, 2014 In Aid of Grace Haven Orphanage, Burma. Letter of Appreciation from Fred Farley (19th October, 2014) What I would like, is to say “Thank You” to the band for their brilliant performance on Saturday, 20th September. I had no idea we had such talent representing Durham Constabulary. The whole evening was a real success and raised almost £1,000 for our Grace Haven Orphanage in Pyin Oo Lwin, Myanmar. (Burma) This money will help educate our children with after school tuition, vital; for that extra, needed to raise their status and prepare them for their examinations. I would like to thank the Chief Constable, Mr. Michael Barton for his help in allowing the band to perform without charging the usual fee. We now have responsibility for almost two hundred children who all require education as part of our program. Donations are always welcome to help us fulfil our mission here in Myanmar. Stop Press. (26th October):.email from Burma.. We are sending 7 of our mature students to Mandalay University for almost two months to complete their studies before their examination in late November. We have also now sent four of our mature 10 standard students to residential tuition class to boost their knowledge before taking the 10 standard examinations in March, 2015. These further education courses have been made possible because of the donation from the above social evening provided by the Durham Constabulary Band. Ma Lay & I once again extend our sincere gratitude to our sponsors. With our very best wishes Alan and our continued thanks for allowing us space in the Peeler to say thank you to all those who help us. Fred and Ma Lay Farley

Durham Constabulary Brass Band Charity Concert. Held at Mainsforth Community Centre, Ferryhill Station. Saturday, 20th September, 2014 In Aid of Grace Haven Orphanage, Burma. Letter of Appreciation from Fred Farley (19th October, 2014) What I would like, is to say “Thank You” to the band for their brilliant performance on Saturday, 20th September. I had no idea we had such talent representing Durham Constabulary. The whole evening was a real success and raised almost £1,000 for our Grace Haven Orphanage in Pyin Oo Lwin, Myanmar. (Burma) This money will help educate our children with after school tuition, vital; for that extra, needed to raise their status and prepare them for their examinations. I would like to thank the Chief Constable, Mr. Michael Barton for his help in allowing the band to perform without charging the usual fee. We now have responsibility for almost two hundred children who all require education as part of our program. Donations are always welcome to help us fulfil our mission here in Myanmar. Stop Press. (26th October):.email from Burma.. We are sending 7 of our mature students to Mandalay University for almost two months to complete their studies before their examination in late November. We have also now sent four of our mature 10 standard students to residential tuition class to boost their knowledge before taking the 10 standard examinations in March, 2015. These further education courses have been made possible because of the donation from the above social evening provided by the Durham Constabulary Band. Ma Lay & I once again extend our sincere gratitude to our sponsors. With our very best wishes Alan and our continued thanks for allowing us space in the Peeler to say thank you to all those who help us. Fred and Ma Lay Farley

Page 20: 43244 durham peeler indd

Hi Alan, I have attached a picture of my grandfather - William Lawrence Hayes, [who I was named after- minus the Lawrence]. He was born in 1888, so would be in his early twenties when the picture was taken. He was a PC in Durham Constabulary I believe prior to and during WW1. My sister tells me that he was a mounted officer, stationed at Stockton, and she believes that the stables were somewhere in Stockton High Street [or behind it]. I believe he left the Force and became a publican in the 1920s. I was wondering / hoping that you may have an idea where any record of his service etc may be, and if you could help me out. I still fondly remember my days at Darlington [1969 - 1979] before I transferred to Hertfordshire, and regularly have a peek at the Narpo web. Cheers Bill Hayes [ex PC 686] Sorry Bill, Unfortunately I cannot find anything in the Force Archives re. your grandfather This is typical of a lack of meaningful early records. Into the 1930s where only service records remaining seem to be details of a retirement on pension. In your grandfather’s case this did not apply. Nice to hear from you nevertheless – perhaps someone may have a morsel of information out there – although I think it doubtful. Alan Watson. Editor

P,C.  641  Nicholas  Clark    circa  1900  

 

Studio photograph of a young Constable Nicholas Clark circa 1900 (approx.) kindly supplied by Mrs Penny Atkinson (nee Clark) a niece of P.C. Clark.

Little  is  known  about  his  police  career  but  he  was  believed  to  have  served  in  the  Derwentside  area  for  a  couple  of  years  before  transferring  to  the  Metropolitan  Police  where  he  served  at  Bow  Street  Police  Station  briefly  before  emigrating  to  America  in  1905.  He  went  on  to  be  a  Railway  Engineer,  married  to  Sarah  (nee  Dobson)  and  believed  to  have  died  in  1963.  

Interesting  footnote.      Penelope  (Penny)  Clark    joined  Durham  County  Constabulary  in  1958,  serving  for  7.5  years.  She  was  originally  stationed  at  Hartlepool  (where  she  was  the  only  Policewoman  at  that  time),  covering  the  surrounding  Divisional  area,  Houghton  le  Spring  and  finally    Peterlee.      

 

 

P,C.  641  Nicholas  Clark    circa  1900  

 

Studio photograph of a young Constable Nicholas Clark circa 1900 (approx.) kindly supplied by Mrs Penny Atkinson (nee Clark) a niece of P.C. Clark.

Little  is  known  about  his  police  career  but  he  was  believed  to  have  served  in  the  Derwentside  area  for  a  couple  of  years  before  transferring  to  the  Metropolitan  Police  where  he  served  at  Bow  Street  Police  Station  briefly  before  emigrating  to  America  in  1905.  He  went  on  to  be  a  Railway  Engineer,  married  to  Sarah  (nee  Dobson)  and  believed  to  have  died  in  1963.  

Interesting  footnote.      Penelope  (Penny)  Clark    joined  Durham  County  Constabulary  in  1958,  serving  for  7.5  years.  She  was  originally  stationed  at  Hartlepool  (where  she  was  the  only  Policewoman  at  that  time),  covering  the  surrounding  Divisional  area,  Houghton  le  Spring  and  finally    Peterlee.      

 

 

Page 21: 43244 durham peeler indd

I  hope  these  make  you  chortle  or  at  least  raises  a  smile. Paraprosdokian (definition by Wikipedia) is a figure if speech in which the latter part of the sentence, phrase or larger discourse is surprising or unexpected in a way that causes the reader or listener to reframe or reinterpret the first part. It is frequently used for humorous or dramatic purposes. Winston Churchill loved using them! Try a few:-

“There but for the grace of God – goes God” Winston Churchill

“You can count on the Americans to do the right thing – after they have tried everything else” Winston Churchill

“If I could just say a few words… I’d be a better public speaker” Horner Simpson

“If I agreed with you, we’d both be wrong!”

“I asked God for a bike, but I know God doesn’t work that way, so I stole a bike and asked for forgiveness”

“Do not argue with an idiot; he will drag you down to his level and beat you with experience”

“I want to die peacefully in my sleep, like my grandfather, not screaming and yelling like the passengers in his car”

“A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory”

“Some cause happiness wherever they go; others whenever they go” Oscar Wilde

“When tempted to fight fire with fire, remember the Fire Department usually uses water”

“Behind the rise of every successful man stands a woman and behind the fall of every successful man is another woman”

American Highway Patrol Officers: Humorous rejoinders to protesting naughty motorists and criminals

“You know, stop light don’t come any redder than the one you just went through”

“If you take your hands off the car, I’ll make your birth certificate a worthless document”

“Relax, the handcuffs are tight because they’re new. They stretch after you wear them a while!”

“If you run you’ll only go to jail tired”

“Can you run faster than 1200 feet per second? That’s the speed of the bullet that’ll be chasing you”

“Yes sir, you can talk to the shift supervisor but I don’t think it will help. Oh, did I mention that I am the shift supervisor?”

“Yeah, we have a quota. Two more tickets and my wife gets a toaster oven”

“No sir, we don’t have quotas anymore. We used to, now we’re allowed to write as many tickets as we can”

“I’m glad to hear that the Chief (of Police) is a personal friend of yours. So you now know someone who can post your bail”

“The answer to the next question will determine whether you’re drunk or not. Was Mickey Mouse a cat or a dog?”

“Fair, you want me to be fair? Listen, fair is a place where you go to ride on rides, eat cotton candy and corn dogs and strep in monkey poop”

“You didn’t think we give pretty women tickets? You’re right, we don’t. Sign here !”

Page 22: 43244 durham peeler indd

Obituaries Durham N.A.R.P.O. – 1st May to 31st October, 2014 John  Eric  Harrison                                          77  years.    Died    17th  March,  2014                                                Coundon  

William  (Bill)  Drown                                  84  years.    Died    28th  March,  2014                                                Bedfordshire  (ex.  Durham  and  Bedfordshire))    Robert  (Bob)  Bell                                            90  years.    Died  25th  May,  2014                                                        Spennymoor    Mary  Ann  Newby                                            86  years.    Died    25th  May,  2014                                                      Durham  City  (wife  of  Bill  Newby)    Harry  Victor  Parish                                      87  years.    Died    27th  May,  2014                                        Barnard  Castle    William  Hills                                                            77  years  .    Died  15th  June,  2014                                                        Darlington    Frank  Geoffrey  Hall                                  66  years        Died  22nd  June,  2014                                                    Northumbria  (Ex.  Durham  &  Northumbria)    David  W.  Young                                              55  years.      Died  2nd  July,  2014            Durham  City    Arthur    Soppitt                                                78  year  s.    Died  7th  August,  2014            Durham  City    Eric  Alderton                  82  years.      Died  9th  August,  2014            Peterlee    Robert  Elleanor                          `                95  years        Died  10th  August,  2014                                                Bishop  Auckland    Eric  Richard  Hall                                            86    years        Died        28th  August,  2014            Darlington    Gordon  Smith                                                  71  years            Died      2nd  September,  2014            Durham    George  Robson                  88  years.          Died  18thSeptember.  2014                                Gainford    David  Hodgson                                              95  years.            Died  29th  September,  2014                              Willington    Adrian  Lacey                                                    81  years                  Died  19th  October,  2014                                        Northallerton    Marjorie  Preston                                  79  years                    Died  25th  October,  2014              Durham  (Retired  Police  Staff  H.Q.  Finance  Department)    Ronald  Bell            89?  Years                Died  27th  October,  2014                                        Sunderland  (Durham  and  Northumbria)  (Founder  member  of  the  Durham  Police  Choir  in  1948)    Audrey  Fidiam                                            86  years                Died  28th  October,  2014                                          Witton  Gilbert  (Wife  of  Jack  Fidiam)  (Retired  Police  Staff.  H.Q.  Traffic  &  Welfare  Departments)        N.A.R.P.O.  extends  their  sincere  condolences  to  those  who  have  lost  their  loved  ones.    They  will  be  forever  remembered  in  our  thoughts  and  memories  –  not  just  for  today.        We  thank  them  all  for  the  service  and  commitment  of  each  of  our  officers,  staff  and  their  supportive  loved  ones.  They  have  contributed  so  much  to  the  honour  and  achievements  of  the  service  to  the  communities  of  County  Durham    

Page 23: 43244 durham peeler indd

World War I Memorial Sculpture. “Tommy” (Officially named Eleven O One”) Created by Ray Lonsdale who said “I wanted to make a piece for the Lads who returned from the War and not just those that didn’t” This magnificent fabricated steel statue stands some ten feet tall, officially named “Eleven O One” and was originally on display on the seafront, Seaham Harbour for a three months period. The Seaham Community appreciated it so much that they raised £85,000 and purchased the magnificent masterpiece as a permanent fixture for the town. It now has pride of place on the lawn adjacent to the sea front.

Page 24: 43244 durham peeler indd

Welcome to great value car and home insuranceExclusively for NARPO members and their family

Switching

could save

you money...

we’ll pay any

cancellation fee up to

£125

NARPO members have

saved an average of £101 on insurance when switchingˆ

^Average premium savings of £101 is based on 31% of all NARPO members who provided their existing premium and switched their car / home insurance (inbound sales only) from January – May 2014.

PMGI Limited, trading as Police Mutual, is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England & Wales No. 1073408. Registered offce: Alexandra House, Queen Street, Lichfeld, Staffordshire WS13 6QS. For your security, all telephone calls are recorded and may be monitored.

Our car and home insurance is provided by Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Plc.

Call us for a quote on:0845 758 5878And discover what a difference we can make.

PMGI1599 1014

343766_PMGI1599_NARPO_Advert_1014.indd 1 06/10/2014 15:45