Summer newsletter 2016

SUMMER 2016 www.citypensioners.co.uk

The Summer issue.

Life after the job.

Chairman’s message Stressed out

2-3 4-5

Frank meets his Waterloo 14-16 Big Al Francis

16

Remembrance

5

The New Museum

17-18

Finchingfield Massive

6

Bones and Rob Gerrard

19

In Memoriam

7

Money, money, money!

20

The CID

8

More Luncheon pics

21

Value for Money?

9

Police Mutual

22

Planning ahead

10

The Senior Brigade

23-26

Notification of death

11

NARPO & COLPPA

27

The Warren

12

LMS

28

Summer Luncheon pics

13

And more!

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I read a post on a social media site recently, that was written by a former colleague in the City of London Police. He said that although he had only spent 5 years in the City (his first 5) and the subsequent 23 years in another Force (the Force from which he retired), he still feels more affinity with the City Police and thinks of himself first and foremost as a City Officer.

I think this says a lot about the Force and the lasting impact that it has on officers lives. The City of London Police is a unique Force and the majority of us that have served for any amount of time, always look back with fondness, proud to have been a part of the City.

Even in retirement, the connection continues with COLPPA, NARPO, Ex CID Association, The Summer Luncheon, various ‘Seaside Tea’ meetings, LMS, The Pensioners website, Facebook and of course the Newsletter. Please keep on sending letters and photos for publication. We can only keep in touch if you provide the information to be circulated. On that note, can members of the ‘Senior Brigade’ please let me know if any of your details are incorrect. Also, if you would like your real age to be updated correctly, can you send me your date of birth, as sometimes I have to make it up!

Best wishes for the Summer, Chris Pearson (Guest Editor)

CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE First may I thank all those people who sent messages via social media and personally wishing me well as the new Chairman of COLPPA & NARPO. One in particular raised a smile - it said 'who thought a bandy legged old mounted man would be our new Chairman'; I did have words with this person and pointed out they are more bowed than bandy , no names mentioned but thank you Jean.

On Saturday 25th June, I attended the Summer Lunch at the magnificent Apothecaries' Hall with approximately 100 City Police widows and widowers and their guests. The weather was again very kind to us starting with the usual reception in the Courtyard where many old acquaintances were renewed.

We were honoured by the attendance of three senior officers, Mr Ian Dyson Commissioner, our new Assistant Commissioner Mr Alistair Sutherland and our new Commander Operations, Mr. Richard Woolford together with Barbara Giles, head of HR. We also welcomed John Hussey who gave the Grace for the Lunch and Taiwo Olaiya, our Force Wellbeing Officer.

Our Ex CID Association was represented by Bob McIntosh and Graham Watson and we also had uniformed constables from the City who gave us an insight into the new technology being used today.

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Following an excellent Lunch in the Great Hall, Mr Dyson outlined the future developments in the City Police. His message was a very positive one, with the City taking a global lead in fraud and economic crime with links to major financial cities around the world. A number of new firearm officers are to be recruited due to the increasing terrorism in the country and around the world.

The ring of steel is to be upgraded with the use of panoramic cameras with substantial economic outlay.

Wood Street is to be closed to allow a total revamp with the possibility of a new tower to be included In five to seven years time the City will occupy only Wood Street with the HQ in Guildhall Yard East. In the meantime Bishopsgate and Snow Hill will be utilised and the Mounted Branch will be stabled temporarily at the H.A.C. with a view to providing them with a permanent base due to the high profile and public confidence in them. He also highlighted that fraud and cybercrime was costing the country in the region of £189 billion pounds a year and rising.

After the Commissioner's enlightening talk about the City, a vote of thanks was given to Anne Lancaster for all her hard work in the organisation of the lunch along with the help of support staff of the City of London Police; also to the Apothecaries Company for their continued support.

After the lunch I mentioned to Anne that I still had in my possession a number of pensioners newsletters, some dating back to March 1958 when my Dad retired from the City. Two of which I think need a mention. In June 1959 an ad for recruiting appeared.

'We are in need of good candidates for the force, ages nineteen to thirty years, minimum height 5ft 11ins. Pay on appointment £510 per annum rising to £570 after two years service, and £695 after nine years service. In addition the present allowances are excellent, viz, Rent Allowance for married Constables is now £3-2-6d (maximum) also a London allowance of £20 a year and a boot allowance of three shillings weekly .

If you happen to know any likely young men who are in need of a good job, please refer them to this office.

Cadets too are needed, minimum height five feet nine and a half inches, ages sixteen and a half to nineteen years. Young men who have reached the age of seventeen and a half years will be provided with free accommodation in one of the station houses if required.'

Another one which is relevant to plans for the City Police published in the December 1963 issue is as follows.

‘You may be interested to know that the cost of the new City Police Station at Wood Street

by Love Lane has reached two and a quarter million pounds! The reinforced concrete structure which will be faced with Portland Stone has risen to ground floor level, twelve floors to go!' After fifty years more regeneration?’

The newsletters at this time were produced by A.E.TREVES (INSP) known to all as BERT, a stalwart of the P.M.A.S. with a wonderful memory of officers' rank and numbers.

Finally a thank you to Ken Dodsworth for standing in as our photographer for the lunch as Alison our usual photographer has now retired from the Force and was unable to attend - some photos are reproduced later in the Newsletter.

Enough from me, it just remains for me to thank all the people that help in producing our newsletter and Committee members for their help in my first few months of my Chairman's role.

John Maclean

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Stress in Policing?

By Owen Kelly QPM

It is generally accepted that by its very nature policing is a stressful occupation. Over a 40 year career I had my share. Like most officers it ranged from being forced into unavoidable confrontations in arresting suspects, controlling violent public demonstrations and riots, being investigated for unfounded complaints of being a perjurer, racist, or worse, made as defence ploys to secure acquittals at court and many other things including workload stress.

I have been asked what was my most stressful moment. Without doubt that was while I was Commissioner of the City of London Police from 1985 to the end of 1993. At that time the Commissioner was (and probably still is) also a High Table Officer of the Corporation and at ceremonial and State occasions expected to take part in processions and play a diplomatic role with the VIP guests.

As is still the case, the serving Prime Minister of the day the attends as the Principal Guest at the annual Lord Mayor's Banquet at the Guildhall and usually takes the opportunity to make a policy speech. On this occasion the Prime Minster was Mrs Margaret Thatcher as she then was. The background was the fairly recent attempt made by IRA terrorists to murder her and most of her Cabinet in the Brighton Bomb incident. So security was paramount.

I was there, dressed in my 1839 style ceremonial uniform with sword and plumed hat, in my ceremonial and diplomatic capacity but still with overall responsibility for security. After processing into the hall with the Prime Minister, Lord Mayor, Mace Bearer and Remembrancer, I took my seat alongside my wife at a banquet table. Several hundred of the great and good of the country were assembled in that great hall. A perfect terrorist target for those days.

All was normal until it came time for the traditional speeches and the Prime Minster was soon to rise and address the gathering. World-wide press and cctv cameras were in attendance. Just then I saw Commander Hugh Moore, who was in charge of security on my behalf, making his way towards me. From his grim expression I could tell he did not have good news. He whispered to me that an anonymous call had been received saying a bomb would go off in the Guildhall in 20 minutes, a code word had been given, as was the IRA practice at that time, but not recognised. We both knew that sometimes the only verification of a code word was when a device exploded. As Hugh waited for a decision, I sat there with my mind racing, going through all the security steps we had taken, wondering if we had missed anything, considering whether if we evacuated everyone to the areas outside the Guildhall they too could be bombed. If we did evacuate and there was no bomb, this State event would be ruined and what a coup that would be for the terrorists. If there was a bomb my wife and I may not have survived and I admit to fleeting thoughts of what would become of our children waiting at home at the time and being looked after by my mother-in- law. But of course my overriding duty was the safety of the Prime Minister, Lord Mayor and every one else in that great hall.

In the event, and as history shows, I made the decision not to evacuate and fortunately for all of us there was no bomb. Other than checking with Hugh that all our contingency arrangements were on full alert, I did nothing more at that time. To have told others of the threat would have risked a panic reaction, the effect of which can be imagined, and ruined the whole occasion. I did not even tell my wife. For the remainder of that event I was in a state of considerable stress and hoping that outwardly I was acting normally. Those other guests sitting near me must have thought I was a poor conversationalist.

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It was only much later when standing in the Guildhall Yard watching the PM and all the other VIPs departing and the Guildhall itself empty of guests, that I could begin to relax. In the scale of stress in policing work, that was of high order. In later years a similar event happened and again I made the right decision not to evacuate. But the stress was just as fearsome.

I had many other stressful times associated with the two massive terrorist bombs detonated later in The City and my resulting initiative in, with the co-operation of the Corporation, setting up what became known by the press as "The Ring of Steel". On a personal note, that was not helped by the fact that in that period I had a serious operation for colon cancer and, while still working, underwent a long period of chemotherapy. But none of that matched the stress of the banquet bomb threats when the decisions were mine alone.

In those days bomb threats to large events were fairly common because the terrorists recognised the disruptive effects. Normally police would consult those managing the events, tell them of the threat and leave the decision on evacuation to them. Immediately after the Guildhall event I reported what had happened to the City Corporation and a meeting was held. Although I was selfishly tempted by the thought of handing over the decision to someone else, I could see that probably for the greater good it should be left in the hands of whoever was in my position. This was confirmed when I was asked the question, "If you thought we should evacuate and we disagreed, what would you do?". My answer was that we would seek to remove the protected VIPs. In that case, they said, the event would be ruined so we leave the decision with you. I do not know whether the current Commissioner of the City Police is still in that unenviable position.

So yes, police work can be extremely stressful.

In remembrance.

22.04.16 Ex DC 399E Maurice (Morry) Radden died peacefully at a Rest Home in New Zealand, he was 91. Morry served in the Merchant Navy during the war, involved in convoys across the Atlantic; he survived being sunk by a torpedo from a U-boat and was then involved in the D-Day landings.

As DC 399E, Morry served 17 years in the City working at Cloak Lane and Bishopsgate. He then emigrated to New Zealand where he joined the New Zealand Police and served another 16 years. Although he left the City nearly 50 years ago Morry was immensely proud of his time with the City Police and kept in regular touch with us through letters and e-mail.

RIP

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Annual Outing to Bosworth's Tea Room Finchingfield

A very good turnout as usual for our annual outing to Finchingfield. Bosworths Tea Room has been taken over by the famous Wilkin jam company and the afternoon tea was even better than usual. We had a few new faces attending, which is always good to see, among whom Keith Warren, Barry Blumsom and Hugh & Kathy Hunter.

Belinda Harding & Ron, Don Warwick, Clive MacLeod

John & Linda MacLean, Margaret Mitchell, John Lancaster

Hugh & Kathy Turner

Sam Coster & Hazel Lamey, Val Hill, Brian Whittington

Do bear in mind we have a final 'seaside meeting' at Southend on Tuesday 4th October - see Dates for your Diary for further details.

Nutty & Doreen Ashton, Peter & Christine Jones

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In Memoriam

Colleagues who have passed away since the last newsletter.

Ex PC 688

Ian Forrester

11th March 2016

Ex DCI

Joan Peterson

19th April 2016

(Joan finished her career in the City on the Fraud Squad).

Ex DC 399E

Maurice Radden

22nd April 2016

Mrs

Alma Wise

8th May 2016

Mrs

Magdalene Mustard

23rd June 2016

(Magdalene was the widow of William Mustard, a retired police officer who passed away many years ago.)

R.I.P.

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THE EX-CID ASSOCIATION The Association AGM was held at the Crosse Keys in Gracechurch Street in June with Chairman Bob McIntosh keeping 23 members in good order. The Chairman reminded those present that we had lost some good friends over the past year including Morry Radden, Jack Leppard, Gerry Wallace, Stuart Evans, Joan Peterson, Ian Forrester and Trog Cooper. A short silence was held to remember them. Membership was reported at 171 with new and recent members including Tony Bandy, Stephen Mulford & Dave Hegarty.

The year’s social events were discussed including visits to the Tower of London, the Christmas Lunch and the Annual Reunion Lunch. The new City Commissioner Ian Dyson has accepted the invitation to become President of the Association and will be attending the Annual Lunch in October 2016.

Graham Watson provided a written report of the audited Financial Accounts of the Association, which were in good order, and thanks was proposed to Bob McIntosh for looking after the books for the past 15 years.

Alan Goodman reported on his Almoner’s role and the contact he had made during the year with those members and partners who were unwell and welcomed contact from colleagues. This is not something that is easily publicised because of its private nature, but Alan assured members that he contacted all those he was aware of and arranged gifts and comforts where appropriate.

Dick Keating reported on a meeting with Barbara Giles, HR Director and Taiwo Olayia, Wellbeing attended by other members of the Association together with John MacLean and Anne Lancaster from COLPPA/NARPO. This meeting was as a result of concerns expressed concerning the delay in communication from Pensions/Welfare in advising Pensioner Associations when a colleague had passed away.

Concern had also been felt at the poor quality of a new City Drape that had been used at funerals. In addition it was disappointing to see so many errors in the Pensioners Newsletter concerning the personal details of retired officers.

A new process was agreed to ensure that nominated persons from our Associations would be advised immediately when a former City Officer had passed away.

A new Drape was being purchased by the City and the Drape which came in for so much criticism would not be used and measures would be put in place to ensure the accuracy of the Newsletter.

It was a good meeting and further meetings are planned for the future.

The committee had stressed for some time the need to bring in new members to reflect the changing membership and as a result four senior committee members stood down to allow this to happen. Phil Jewell, Ron Enston, Cathy Robertson and Pam Mayes were sincerely thanked for several years of great service to the Association.

Alan MacLennan, Derek Widdowson and Bob Tilbury put their names forward to join the committee and were elected by the members present.

The CID go undercover.

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Bob McIntosh brought up the £400 weekly cost to City Pensioners staying at Flint House and the dismay this had caused to all Pensioners. Bob had stayed at Harrogate for a weekend recently and found their facilities excellent. The Association will liaise with NARPO and other groups to establish how pensioners can get a better deal at these establishments.

With no further business the meeting closed and members adjourned to the Bar. A further successful visit to the Tower of London took place in July, with 42 members, family and friends enjoying the hospitality at the Yeoman Warder’s Club. The RAF Squadron currently resident at the Tower impressively performed the Ceremony of the Keys with a pitch perfect rendition of the Last Post with the backdrop of the White Tower – impressive!

The Annual Reunion Lunch will be held at the Cutlers’ Hall again on 24th October when members, guests and serving CID Officers will hopefully enjoy this occasion as much as last year.

Jim Jolly Secretary

Utility and other household bills – are you getting the best value?

Hopefully all our pensioners are getting the best deals for their house and car insurance, gas and electric, and telephone bills. If you have a computer and are online then you are hopefully making use of websites like Compare the Market and other similar comparison websites where you can see the best deals available. However, it has been brought to our notice that, often, suppliers will just keep increasing charges year on year and, if you don’t question it or threaten to move elsewhere, and keep paying, they will just continue to do this. It does seem unethical, especially for elderly customers who have often been loyal to companies for many years, but often the elderly customers don’t know what to do to get a better deal. So, if you are not online yourself, perhaps you have a relative, friend or neighbour who could do a search online for you.

It is very simple to do and you could save hundreds of pounds. For example, for house Insurance, it is possible to get house and contents insurance for under £300. Similarly with car insurance, with a clean licence, it is possible to get this for under £300.

Police Mutual arranges insurances on behalf of NARPO and they can be contacted on 0345 758 5878 For gas and electric, there are a number of reputable companies that will help you move suppliers with the aim of saving money. Age UK (0800 169 2081) may also be able to offer advice.

If any of our pensioners feels they are paying well over what they should be for their household bills and have no-one to turn to for support, they can call Anne Lancaster on 020 8777 0618 and she will try to help.

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Planning ahead …………………

In the last few newsletters, we have included information as to who to contact in the Pensions team and the Welfare Office in the event of a pensioner or widow’s death. We will continue to include this in each newsletter for ease of reference.

However, following a meeting between representatives of the Ex-CID Association, COLPPA, the Welfare office and Barbara Giles, Head of HR, we wanted to give some additional advice as regards what you can do now to plan ahead for what is, sadly, an inevitable journey for us all.

As you know, the City of London Police was, and still is, to many of us like family and we benefit from the close contact that many of us still have. It is always heart-warming to see so many pensioners paying their respects at funerals of old colleagues. But we can only do this if we have been advised by the deceased’s family and occasionally this has not happened.

As we already mentioned, many of us are still in contact with each other through the various pensioners’ organisations within the City Police – Ex-CID Association, COLPPA, Snow Hill Admin Lunch Club and the Cloak Lane Association, but there are many who are not. If you have lost touch, perhaps through ill health or moving away, but are interested in reconnecting, please see the contact details below. Similarly, if you are in ill health and would welcome a visit or phone call, the COLPPA Committee members (listed at the back of the newsletter, including their home area) would be pleased to try to help.

Following are some suggestions to make it easier for those left behind to deal with the death of a family member: Make a will – this ensures your last wishes are known, and avoids the additional work involved when someone dies intestate Have a folder with all relevant information and paperwork needed to settle your affairs Include in this folder details of who to contact for any pensions you have (see below for Police Pensions) If appropriate, include instructions that you would like City Police pensioners to be represented at your funeral. Indeed, a representative from one of the associations can be contacted to offer assistance in any arrangements, where practical Include a short outline of your life history, especially for those who perhaps do not have close relatives available who know your background, for use at the funeral service Include instructions for your funeral service, e.g. burial or cremation, and the type of service you would like. A few pensioners have questioned in the past as to whether their ashes can be scattered somewhere in the City. We have ascertained that ashes can be scattered at the City of London Cemetery, with no charge if the cremation has taken place at the Cemetery although there is a fee for those cremated elsewhere.

Following are contact details of representatives of COLPPA and the Ex-CID Association who would be the first point of contact for support:

Anne Lancaster

Alan Goodman

COLPPA/NARPO City Branch

a.lancaster25@btinternet .com

Ex-CID Association

07748 111649 argoodman@talktalk.net 07957 198850

John MacLean Chair – COLPPA & NARPO City of London Branch

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Information regarding death of pensioners and/or widows, and change of address requirements' The following is the City of London Police Pensioner/Widow process to follow when a pensioner or widow passes away.

- Inform the Pensions team, who will make necessary financial changes - Claire O’Malley 0207 332 1370 - Inform Wellbeing Advisor, Taiwo Olaiya (contact details below). If agreeable, Taiwo will inform representatives from each of the pensioners’ associations and details will be circulated by email and put on the COLPPA website so old colleagues are made aware, and can attend the funeral if acceptable to relatives.

The Force drape, wreath or charitable donation can also be arranged via the Wellbeing Service.

The City of London Police Pensioners' Association will also keep a record so that, for example, newsletters are no longer sent out to the deceased, and we ensure that new widows are invited to the summer lunch. Because of data protection, it is not always possible for COLPPA to keep up to date with this type of information, so by allowing Taiwo to circulate the information it alleviates this issue.

Please give as much notice as possible (and ideally two weeks) if you wish to have the Force Drape at a funeral. This has to be couriered to and from the Funeral Directors and can take time to arrange, especially if a number of funerals take place around the same time.

If you change address, you will need to inform the Pensions team (details above) and also please complete sheet at back of newsletter to keep COLPPA updated.

Taiwo Olaiya City of London Police Wellbeing Service Walbrook Wharf 78-83 Upper Thames Street London EC4R 3TD Email: Taiwo.olaiya@cityoflondon.gov.uk Tel. 020 7332 3276

PICS from the Summer Luncheon

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Annual Outing to the Warren Metropolitan Police Sports Club Thursday 7th April 2016 33 pensioners and guests enjoyed another excellent lunch at the Warren. Nice to see a few new faces, among whom Bob McIntosh, Graham Watson and John Aitken. Please do remember these are annual events and all pensioners and widows are welcome to attend. Look out for the details in the newsletters, by email and on the COLPP website.

Ken Dodsworth & Sue Miller, Ron & Pauline Friend, Brian & Julie Price, John & Linda MacLean, Dave & Dawn Ashley

Bill & Trudi Lind, Peter & Christine Jones, John Aitken, Angela Brown & Jill Carrannante, John & Anne Lancaster

David & Ann Smith, Nutty & Doreen Ashton, George Murrell

Alan & Marit MacLennan, Graham & Chris Watson, Bob & Joan McIntosh, Belinda Harding & Ron Richards

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PICS from the Summer Luncheon

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Visiting the Battlefield of Waterloo

By Frank Hooley Introduction Last year a few of us decided to undertake a Battlefield tour to Waterloo.

The purpose of my article is to provide a short overview of the Battlefield tour I undertook with Paul Hadfield, Brian Wells, Roger Pearce and Martin Spencer and also provide some practical information that hopefully may assist any of you who may be considering such a visit. The battle of Waterloo is a significant battle for my old Regiment the Grenadier Guards resulting in the honour of being awarded the title “First or Grenadier Regiment of Foot Guards” and the adoption of the Bearskin cap and Grenade badge.

Situated 11 miles south of Brussels the Battlefield of Waterloo is easily accessible by train and bus from Brussels and is an ideal place to visit for the day. My recent visit was the first one I had made to Waterloo for a number of years and it allowed me to see at first hand the fantastic work and transformation of the facilities on the battlefield undertaken as part of the 200 year commemoration in 2015.

Brussels After travel by Eurostar to the heart of Brussels in less than 3 hours direct from St Pancras our group arrived and did a short tour of some of the historical sites of the City. The highlight of the group was a visit to the Musee Royal de I’Armee d Histoir ( Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History) Situated in the Parc du Cinquantenaire ( close to metro station) this is a real gem for anyone interested in Military history. With galleries dating from pre Waterloo until post 1945 it includes a fantastic collection of uniforms. There is also a very interesting collection of combat aircraft. Later after a few Belgium beers and a good dinner and more Belgium beers we were shown the red card by the bar owner in the early hours and returned to our City Centre hotel prior to our visit to the Battlefield itself the following day.

Visit to Waterloo After a short walk to the Central station we caught the Belgium Rail train direct to Waterloo. On arrival at the station after a 20 min journey ( ticket 3.60 euros approx) we then walked 1 km to the centre of Waterloo where the tourist information office is situated. This office will give you information and also allow you to purchase tickets for all the sites that day at a very good rate.

The best value is Pass 1815 allowing visits to all sites. The first place to visit is the Wellington Museum directly opposite the Tourist information centre. This was where the Duke of Wellingtons Headquarters was prior to the Battle. The museum with its many artefacts, paintings and chronological displays gives you an overview of what happened there in June 1815.

Wellingtons bedroom still contains his bed where his ADC Gordon died.

Recrossing the road ( and close to the bus stop you require next) is St Joseph’s Church with the Royal Chapel. It has many memorials for the fallen at the Battle of Waterloo, as well as a marvellous dome dating from 1690.

Transportation to the Battlefield of Waterloo Getting to the Battlefield of Waterloo is easy. From the bus stop close to the church frequent buses W and 365A will take you there.

The buses use different routes and stops. Journey time is 10 mins.The closest stops for the Butte de Lion Mound (Lion Mound) are the Route de Nivelles (Esso petrol station) for bus W and Monument Gordon stop for the bus 365.It is then a short walk to the Lions Hamlet.

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The Waterloo Battlefield Four Kilometres south of Waterloo, the gigantic Butte de Lion (Lion Mound) looms into view at Mont St Jean. The very second we saw it our group was engulfed by an inquisitive sense of exhilaration as they became aware it marks the one of the most famous and talked about battlefields in history.

Panorama

Close to the Butte de Lion is what I would describe as a a miniature Albert Hall shaped building ,which contains the largest mural in Europe.( 1912 ) Some 12 meters high, and 110 meters in circumference the Panorama portrays breath-taking portrays of scenes of the battle.

Butte de Lion After visiting the Panorama a steady 3 minute climb will take you to the top of the Butte de Lion. This is a large conical man made hill completed in 1826 by the Prince of Orange it has commanding views over the battlefield.

The number of steps you climb to this summit is an aide memoir to the Battle. 226 the same number as horses in the Royal Horse Artillery battery. Now some 140 feet up you can catch your breath and weather permitting have an awe-inspiring panoramic view of the Battlefield.

From here you can see La Haye Sainte, Hougoumont and Mercers ridge. You can see from here where 200,000 soldiers from 7 different countries fought this famous battle.

Battlefield Museum A short walk after descent from the Lion Mound and at the heart of the Lions Hamlet is the new Memorial 1815 site ,which plunges you back into history. Deep underground and opened in 2015 the memorial is a really great experience. It details the events that led up to the Battle.

Armed with an audio guide the tour is comprehensive and chronological with numerous objects, uniforms, weapons and maps. The uniforms on display are outstanding. The highlight of the visit we all thought was the the remarkable 3D panoramic film depicting the battle.

Hougoumont Farm.

Using either the free recently introduced shuttle bus or if you prefer and time permits you can then walk to the site of one of the critical success factors for the Duke of Wellington that day Hougoumont Farm. The story of that day was one of unbelievably discipline, heroic deeds and carnage. It was here that the three Regiments of Foot Guards held the fortified Château and the walled garden and orchard throughout the day despite numerous French attacks. It is said that Wellington’s final command if killed that day was “hold Hougoumont”and they did. Hougomont was held at a cost of it is estimated of 540 casualties, whilst the French lost 8,000. It is sometimes forgotten that there was a significant contribution and loss of our allies the Dutch who fought and died in the orchards on this day.

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Since 2015 the Farm as been opened to the public. Inside there is a small display and in the barn, held throughout the day despite the roof catching fire, is a very informative film telling the story of the events that day at Hougoumont. If you are interested the Landmark Trust rent out a small apartment situated within the farm. There is also a new memorial remembering men from the Guards Regiments who fought so bravely that day.

Onwards home At the conclusion of our visit we caught the W bus direct to Braine-l’Alleud station. This is a short 3 Km journey. At the station three trains per hour go direct to Brussels -Midi where after a couple of Belgium beers we joined our Eurostar train back to London!

Frank Hooley

Computer Progress It is now almost embarrassing to relate, but I remember in the 1970s showing a group of visitors round Wood Street when the ‘Control Inspector’ loyally demonstrated the newly installed experimental computer. He typed ‘GARAGE’ on the left-hand side of the screen, ‘CAR’ on the right- hand side and made the car disappear into the garage . Used to manual typewriters we all thought it was marvellous! Times have changed 100 fold.

I have three grandchildren, living locally: two at junior school and one at senior school, all very computer literate. I have visited their house to find them all variously and actively pre-occupied in complicated computer games (some connected to classmates in a local postcode). Sport live, book reading, homework references and Email messaging being other computer alternatives.

When I first bought a computer circa 1991I went to evening classes to learn the basics. My Email address was to be set up and I was asked to choose an address: “Did you have a nickname at work?” I sheepishly conceded that I had heard myself called ‘Big Al’. That was it – my address became ‘Bigalsmail’. I was not really happy with this but, unwilling to be pedantic, went along with it until my 9 years old grandson visited and took over my computer with high- speed confidence. “Why Bigalsmail?”, he asked, adding “Big Al was a dinosaur”. I changed it I mmediately, learning something every day – like Big Al’s bones were so named at Wyoming University, USA. I read that some personal ‘phones now have more capacity than was available at the time for the first Moon landings in 1969 when the President of the USA was Richard Nixon.

Alan Francis

Orpington

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Deportation The great thing about email is being in touch around the world. At the moment I'm in Calgary Alberta for the Stampede which is preceded by the Grand Parade. The Parade is considerably bigger than the Lord Mayor's Show and naturally there is a big police presence.

The 1st of July is Canada day and I went into downtown Calgary to take part in the fun. I attach a picture of Calgary City Police horses which were in attendance. Note the western saddles.

When Ann and I arrived in June we were granted permanent residency, so after 24 years of visiting Canada we plan to move here for good very soon but I plan to keep in touch by email of course.

Best regards.

Andy (Bones) Bower

I D Parade I purchased this card this week in a garden centre in Devon. It shows Fleet St junction with Chancery Lane. Can anyone identify the PC? The car is old but I owned the same car in 1967.

Rob Jerrard

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Who’s in the money?

The Force Lotto results

January 2016

April 2016

£1000 ticket number 1919 – PC Andy Payne £300 ticket number 4406 – DCI Richie Waight £200 ticket number 3028 – Trevor King (retired) £100 ticket number 579 – DC Eva Woods £100 ticket number 2449 – Andrew Bailey (Comms)

£1000 ticket number 2325 – SC Sylvia Edwards £300 ticket number 2593 – DC Clinton Bond £200 ticket number 4011 – DC Rob Burgess £100 ticket number 5261 – PS Rick Longden £100 ticket number 2315 – SC Jeremy Wall

February 2016

May 2016

£1000 ticket number 3055 – PC Jerry Lee £300 ticket number 48 – DI Jo Gibbs £200 ticket number 3006 – DC Rob Dawson £100 ticket number 2289 – Nilani Pillay £100 ticket number 488 – PC Mark Lowe

£1000 ticket number 4535 – Insp Stuart Phillips £300 ticket number 2087 – Colin Norris (retired) £200 ticket number 1365 – DC Katy Goulding £100 ticket number 885 – DS Mark Haddon £100 ticket number 259 – Bernie Webb (NFIB)

March 2016 £1000 ticket number 1472 – DS Graham Mace £300 ticket number 4531 – DC Tyson BurnsGreen £200 ticket number 1361 – PC Steve Wright £100 ticket number 1539 – PS Nick Jones £100 ticket number 2959 – DC Dave Strike

June 2016 £1000 ticket number 852 – Kevin Scales £300 ticket number 1706 – Graham Poutler (retired) £200 ticket number 5380 – Alan Asling £100 ticket number 1723 – PC Dan Tulloch £100 ticket number 1433 – Matt Gilson

Page 21

More pics from the Summer Luncheon Courtesy of Ken Dodsworth

Page 22

The Police Mutual Foundation The Police Mutual Foundation has launched a pilot respite scheme, specifically aimed to support the retired police community.

Since its launch in 2011, Police Mutual has been supporting the wellbeing of police officers and staff by offering a range of services.

Police Mutual’s Head of Police Service Engagement, Claire Long says;

“For some time now we have been working hard to improve the wellbeing of the police family.

It is only right that this support should extend to those who have retired from the service.

We also appreciate that the health and wellbeing demands in retirement increase and that they become more complex. By working with NARPO, RPOAS and NIRPOA we hope to significantly increase our support to this community in a meaningful and manageable way.”

The respite pilot aims to help those retirees who are either suffering from or caring for someone with dementia. Police Mutual will be working with a number of specialist providers to source a respite break. The breaks will be planned based on the demands of the people who are being supported. There are up to 20 breaks available between now and the end of the year, with a view to extending the programme in 2017.

Branch chairs and secretaries can make nominations so if you know of someone who would benefit from some time away, you can contact either foundation@pmas.co.uk or call 01543 305351 for an application form or more information.

CONGRATULATIONS to ex PC 667D Tony Williams (pictured), on his promotion to the ‘Senior Brigade’ Well done Tony! Tony served at Wood Street and the CCC.

Page 23

‘ T H E S E N I O R B R I GA D E ’

80 or over on 31st July 2016

Age

Pensioned

Rank

Philip

Coppack

95

30/05/78

Det Chief Supt

George

Fell

93

04/10/82

PC 172B

Cyril

Breeze

92

17/09/79

PC 658D

Stanley

Geale

92

01/07/77

Insp

Kenneth

Short

92

10/05/76

Ch/Supt

John

Aitken

91

23/12/76

PC 274B

Gordon

Muffett

89

13/06/83

PS 104C

Charles

Torrance

89

06/02/78

PC 606D

Leslie

Hollett

89

03/09/79

DC 458E

William

Webster

89

21/02/77

DS 912E

Ronald

Enston

89

17/08/83

DS 921E

David

Pronger

88

05/09/83

PC 644E

Ernest

Jones

88

01/03/78

PS 108E

Donald

Smith

88

29/02/84

Ch/Supt

Robert

Wilson

88

18/02/84

PC 445E

Leonard

Wilson

88

28/02/83

DS 904E

Andrew

Graham

88

05/10/83

PC 420C

Albert

Garry

87

22/12/84

PC 237E

Edward

Hughes

87

14/09/83

PS 94D

Stanley

Roberts

87

01/09/83

PC 453E

Peter

Emeny

87

01/12/82

DS 939E

Michael

Golden

87

28/01/85

DC

James

Miller

87

28/01/85

PS 61E

Ronald

Westgate

87

29/10/84

PC 192E

Page 24

‘ T H E S E N I O R B R I GA D E ’

80 or over on 31st July 2016

Age

Pensioned

Rank

Douglas

Cooper

86

01/10/87

PC 411E

Roy

Barron

86

24/09/84

PS 99C

Brian

Cramp

86

23/07/84

PC 452E

Ron

Buckland

86

14/11/83

Ch/Insp

Alan

Francis

86

01/02/78

Ch/Supt

Royston

Elsey

86

18/03/85

D/Supt

Roland

Gilbert

86

10/06/85

PC 640E

Eric

Newton

86

01/07/78

Insp

Terrance

Sandy

86

05/09/83

Ch/Insp

Lionel

Seymour

86

06/08/82

PC 125C

Eric

Gladman

86

23/02/87

Insp

Brian

Fisher M.B.E.

86

08/09/80

Supt

Clive

Jackson

85

02/08/82

Det Supt

James

Mason

85

30/01/86

PC 386E

Francis

McAfee

85

01/04/85

PC 238E

Thomas

Morgan

85

03/09/84

DC 175E

David

Wallace

85

30/07/84.

.Det Insp

Thomas

Simpson

85

25/01/82

PS 33C

David

Sparkes

85

07/11/83

Ch/Supt

Joseph

Heathorn

85

08/05/84

A/PS 361C

.Dennis

Rouse

85

06/09/82

PC 698D

Ralph

Harrison

84

02/12/85

PS 82

Bernard

Townsend

84

03/09/84

Supt

Harold

Minshull

84

03/09/79

Insp

Page 25

‘ T H E S E N I O R B R I GA D E ’

80 or over on 31st July 2016

Age

Pensioned

Rank

Allingson

Webber

84

30/01/84

PC 418B

Peter

Rowe

84

10/12/79

Supt

Thomas

Bevan

84

27/04/87

PC 435E

Anthony

Brady

84

28/02/83

DS 902E

Alan

De’cort

84

05/10/87

PC

Owen

Kelly

84

08/12/93

Commissioner

Frank

Wood

84

01/04/89

PC 398C

Raymond

Holland

84

14/05/84

PC 447E

Dennis

Harrison

84

25/02/85

PC 652E

Hywell

Williams

84

09/06/85

Insp

John

Moss

83

04/12/84

Ch/Supt

Malcolm

Hine

83

13/03/86

DC

Malcolm

Riddell

83

11/01/82

Insp

Alec

Martin

83

22/06/86

Ch/Supt

Robert

Barnes

81

07/10/81

PS 73

George

Murrell

83

01/09/81

Insp

Michael

Owen

83

04/06/84

PC 158E

Brian

Platt

83

25/07/83

Det Ch/Insp

Alistair

Ross

83

07/01/85

PC 428E

Kenneth

Sivell

83

17/06/85

PC 412B

John

Lancaster

83

24/03/85

DC 712C

Page 26

‘ T H E S E N I O R B R I GA D E ’

80 or over on 31st July 2016

Age

Pensioned

Rank

Robert

Fowlie

82

04/07/88

Ch/Supt

Frederick

Jolley

82

.10/09/80

.PC 465E

Wallace

Unitt

82

19/04/82

PC 732D

Brian

Cluney

82

04/08/85

PC 632D

Robin

Francis

82

01/02/87

Det Ch/Supt

Andy

Quick

82

1987

PC 522B

John

Rew

82

22/12/90

PS 38C

Stanley

Wiseman

82

1986

PC 227B

Arthur

Pearn

82

05/05/87

Insp

Gordon

Cottrell

82

02/01/89

PS 47B

Ray

Hayter

82

12/12/89

PC 684E

Tony

Williams

81

08/01/89

PC 667D

Leonard

Skinner

81

01/07/67

PC 228B

Doug

Lewis

81

19/10/89

PC 176E

Ron

Woodhouse

81

12/07/90

PS 78C

Fred

Warren

81

23/02/86

DC

Ron

Pegrum

81

20/03/85

PS

James

Carswell

81

23/08/85

Insp

Jean

Keeble

80

09/87

WPC 30B

EDITORS NOTE. The City of London Police Pension’s office will now only supply information that you are still alive and drawing your pension. In order to keep the Senior Brigade list accurate please inform me of any changes necessary.

Thank you, Chris Pearson (cpearson74a@gmail.com)

Page 27

NARPO & COLPPA Your Committee (NARPO & COLPPA) for 2016/2017 is: John MacLean ( Chairman)

johnmaclean719@yahoo.co.uk (Basildon area)

Ron Friend (Vice Chairman)

ron.rsfriend@btinternet.com

Andy Odell (Secretary)

andy.odell999@btinternet.com (North Devon area)

(Orpington area)

Anne Lancaster (Assistant/Social Secretary)

a.lancaster25@btinternet.com (North West Kent area)

David Smith

askewsmith@btinternet.com (Essex area)

Harry Bastable

harry@bastable7.freeserve.co.uk (North Surrey area)

John Rew

johnrew35@hotmail.co.uk

Derek Coster

tin90der@btinternet.com (Essex, Sussex, East side of Greater London area)

Vic Benson

vic.benson@talktalk.net

Ken Dodsworth

kendodsworth713@btinternet.com

Phil Gilbert

phillip.a.gilbert@btopenworld.com (North West Kent & East Surrey area)

Suzie Webb

suzypwebb@aol.com (Richmond area)

Dennis Bryan

bardenbryan@talktalk.net

Mick Lee

michael.lee466@ntlworld.com

Page 28

LORD MAYOR’S SHOW SATURDAY 12TH NOVEMBER 2016 This year’s Lord Mayor’s Show is on Saturday 12th November and we hope to see many friends and ex-colleagues attending the new venue of The Old Bank of England Pub, 194 Fleet Street, London EC4A 2LT (by Law Courts) to watch the parade and then join together for lunch.

Lunch will be available after the parade but must be pre-booked in advance using the form below. On presentation of a ticket (which will be issued in advance to all that have booked) there will be coffee from 10.30 am and a one course lunch after the parade. Lunch will be free to all NARPO members and their spouse / partner. Non NARPO members are welcome to book lunch at the cost of £12.50 per head, but again this must be booked in advance using the form below.

The Old Bank of England Pub will be for our sole use and will remain open for us until 5pm.

Please note the bar in Wood Street is no longer open.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Name and address ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ I confirm that I am a member of NARPO:

YES / NO

Please book _____ places for lunch as follows: Steak Pie _____

Bangers & Mash _____

Fish & Chips ______

Vegetarian Pie ______

I enclose a cheque for ________ made payable to NARPO Please send completed form (and cheque where appropriate), by 16th October, to:

Anne Lancaster 88 Woodland Way West Wickham Kent BR4 9LT If you are a NARPO member and are booking only two lunches for you and your spouse/partner, with no payment due, you can email the form to a.lancaster25@btinternet.com or phone Anne on 020 8777 0618.

Tickets will be sent to you at least two weeks before the event.

Page 29

2016 DATES FOR YOUR DIARY (If you are able to offer a lift to anyone when attending any of the events, please let local colleagues know as it appears some pensioners would like to go to events but don’t have the transport) Date

Event

Details/Information

Tuesday 26th July

NARPO/COLPPA Committee meeting

6.00 p.m. – Aldersgate Street

Tuesday 6th September

Snow Hill Lunch Club **

12.00 noon – Old Dr. Butler’s Head, Mason’s Avenue, London EC2V 5BT

Tuesday 4th October

Afternoon Tea **

2.30 p.m. Sands Bistro, Western Esplanade, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 1EE.

Monday 24th October

Ex-CID Association Annual Reunion Lunch

12.00 noon Cutler’s Hall – contact Jim Jolly for further details

Monday 7th November

Cloak Lane Association

2.30 p.m. Crosse Keys Pub, 9 Gracechurch St, London EC3V 0DR

Saturday 12th November

Lord Mayor’s Show

10.30 a.m. The Old Bank of England Pub, 194 Fleet Street EC 4 NARPO members plus one guest are eligible for a free lunch. For others the cost will be £12.50 per head. Tickets will be issued for lunch and further details on booking are included in this newsletter

Tuesday 6th December

Snow Hill Lunch Club **

12.00 noon – Old Dr. Butler’s Head, Mason’s Avenue, London EC2V 5BT

Please note events marked with ** must be pre-booked in advance. A reminder will be emailed and listed on the COLPP website. However, for those not on email, please contact the organiser listed below to book your place 4-8 weeks in advance. The lunch at the Warren and the afternoon teas are free for NARPO members and a guest, and also widows. There will be a charge for non-NARPO members.

Contacts: Cloak Lane Association – Cliff Rowlinson cliff.rowlinson@hib.uk.com tel. 07949 858731 Ex-CID Association – Jim Jolly jimjolly@btinternet.com tel. 07860 714702 Snow Hill Lunch Club - Stephanie Whitfield stephanie.whitfield@hotmail.co.uk tel.

07910257992 All other events and any queries - Anne Lancaster a.lancaster25@btinternet.com tel. 020 8777 0618 2016 newsletters will be distributed in April, August and December. Deadline for copy to be included is 15th of previous month.

Page 30

CONTACT SHEET FOR WIDOWS/WIDOWERS PLEASE COMPLETE (once only) OR USE TO UPDATE/AMEND YOUR DETAILS

Completed form to be returned to Anne Lancaster, 88 Woodland Way, West Wickham, Kent BR4 9LT (or by email to a.lancaster25@btinternet.com)

Full name ..............................................................................

Address .................................................................................... ................................................................................................... ...................................................................................................

Postcode....................................................................................

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

Telephone no. Including mobile.................................................. ...................................................................................................

Next of kin.........................................................

Date of yours or spouse’s joining City Police (if known)............................................

Rank and Collar No. (if known)………………..

Date of retirement ...................................................................................

Date of birth...................................................................................

Other retired members ask us for contact details of retired colleagues/friends. Please select ‘NO’ if you do not want your details provided to a third party....................YES/NO Do you wish to receive the City of London Police Pensioners’ Association newsletter YES/NO (if you have email, the newsletter will be emailed to you to save costs)