Spring 2013 City Police Pensioners Newsletter

SPRING 2013

PENSIONERS’ NEWSLETTER

W el f a r e U n i t City of London Police 5 Snow Hill London, EC1A 2DP

Welcome

2

Alan Francis OBE

20

Commissioner’s message

3

Tower Bridge

21

Andy Odell

4-5

The flying Commissioner

22

In Memoriam

6

New Zealand

23

Lord Mayor’s Show

7-8

Much more...

24-39

Chairman’s message

3-5

Letters

18-19

Victor Wright

20-22

Doddy’s men

23

Alan Francis OBE

24

The Senior Brigade

25-28

NARPO

29-31

6 SPRING 2013 Coronation Day 7 ISSUE 8-11 Walter Stapleton

INSIDE...

In Memoriam

MBE,QPM Snow Hill Piggies

12-13

Mick Gillet

14-17

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Welcome to the Spring 2013 issue of the Pensioners’ Newsletter. We are now fortunate enough to have three issues a year and I would like to thank everyone that has contributed with articles and/or photographs. Please keep this up as the more people that provide memories and anecdotes, the more interesting and better the read will be.

Another way to keep in touch with former friends and colleagues is the internet. There are now two websites that you can join and stay in contact: The first is the City Pensioner’s own website which can be found at www.citypensioners.co.uk This is a ‘closed’ website that non members cannot access. You will need to sign up (which is free) and after confirmation that you are a former member of the Force, you will be able to access, the Newsletter online as well as old City Police magazines and photographs. We currently have around 450 members and you can email and contact any member listed.

The second site is for the more socially active networker and can be found on Facebook. This is an ‘unofficial’ City Police Pensioner site and is run by ex DC Brian Eager. I understand that there is a high level of security on the site but I know that some people for various reasons, do not like the idea of using Facebook. If you want to take a look you will find it on Facebook under the heading ‘ The City of London Police—the square mile’ Both sites will keep you in touch with the City.

Congratulations to Belinda Harding for organising a successful Cadet reunion at the CH Rolph Hall. I have heard that it went very well and many people would like it to become a regular event.

Two photographs from the event are published below—courtesy of Ken Dodsworth.

Finally, thank you to the Commissioner and Andy Odell for ensuring the continuation of the Pensioners’ Newsletter.

Chris Pearson (Guest Editor) (Front cover cartoon—courtesy of PC Chris Berry of the Civil Nuclear Constabulary)

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CHAIRMAN’S SPRING MESSAGE I hope that everybody had an enjoyable Christmas and New Year. There are signs that the harsh winter is over and by the time you get to read this message spring might have arrived!!!

The weather affected our NARPO and COLPPA Annual General Meetings which had to be delayed until 18th April. Your Committee remains unchanged and is shown later. I thank all members of the Committee for their assistance and support during the last year especially in supporting Welfare.

The Commissioner opened the AGMs with an update on how the Force is responding to the budget reduction. This means less people but the Commissioner is confident that the Force can continue to provide a premium service. He also outlined the vision for the City Police premises.

Although some way off eventually both Snow Hill and Bishopsgate Police Stations will be closed in favour of a new build (site yet to be located) and development work at Wood Street. The Corporation has been very supportive of the need to modernise City Police premises. The Commissioner was thanked for his continued support of pensioners.

We discussed supporting Welfare, the Newsletter, the Members’ Spreadsheet, the LMS 2012 and 2013, Force support at funerals and future NARPO funded events.  Welfare - difficulties with the staffing continue with a couple of new faces who will be responding to our needs. I’ve updated the Welfare position below including contact details.  .Newsletter – I’m pleased to report that Welfare is able to continue with financial support for printing and postage of the Newsletter; there will be three editions a year approx. Easter, Summer and Christmas. We will continue to send out the Newsletter as an email attachment with hard copies being posted to pensioners who do not have an email account and/or would like a printed version. The deadlines for articles for the Summer and Christmas editions are Monday 5th August and Friday 15th November 2013 (to allow for LMS photos to be included).

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Welfare Spreadsheet – it has taken me some time to understand why some pensioners receive email messages and others don’t. I think I’ve now got it right. The below is an extract of what I’ve sent to the Corporation with a view to it being published in their Pensioners’ Newsletter.

“I wish to dismiss some of the confusion amongst pensioners over how Welfare, the National Association of Retired Police Officers (City Branch) and the City of London Police Pensioners’ Association make contact with you all. The record of all pensioners is held by the Corporation and due to data protection individual records cannot be accessed by Welfare, NARPO or COLPPA. There is a process in place for new pensioners in that upon retirement they get information from Welfare inviting them to complete a Welfare Contact Form and to join COLPPA and NARPO. Once a Contact Form is completed individual pensioner information is entered in to a Welfare spreadsheet. Each pensioner is able to state if their personal data can be made available to other members. If not, personal data is only released through Welfare with the permission of the individual concerned.

If a pensioner joins COLPPA by paying the one-off fee of £10 then this means that members will be kept up to date with email messages (sometimes letters) from either the Secretary or Chairman.

If a member also joins NARPO (City Branch) then you are entitled to attend the free events that are held throughout the year – there is an online process for this and quarterly payments are made by Pensions direct to NARPO. The Newsletter is now sent out by email to members who have an account and by post to those who do not. The only way you can receive the Newsletter is by completing a Contact Form. A Contact Form may be obtained from Welfare, andy.odell999@btinternet.com or by post from Andy Odell, Bay Tree House, West Down, Devon, EX34 8NF. You can catch up on membership at any time as there is no age limit.”  Lord Mayor’s Show 2013 – we discussed the additional expense for food incurred by NARPO as a result of attendees taking refreshment that had not been paid for. We had to rely on the licensee who handed out meals without a ticket. We are going ahead with the normal arrangement for pensioners to pay for and obtain a meal ticket in advance. The licensee will be briefed that NARPO will not cover the cost of meals not paid for so if you want a meal please pre-book (using the form in the Summer 2013 Newsletter) or pay on the day.  Force Support for Funerals – liaison between family members and the Force is initially handled through Welfare. Welfare will notify pensioners by email (if contact details have been provided and are up to date) and liaise with the Staff Office where representation by a serving member of the Force is requested. Please note that the Assistant Commissioner has said that the Force will be represented if this is requested by the family. It is essential that family member contact is made as early as possible with Welfare so that the necessary arrangements can be put in place.

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Future events – I’m pleased to report that the change to the annual programme of events is working well but your Committee is keen to receive continued feedback. The remaining events for 2013 are shown later in this Newsletter.

We all commented on how smart and professional officers of the Force looked and acted during the funeral of Margaret Thatcher. Well done for all the successful operations and events undertaken in recent months.

Andy Odell

Chairman NARPO (City Branch) and City of London Police Pensioners’ Association

Welfare As I said above there are some new faces in Welfare. If you are unaware, Welfare is now at Snow Hill Police Station (temporarily) and the contact details are: Welfare Unit, 5 Snow Hill, London, EC1A 2DP Office Tel: 0207 601 2214/2076 Mobile (Trudi Cox): 07525 409475 Email: Welfare@city-of-london.pnn.police.uk

Trudi Cox is supported by Edward Clarke who is on a six-month contract which has only just started.

Trudi.Cox@city-of-london.pnn.police.uk Edward.Clark@city-of-london.pnn.police.uk

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In Memoriam

Colleagues who have passed away since the last Newsletter. .

Ex PC 758B Mick Gillett

18th December 2012

Aged 57 years

Walter Henry Stapleton MBE,QPM

27th December 2012

Aged 96 years

Ex PS 16B Raymond Uwins

6th January 2013

Aged 82 years

Leonard Short

17th January 2013

Aged 79 years

Ex Dc 723E Francis McPherson

18th February 2013

Aged 85 years

Ex PC 645D Ronald Charles Edrupt

11th April 2013

Aged 87 years

Ex WPC 24D Jackie Simmons

18th April 2013

Ex DC 781E Derek Downing

19th April 2013

Aged 78 years

Ex Ch/Supt John Colman Linnane

4th May 2013

Aged 81 years

Ex Assistant Commissioner

Rest In Peace

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Coronation Day 1953 Fifteen of us joined the Force on or shortly after 11th April 1953. In early May we went to Eynsham Hall and later that month we were told that we were returning to the City to take part on street duties, lining part of the route for the Queens Coronation Procession to and from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey. We were to wear our No1. Uniforms.

The muster was, I think, about 5am. and was to be in Great Scotland Yard on the south side of Whitehall. London buses on private service, picked us up from prearranged places around London. I was still living at home at Herne Hill. I and many others were collected from Camberwell Green, about a 2 mile walk from home at about 4am We had no idea what, if any, arrangements for refreshments existed on what was going to be long day, so I had a small pack of sandwiches secreted in my helmet! The weather was raining and it was to remain like this for the rest of the day.

The contingent from Bishopsgate were detailed to be lining the route in Whitehall. The group that I was detailed for covered the south side from opposite the Cenotaph to a point opposite Downing Street. We marched out into Whitehall about 6am, under the command of Sergeant “Percy” Parsons. We were placed at about 5 yard intervals, behind the Royal Marines in their white blancoed helmets and blue serge uniforms, which were soon covered with long white streaks. I can recall people who had been overnight on the wet pavement saying “ You're not going to stand there are you? We won’t be able to see”. As the procession was not due for about another six hours, it was explained to them that we would not be like statues and would be moving continually a yard or two either way. We soon made friends among the visitors and were being passed sweets etc. throughout the day.

Our briefing told us that we would be taking refreshment breaks in the Metropolitan Police canteen at Cannon Row Police Station, next to the former New Scotland Yard building. My memory says that we had sufficient breaks there, although, because of the numbers involved, the refreshments consisted of free sandwiches and tea, but no hot meals.

As the procession passed, I was able to glimpse the Queen & Duke of Edinburgh. I don’t remember being told to face the crowd, although from a security point of view, that would have been the obvious thing to do. Such actions have now bee the norm for many years.

After the return procession, the crowds stated to disperse and we returned to Great Scotland Yard for dismissal, after a long, wet, but memorable first street duty without another trained officer being close at hand.

We returned to Eynsham Hall the following day to complete another 9 weeks or so of basic training, with a further 4 weeks in the School of Instruction at Bishopsgate. I apologise for any memory lapses after 60 years. I stand to be corrected.

Brian Platt.

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WALTER HENRY STAPLETON MBE, QPM

Former Assistant Commissioner Walter Henry Stapleton, MBE, QPM, passed away on 27th December 2012 aged 96 years. Walter retired in 1976 after 40 years service. His funeral service was held at on Friday 18th January 2013, at Bournemouth Crematorium.

Autobiographical Notes 1916-2012 These notes were written by Wally some 3 years ago (i.e., around 2010), in order that a record would exist of the significant milestones in his life.

Joined City of London Police on 20th Birthday 28.5.1936 and posted to ‘D’ Division at Cloak Lane.

At 9pm 8.3.41 was in basement of the station (Mess Room) when a direct hit from a German bomber destroyed a lot of the station and killed and injured several people. Was concussed and spent two weeks in hospital.

Volunteered for flying duties in RAF in April 1942, trained as a navigator in Canada and when fully trained was initially posted to Ferry Command at Montreal and after delivering two aircraft to England and one to West Africa, returned to England and posted to Transport Command flying Dakota’s carrying Paratroops and tugging gliders. When with Ferry Command survived two crashes – one on take off and one landing.

In 1944, as Flight Lieutenant, took part in ‘D’ Day landings (dropping troops at 1.10 am.) Three trips to Arnhem towing gliders and re-supplying ground troops and towed a glider for the Rhine Crossing.

Demobbed in 1946 and returned to City of London Police and resumed duties as Police Constable at ‘D’ Div.

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In 1953, after spending two years on Police Patrol Cars, was promoted and transferred to B Division, Snow Hill.

Promoted Inspector in 1956 at ‘C’ Div Bishopsgate and then in 1963 promoted to Chief Inspector and subsequently Superintendent at Snow Hill.

In 1967 posted to H.Q.’s Traffic and then in 1969 appointed the first Commander in City of London Police.

In 1971 Appointed Assistant Commissioner and retired in that rank in July 1976 after 40 years service having been awarded an MBE and QPM. On retirement spent 7 years helping “Riding For The Disabled” and teaching road safety to New Forest Pony Club Members.

From the year of retirement and the next 20 years carried out voluntary work for the Sue Ryder Foundation. .

TRIBUTES Extracts from letters received by Barbara Stapleton.

Anon “You will know from my little notes inside your Christmas cards over the past ten years that I held Wally in very high esteem.”

Dick Keating “Together with two former colleagues, I was fully intending to travel down by car from Essex but…with some extreme weather we had to abandon our journey. I so dearly wished to pay my last respects to someone who I regarded as the guardian and upholder of the City of London Police traditional values.

Wally had unbridled presence, integrity, leadership and a sense of self-discipline which helped to make the City Police a landmark force worldwide.

He served for many years in the force at the same time as my father and in latter years, when he was President and I as Chairman of the Ex-Cloak Lane Association, he regaled me with stories which, hitherto, were unknown to me. Of course, we also shared the same enthusiasm for Tottenham Hotspur football club, and his mood often reflected the results from the previous week-end fixtures.”

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.Owen Kelly – “We shall always remember him as a fine man who achieved so much in his distinguished lifetime and who it was a pleasure, honour and privilege to have known.”

John and Betty Moss – “For our part we have happy memories over the years. He was a colossus within the Force and most are soon forgotten. Not so with Wally. Expressions such as, ‘Could you imagine Wally putting up with that?’ was often the subject of conversation until the end of his life and I’m sure that will continue.”

Bill and Denise Taylor – “He was a good man who gave great service to his country and community – during wartime and as an influential police officer.

He was much loved and respected in the City and that was very evident during my happy periods in the Force. He will be missed.”

Bernard and Mollie Townsend – “… a very good boss and friend of 55 years.”

Lionel and Joan Ball – “Walter (and you of course) was such a help and encouragement to me especially in my early days of ministry to the City Police. Both of you always gave me time in spite of heavy workloads.

I know that Walter was spoken of with the greatest respect by all ranks and was greatly missed when he retired.

Thank God for men of high standing like Walter who made the City of London Police what it was in our day.”

Archibald Iain Hugh Cameron – Wally Stapleton was one of the last really experienced policemen that got to the top. What I mean by this is that he served many years in every rank and knew what policing was all about. I found him to be a very fair supervisor in my dealings with the old ‘A’ Department. May I pass to Barbara my deepest condolences on hearing this sad news.

George Giller (Ex A Group, CP6) – I committed the cardinal sin of being caught by Insp. Wally Stapleton dozing in the box on Tower Bridge. He started to give me a ‘rocket’ including the word ‘Cocky’ instead of my name. I drew myself up to my full height, looked straight at his belly button, and said, “With respect, Sir, my name is NOT Cocky.” He erupted – I thought he was going to have a heart attack – and said, “See me in my office” and stormed off.

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I later saw him in his office and received the mother of b******ings. We spoke of this many times after and, with a twinkle in his eye he’d say “I never use the word Cocky.”

A big man in many ways. One who demanded – and got – ‘Respect’. One of the best! R.I.P. Wally – the best ‘Guvnor’ I served under.

Barry Bowles (Ex-PC 469 E) – I never had any really close encounters with Wally in general terms but my outstanding memory is of when I had the pleasure – and was ‘selected’ – to drive him to the Horse of the Year Show.

What a great day I had! Wally introduced me to Harvey Smith and his, then, young son and many other show jumpers and their horses. He then disappeared after saying, “Stay here, I’ll be back later.” He eventually appeared but not until after I had toured all the stables and met all the competitors and their wonderful horses.

Wally was very good company that day and we engaged in excellent conversation. He seemed pleased, if not surprised, that I was interested in horses!

It has been a pleasure to chat with him at our Lord Mayor’s Show gatherings. He will be sorely missed. R.I.P. Dennis Bryan (Fluff) Mr Stapleton was our “group” guvner E Group CP6 from 1958 onwards in the days when the Inspector would visit every Point, Patrol and Section on the Division, together with the Section Sergeant.

On a very cold wet winter’s day he arrived at B’gate lights to find a very dry young constable sheltering under Dewhurst’s canopy wearing the then regulation overcoat and cape. “Why have I not had the honour of returning your salute, Cocker”, Wally asked? “When I was in the RAF doing my National Service we were not required to salute if we were wearing capes”, came the quick witted reply. Little did this young man know where Wally had spent his earlier years. A very fair and well respected man, a true City of London Police Officer. R.I.P.

A message from Barbara Stapleton.

I would, most sincerely, like to thank everyone who has been in touch personally and by telephone, letter or e-mail, for the messages of condolence and support after the death of my dear husband, Wally. The common theme of all these messages has been the high regard in which he was held by all ranks during his years of dedicated service in the City of London Police. I am truly thankful that his character and nature were honoured and respected by all who knew him.

Barbara Stapleton

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Snow Hill Admin Luncheon Club December 2011 – March 2013 My apologies for the lateness of this letter but I was a shade late for the Christmas issue.

“The Piggies” were started way back in 1972 and to this date we continue to thrive. Over the past eighteen months we have had the pleasure in welcoming, Judy Redford, Steph Whitefield, Ian Harrison, Dave Smith and Mike Treblecook to our lunches. It was good to see them and hear some fresh yarns, especially those from Judy and Steph who were able to shock even the broadminded of us, we await Part2!

Our supported charities were Macmillan Cancer Support, British Heart Foundation, Little Haven Children’s Hospice and Cancer Research UK and the Members continue to give most generously .

Our donations for the year came to £873.00, bringing the grand total donated to £8,953.

On behalf of all the charities I would like to thank all the members for their continued support.

Why not join us I would like to extend a warm welcome to all retired City Officers, no matter which division you were stationed at. The lunches are a special way of meeting old friends and colleagues, enjoying good food, excellent wines and beers, humour in the City Police tradition, and at the same time giving an enormous amount of help to some very worthwhile charities.

The lunches are held four times a year at “Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese” Fleet Street, Attendees : Dave Ashley, Bob Ashton, Ian Bartlett, Eddie Botham, Harry Bastable, Fluff Bryan, Sam Coster, John Cubbon, Ken Dodsworth, Jim Foran, Alan Francis, Lionel Godfrey, Tony Herbert, John Lancaster, Eric Lock, Colin McIntosh, Alan Maclennan, John McLeod, Peter Miller, John Ormes, Ernie Plum, Wally Unitt, John Rew, Tony Wallis, Brian Whittington, Stan Wiseman, Judy Redford, Steph Whitefield, Ian Harrison, Dave Smith, Mike Treblecook, Tony Long, John Maclean, Mike Surgett, Robin Francis, Mike Coles, Mike Kenney

Mike Surgett Hon. Secretary.

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Snow Hill Admin Luncheon Club

Provisional dates 2013 Tuesday 4th June 2013 Tuesday 3rd September 2013 Tuesday 3rd December 2013 For any further information please contact me on my mobile or email address.

Mobile: 07939499905 email: mike.f.surgett@ntlworld.com

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Michael 'Gumby' Gillet

By Adrian 'Tubby' Isaac Michael Joseph Gillet was born on 29th May 1955 in Liverpool. He was brought up by his adopted parents Vincent and Veronica together with his sister Barbara in Crosby.

He was an Altar Boy (yes, if only we had known earlier!) and was enrolled in the TA when a teenager by his Mum, to keep him out of trouble.

Unfortunately Mick lost his Mum to Breast Cancer when he was 15 and not long after he moved with his Dad and sister to Wickford, Essex, when his Dad remarried.

He joined the City of London Police in 1975 and after completing his probation took a career break, travelling extensively in Europe and Asia, with colleagues Steve Jarman and Mick Thwaites. His travels came to an end whilst working in Iran for an American Oil Company, when he was taken prisoner during the overthrow of the Shah of Iran. He eventually made his way back to England and waited to rejoin the COLP. On his return he was assigned to uniform duties at Wood Street and Snow Hill divisions which he did for 5 years.

In 1984 he joined the Traffic Division as a motorcyclist/Vehicle Examiner before moving to the Surveillance Team in 1992 as a plain clothes motorcyclist .

In 1988 Mick married Sandra in Scotland and subsequently moved to Sidcup. They separated in 1998.

One of my favourite Mick stories is that when waiting for his wedding ceremony in Scotland, he decided to take some time out in a local public house. Sitting at the bar he could hear two local ladies discussing their evening out. The first girl asked the second how her date had gone, to which she replied, "it was ok but he spent most of the evening growling at me badger." Now Mick wasn't up on local dialect but as you can imagine took great delight on his interpretation of it.

In 1998 he returned back to Uniform duties at Snow Hill Division, revelling in his role as the area car driver and showing the youngsters how it was done. His calm assessment and way of dealing with whatever came his way influenced a new generation of police officers. His 'instant justice', or 'words of wisdom' will be remembered by all lucky enough to be present when delivered.

In late December 1998 Mick crossed paths again with Bridget, who he had first met way back in 1976 when she joined the COLP together with Christine (Lush to most people who know her) when they all lived together in Golden Lane Section House. They soon all became friends and eventually went their separate ways, marrying fellow officers and having families, but never lost that bond.

That first night they met up again in the Watling pub, the whole evening was filled with tales of the “old days� and was full of laughter. The rest, as they say is history. It was obvious to anyone who spent time in their company over the past 14 or so years that they really were soul mates. He had finally met someone who could deal with his sharp wit and remarks and reply in a similar fashion!

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In 2000 Mick took the most influential step of his career by joining the CO11 Public Order Intelligence Unit, carrying out overt and covert observations on groups and individuals involved in the planning of major demonstrations and violence at London Football Matches. This led to Mick being seconded to the Metropolitan Police in 2002, where he was involved in investigating animal rights, white powder crime, activists from Fathers for Justice and environmental based crime.

As part of his role Mick became an Identification and Repatriation of Disaster Victims Officer (DVI). These skills were put to use following the Turkish Embassy bombings in 2003, the Palestinian Bus Crash and the London Bombings of July 7th 2005.

From December 2004 to January 2006 he dealt with the aftermath of the Thailand Tsunami. He spent three months in Thailand as the UK Police Liaison Officer dealing with the process of victim identification and their subsequent repatriation. On the occasion of the July London Bombings he was in charge of one of the Mortuary Teams involved in the identification of those people who lost their lives.

In 2006, due to his knowledge of Animal Rights and Environmental Activists, Mick was seconded to the newly formed National Domestic Extremism Team at the Home Office where he remained until his retirement in 2007.

Like all of us Mick was never happier than when moaning about the job, but like us all his best times were in the job. His closest friends and major life experiences all came from being in the job and it was only when reflecting on this did he really appreciate what his career had meant to him.

Mick loved both watching and playing sport, whether it was his beloved Liverpool FC , rugby or golf, he would be in it heart and soul.

He was a talented footballer (and as a lad had trialled for Everton no less) but found his true calling when he started playing rugby for the City of London Police, as well as Sidcup and Saracens. Uncompromising on and off the pitch, it didn't prevent him gaining many lifelong friends. He talked with pride about those days and the people he played with.

When he finally stopped playing Rugby Mick took up Golf and soon it became his passion. He joined Redlibbets Golf Club and the City of London Police Golfing Society where he became an integral member, especially on memorable tours of France and Scotland where he came into his own. (Fines Master etc - enough said - what goes on tour stays on tour!!)

Just before his retirement from CoLP, he and Bridget moved to Pembrokeshire in Wales, which proved to be an inspired choice of location for them both. He joined the magnificent Tenby Golf Club where his talents for organisation and fun were soon discovered. He played with the 'Rabbits' section, becoming their Vice Captain, Captain and Secretary within 4 years. As was typical of him his weekly golf report in the local paper was eagerly anticipated by the members involved, however unflattering (but funny) his remarks.

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.Just before his retirement from CoLP, he and Bridget moved to Pembrokeshire in Wales, which proved to be an inspired choice of location for them both. He joined the magnificent Tenby Golf Club where his talents for organisation and fun were soon discovered. He played with the 'Rabbits' section, becoming their Vice Captain, Captain and Secretary within 4 years. As was typical of him his weekly golf report in the local paper was eagerly anticipated by the members involved, however unflattering (but funny) his remarks.

Mick was struck down very suddenly by this savage illness but never lost his sense of humour, even when he contracted the Nova Virus whilst in hospital for a CT Scan. With an already weakened immune system, the cancer took hold much quicker than it ordinarily should have. Throughout his fight for life he constantly received wonderful support from his beloved Bridge, Kate, family and friends.

As with most things in his life he took it head on, but called on the friendships he had made to sustain him through some dark days. It was friends visiting which brought the light back to his eyes. He would suddenly hold court, regaling tales which would obviously end up by sending one of them up, much to everyone's delight. His dear friend Gayle Travell (Morgan) was fighting her own battle with this awful disease and he would always take time out to send her a text or call to say hello, just to make sure she knew that he was thinking of her and willing her to fight and not give up hope.

We all remember the uncompromising, belligerent, funny and often cutting remarks he would regularly come out with. But few were ever let into the 'inner circle' where the true nature of the man was revealed. He didn't suffer fools gladly and to be in this circle meant earning his trust and respect, not easily given. (As a Welshman in England playing rugby, it took me 12 years to be on speaking terms!)

Before he died Mick wanted above all else to ensure that Bridget was looked after . Although always insisting that he would marry her when she was 60 (typical Mick) he realised that this was no longer an option. They tied the knot on Friday 30th November 2012 in a beautiful ceremony amongst those most dear to them. Although very weak and frail and however bittersweet the day, no tears were allowed...only smiles and laughter were the order of the day!

He absolutely doted on my kids and they adored their 'Uncle Mick'. He was a loving husband to his beloved Bridget, a caring and thoughtful brother to elder sister Barbara and a caring and loving stepfather and “Dad 2� to Kate. He was a true and loyal friend to 'the circle of trust' who could rely on him totally (you know who you are).

Many were fortunate to spend time with Mick and it was never dull. To be able to call him my friend is something I will always hold dear - it was my privilege to know him.

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Luckily Mick’s illness was short, as he only really started feeling unwell in September 2012. He was advised that he had inoperable pancreatic cancer on October 5th and being the very proud man he always was, he dealt with the news with courage and dignity. He didn’t want to spend more time in hospital than he needed to and with the help of Bridget, daughter Kate and their very dear friend Lush, he was able to spend his last weeks at home . His sense of humour never left him and he was totally overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity shown to him by his friends , neighbours and former colleagues. Mick died on Tuesday 18th December 2012 aged 57 years. A gentleman, he was taken from us too soon and will be truly missed.

Bridget wished to thank all those who sent messages to them both while Mick was ill, and for all the messages of sympathy received since his passing. A huge heartfelt thank you must go to all those friends and former colleagues who made the pilgrimage to West Wales for the funeral.

Seeing so many people at the church from the various stages in Mick's life brought much needed comfort.

The wake will never be forgotten by all those in attendance or indeed the locals who had never seen anything quite like it. The little village church will most probably never see 150 people sit (and stand) for a funeral again, and are still talking about “those coppers from London” coming to town!

The only way I can describe it is that Mick would have revelled in it!

Bridget would welcome anyone who would wish to contact her to do so on the address below: mailto:faggotsandpeas@msn.com or via the City Police Pensioners website.

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LETTERS .Hello Chris This may be of interest to those re arranging the make up of the City. In 1983 the only thing the reorganisation achieved was to cost a great deal of money, (the alteration of the uniforms, the buildings internally to accommodate the extra men, the fees/wages paid to the 'experts' used to devise the change etc), caused a down turn in the moral of the divisional City Cops and didn't improve the prevention nor detection of crime, regardless of what any statistician may prove. And the savings???

Regarding the PS's at the end of the letter. The first one was written with tongue in cheek, the second referred to 'incomers' - sorry about that if you're one of them. 'Incomers' were thought to be the saviour of policing - no matter where they came from - they were wonderful because they had worked in another force. An inspector/superintendent whether Uniform or CID from the wilds of Norfolk, Cambridge or Somerset or even some of the bigger towns there, had lots of experience in poaching, foot and mouth and night soil removal, but this City is totally different and what may have worked there rarely works here. What good did the alterations achieve?

I once, a long time ago, had to explain to a group of sergeants from 5 district (what's that?) the difficulties in policing and the detection of crime between the City and a county force. They were gobsmacked. I expect they will still be. High viz jackets!!!!!!! The Met used to have blackened helmet plates for night duty!!!!!

I will now go back to teaching Victor Meldrew how to be a grumpy old man!

Regards John Ormes

Dear Chris, Just to add to the item in Alan Francis’ letter in the Christmas Newsletter.

My father, Bert Platt, was a sergeant at Bishopsgate throughout the war. Duties, were, I believe, on a 3 shift system. He often did 8 hours duty on Tower Bridge, and as Sergeant was often in the office on the Bridge. It was ,indeed, situated in the south arch, east side, at ground level. As a schoolboy in the war, I occasionally cycled from our home in Herne Hill to the Bridge, where I ate a massive cooked breakfast and drank gallons of tea! I seem to remember a high desk for the Sergeant, on a smaller scale to those in the Nicks in my time.

Several things occur to me, to which I do not know the answer. I should have asked Bert when he was alive. The room(s) must have included a toilet. Plans must exist to show the layout at that time. I think the bascules were raised at night in case of air raids. How did officers on the North side get to the office when relieved? Was there access below the river or across the top? Either way would entail descending and mounting many stairs.

Page 19

Were supplies for meals brought by van for each shift? Was the muster at CP6 or at the Bridge?

There were times in the fifties when the bridge was closed and we were taken by the usual van first to the North Side, then via London Bridge to the South side. Our usual venue for the indulgence break in those days was Tower Bridge Police Station canteen.

Colleagues of that era will remember the bridge being temporarily closed at nightly, for a few minutes, so that staff could grease the flaps between the bascules and the roadway. On one occasion a 78 bus failed to stop and was left stationary on the the bascules with the bridge rising.! The raising was stopped before anything major happened.

Sincerely Brian Platt

More Cadet Pics from Ken Dodsworth

Page 20

Memories

By Victor Wright

You may not remember me – although I was the model for your retirement silver statute. I joined our Premier Force on the 23rdNovember 1953. Much to the concern of the instructors at Eynsham Training College, our training school at Bishopsgate and the Officers serving at ‘C’ Division. For I was just the minimum height and weight, everyone seemed to tower above me and when detailed for cycle patrol I was obliged to lower the saddle to enable my feet to reach the pedals; so I always carried a spanner. However on reading Peter Rowe’s excellent review of Sir Arthur Young’s achievements in particular to the establishment of the cadets and recruitment, I can understand why I fortunately made the grade. I had served my two years National Service in the Royal Navy starting as an Ordinary Seaman, becoming a Midshipman and ending sub lieutenant.

No 1 Dress uniform - roof of Bishopsgate Police Station. Princess Margaret's wedding day 6th May 1960

I enjoyed my work from day one at ‘C’ division and gradually my colleagues began to understand me and stopped ‘taking the mick’. Soon I was a member of the team and made many friends. I found the seven-week duty roster, the weather and dealing with the public no problem. One morning muster I was detailed for duty at the junction of Gracechurch Street and Fenchurch Street. On dismissal I made my way to the junction, upon arrival a voice boomed out “I’ve never seen anything like it!" I turned and there was a sergeant (6’4” of course).

“Do you know how many people you have spoken to or have acknowledged since leaving the station?”

“No sergeant”, I replied.

“Eighty – six and you have been here only three months."

That was me, I met some very interesting people.

In the winter edition of our newsletter, Mr Alan Francis states; “We have all got a soft spot for and stories to tell about Tower Bridge.” – Well, one very hot summer – (I think I had just completed my probationary two years).

I mustered for duty at 10:45pm and was detailed to patrol the north Bascule Arch and approach of Tower Bridge, taken as usual together with the officer detailed for the Southside by van. It was extremely warm but there was a slight breeze to be found when standing on the northern bascule. The water level of the Thames was very high and there were many tugs, barges and smaller steam vessels passing under the bridge in both directions, I found it quite interesting to see how they navigated, there being so much movement on the river.

Usually at about 1am the duty patrolling inspector and/or sergeant drove to the bridge to see if all was well and the driver gave us the tip by dipping his lights on approach. This morning, however, they had walked up. I went up to meet them, saluted and reported “Northside all correct sir." The inspector then said, “Who are you?" I replied PC481C sir." He then asked for my name, I give my full name, he then enquired as to what police force was I attached, how long I had been in the police, how long was I staying on the bridge and where was I going at the end of my tour.

Page 21

I explained I had been in the force two years and would be relieved of my post at 2am and together with the officer on the Southside would be taken back to the station for a break. By this time I was beginning to sweat. He then asked if I meant, Liverpool Street Railway Station and to whom would I report. I replied it would Bishopsgate Police Station. He responded, “Well in that case when you return to Bishopsgate you must report to the front office.”

At 2am the van collected us and I duly reported myself to the station officer who immediately started to question me again. After about ten minutes he gave me instructions to go to the washroom and look in the mirror before going to the canteen or mess room. I obeyed and upon looking in the mirror I saw a perfectly black face and ears reflected, only my eyes and teeth were white. I had been blackened by the smoke issuing from the funnels of the many vessels passing under the bridge – much to everyone’s amusement.

During the winter months, dances with a jolly five-piece band would be held in the muster room and also a large Christmas party for the children and orphans of police families would be arranged and I became involved in decorating the room. The first theme was Halloween. Utilising the wires that crossed the ceiling (which were used to suspend extra lighting over the boxing ring when a tournament was held,) a large spiders web with giant spider in the centre. White sheets from the single men’s quarter were lent by the housekeeper George Rackstraw, draped around the walls and given black spooky eyes, hands and mouths made from card.

I became committed for the future. I have a few pictures of my work but usually when the various projects were completed I was too tired to think about picture taking, regretfully.

Most times I used materials that were being discarded i.e. large white polystyrene shapes from packing boxes to build Gotham City for the Batman themed Christmas party. The ends of rolls of white unprinted newspaper from Fleet Street for the ice cavern where Father Christmas stored all his presents. Cardboard shirt boxes from gentleman's’ outfitters for lanterns. Cardboard rolls from the end of carpet rolls from Houndsditch warehouse for the palm trees on Treasure Island. The parents were not allowed to stay with their children; they were directed to the bar. The organisers were dressed according to the theme I had built such as Cowboys & Indians, Pirates for men, sarongs and grass skirts for Treasure Island.

A hot day on Tower Bridge 1955 Later we had a recruitment exhibition, which seemed quite successful and later built a much larger exhibition at the Royal Exchange. The year Neil Armstrong landed on the moon, Apollo II was portrayed as a giant centrepiece of City of London Police, a blue lantern inverted and standing on four framed supports – high enough to allow the public to walk under and throwing out two thousand watts of blue light.

Always I had great support from Ray Holland and Bill Goyder. The planning and production of all the smaller items I constructed at home when off duty. I understand that there are some pictures on view together with models of the float we built for the Lord Mayors show in the Museum at Bishopsgate on Fridays. For information contact Sabine Thornton, Force Records and Property Manager at Bishopsgate Police Station.

Page 22

I served for fifteen years at ‘C’ Division and on promotion to Sergeant, was transferred to the Registry at Headquarters, 26 Old Jewry; to replace the sergeant who would be retiring after twenty-two years in the post, in three weeks time. A month later the constable announced that he also would be retiring in six weeks time. The first replacement constable, after a few months felt that the Registry was not for him. The second replacement retired from the force after several months. Boy oh boy! Was I missing my home division. Then, Chief Superintendent Stone contacted me and informed me he was sending PC 415C Wakeling and he would assist me. He did and gradually we made sense of it all including the, twenty-two years of files and papers in the basement.

I retired 23rd November 1983. Now nearly thirty years later I look back rather proud to have served in the City of London Police and reflect on the comradeship and friendship I experienced during my service.

Eynsham Hall Police Training College, January 1954. Victor Wright - Shortest of the four boys in the back row

Page 23

Doddy’s men.

Two photographs from Ken Dodsworth’s private collection. The top picture was taken during a visit to the Guinness Brewery in the early 1960’s. The second is a ‘C’ Group reunion at Snow Hill in the mid 1970’s. Sadly a few of the faces no longer with us.

Ken says he will give you Ernie Plumb for starters, as he hasn’t got any older! But can you name the others?

Ken has promised to stand the person with most correct answers to a beer at the next Lord Mayor’s Show (now there’s a first!).

Page 24

City Memories My local hairdresser, where I have been going for ‘short back and sides’ for a number of years, surprised me on my last visit by saying that he was on a career move and now studying ‘the knowledge’. I wished him well.

For twenty minutes we had an enjoyable intensive chat in the form of a quiz. He knew the London Stone and Great St Thomas Apostle (Knowledge testers’ questions) but I hope I didn’t unduly show off by asking about Hanging Sword Alley and Wrestlers’ Court. I returned to his shop to give him a book on the City of London and next time will ask him about St Andrews Street and St Andrews Hill.

Those names will never leave us. I assume Pemberton Row, Printer Street and Love Lane are still there...the City looks like a building site at times.

My 24 year old grandson has been working in the City (shipping) and his firm asked him to go to Singapore – shipping is big there. So he invited me to an early Saturday farewell breakfast on the 40th floor of the new Heron Tower in Bishopsgate. We looked down on the ‘Gherkin’. I was very impressed with the scenery and I’m not excluding the young smart well-trained waitresses who were attentive. Looking at the beloved City from the top of this tower the oblique angle of view made it very difficult to identify the streets below. So on the one hand I was naming streets to the hairdresser with the inability to do so from Heron Tower! The City looks very scruffy from above – not a pretty sight.

I remember Princess Marina, Duchess of Kent, opening the new dual-carriageway London Wall in 1959 but the adjacent bomb sites remained for ages until Barbican was rebuilt. Docklands, and the high quality buildings there will have caused a lot of the ‘City’ to have moved East. I recommend a visit to Heron Tower for breakfast but be prepared to realise just how old the City has become when viewed from above. And the new generation of waitresses are lovely.

Alan Francis OBE Petts Wood

Cripplegate before the rebuilding of the Barbican.

Page 25

‘ T H E S E N I O R B R I GA D E ’

80 or over on 21st June 2010

Age

Pensioned

Rank

William

Gallafent

94

31/08/76

PS 93E

Philip

Coppack

92

30/05/78

Det Chief Supt

Eric

Ellwood-Wade

91

28/04/75

Ch/Insp

Frederick

Butterfield

90

01/06/76

PS 75C

Sidney

Smith

90

02/10/79

Ch/Supt

George

Fell

90

04/10/82

PC 172B

Cyril

Breeze

89

17/09/79

PC 658D

Stanley

Geale

89

01/07/77

Insp

Kenneth

Short

88

10/05/76

Ch/Supt

John

Aitken

88

23/12/76

PC 274B

Ernest

Jordan

88

03/09/79

PC 678D

Marcus

Kirkwood

87

21/11/84

Det Ch/Supt

John

Leppard

87

01/11/82

Det Ch/Insp

Donald

Bull

86

01/03/78

Insp

Gordon

Muffett

86

13/06/83

PS 104C

John

Thacker

86

04/07/77

PC 477B

Charles

Torrance

86

06/02/78

PC 606D

Gerald

Wallace

86

06/02/87

Det Insp

Leslie

Hollett

86

03/09/79

DC 458E

William

Webster

86

21/02/77

DS 912E

Ronald

Enston

85

17/08/83

DS 921E

Ronald

Scriven

85

05/11/73

PS 78E

David

Pronger

85

05/09/83

PC 644E

Ernest

Jones

85

01/03/78

PS 108E

Page 26

‘ T H E S E N I O R B R I GA D E ’ c o n t i n u e d

80 or over on 21st June 2010

Age

Pensioned

Rank

Donald

Smith

85

29/02/84

Ch/Supt

Robert

Wilson

85

18/02/84

PC 445E

Leonard

Wilson

84

28/02/83

DS 904E

Andrew

Graham

84

05/10/83

PC 420C

Albert

Garry

84

22/12/84

PC 237E

Edward

Hughes

84

14/09/83

PS 94D

Stanley

Roberts

83

01/09/83

PC 453E

Douglas

Cooper

83

01/10/87

PC 411E

Peter

Emeny

83

01/12/82

DS 939E

Michael

Golden

83

28/01/85

DC

Derek

Hall

83

21/05/79

DS

Angus

Thomas

83

Roy

Barron

83

24/09/84

PS 99C

Dennis

Pratt

83

20/01/86

PS 79E

James

Miller

83

28/01/85

PS 61E

Ernest

Thomson

83

29/10/84

DCI

Ronald

Westgate

83

29/10/84

PC 192E

Ron

Buckland

83

14/11/83

Ch/Insp

Alan

Francis OBE

83

01/02/78

Ch/Supt

Roy

Bender

82

Anthony

Batson

82

Brian

Cramp

82

23/07/84

PC 452E

Royston

Elsey

82

18/03/85

D/Supt

Page 27

‘ T H E S E N I O R B R I GA D E ’

80 or over on 21st June 2010

Age

Pensioned

Rank

Roland

Gilbert

82

10/06/85

PC 640E

Eric

Newton

82

01/07/78

Insp

Terrance

Sandy

82

05/09/83

Ch/Insp

Lionel

Seymour

82

06/08/82

PC 125C

Joseph

Allen

82

Royston

Davis

82

Eric

Gladman

82

Brian

Fisher.

82

Alan

Holverson

82

Clive

Jackson

82

James

Mason

82

Francis

McAfee

82

Thomas

Morgan

82

Harry

Rafferty

82

Keith

Thomasson

82

.

PS

David

Wallace

82

.

.

Jack

White

82

Ralph

Harrison

81

Thomas

Simpson

81

Insp

Many congratulations to the ‘new’ boys who have recently made the senior ranks!!!

Page 28

‘ T H E S E N I O R B R I GA D E ’

80 or over on 21st June 2010

Age

Peter

Rowe

81

Davis

Sparkes

81

Joseph

Heathorn

81

Bernard

Townsend

81

Harold

Minshull

81

Allingson

Webber

81

.Dennis

Rouse

81

Thomas

Bevan

81

Anthony

Brady

81

Alan

De’cort

81

Owen

Kelly

81

Frank

Wood

80

Peter

Ray

80

Robert

Fowlie

80

Dennis

Harrison

80

Chester

Hawkes

80

Raymond

Holland

80

Frederick

Jolley

80

Wallace

Unitt

80

Hywell

Williams

80

Victor

Wright

80

Neville

Jordan

80

Pensioned

Rank

Supt

Commissioner

Ch/Supt

PC

Please accept . my apologies for . all Senior Brigade members without Pension dates and rank listed. I have asked for this information, but the Pensions Office don’t seem able to supply it.

CP

Page 29

.

Dates for your Diary—please not the changes.

All events are subject to alteration but here is the list for 2013

Tuesday 14th May Bosworths Tea Rooms Finchingfields Essex Tuesday 11th June Tea shop Deal Tuesday 9th July Luncheon at Chigwell Thursday 15th August, Committee meeting (committee members only) Tuesday 8th October Sands Bistro Southend Saturday 10th November Lord Mayors show

Regards, Phil Gilbert

Page 30

NARPO & COLPPA

Your Committee (NARPO & COLPPA) for 2013/2014 is: Andy Odell (Chairman)

andy.odell999@btinternet.com

Ron Friend (Vice Chairman)

ron.rsfriend@btinternet.com

Phil Gilbert (Secretary)

phillip.a.gilbert@btopenworld.com

John Lancaster

johnplancaster@tinyworld.co.uk

Harry Bastable

harry@bastable7.freeserve.co.uk

John Rew

johnrew@cwctv.net

Derek Coster

tin90der@btinternet.com

Vic Benson

vic.benson@talktalk.net

Lionel Seymour

daphne.seymour@tiscali.co.uk

Anne Lancaster

Anne.Lancaster@barclayscapital.com

Ken Dodsworth

kendodsworth713@btinternet.com

John MacLean

johnmaclean719@yahoo.co.uk

Suzie Webb

suzypwebb@aol.com

Dennis Bryan

bardenbryan@talktalk.net

Mick Lee

michael.lee466@ntlworld.com

Page 31

RESTRICTED

CONTACT DETAILS 2013 (please supply as much information as possible): Title

.......................................................................................

Forename

..............................................................................

Surname

................................................................................

D.O.B.

....................................................................................

Rank/Collar Number ..................................................................

Pension Number ........................................................................

Address

...................................................................................

Town/Postcode ....................................................................................

Telephone Number (Home).........................................................

Telephone Number (Mobile) ........................................................

Fax Number

.............................................................................

Email address .............................................................................

If married/date of marriage............................................................

Next of Kin / partner/ spouse ......................................................

Date Joined .................................................................................

Date Retired ..................................................................................

Rank at retirement..........................................................................

Previous service history if applicable............................................. ............................................................. ....................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................

Please return this sheet to: Welfare Unit, 5 Snow Hill, London, EC1A 2DP Email: Welfare@city-of-london.pnn.police.uk Occasionally other retired members ask us for contact details of retired colleagues/friends.

Please indicate if you wish this information withheld YES/NO Please indicate if you contributed to Flint House during your service. YES/NO