Winter 2017 Newsletter

www.citypensioners.co.uk Life after the job.

Winter is coming...

Commissioner and

2-4

Chairman’s message

CID Reunion

18-19

Obituary-Mick Gavin

20

Police Treatment Centres

21

In Memoriam

5

Lord Mayor’s Show

6

Further Casualties

7

Wanderlust

23

Obituary -Dale Wilkinson

8-9

John Wilson says...

24

Allan Coleman writes

10

The Senior Brigade

25-28

What to do if...

29

George Murrell remembers 11 Dave Smith COLPPA

12-13

Name to a face

14-15

Sad News-Daryl Every

16

Policing LMS

17

Reflections by Alan Francis 22

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Welcome to the Winter 2017 Newsletter. I am very lucky to be putting the finishing touches to the current issue whilst sitting in the shadow of the Matterhorn mountain in Switzerland. It is a beautiful sunny day and there is a reasonable amount of snow for this time of the year. I am lucky, not just because I am in Switzerland enjoying the beautiful weather but also, because I am still in reasonably good health for my age and considering my medical history. I had my own brush with serious illness six years ago now and I consider myself extremely fortunate to have survived and come though it. However, I know at this moment in time that there are a number of former colleagues who are fighting, recovering or just coming to terms with serious medical issues that they must face and conquer. I would like to offer my own positive thoughts and best wishes to everyone going through such frightening and difficult times. Let us all take some time to think about our colleagues at this festive time of year, as well as counting our own blessings.

Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year to all.

Chris Pearson (Guest Editor)

CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE This year saw the annual NARPO Conference at sunny Scarborough, which I attended together with three other committee members from the City, and with NARPO members from England and Wales.

Conference opened with the usual address which again included references to the Widows' Pensions for life of which there appear to be just in excess of 100 that qualify. No figures were available as to how much it would cost to implement but considering other things government are quite willing to spend taxpayers money on, I think it would be a drop in the ocean. NARPO are still vigorously lobbying parliament on the widows' behalf; they also have on their website a draft letter that you can email to your local MP supporting this campaign, if you have not already done so. I am hoping that a lot more of conference will be published in the NARPO magazine which should be with you shortly.

Our guest speaker this year was Mr. James Ketchell whose achievements include the first and only person to have rowed single handed across the Atlantic Ocean, successfully climbed Mount Everest and cycled eighteen thousand miles around the world. He unfortunately ran out of time with his presentation as you can imagine but his next planned adventure is to fly solo around the world in a Gyrocopter. Everybody wished him the best of luck. James has written books about his adventures which make very interesting reading.

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Conference closed and the next meeting will be in Torquay September 2018.

Seaside meeting at Sands Bistro: October 3rd 2017 saw us at Sands Bistro at Southend on Sea; it was a good turnout with approx. 30+ attendees, and, as usual, a fine spread was provided. Most significantly I got a lovely rendition of Happy Birthday connived by my good friend David Smith, and a piece of cake with candles from Sands. It must be the biggest birthday party I have attended in a long while. Thank you to all who attended.

The Lord Mayor's Show 2017: Lord Mayor's Show this year on November 11th was quite a change from last year in many ways. The day started out with light drizzly rain but as the day progressed it started to dry out so affording a pleasant Lord Mayor's Show.

The biggest shock was when Anne phoned me on the Thursday before the show and had the news that the Old Bank of England had to close due to drain works that had unfortunately disturbed a nest of undesirables so infesting the pub. Fortunately Fosters the pub owners came to our rescue and transferred us to the Counting House in Cornhill where approx.130 people attended with 107 meals ordered.

A massive thank you to Anne Lancaster and Chris Pearson for posting it on our various websites, and Anne also sending emails individually to those attending on the day. The manager, Jas, at the Counting House and Emma, the under manager, from the Old Bank of England and staff ensured that everything went as smooth as clockwork and a great day was had by all. Members gathered at various places around the Bank and at Cheapside, but hopefully next year will see us gathering in one spot as usual. Thanks to our official photographer Ken Dodsworth for covering the day.

Lastly I would like to thank once again Anne for her continuing commitment to organising the social events which I am sure members look forward to throughout the year.

I do hope to see many pensioners at our AGM in March, followed by a social evening, which is free to NARPO members and a guest. This is another excellent opportunity to meet up with old colleagues, and, to encourage more people to attend, we have again moved the time to a 3pm start. Further details on this are in the Events calendar at the back of the newsletter.

I think that is enough from me; it just remains for me to thank everybody who helps in producing our magazine and the committee for their support over the last year.

May I wish you and your families wherever you are in the world a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

John MacLean Chairman COLPPA and NARPO (City Branch)

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Commissioner’s Note As we leave 2017, we look back on a year marked by an unprecedented number terrorist attacks across the UK, and the significant impact they have had across the country. As I mentioned in my summer update, City Police played a role in responding to the London attacks, and assisted the Met in the Grenfall fire aftermath, and we did so with pride.

In early December we paid tribute to the officers and staff of British Transport Police, the Metropolitan Police force, and of course, the City of London Police, who were at the frontline for the Westminster and London Bridge attacks. The remarkable bravery and dedication of these officers and staff was celebrated in an historic commendation ceremony in the Guildhall. Also at this, the first tri-service commendation ceremony of its kind, we also recognised the contribution of civilians who assisted the police during the attacks. Over 200 people received Commissioner’s Commendations, or the rarely awarded Commissioner’s High Commendation as we thanked them for their courage, integrity and unfailing commitment to the safety of our communities.

Truly, I work with heroes.

All that is left for me to do now is wish you all a very merry Christmas and a peaceful New Year.

Commissioner Ian Dyson Q.P.M.

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In Memoriam Colleagues who have passed away since the last newsletter.

Ex PC 411 ‘E’

Douglas Cooper

9th August 2017

Ex PS 31 ’A’

Daryl Every

23rd August 2017

Ex DC 904 ‘E’

Len Wilson

23rd August 2017

Ex DC

Dale Wilkinson

8th September 2017

Mrs

Ida Leggett

26th October 2017

Ex PC 770 ’E’

Keith Finch

2nd October 2017

Ex PC 452 ‘E’

Brian Cramp B.E.M.

6th November 2017

R.I.P.

Page 6

Lord Mayor’s Show 2017 - Photos Ken Dodsworth

Page 7

Further Casualties Following the articles depicting the events of the first daylight bombing raid on London in 1917 (Summer 2017 Newsletter), I received a letter from ex DC Andy Day (who was banished to Northern Ireland some time ago). The articles were of particular interest to him as his father was among the casualties on that day. (Editor) During the raid of 13th June 1917, my father was just 7 years old. He had been kept home from school that day to comfort his mother, (my grandmother), who the previous day had received the dreaded buff coloured telegram stamped ‘ON HIS MAJESTYS SERVICE’, stating that her husband had been killed on the Western Front, at the battle of Arras. My family was living at the time in Snowsfields, Bermondsey just at the back of Tooley Street. My dad, (to help his tearful mother), had gone to get some shopping, and was caught in that first Gotha raid.

He was missing for several hours, but was eventually found in the burnt out basement of a building. Some of his hair and most of his clothing had been burnt off. Also in the same basement were two dead bodies. A terrible shock to the system for a seven-year-old, who had been told only the previous day that his father would not be coming home. Physically my dad recovered, but for the next two years he never spoke a single word. Later, he began to speak again, but with a stammer, and this stammer stayed with him for the rest of his life.

Andy Day Andy also remembers being told that in WW2 the explosion from a V2 rocket that devastated part of Lewisham ,tipped up his pram and propelled me into a privet hedge.

Some of his ex colleagues would say “now that explains a lot”. As a result of that Andy and his Mum and were evacuated to Derbyshire until the V2 menace was destroyed by the advancing forces after ‘D’ Day.

New Recruits

Two fresh faced recruits pictured here at Eynsham Hall in 1968. Can you name them? Answers on page 15

A

B

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Obituary Ex DC Dale Wilkinson

by Andy Day

Dale began his police career in the Norfolk Constabulary, but after a few years he transferred to the City of London Police. He was stationed at Bishopsgate Police Station and after that, (in about 1970), was made Detective Constable and transferred to the Scenes of Crime Department which was then located at Snow Hill Police Station, just round the corner from the Central Criminal Court, better known as the Old Bailey.

In 1973 an IRA terrorist campaign was at its height, and in March of that year it intensified and several bombs were planted in London. A bomb had already been defused outside New Scotland Yard.

A message was received by the City of London Police Control Room that there was a car bomb in Old Bailey and that it was timed to detonate at 3pm. This message was relayed to all units including the Scenes of Crime Department.

Two Detective Constables from that Department, D/Cs Dale Wilkinson and Peter Simmons grabbed a camera and ran to the scene. After a search of the road they identified a possible suspect car, (the index number given by the terrorists was not correct). By this stage, the Central Criminal Court was being evacuated, and police were in the process of clearing an adjacent pub, offices and the street.

The time was 12 minutes before 3pm and Dale decided there was time to take a photograph of the car, whilst D/C Simmons assisted uniformed police to clear the street.

Dale took one photograph of the car, and a second later it exploded.

In D/C Simmons own words “A black cloud obliterated the whole of the street and I could clearly hear metal whizzing and pinging around”. Peter Simmons found himself lying on the ground, getting up he saw a scene of complete carnage, people lying injured with limbs shattered, frightened bewildered people everywhere.

Dale Wilkinson had caught the full force of the blast and was lying severely injured with water gushing over him from a burst water main, amazingly he was alive and just conscious. Dale was carefully moved out of the water and Peter Simmons asked Dale where it hurt most, his reply “Everywhere” was not surprising as it was discovered later that he had over 400 pieces of metal in his body, some of which were very large and had caused considerable damage to him, and one of his ear drums was shattered.

Peter Simmons says that the best sight in his life was when he looked up the road towards St. Bartholomews Hospital and saw a stream of doctors and nurses in uniform running down the centre of the road towards them to help. Peter said “They were magnificent”.

Later that day while Dale was undergoing emergency lifesaving operations, the Scenes of Crime Department, having retrieved the badly damaged camera, had managed to remove the film and develop it. The resulting photograph enabled police to trace the car, thereby leading them to the perpetrators and later convictions in court. Without that photograph it is considered unlikely that the car containing the bomb would ever have been traced.

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After several years and many more operations, Dale, as a result of his injuries, left the Police Service.

In the intervening years Dale had undergone a series of operations, (well in excess of 20), as a direct result of the injuries he received on that fateful day.

Dale has coped remarkably well with the aftermath of that terrorist atrocity, and whenever I have been in his company or spoken to him on the phone, I can tell you that he has coped with his awful long term injuries and pain with humour and no shred of bitterness.

Dale was very proud of his ‘City of London roots’, and despite living in Dorset he attended many City functions.

The City of London Police is unique in that when an officer retires after 30 years’ service they are presented with a magnificent small statuette of a City Police Officer, the statuette is in silver and mounted on a wooden plinth. They are known as a ‘Silver Policeman’. Apart from City Police Officers who have completed 30 years’ service, the only other recipients of the Silver Policeman have been members of the Royal Family and Chairmen of the Police Committee.

Dale did not qualify to receive a Silver Policeman, however Peter Simmons and I got together and in 2009 I wrote to the then Commissioner of the City of London Police making a case for Dale to be granted his dearest wish and receive a converted Silver Policeman. I included all the information I had regarding the Old Bailey bomb and the injuries that Dale had been inflicted with.

I am very pleased to say that Commissioner Bowron enthusiastically agreed that after all that time Dale should be granted his dearest wish.

Dale had no idea of what had been agreed or what was about to happen when, with other colleagues we attended the Annual Reunion Dinner of the Ex CID Officers of the City of London Police in 2009. At the end of a short speech the then Assistant Commissioner invited Dale up to be presented with a Silver Policeman. Everybody in the room, (over 100 retired CID Officers), gave Dale a standing ovation as he went up to receive the award, whilst he was receiving it, and also while he walked back to our table. As the applause died down and we all took our seats I could see that there were tears in Dale’s eyes.

Andy Day, September, 2017.

Dale, pictured with And Day (left) and Peter Simmons (right), after receiving his Silver Policeman.

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Off with his head!

Allan Coleman confesses.

Thank you for the photograph (published in the summer newsletter and reprinted below). It clearly indicates a sheep in wolfs clothing. The residents must have been reassured that such stalwarts were walking the line between anarchy and order. No wonder elderly ladies wanted to mother me all the time, and the hair where did that go? Perhaps all that hair did give rise to a jealous response from the drill sergeant at Eynsham Hall, I am certainly envious of it myself since now I am now as bald as a coot. Still I did better than my younger brother who was totally bald aged 18yrs old. He wore a Crown Topper, remember them, and I must admit it did make him look younger. It was supposed to be undetectable, you could swim in it and generally play man about town. When he met his wife to be, he asked her out to dinner and the theatre as you do, or used to, and she said yes, as long as you take that silly wig off!

He is into genealogy and has investigated the origin of the name and history of some of the family ancestors. It`s not my bag, I have no interest in whether or not we have a serial killer or career bank robber in the family DNA, however it would appear that we are of Norman stock migrating over time to Ireland and then back to good old England. In fact Coleman is a common Irish name.

I was on a river boat a couple of years ago and out of a passenger list of 180 there were 6 Coleman’s. One in fact was of Middle Eastern origin, I know that because the boat receptionist gave me his passport saying,” You Koleeman yis? I replied “Me Koleeman no” pointing to my head. Dr Ahmed Coleman was dark skinned and had a full head of hair, I was a typically anaemic Englishman and bald as the proverbial badger. It says very little for the standard of Eastern European optical services in my view.

However genes do play a significant part in what I am going to say next. If I had been of Australian or West Indies stock the incident would not have happened since their cricketing skill is almost legendary. It seemed to me that they always trounced us, (that should set John Notton thumbing through his Wisden`s archives!)

At my young and tender age I wasn`t sure if you could commit treason by accident, if assaulting an image of Her Majesty could be called treason, we had not covered that yet, it was after Diseases of Animals, Epizootic Lymphangitis and all that. The City sent their cadet recruits to Eynsham uniformed as policeman but paid as cadets, to add insult to injury my time coincided with the change from weekly to monthly pay, two weeks in advance, two in arrears. What with the price of beer and the fact that we only got two home trips paid for, most of us were confined to barracks during most weekends. Tea in the dining room! And so it came to pass that having taken our places at the long table I ventured to obtain one of the less than delicious rock cakes (I needed filling up) from the other end. I had anticipated that it would arrive on a cake stand in “genteel” fashion as my mother had taught me to expect. It was delivered by hand about three feet above the table surface travelling well above the legal limit. Instincts die hard. I put out my hand in a gallant attempt to secure my cake but being English and taking into account the genes theory, the object hit the top of my hand and continued its journey at an angle of 45 degrees, as in most Test Matches. All government buildings have a photograph of Her Majesty somewhere and in this case it was in the dining hall. The rock cake hit the photograph fair and square, shattering into fragments, the trouble was that the impact had left a pillar of rock cake to replace her nose so that she looked like a female Pinocchio, the added insult was the currant on the end of it. I would like to tell you that everybody rushed to help tidy up but you know they did not. I could not reach the offending article and it was there for days until one miraculous morning it had gone. I felt sure someone would put me away because as a breed coppers cannot keep their mouths shut. I wonder how that would have read on the Commandants` charge sheet.

Regards to all Allan Coleman

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A Friend in High Places George Murrell Cape Vertigo I have always had a fear when on the top of high buildings, but fortunately I could overcome it to a degree when on duty. One of my worst moments was as a young PC when part of the coping stone ledge fell from the roof of a building in Bishopsgate during the early morning rush hour. I had no option other than to go on to the roof to assess the potential risks to pedestrians walking below. I walked out gingerly on to the flat roof and leaning forward started to pull back another large section of coping stone that was rocking on the edge. As I did so, a heavy gust of wind blew up under the cape I was wearing almost taking me off my feet and over the edge of the roof.

Somehow or the other I managed to retain my balance. Still trembling I lay down on the roof and managed to pull the coping stone back to a safe position before going back down to the street to arrange for the road and pavement to be closed off to pedestrians and traffic. I was very white faced for the rest of that day and even now think back on it with fear.

One beautiful spring morning when I was a sergeant at Cloak Lane I was walking past the Monument when the attendant suggested to me that I might like to go up and admire the view before it opened to the public. I had never before been up the Monument and thought that it was something I should do. I climbed the 300 odd stairs and stood at the doorway leading out on to the wire enclosed viewing gallery. As beautiful as the day was and as magnificent as the views would probably be, I could not force myself out through the doorway. I climbed back down, thanked the attendant telling him how marvellous the views were today and started to make my way back to the station for my breakfast. I paused to answer a police box that was flashing and was told that an anonymous phone call had been received to the effect that there was a bomb planted in the Monument. I was instructed to return to the Monument to search it and evacuate any tourists. With my legs already aching I again climbed the 300 steps, as I approached the doorway to the viewing gallery I could hear children’s voices. Again I had no option, I stepped out on to the gallery requested the family enjoying the views to depart immediately (assuring them their entrance fees would be refunded) and once they had left completed the circuit of the gallery to ensure that it was “bomb free”. Incidentally the views were magnificent.

One Sunday afternoon I had just started what should have been a “quiet” late turn shift as Duty Inspector when I received a phone call from the “Senior Duty Doctor” at St Bartholomew’s Hospital. Would I meet him immediately at the hospital as there was a “serious emergency”?

On arrival he explained to me that a mentally disturbed patient who had recently had a major stomach operation was on the rooftop pulling out his stitches and was threatening to jump if approached. The doctor and I together with two young PCs and firemen with short ladders went to the 6th floor where the patient was huddled on a sloping tiled roof. The PCs and I managed to get on to the roof ourselves but each time anyone of us tried to approach him he would scuttle further away across the tiles. I was in great fear that if he did jump he could well take one of us with him. Eventually after what seemed a lifetime we were able to gradually force him to the other end of the roof where the firemen lifted him down using their ladders. The firemen and the two PCs seemed completely unaffected by the incident but I was trembling inwardly for the rest of that afternoon.

George Murrell

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City of London Police Pensioners Association A Little bit of History

by David Smith COLPPA Patron Commissioner of Police for The City of London Mr. Ian Dyson

Founded 1912 Having recently been elected to the joint offices of Secretary and Treasurer of both COLPPA & NARPO I have had the good fortune to peruse some of the historic paperwork related to both Associations. I am eventually getting to grips with the workings of both Associations, the hardest part has been getting used to operating on a laptop again after years of managing personal affairs on an i-pad, still as they say, “It helps to keep the old grey matter turning over” and at least while I spend my time in the study Ann can watch whichever TV programmes she wants (I never get control of the remote control anyway).

I was initially under the impression that The City of London Police Pensioners Association was founded in 1915, however, I have since discovered paperwork contrary to that which gives the date as a few years earlier in 1912 and being one who loves our ‘City’ history I think we should, and I do intend, to run with the earlier date.

I discovered a large A4 leather bound Minute Book, not in very good condition but it made very interesting reading, mostly hand written, containing many names from the past some I recognised and others who I knew (that shows my age). It records the minutes of Committee, Quarterly and Annual General Meetings of COLPPA starting from as far back as 1948 showing a regular membership attendance at the meetings of anything from 40 to 100 retirees, wouldn’t that be good if we could achieve those numbers again.

I also found the minutes from the original City of London NARPO Branch meetings and the following is a precis of the information I researched and it represents the facts as I discovered them from that past paperwork.

NARPO was formed in 1919 (7 years later than COLPPA) and then retiring City officers, apart from joining COLPPA, were also encouraged to join NARPO, however, in those early days ‘The City’ was linked together with ‘The Met’ and jointly named ‘London Branch’ with pension deductions from City Officers being paid directly to London Branch. Those funds were managed by the Met which meant that we had little access to those resources. Although there were occasional ex gratia payments made to COLPPA from London Branch it still left the City with its main source of finance coming from COLPPA membership subscriptions, which were 2/6p per annum. (12½ p in new money)

During that period members needs for assistance, whether, it be welfare, financial or even trying to find employment after retirement were very well supported through COLPPA and several other organisations such as: - The Widows & Widowers Relief Fund, The City of London Police Provident Society, City Police Convalescent Fund, City of London Police Benevolent Fund and the City of London Corporation. COLPPA also arranged and funded many social events for members and their families.

Page 13

In the early 1950’s COLLPA began negotiations attempting to become affiliated members of NARPO in its own name, this process proved quite protracted, mainly due to either side being unable to agree the terms and conditions. Throughout that time, The City were regularly represented at NARPO London Meetings and NARPO Annual Conferences, for almost 10 years

by Frank Reeder and then from 1975 onwards by Frank Drake, Bert Treeves and Dickie Vogt, all of whom worked tirelessly for the good of retired City Officers.

Then in 1982 NARPO National Executive Committee finally agreed to us forming our own Branch. So, on 28th March 1983 began The City of London NARPO Branch, this meant that from then on, the City pensioners’ NARPO contributions were paid directly into our own branch bank account giving us greater autonomy over our finances. When formed we were originally Branch No. L63, we are now Branch No.22 and together with The Met we jointly form London Region Branch.

We owe a great vote of thanks to all those who represented us in the negotiations with NARPO and especially to Frank Drake and his wife Esther for all their hard work, persistence, and dedication which eventually culminated in the formation of The City of London Branch of NARPO. We are very fortunate in that we do have a strong connection and good working relationship with our fellow members of NARPO London Region, namely our colleagues in The Metropolitan Police, and long may that continue. We are in regular communication and we meet with them at London Regional Committee, Annual General meetings and social events, this of course ensures that we are always able to deal with any matters that may affect London Region and/or both our Branches. The Commissioner of Police for the Metropolis, Cressida Dick and the Commissioner of Police for the City of London, Ian Dyson are both avid supporters of our Associations and are the joint Patrons of London Region Branch of NARPO. As you can imagine over the many years that both our City Associations have been in existence there has been a great number of Presidents, Chairman, Secretaries, Treasurers and Committee Members, far too many to mention by name but our thanks to them all, past and present, for the time and commitment they have given to ensure that our Associations continue to flourish.

The COLPPA Presidential Badge and Chain of Office which is worn by our President is a replica of City Regalia and was purchased as a gift for us in 1972, jointly by our then Commissioner James Page QPM and the Members of the City of London Police Committee and that marked the sixtieth anniversary of our Association.

Rather surprisingly it was not until April 1980 that our 1st. retired female Police Officer, Sheila Boakes, became a member of COLPPA and now fortunately we have many, many more.

Over the years both our Associations have continued to flourish and membership numbers are currently at a good level. Jointly as NARPO and COLPPA we organise several funded meetings and get togethers throughout the year. The City Pensioners Newsletter has been a longstanding source of information and entertainment to us all. The Newsletter has been well supported by articles from retirees and there has been several Editors over the years, names such as Bert Treeves, Gordon Muffett, Dickie Vogt, Mike Sims, John Lancaster, John Hussey and it is currently very well produced by Chris Pearson, to all of whom we owe a great vote of thanks.

Chris assisted by his son James also initially set up and continue to manage our Pensioners website and many thanks to both.

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I feel sure that there are many of you who like me still feel part of the “City Family” and that is obvious by the support for the many groups such as: - Ex Detectives, Snow Hill Luncheon Club, Cloak Lane Association and several others who all continue to meet and communicate regularly.

That old saying seems to fit The Bill (forgive the pun) “Once a City man or woman always a City man or woman” and so I would encourage everyone who hasn’t already done so to join COLPPA, Life Membership is only £10, I will be very pleased to forward a membership application form on request.

David Smith (editors note—I changed my car insurance provider through NARPO this month and saved £300 for the year!).

Names in the Frame

Can you put names to the faces? Answers on page 24

1.

2.

Page 15

3.

Apologies re the ‘Fish and Chip Mob’ article from page 13 of the Summer Newsletter. This article and photograph was actually sent in by Mike Trebilcook and Not Mike only one Cook as printed.

New Recruits from page 7. Sent in by Mike Trebilcook.

Answers 1. Mike Trebilcook 2. Doug Yates

Page 16

Sad News Ex PS 31 ‘E’ Daryl Every Ex Mounted Police Sergeant 31 ‘A’ Daryl Every passed away peacefully on the 22nd August 2017 following a two week stay in hospital. Daryl’s funeral was held at Southend Crematorium on 19th September. The Force provided two Mounted Officers and in accordance with Daryl’s wishes, the Force drape was used to accompany him on his last journey.

Thoughts…

Sad to hear the news of Daryl's passing. Thoughts are with his family

Roy

Very sad. Daryl was very good to me in my early days in the branch. He gave me a lot of opportunities. My thoughts are with his family.

Janet

It's very sad to hear the news of Daryl he had such a great personality. My thoughts go out to his family. It was only two years ago their mother Mary passed away.

Jacqui and Allan

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Policing the Lord Mayor’s Show 2017

Page 18

THE EX-CID ASSOCIATION Another good year for the Association with some well attended social events and get-togethers.

We celebrated the 90th birthdays of two of our members Les Hollett and Ron Enston with Lunches at restaurants in West Malling and the City, attended by old colleagues and friends.

Good to see Les and Ron looking so well and enjoying life.

The Reunion Lunch at the Armourers' Hall was a lovely day and everyone seems to have enjoyed themselves and got home safely - eventually! The Piper went down very well, celebrating the last year in office of our Chairman Bob McIntosh who was truly resplendent in his kilt and accoutrements - well done Bob! A brief history of the Armourers' Livery Company by the Clerk over a glass of sparkling wine before Lunch was also well received. Frank Hooley proposed the Toast to the Association and the Commissioner Ian Dyson QPM responded. Bob had previously expressed his concern to the Commissioner about the uncertainty of City Uniform presence at funerals when requested by families and the Commissioner promised to look into this.

The proceedings were well managed as usual by Toastmaster John White. Sincere thanks to the members and guests who contributed to the collection for the City Police Widows & Orphans Fund and the Association which raised a magnificent £1127.

Our Lunch in 2018 will be on Monday 22nd October at Trinity House, dining in the Library with views of the Tower of London and the Thames, another great City venue to look forward to.

Get-togethers in the Crosse Keys, evening tours of the Tower of London, a great Lunch at our AGM and our Christmas Lunch in December will bring to an end a successful year for the Association.

The down side has been that we have lost some really good friends over the past months, including Brian Hathorn, Michael Golden, Gil Morrison, Bob Fowlie, Alan Elms, Dale Wilkinson, Len Wilson and Joyce Dodkin (former partner of Hugh Moore) and former uniform colleagues in the City. It is the nature of our Association that these sad times do occur, but hopefully the comradeship and support we provide each other in-between makes up for those sorrowful occasions.

Good news is that we have a number of new members including Nick Kemsley, Peter Spake, Lee Nelson, Brian Miles, Vernon Thorne, Paul French, Peter Coley, Kate Sibley, David Brown, Roy Stevens and Steve Newrick – good to have them all on board!……….so any former colleagues who are not members and would like to join, do get in touch. Membership is only £10 a year and from the age of 80 it’s free…….. something to look forward to!

Jim Jolly Secretary Editors note—photographs kindly provided by Alexis Betts and Derek Widdowson.

Page 19

The CID Reunion Lunch

Page 20

Obituary Mick Gavin

GAVIN Michael Edward (30th October 1937- 23rd May 2017) age 79, following a long illness sadly passed away at home under the constant care of his wife Maureen. Dearly loved and well respected, survived by his wife Maureen, children Michael, Peter and Suzie and grand children Ivy, Rhoda, Barrie, Ellie, Amelie and Chloe.

Michael served in the Irish Guards and following military service, joined the City of London Police Force for 27 years of loyal service, receiving two commendations from the Police Commissioner and Judge for bravery and dedication to duty arresting an armed robber with a loaded firearm.

Funeral service took place on the 27th June at Garth Road Crematorium, Garth Road, Morden Surrey with family, friends, ex members of the Irish Guards and officers from the City of London Police Force.

He will be sadly missed.

R.I.P. Norman Russell

B&B at the Police Treatment Centres for 2018.

Accommodation at either St Andrews in Harrogate or Castlebrae in Auchterarder, Perthshire at excellent value – just £100 for a double or twin room for Friday & Saturday nights inclusive or £80 single.

Please note that there are some excluded weekends, currently as follows: St Andrews Friday 9th March & Saturday 10th March Friday 18th May & Saturday 19th May Friday 29th June & Saturday 30th June Castlebrae Friday 23rd February & Saturday 24th February Friday 27th July & Saturday 28th July

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Terms & Conditions apply and can be found on our website where members can book online www.thepolicetreatmentcentres.org/hospitality-offers/b-and-b

Page 22

Reflections

by Alan Francis When I joined the beloved Job in 1950 my colleagues had military service experience – some wore the medals of two World Wars and some had been decorated for bravery. Mainly on night duty, when one had time to converse without distraction, I used to listen with awe when asking about the events for which they had been presented with bravery awards – I can clearly remember their stories – sinking of a submarine, commando raids, pinpoint bombing of targets, completion of dangerous tours in aeroplanes after which they were statistically lucky to be alive.

I was a listener, just 15 years old when the war finished in 1945 and my experiences of seeing V1s and collecting shrapnel on a paper round were better untold in police company. In 1950+ I was in ‘the Mets’. At Her Majesty the Queen’s Coronation Parade of Police in Hyde Park, in her presence, the saluting base was parallel to Park Lane with the Metropolitan Police Band nearby.

We thus kept in good step, but as we marched up to the Marble Arch area it became increasingly difficult to maintain step on the grass. Not so for the City of London Police contingent immediately behind us: they must have been specially selected for their numerous war medals which rhythmically ‘clinked’ in time with their whistling of the tune ‘Happy Wanderer’. We were very impressed.

Visiting the Imperial War Museum (IWM) in 2000 I saw a sign asking for volunteers to ‘meet the public’ on the subjects of WW2 and evacuation. I duly volunteered, for my ‘specialist interest’ was WW2 and aircraft recognition. My parents had luckily declined the school offer to evacuate brother Robin and me to Canada – the ship was torpedoed in the Atlantic when 97 children died including all the evacuees from our school.

With other ‘old-timers’ I now speak (when requested) to schools visiting the Imperial War Museum. The children are very interested and WW2 is in their school curriculum.

Subjects include V2s through the sound barrier (517 reached London), V1s – (2419 reached London), and ‘windows’, which the children now associate with computers but in WW2 was the many thousands of small strips of silver paper dropped from enemy planes to confuse Radar.

Windows was a British invention originally used by the RAF. The IWM kindly gave me the picture of ‘yours truly’ mentioning the war and ‘getting away with it’ seated just below the V1 and V2. I could not foresee that happening 70+ years ago or when I joined the Job.

Photograph reprinted with the kind permission of the Imeperial War Museum.

Alan Francis

Page 23

Wanderlust Morning all! Thanks. to Chris as usual for the last News Letter. My special thanks to Anne Lancaster for agreeing to forward my contributions to Chris. Having no computer or mobile phone (aren’t I lucky?), and not having written in for some while, I phoned Anne, number withheld, of course, who seemed rather surprised to receive my call, but after explanations, agreed to accept my contributions. Don’t bother to contact her – I did not reveal my true identity!

Keeps everyone guessing!

I suppose I am not alone in first turning to the obituaries. Always a sad list, David Sparks in particular. Back in the ‘60’s after marriage to my first wife, we honeymooned in Bournemouth.

One day we set out to explore the Isle of Purbeck. We passed a pub, in the forecourt of which I noticed a couple saddling a horse, the lady in riding gear. I screeched to a stop, reversed, and called out to none other than David, “Which way is Threadneedle Street?” He and his wife, Heather, I think her name was, were looking after the premises while friends or relatives were on holiday. They were as gobsmacked as us, and invited us back for the evening to further celebrate our wedding. Amazing coincidence.

To improve her mobility, Mrs W was referred to a private physiotherapist. At her first appointment, she was asked to sign a form which gave the physio permission to touch her! Can’t help thinking it was something to do with Michael Fallon touching knees! Question: Was his resignation a knee jerk reaction? Also on the form was a question about her sexual orientation!! At her age – NIL! I can never understand how the Government secure contracts which invariably go eye-wateringly over estimate or budget. ‘The Times’ had a feature article recently about the Great Western Railway upgrade. Estimated cost £874 million, current cost now over 2 billion, and not finished yet. State of the art electric trains are due to be delivered, although electrification of the line is far from complete. (Only half way apparently). So the trains will be fitted in addition with diesel motor and fuel tanks, making them heavier and slower. Time saved? 15 minutes London to Bristol – hardly value for money. I await an HS2 fiasco! (Time to bring in Brian Cluney – he was a train man, and GWR at that!!).

Mrs W has a French friend living in London, with who she used to work at the United Nations in Lyon, France. A charming lady but a “What could possibly go wrong?” blonde. Discussing speed limits recently, she thought the 30 miles an hour limit was stupid as “You had to go faster to overtake!” Further, she was annoyed to find that her watch battery had run out. “But I haven’t worn it for a year!” she told Mrs W!! Not to be outdone, a neighbour heard that an EasyJet aircraft had a wheel off when landing. “Didn’t they have a spare one?” she asked. Difficult to fit a new one while flying.

Time now for the jigsaw – ‘Mevagissey Harbour’ (I know how to live!)

Finally, thought for the day: If at first you don’t succeed, try doing it the way your wife told you!

Regards to all, Wanderlust

Page 24

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ANSWERS—Names in the Frame—pages 14,15 sent in by Allan Coleman 1.Early 60’s From a rail accident at Cannon Street Station where a train hit the buffers.

Top left to bottom right. PS Wimpey Barratt, PC Vernon Goreing, PS George Benwell, Allan Coleman 2. ’A’ Group, Cloak Lane outing. To Brighton.

Back row, Unknown, Ian Birchnough, Ray Kalbfell Second row, Allan Coleman, Roy Barron, Tony Brady, Unknown, Vic Frost Front row, Stan Ilsley, Coach Driver, Bill Gaze, Unknown, Joe Croft 3. The Miners’ dispute. Left to right. Mark Hedley, Unknown, Allan Coleman, Henry Harding, Phil Gilbert, Tim Ashenden, Wayne Sheppard, Allex Dilliway, Ian Kirkwood, Jim Bealey Kneeling. Ian Gowens, Gary Wilkins, Neale Whittick, Alf Dickason

Page 25

‘ T H E S E N I O R B R I GA D E ’

80 or over

Age

Pensioned

Rank

Philip

Coppack

97

30/05/78

Det Chief Supt

George

Fell

94

04/10/82

PC 172B

Cyril

Breeze

93

17/09/79

PC 658D

Stanley

Geale

93

01/07/77

Insp

John

Aitken

92

23/12/76

PC 274B

Charles

Torrance

91

06/02/78

PC 606D

Leslie

Hollett

90

03/09/79

DC 458E

Ronald

Enston

90

17/08/83

DS 921E

David

Pronger

89

05/09/83

PC 644E

Ernest

Jones

89

01/03/78

PS 108E

Donald

Smith

89

29/02/84

Ch/Supt

Robert

Wilson

89

18/02/84

PC 445E

Andrew

Graham

89

05/10/83

PC 420C

Albert

Garry

88

22/12/84

PC 237E

Edward

Hughes

88

14/09/83

PS 94D

Stanley

Roberts

88

01/09/83

PC 453E

Peter

Emeny

88

01/12/82

DS 939E

James

Miller

88

28/01/85

PS 61E

Ronald

Westgate

88

29/10/84

PC 192E

Roy

Barron

88

24/09/84

PS 99C

Alan

Francis

87

01/02/78

Ch/Supt

Royston

Elsey

87

18/03/85

D/Supt

Roland

Gilbert

87

10/06/85

PC 640E

Terrance

Sandy

87

05/09/83

Ch/Insp

Page 26

‘ T H E S E N I O R B R I GA D E ’

80 or over

Age

Pensioned

Rank

Lionel

Seymour

87

06/08/82

PC 125C

Eric

Gladman

86

23/02/87

Insp

Brian

Fisher M.B.E.

86

08/09/80

Supt

Clive

Jackson

86

02/08/82

Det Supt

James

Mason

86

30/01/86

PC 386E

Thomas

Morgan

86

03/09/84

DC 175E

David

Wallace

86

30/07/84.

.Det Insp

Thomas

Simpson

86

25/01/82

PS 33C

Joseph

Heathorn

86

08/05/84

A/PS 361C

.Dennis

Rouse

86

06/09/82

PC 698D

Ralph

Harrison

86

02/12/85

PS 82

Bernard

Townsend

86

03/09/84

Supt

Harold

Minshull

86

03/09/79

Insp

Allingson

Webber

86

30/01/84

PC 418B

Peter

Rowe

86

10/12/79

Supt

Thomas

Bevan

85

27/04/87

PC 435E

Anthony

Brady

85

28/02/83

DS 902E

Owen

Kelly

85

08/12/93

Commissioner

Frank

Wood

85

01/04/89

PC 398C

Raymond

Holland

85

14/05/84

PC 447E

Dennis

Harrison

85

25/02/85

PC 652E

Hywell

Williams

85

09/06/85

Insp

Frederick

Jolley

85

10/09/80

.PC 465E

Page 27

‘ T H E S E N I O R B R I GA D E ’

80 or over

Age

Pensioned

Rank

19/04/82

PC 732D

Wallace

Unitt

85

Ayres

John

84

Alec

Martin

84

22/06/86

Ch/Supt

Robert

Barnes

84

07/10/81

PS 73

George

Murrell

84

01/09/81

Insp

Michael

Owen

84

04/06/84

PC 158E

Brian

Platt

84

25/07/83

Det Ch/Insp

Alistair

Ross

84

07/01/85

PC 428E

Kenneth

Sivell

84

17/06/85

PC 412B

John

Lancaster

84

24/03/85

DC 712C

Malcolm

Hine

83

13/03/86

DC

Malcolm

Riddell

83

11/01/82

Insp

John

Moss

83

04/12/84

Ch/Supt

Brian

Cluney

83

04/08/85

PC 632D

Robin

Francis

83

01/02/87

Det Ch/Supt

Andy

Quick

83

1987

PC 522B

John

Rew

83

22/12/90

PS 38C

Stanley

Wiseman

83

1986

PC 227B

Arthur

Pearn

83

05/05/87

Insp

Gordon

Cottrell

83

02/01/89

PS 47B

Ron

Pegrum

83

20/03/85

PS

Leonard

Skinner

82

01/07/67

PC 228B

PC 128C

Page 28

‘ T H E S E N I O R B R I GA D E ’

80 or over

Age

Pensioned

Rank

Ray

Hayter

82

12/12/89

PC 684E

Ron

Woodhouse

82

12/07/90

PS 78C

Fred

Warren

82

23/02/86

DC

Doug

Lewis

82

19/10/89

PC 176E

James

Carswell

82

23/08/85

Insp

John

Simons

82

January 1986

PC 250E

Jean

Keeble

81

09/87

WPC 30B

* Graham

Gibbens

82

1987

PC 662 ‘B’

Barry

Tarbun

81

Detective Chief

Vic

Horscraft

81

PC 704 ‘E’

Warwick

Perry

81

PC 280E

Ken

Robson

81

1977

DC 190 ‘E’

Ray

Kalbfel

80

17/08/87

Det Insp

Congratulations to the new joiners of the Senior Brigade, Barry Tarbun, Ray Kalbfel and Vic Horscraft, Warwick Perry and Ken Robson. Well done on making the Brigade!

EDITORS NOTE. The City of London Police Pension’s office can 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 (chris.pearson@citypensioners.co.uk

Page 29

PLEASE NOTE THESE DETAILS AS MANY FAMILIES ARE NOT AWARE Information re. death of pensioners and/or widows, and change of address requirements 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 Manager, Bernadette McGloin (details below). If agreeable, Bernadette 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 and/or wreath can also be arranged for pensioners via the Wellbeing Service but a charitable donation is no longer offered in lieu of a wreath. 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 Wellbeing 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 the sheet at the back of the newsletter to keep COLPPA updated.

Bernadette McGloin City of London Police Occupational Health Service Walbrook Wharf 78-83 Upper Thames Street London EC4R 3TD Email: Bernadette.mcgloin@cityoflondon.gov.uk Tel 0207 3323276 As a reminder from a previous Newsletter, 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.

Finally, If you hear of a pensioner who has passed away and you haven’t seen a notification, please contact Anne Lancaster (07748 111649) so that further notification can be arranged.