Durham Peeler - Winter 2010

“Eis Servire Qui Serviverunt”. “Of Service to those who ser

A brief N.A.R.P.O. National Conference overview. By Alan S. Watso

Durham Peeler

WINTER 2010 I suppose you have all immediately recognised th significance? Well, I know now, having been advised who speaks the lingo… Just to further your kn DURHAM COUNTY BRANCH N.A.R.P.O. can be broadly described as “To safeguard Magazine promote measures for their welfare, with particular re would add “and a whole lot more”

Being armed with this knowledge and a remit from th Barry & Angie Crawford and yours truly set forth to best Conferences in recent years at Scarborough (o further memorable because this year is the 90th Anniv National Association Retired Police Officers and a Mike Thornton, the retiring NARPO Chief Executiv trappings of power to Clint Elliott.

Traditionally, the Annual Conference has been held alternatively “north” and “south” to delegates did not have too far to travel. At last we seem to have found the elixir for all C Scarborough where I can report that EVERYTHING, from the Pre Conference Dinner, Scarborough Spa Complex and all associated aesthetic and practical issues were superbly by the National Executive and the Borough of Scarborough Council Executive and thei solitary grumble throughout and that is some kind of record!

This Conference provides the benchmark to which others must aspire-if we are to continu arrangement. Personally, I do not think it will be equalled. The Northern No. 2 District Co appreciation to the organisers–(another first!)

The new format for Conference proved to be a hit. The traditional opening and adminis reasonably painlessly, followed by an interesting and most informative address given by of North Yorkshire Branch of the Police Federation at short notice, in the absence of Ian the Police Federation of England & Wales who was unable to attend.

The main business of the day – the future of “Care First”, (introduced last year in good fa for the “better serving” of members welfare needs). As anticipated, there was a stron present this company with a minimum of £150,000/annum to provide a service that can NARPO welfare officers and local authority services. A lively debate followed, conclud discontinuation and an encouragement of branches to develop their own welfare officers.

Injury on Duty Awards (or are they pensions?) continued to be a “hot potato” leading to and inevitably remitted – it is for the government of the day to grasp this nettle – when wi

The Tall Ships Race. August, 2010 at Hartlepool Marina Hartlepool was the privileged venue, its spectacular marina and harbour hosting the prestigious Tall Ships race this year. Almost a million visitors descended on the area from all over the country favourably highlighting the area in a blaze of publicity and worldwide television coverage, truly a great fillip for the town of Hartlepool.

In the testing times ahead, where neighbouring Forces will be cost effectively sharing/ pooling (no pun intended….) facilities, perhaps we in Durham County may become even more familiar with the Cleveland Police Mounted Section at our public events?

Front cover

Cleveland Mounted Branch officers in full ceremonial uniform “stealing the show” with the happy crowds of people attending the festivities (photo Alan Watson) Inside cover: A lovely close up shot of the magnificent mounted men of Cleveland

(photo courtesy Richard Woodhead)

Getting back to the Future?

Welcome once again dear readers to the new winter (Christmas) edition of the Durham Peeler magazine. We (Geoff North, my neighbour / proof reader and I) have prepared and designed the latest magazine which we hope you will enjoy. I’m never going to please ALL of the people all of the time, especially retired police officers, although we continue to try! I thank all our contributors for their good will and interest in sharing so many articles, photographs, memorabilia letters, anecdotes and the funnies. Your contributions really are appreciated. Now down to brass tacks.

The Regional Police Forces are facing up to arbitrary Home Office budgetary cuts of £7.2 million. Durham County alone has to work through £1.4m of cuts this year and further cuts of 20% in Home Office grants over the next four years, which must be managed with sound and expert long term judgements. Clinical cuts are essential in personnel, equipment and services to ensure that really essential services are safeguarded whilst the lesser functions and services may have to be axed. The cold truth is that our society has been forced into a war of economic survival in which, sadly, sentiment has no place. In Durham, an unfortunate 140 civilian Durham County police staff are being made casualties of such scrutiny but proof positive of the mettle, integrity and forward, positive thinking of the Force’s decision makers. Welcome to the real World!

Durham and Cleveland forces are agreed that the way ahead lies in collaboration. The sharing of expertise, expensive technical equipment and manpower can provide an improved and efficient service whilst reducing overall expenditure. Cross border deployment of Armed Response Vehicles, pre planned operations and mutual standby teams came into operation in April, 2010, with a similar sharing of road policing functions. These stratagems will make an estimated annual saving of approximately £750,000 AND releases officers for other duties. Look out for further operational collaborations soon.

The Police Service must always be vigilant, analysing the essential roles of policing in the community. Inter Force operation and sharing of expensive common resources must surely engender economic advantage and efficiency. Chief Constables together with all other Public Sector organisations working on behalf of our Society must regain their complete impartiality and sense of purpose, uninfluenced by politics.

While we were “sleeping”, purposeful minorities, aided and abetted by some political persuasions, have cynically exploited our apathy, unrealistically raising our expectations whilst eroding our liberties and privileges, squandering our prosperity in the process! Political correctness, outrageous application of some Health & Safety Regulations and other “woolly” thinking issues postulated by “jobsworths” have unjustifiably and unaccountably flourished! Our Society deserves better!

Optimistically, we wish you all a Merry Christmas and a happy and a healthy New Year.

Alan S. Watson Editor Durham N.A.R.P.O. Meetings, 2011. All NARPO members are welcome to attend Monday, 17th January, 2011. 7.30pm. Durham Indoor Bowling Club Monday, 28th March, 2011.

7.30pm. Durham Indoor Bowling Club (Annual General Meeting) th Monday, 9 May, 2011.

7.30pm. Bishop Auckland Hospital Club Monday, 6th September, 2011 7.30pm. Durham Indoor Bowling Club Monday, 14th November, 2011 7.30pm. Bishop Auckland Hospital Club Honorary President: Derek Harrison, L.L.B., M.B.E., c/o Helen McArdle Care Home, Durham DH1 5SE Chairman: Alan S. Watson, 38, Hummersknott Avenue, Darlington DL3 8LG Tel 01325 465609. suenala7@ntlworld.com.

Vice Chairman: Tom Baxter, Tel. 0191 3849036 Treasurer: Colin Appleby, 21, Lea Rigg, West Rainton, Houghton le Spring, DH4 6SR Tel 0191 5846178 applebycolin@btinternet.com Secretary: Barry C. Crawford, 8, Warwick Place, Peterlee, SR2 2EZ. Tel. 0191 5180996 barrychiltoncrawford@yahoo.co.uk Welfare Officer: Angie Crawford, 8, Warwick Place, Peterlee, SR2 2EZ. Tel 0191 5180996 angiechiltoncrawford@yahoo.co

Victorian Times.

An introduction to the Durham County Chief Constables in the 19th Century

Major James Wemmys, first Chief Constable of Durham County Constabulary.

10th December, 1839 to 23rd September, 1848

Major James Wemmys was appointed Chief Constable, tasked with recruiting personnel to be disciplined, trained and organized to create a new Durham County Constabulary. His initial salary was £250.00 per annum and an additional allowance of £100.00 to cover travelling expenses. The Constabulary’s authorized establishment: Chief Constable, 5 Superintendents, and 60 Constables to police four operational divisions, viz., Chester le Street; Darlington; Easington and Stockton with a Force H.Q. in Old Elvet, Durham.

The first officers were appointed on 20th January, 1840, trained in their duties before taking up the duties of their offices on 29th February, 1840. Within two months, the Chief Constable was further authorized to appoint no more than 14 Deputy Superintendents – actually appointed to the rank Sergeant. Several months later, the Chief Constable reported…”in certain districts where initially the Police had been welcomed with showers of stones, they had won the respect of the inhabitants by exercising the powers with which they had been invested with judgement, discretion, forbearance and impartiality and they had accrued letters of appreciation from all quarters, while the cost of building certain police station houses had been partially met by public subscription” Major Wemyss was a British Army veteran, commissioned in the Dragoon Guards and latterly served as a Staff Officer at the Battle of Waterloo. He continued in Office, guiding the organization and development of the peace keeping Force until his sudden death on 23rd September, 1848.

Lieutenant Colonel George Francis WHITE.

Second Chief Constable, Durham County Constabulary: 7th November, 1848 – 31st March, 1892

Lt. Col. George Francis White was appointed to the office of Chief Constable, on 7th November, 1848, following the sudden demise of his predecessor, Major James Wemyys (First Chief Constable, 1839 – 1848).

He had no police experience, although he had had a distinguished military career. During his long tenure of office, he comprehensively re-organized the Force, quintupled the manpower and raised the standards of discipline and efficiency. Remarkably for those times, he implemented a new code of regulations, orders and instructions for the government and guidance of the Constabulary.

Lieutenant Colonel John H. Eden

Chief Constable 1stApril, 1892- 26thFebruary, 1902 - Appointed one of His Majesty’s Inspectors of Constabulary.

Lt. Colonel Eden was selected from sixty three applicants to succeed as the third ex. Military officer to be appointed Chief Constable of Durham County. He was described in the Police Review and Parade Room Gossip: “a gentleman of fine physique, being fully six feet in height, straight as a proverbial lance and worthy of the Force he commands…”

He made many innovations including better quality and serviceability of clothing. He introduced increased allowances and holidays for his men and the formation of a Police athletic and cricket club. In the year following his appointment, in an Order dated 30th October, 1893, members of the Force were allowed one day’s leave per month in addition to annual leave, “when and where practicable, but without increasing expenditure or seriously crippling the efficiency of the Force”. If men did not wish to avail themselves of this privilege, they were to be granted fourteen days annual leave instead of ten for a Sergeant and ten instead of seven for a Constable and could be “granted twelve hours special leave from time to time”.

Rather like the radio programme “I’m sorry, I’ll read that again”, on 22nd January, 1897, an amended memo for Superintendents, from the Chief Constable’s Office reads: “Recruits and Constables on probation will not in future be granted, one day’s leave per month as a matter of course, but Superintendents may at their discretion grant them a few hours leave or a day’s leave occasionally for any special purpose when they consider it desirable”.

Durham County’s Deputy Chief Constable (1898 – 1904)

Henry WEBSTER

Note: (Henry Webster was the great grandfather of ex. Chief Superintendent Harold Coyne, Hartlepool Divisional Commander in the 1960s.) original script by courtesy his daughter, Mrs. Helen Shingles (nee Coyne) The following extracts are taken from a sketch of Mr. Webster’s career appeared in the Police Review in 1897 (Note the quaint descriptive prose of the time) and the equally generous gifts!

Henry Webster was born at Little Eaton, Derbyshire on January, 27th. 1847. At the age of ten he went to work at a malt house where he was soon versed in the mysteries of malt making, but as Mr. Webster humorously remarked, not feeling disposed to assist in the spread of intemperance, he soon turned his attention to “fresh fields” and “pastures new”, obtaining employment at Cockfield in the County of Durham at which place he remained until March, 1869 when he decided to enter the police force. He applied and was appointed to the Durham Constabulary, in which he has served since with such marked success. His prescience in selecting the police force as a profession has been amply justified by subsequent events, his record of service being one of steady and persistent advancement Entering the force on 29th.March, 1869, he underwent the usual preliminary training at headquarters and in the following month was stationed at Darlington where he lost no time in exhibiting his ability for the profession he had chosen. From a meagre description posted in the police office, he apprehended a man who was wanted for stealing a horse and cart in Lincolnshire. The man was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment.

In March, 1870, Mr. Webster was transferred to Ferryhill where dark days were unfortunately in store for him.

One evening in September, whilst walking from Ferryhill to Low Spennymoor, he was intercepted by five men returning from a dog race,. Without the slightest provocation they attacked him in the most savage manner, inflicting such injuries as to leave him in a state of insensibility. On recovering consciousness, with difficulty, he managed to crawl to a farmhouse where the kind hearted farmer, Mr. Pickering at once dispatched a message for medical aid and to report the occurrence to the police authorities. The doctor on arrival pronounced his injuries to be of so grave a nature as to render it essential that Mr. Webster’s dying depositions should be taken without delay and that was accordingly done by the Rev. Canon Greenwell J.P. who is now one of Mr. Webster’s staunchest friends.

After lying in a critical state for some days, Mr. Webster drove away the grim messenger of death, but so grievously had he been stricken that he was unfit for removal from the farm house for six weeks and a similar period elapsed before he was sufficiently recovered to resume duty. It is gratifying to learn that the blackguards who committed the assault were apprehended the same night by a sergeant and others. Three of them being subsequently sent to penal servitude for five years; the other two men turned Queen’s evidence, and not having taken part in the assault, they were less charged. After the trial, Col. White, the Chief Constable, performed a very pleasing ceremony of presenting to Mrs.Pickering, a handsome gold watch and chain which had been subscribed for by the whole of the constabulary in recognition of the assiduous attention and unremitting kindness which she had given to Mr. Webster during his illness.

After recovering his health, Mr. Webster was removed to Bishop Middleham in February, 1871, to Witton Gilbert in May 1872, to Shincliffe in July, 1872 and on appointment to Acting-sergeant in November, 1874, he was removed to Durham to perform the duties of divisional clerk. His worth in his new vocation being recognized in December, 1875, he was promoted to the rank of full sergeant and in December, 1876, was awarded the badge of merit for “having shown great zeal and intelligence in the detection and prevention of crime and in the performance of his duty generally”.

Whilst still performing his duties as clerk, he was in January, 1881, promoted in the rank of Inspector. During the period of 14 years, he remained at Durham, on many occasions displaying conspicuous tact in connection with several important matters and was actively engaged in a number of indictable cases, many of which amounted in the aggregate to upwards of 52 years.

Sheep stealing having become very rife in the district, Mr. Webster with other officers was specially detailed to

investigate the matter, and after persistent watching and searching, was rewarded by being enabled to apprehend three men, who had killed three sheep in Finchale Abbey grounds. The skins and offal had been left on the ground and the carcasses removed, but Mr. Webster was equal to the occasion and discovering the meat hidden in a pit heap at Framwellgate Moor Colliery, speedily apprehended three men, having traced them through their footprints. They were each sentenced to seven years penal servitude with the almost immediate result that cases of that nature entirely ceased.

Another case, which from its remarkably callous nature deserves mention, was the murder at Red Hills of a miner named Thomas Pyle by another miner named Peter Bray. The unfortunate man, Pyle had been working as a blackleg at a colliery from which Bray was on strike, and one evening the latter and some companions met Pyle lying asleep, under the influence of drink at Red Hills. Bray left his companions , wrenched a rail from the fence beside which Pyle was lying and struck the sleeping man across the front of the neck with such violence as to completely shatter his windpipe and cause his immediate death. Bray then stole a bundle of clothes from the man on whom he had wreaked his inhuman vengeance and retraced his steps. Fearing, however that the stolen clothing might betray him, he burned them at his lodgings the same night. Owing to the antipathy in which Pyle had held by the miners of the district, it was impossible to obtain evidence sufficient to warrant an arrest, and it was not until 15 months after the commission of the crime that Mr. Webster felt justified in making an apprehension.

During the interval, Bray had been to America and after his return to Durham, had joined the Militia regiment, when for some breach of the law he was sent to prison for seven days and it was on his release from expiating that offence that, much to his surprise, he found Nemesis in the form of Mr. Webster awaiting him at the gaol gates.

He was committed for trial on the capital charge. He was accordingly remanded to the next Assizes when he was tried by Mr. Justice Day, found guilty of murder and was executed on November, 19th 1883.

Durham County has long been famed for its miners’ strikes; consequently Mr. Webster was in charge of the police engaged at the South Medomsley Colliery strike in 1886, when the contest was prolonged until winter set in, and evictions having to be carried out, in some instances in snowstorms, a strong feeling of resentment was engendered. Mr. Webster was a most important witness in a case in which a Newcastle paper was sued for slander in respect of some comments it had made in connection with the strike on the conduct of a colliery manager. He was also in charge during the latter part of the famous Silksworth Colliery strike in 1891.

Mr. Webster was promoted to the rank of Superintendent on 1st December, 1888 and removed to Castle Eden to take charge of the division. On leaving Durham he was presented with a handsome silver tea and coffee service and silver salver, and a massive marble clock and bronze ornaments, by the police of the division and a large number of friends, as a token of the general esteem in which he was held. He remained in Castle Eden for four and a half years and his genial personality and unswerving devotion to duty won the affection of all with whom he came into contact.

On the retirement in June, 1898 of Mr. Dunn, the Deputy Chief Constable and chief clerk, it was resolved to separate the appointments and Mr. Webster was at once selected without a rival to fill the onerous and responsible position of chief clerk.

His departure from Castle Eden caused general regret, but to signify the feeling which all classes of the community had for him, he was made the recipient of many valuable presents, among them being a handsome barometer and gold and jeweled dress rings for Mrs. and the Misses Webster, from the police of the division; from upwards of 500 friends he received a very valuable gold watch, albert and vesta case, silver mounted spirit stand, silver ink stand, etc., and a beautifully illuminated album, containing the names of the subscribers, while Mrs. Webster, who certainly shared her husband’s popularity among the inhabitants of the district, was presented with a valuable gold and diamond brooch.

He was appointed Deputy Chief Constable in 1877 (sic) (As I read it, Mr. Webster was only a Sergeant clerk in 1877. I believe it should have read 1898- something lost in interpretation perhaps?) (Editor) and resigned in 1904.

Darlington “B” Shift. Lyke Wake Walk. Charity Walk 1976 Dear Alan, Remember these pictures? You were “B” Shift Inspector in 1976.

Kind regards. Arthur Proud.

In mid July, 1974, Darlington Division’s “B” shift set out on an overnight “yomp” of the Lyke Wake Walk to raise funds for the Darlington Swimming Pool (Dolphin Centre) and facilities for the disabled. (A brilliant effort it was too. I was very proud of them. No, I didn’t participate….. Editor)

“B” Shift, Darlington, Lyke Wake Charity Walkers, July, 1974(courtesy Northern Echo) Top l - r.; Bill Crosby, ‘Mally’ Lear, Dave Muckle, Mick Thompson, Sgt.John Walton

Bottom l – r: Ian Phillips, Ian Storey, Arthur Proud, Mick Martin.

Three weeks later, a cheque for over £1,000.00 was presented to Councillor Jim Skinner – no small amount for the time – a P.C.’s pay was under £60.00 a month net in those days (Think about it)

Presentation of Charity Cheque.

Darlington Police Club 1976 Top l - r.

Eddy Brewster, Mally Lear, Dave Muckle Middle l - r.

Ian Storey, Arthur Proud, Gordon Eddy Bottom l - r.

Mick Thompson, Councillor Jim Skinner, Ian Phillips, John Walton

Castle Eden Division 1957

(photo courtesy Clive Brown)

With a little help from George Wheatley, who is also on the photograph we have come up with some of the identities. Hope you and your readers can help to identify the others? Clive Brown (Sunderland Branch & Durham Additional Member) Ex P.C. Durham & Sergeant Northumbria Back row: Keith Gutteridge; ?; Joe Carter; Bob Oliver; John (Jack) George Blair; Tony?; Bill Younger; Eddie Cooper; Tommy Tait.

4th row: Dick Stott (I think?); Cyril Pickering; ?; Bob Maughan: ???; John L. Jackson 3rd row: Walter Hastings; Dave Douglas; Tommy Judd; Maurice Cluer; ?; Bill Northcote; ?; Bob Luke; Eric Brown; ?

Dick Oliver.

2nd row: ?; Sgt. Percy Palin; ?; Ch. Insp. Jock McGill; Supt. George Rowell; Ch. Insp. ‘Danny’ Kaye; ? ; Sgt. ? Carter; Front row: ?; Cdt. John Boast; Cdt. Clive Brown; Ann Carter (Civ. Typist); P.W. Bernadette Hoole; Edith Gibson (civ. Typist); Cdt. George Wheatley

REVEALED: The form paralysing our police. By Elizabeth Sanderson

Mail on Sunday 31st October, 2010. ( extracts only) The questionnaire is only three pages long yet nothing illustrates more effectively how health and safety regulations have blighted the emergency services. Former Scotland Yard deputy assistant commissioner, David Gilbertson wrote about the corrosive effect of the ‘risk avoidance’ culture that now takes precedence over public duty. (talk about the lunatics running the asylum!(Editor)) The Metropolitan Police have introduced the RA1 document, the emergency services risk assessment (together with RA2,3 &4) which is used to identify potential; dangers of any operation. The Met form requires an officer to assess a checklist of 238 possible hazards before conducting any sort of planned operational activity such as security at a football match or any operation that is spontaneous but requires the intervention of a senior officer, such as a bombing or a riot. Every department in the police force now has a risk assessment advisor. Every form has to be certified and signed off by a Commander or Chief Constable and kept for 10 years in case of legal action! If it is deemed that a senior officer has not done enough to identify potential risks they face legal action, possibly facing prosecution for alleged breaches of health and safety rules. Read the full article on the Mail on Sunday web page.

Promotion Exams - Marking Panels. By Ken Thurlbeck Some of us may remember when promotion examinations were in two parts, Police Duties and Education, set and marked as an in-force initiative. Most of us will remember when they were replaced by centralised exams, courtesy of the Civil Service, consisting of four parts – Crime, Traffic, General Police Duties and Admin. The Admin paper was later incorporated into General Police Duties. Like me, you will also recall those papers required many hours of study and a prodigious memory to achieve any chance of success. I can well remember sitting one of those exams for the first time and when the question papers were revealed, many eyes were turned to the ceiling and the supplication “’kinell!” was uttered with such fervour and despair that I thought him to be the inspirational patron saint of examinees!

Subjective exams as described above, requiring laboriously written answers have long been replaced by multiple choice papers on which candidates need to tick the right boxes for the right answers. However, returning to those exams of yesteryear and not that it makes much difference now, but I thought it might be of some interest to know what happened to the fruits of their labours once candidates left the examination room and headed for the nearest bar or a high bridge, dependant on degrees of confidence.

Shortly after the exams for the Constable to Sergeant papers in November each year, three centres were established in good class hotels at Scarborough, Blackpool and Swanage where the Crime, Traffic and General Duties, respectively, were marked. The panels each consisted of about 40 officers drawn from all Forces in the country, from Inspectors to Superintendents, most with instructional experience. The same arrangements were made for the Sergeant to Inspector papers in May each year but the number of markers was reduced in proportion to the number of candidates taking the examination. For both examinations, the panels were about four weeks duration.

My first involvement started in November 1968 when, as a recently promoted Inspector working at South Bank on Teesside, my then Divisional Commander told me he’d been asked to nominate an Inspector with instructional experience to attend the marking panel at Scarborough later that month and asked if I was interested. I readily accepted, whereupon he produced a memo for me to note. I saw that somewhere on the memo were the words, “Who can we spare?” There were two or three names other than mine and each had been emphatically crossed out but as no such line appeared through my name, I qualified on all three counts. (Nevertheless, it was just a little hurtful not to be considered indispensable).

On the day after the exam in November, all marking panel members received copies of the question papers together with answers, including a marking guide as to how marks were to be allocated. About a week later, on a Sunday evening, we all assembled at our hotel in Scarborough and on this occasion I had the pleasure of sharing transport and the company of one of my former colleagues from Durham days, Frank Cooper.

I attended many other marking panels in ensuing years but the procedures and practices learned at Scarborough for marking Crime Papers applied equally to all later occasions. Firstly, a general discussion with the Team Leader outlined anomalies or amendments to the marking guides and determined common principles to be followed. Great emphasis was placed on consistency, fairness and accuracy with a view to passing candidates rather than looking to fail them. Equal importance was placed on security and to that end all marking took place in a secure function room on the premises.

Ground rules were largely unnecessary but it was accepted that we would all assemble and mark papers in the mornings. Thereafter when we chose to mark was discretionary, the only proviso being that we were each expected to mark about 200 exam booklets in the first two weeks and the remaining 150 – 200 booklets in the second two weeks. The reasons for this will be explained later. Candidates were identified by number and therefore unknown to us but as an additional safeguard, we did not mark papers from members of our own or surrounding forces.

Marking proper began on the following Monday morning. Each marker was required to show that every part of an answer had been scrutinised, with marks awarded clearly indicated and correctly totalled. It may be worth a mention at this point that should a candidate appear to have failed by one or two points to reach the required 50% pass mark, his or her paper would be re-marked and probably adjusted to the pass mark.

Obviously in subjective marking, it was impossible for all markers to achieve the same level of consistency therefore at the half-way stage, the first two hundred or so completed answer books were returned to the Examinations Board where, as I understand it, each marker was assessed and compared to a mean average. Thereafter a leavening process was applied and adjustments made to papers consistently marked above or below that average by individual markers. The same procedure was adopted for the remaining 200 answer booklets and while not foolproof, it went a long way to eliminate a lottery element where success or failure depended on the generosity or otherwise of a particular marker.

The tedium of marking exam papers had compensations in that we were accommodated in a good class hotel on a full board basis, with morning coffee and afternoon tea thrown in, in a sea-side location and were paid an additional Home Office allowance of about £4 per week. Social life was a little restricted due to seasonal closures and night life in Scarborough centred on the police club or the local Conservative Club where we were welcomed as honorary members. We also benefited from long walks in the sea air or window shopping but the latter was abandoned when the window models took on a strange attraction at the end of four weeks……

I was not called upon for further marking duties until November 1976 when, as a Superintendent, I attended a panel at Blackpool, marking Traffic Papers. This was the first of five consecutive appearances at this venue, the last three of which I was the designated Deputy Team Leader.

Blackpool had a little more to offer by way of entertainment in the pre-Christmas season, particularly an abundance of night life. We were also honorary members of Blackpool Police Club and North Shore Working Man’s Club.

Membership of the latter was predominantly seaside landladies, usually dripping in gold and a variety of coloured hair rinses, topped off with a Benidorm winter tan. They were, however, extremely generous and took us to their hearts and sometimes their homes, where we enjoyed family hospitality and friendships. I suppose our annual visit to Blackpool became well known and looked forward to much in the same vein as salmon returning to their spawning grounds, albeit not for the same purpose. Also, a traditional part of that visit was an invitation to the Mayor’s Parlour one lunch-time for drinks, where hospitality overflowed to the extent that it would have been unwise and unfair to have marked exam papers for the rest of the day.

During five successive visits to Blackpool I had the pleasure of renewing friendships with former colleagues from Durham, notably Superintendents Barry Rutherford, Alf Charlton, Derek Sayers and Alan Huss. I had known Alan from Grammar School days and was pleased that the slight eccentricity of his schooldays accompanied him throughout his police service. He also possessed a marvellous intellect and wit and it was a pleasure to be in his company. He constantly amused us with his fruitless searches for Capo Di Monte figurines in shops more used to selling ‘Kiss-me-Quick’ hats and miscellaneous beach paraphernalia. On one visit to a cinema we had great difficulty in restraining him when he discovered that “Emmanuelle in Paris” was not a travelogue about his beloved city where, I believe, a few years later his life sadly came to a premature end.

Another of my contemporaries and one time team leader was Superintendent Keith Helliwell, later to become a Home Office Drugs “Tsar” after serving as Chief Constable of Cleveland, then West Yorkshire. On one occasion at Blackpool and on my final panel at Scarborough I also enjoyed the company of Insp. Keith Povey from South Yorkshire, later to become Chief Constable of Leicestershire and complete with knighthood, the Chief H.M.I My final attendance at Blackpool was in December 1979 when, to celebrate the occasion, I ate the last chicken sandwich on display in the Police Club and returned home with a dose of Salmonella. My illness was with me for a few months but after recovery and undeterred, in December 1980 I returned to my final panel for Crime Papers at Scarborough, the same venue where it all started. I believe at that time George Fenn, then Chief Constable of Cheshire, had a national responsibility for the conduct of all matters connected with the Police Promotion Exam system.

I was Team Leader on this occasion with overall responsibility for the conduct of the marking process at Scarborough.

I had a token number of answer booklets to mark and my duties were mainly administrative such as collating and checking accuracy of marks awarded, liaising with the Examinations Board, resolving anomalies in marking guides and assisting new members, etc. Procedures for marking papers were unchanged since my first attendance 12 years earlier and we still enjoyed honorary membership of the Police Club and Conservative Club. The shop window models, however, were less appealing on this occasion!

Barry Wood’s photographic memories. 1960s & 70s (All photographs courtesy Barry Wood)

Newby Wiske Training School Syndicate 299(B) Spring 1966

Durham officers

Back row; 2nd from left: Derek Rogers; 2nd from right : Barry Wood.; End row right Colin Rutherford; Mid. Row 3rd left Geoff Perry; End right Gordon Wilson.

Centre front (seated) Jack Goldsbrough.( Instructor)

Dog Section Awards

(late 1970s) Paul Greener, Barry Wood, Eddie Simpson, A. G. Puckering (C.C.) Paul Hedges, John Turner, Bill Leng.

End of 13th Initial Dog Handlers course at Harperley Hall 1968.

L to r:- Peter Fry, Barry Wood, Ken Rowland, Keith Jackson, Brian Gregory (East Riding), Charlie Foster.

Also (“F” registration Austin J4 dog van).

The Ford Prefect is the vehicle used by East Riding.

The Things They Say When Caught….

By Les Granlund

Whilst on C.I.D. at Consett in the late1950/60s a complaint was received from a confectionary and restaurant business that bars of chocolate were being found on the stairways of the premises leading to the restaurant. This had occurred on several occasions but there was no sign of forced entry. However, an upstairs transom window was found to be insecure. Observations seemed to be the answer with a view to catching juveniles or else a chocoholic monkey….

After the premises closed for the day, Joe Hann who was on C.I.D training (later to become a fingerprint expert) and myself sat in the premises. In the darkness, a torch was seen flashing at the back of the premises. Shortly afterwards, we heard someone climbing the soil pipe leading to the toilet window and followed by a second climber. Both intruders climbed through the transom window and once inside, we switched on the lights and detained two 12 year old boys.

A noise was heard coming from the rear yard where about twelve dustbins were kept. I left Joe with the two boys and went downstairs to investigate. I unbolted the door at the foot of the stairs and as I shone my torch around the bins, a 7 year old popped up from behind a dustbin and said “could you tell me the right time please?” Clearly he was the look out as he was so obviously too small to climb.

The two older juveniles were subsequently dealt with and the small boy taken to his parents.

The leader of the “gang” went on to become an adult robber whilst the other two were never heard of again.

A series of housebreakings was occurring in the Lanchester and Burnhope areas and the suspected perpetrator was believed to be sleeping rough in the nearby Burnhope woods. This looked like a good job for the dog section officers, who were brought in to ‘flush him out’.

It was a moonlit night and two dogs, with their handlers were to sweep through the woods towards an open field where other officers and myself, waited behind the low perimeter walls of the field. We knew not to move whilst the dogs were working.

Bryn, a German Shepherd dog, with his handler, P.C. Samways and P.C. Bennett with his Doberman Pincer set off through the woods.

It seemed like a training exercise when a man wearing an army greatcoat burst out of the woods, followed by Bryn…. As he ran, the man tore off his overcoat and flung it over the dog and kept on running. The dog shook off the coat and continued its pursuit, taking a flying leap onto the back of the fugitive, pinning the man to the ground. The well trained animal then stood guard over him as instructed by his handler, until P.C. Samways reached them. When we picked the man up and arrested him, he pointed to the woods and said, “Can I go back up there and change my trousers…?” It seemed that more than his breath was knocked out of him by Bryn during the chase and capture…. When he had been cleaned up, he was later charged with a number of housebreaking offences.

Digital Photography for Beginners Ian D. Martin is proposing to organize a 6 week basics course for beginners.

Photoshop/Elements. Wednesday, 5th January, 2011. 7.00pm – 9.00pm.

Darlington Media Workshop, Blanche Pease Annex, Darlington Art Centre.

Learn about file formats, transferring data, image manipulation and much more.

Use the knowledge gained from this course to enhance your photographs.

Cost £60.00. Maximum of 6 persons per course Further details: Ian D. Martin. Tel No 07791 420 748 email iandmartin@live.com

Remember this picture in the summer issue of the Durham Peeler?

We had quite a good response in identifying these “bright young things”. Thank you all for your interest.

L – r : Liz Garry (sadly deceased); Kathy Wilkinson (Rice), Val Welsh; Alec Muir; Sheila Coulter (Wilkes); Eileen Jackson and Sue Tate.

A manhunt remembered

By Ken Fisher

The recent manhunt at Rothbury, Northumberland prompted me to remember a somewhat similar incident that occurred many years ago when I was a young Constable in Hertfordshire Constabulary.

On the 12th August 1966 three Metropolitan Police Officers were brutally gunned down and murdered in Shepherds Bush, London.

Detective Sergeant Christopher Head, Detective Constable David Wombwell and Police Constable Geoffrey Fox patrolling in a Crime car had occasion to approach an old van parked up near Wormwood Scrubs Prison. The van contained three men Harry Roberts, John Duddy, and John Witney.

Two of the officers, D/Sergeant Head and D.C Wombwell began speaking to the occupants and both men were shot dead by Roberts. Duddy walked back to the Police car and shot Constable Fox. The murderers escaped and one of the biggest manhunts in English history began.

It did not take the Police long to track down and arrest Duddy and Witney but Roberts had gone to ground and disappeared.

Roberts had been trained in jungle survival in the Far East whilst serving with the British Army and it was strongly suspected that he was living rough in wooded areas around the Metropolis. Almost three months elapsed before a breakthrough came. A young gypsy was out in Thorley woods near Bishops Stortford in Hertfordshire when he came across a camp. A substantial reward had been offered for information leading to the arrest of Roberts and the gypsy reported his findings to the Police. Fingerprint evidence from discarded tins confirmed the presence of the fugitive.

I was one of dozens of officers from my own force, the Metropolitan Police and Essex Police, who were dispatched to Bishop Stortford Police Station. We were briefed by Detective Superintendent Chitty the officer in charge of the enquiry and then transported to Thorley woods located on Blounts farm a few miles south. We were lined up close together across two large meadows facing the wood. Every tenth man was armed with a handgun and men with .303 rifles were policing the far perimeter in case we flushed the fugitive out.

A Superintendent, standing well back, blew a whistle and in unison we moved off into the undergrowth. We all quickly lost contact with the man either side such was the density of the wood. I became aware of the noise of breaking branches and a few shouts as men became entangled in all manner of shrubbery. Roberts was known to be in possession of two handguns and I thought he had more chance of killing one of us than we had of killing him!

It seemed forever before I came out of the other side and I was pleased to join some of the lads who were standing around smoking, talking and wondering what to do next. Roberts was still at large. My rest period did not last long, a handful of us were ordered to search some wartime concrete bunkers that had been set into a hillside underneath the wood. I remember entering a long corridor in total darkness and striking matches to light the way. There were rooms off the corridor and in the circumstances had Roberts been in one of them we were nothing more than cannon fodder. We found nothing of interest.

Unknown to us developments were taking place elsewhere. Two Hertfordshire Sergeants armed with rifles had been positioned close to a barn on the perimeter of the search area. One Sergeant decided to check it out and he found the fugitive Roberts lying on some hay sound asleep. He woke up when the Sergeant loaded a round into the breech of his rifle. Roberts was arrested without a struggle. Two loaded handguns were found in his possession. Roberts was put into the back of a Land Rover. The word quickly spread about the arrest and there was much jubilation from the men. Matters became very tense when the vehicle stopped in the midst of the search teams. The two Sergeants with crossed rifles were in the rear of the Land Rover guarding the prisoner who was curled up in one corner and appeared terrified. The Superintendent with the whistle, white faced and worried, ordered the vehicle to leave post haste. I remember the Land Rover revving up and speeding off scattering policemen in all directions. The word was out and as in all matters of a big news story breaking the press responded in numbers. As we made our way back to the farm I remember a very old Dakota droning immediately above our heads with cameramen hanging out by their braces photographing us. We all deservedly made the nine o clock news.

Roberts, Duddy and Witney were sentenced to life imprisonment with a proviso that they each serve a minimum of thirty years.

Duddy died in prison in 1981. Witney was murdered in Bristol in 1989 and Roberts has now completed more than forty years in prison after numerous failed attempts to win parole.

I now watch present day manhunts from the comfort of my armchair. The police service has been provided with weapons and protective equipment to the highest standards. The fact remains however that it is the unarmed officer who is often the first on the scene to face the man with the gun and all the protective firepower in the world is of no use to him under those circumstances.

C.K. Fisher (Hertfordshire Constabulary 1962 to 1969: Durham Constabulary 1969 to 1992)

John Lowes recalls Dear Alan, In the last issue of the Durham Peeler, there was a unique squad of 24 Durham officers in the form of Syndicate 237. I still think it would be fun to see if any other conventional “mixed group” of Forces recruits that exceeded our Syndicate 318 (August – November, 1967) which boasted 14 Durham officers from a syndicate of 23 recruits. Unfortunately I am aware that at least three are no longer with us. We seemed to have had quite a catalogue of casualties with P.W. Caroline Lock (Tynemouth Borough)(bandaged right leg); P.C. Kevin Mullen (Tynemouth Borough) (dislocated shoulder) and P.C. John Willoughby (Durham) (leg in full plaster cast). The latter two were both in “civvies” in the photograph. To say the least, we were a rough crowd!

SYNDICATE 318 Back row. L – r: David Wakenshaw (Tynemouth); Phil Brown ( Middlesbrough); Walter Smith (Durham); Barry Watson (Durham); Kevin Mullen (Tynemouth); John Willoughby (Durham); Peter Fisher (Gateshead Borough); Mick Davison (East Riding) Mid row. L – r: Ernie Shepherd (York & N.E. Yorks); Geoff Hall (Durham); D.J. Simpson (Durham); Harvey Harris Malcolm ?? (York & N.E. Yorks); David Chaplin (Durham); Glyn Brown (Durham); Alan Hall (Durham); David Allday (York & N.E. Yorks) Front row.L – r: Ken Madderson (Durham); David Redshaw (Durham); P.W. Caroline Lock (Tynemouth); Sgt. Jim Potts (Synd. Instructor)(Northumberland); P.W. Sheila Chicken (Durham); Stevie Atkinson (Durham) and John Lowes (Durham)

Staff at Newby Wiske (during John Lowes secondment, March 1974 to March 1976). In this period, about 2,000 students passed through Newby Wiske (the courses were then 10 weeks long) Back row. L – r: Sergeants John Reid (Durham); Bill Hancock (Durham); Keith Watson (North Yorkshire); Charlie Hill (Northumbria); Jim Harvey (Northumbria) Mid row L – r: Sergeants John Lowes (Northumbria – ex. Durham); Martin O’Toole (Northumbria- ex Newcastle City) Peter Coleman (Cleveland- ex. Durham; John Wear (Northumbria – ex Tynemouth); Joan Armstrong (nee Kirkup) (Cleveland – ex Durham); John McGoven (Humberside); Bert Smailes (Cleveland – ex Durham); Jim Tulip (Northumbria – ex Durham) Front row L – r: Sgt. Jack Wharrier (Durham); Inspector Ian Dodds (Durham – ex. Gateshead); Inspector Reg Sigsworth (North Yorkshire); Supt. Frank Whalley (Staffordshire); Ch. Supt. Norman Elliott (Kent – ex Nort’land) Commandant Ch. Inspector Ian Calvert (Metropolitan); Inspector George Soppitt (Cleveland –ex Middlesbrough); Sergeant Peter Ainsley (Cleveland-ex Middlesbrough). The only person NOT shown was Sgt. George Stobbs (Cleveland) Drill Sgt.

Frank Pickering. A career In Uniform 98 syndicate. 14th October, 1951 to 12th January, 1952 Plawsworth (photo Frank Pickering back row B. Hetherington; H. Cundill; ?

Donman; D. Carter; T. Statford; C. Wellburn; J. O. Atkinson middle row A. Rich; J. Robson; S.R. Atkinson; R. Swift; D. Galtry; L. Eastburn; H. Fellowes; J. Turnball; G. Coxon; J. Kerr. front row Wood; G. Beaumont; Harrison; J. Winspear; F. Pickering; Sgt. J. Foster; R. Ellison; Wilkinson; Thomas; H. Thomson; J. Lawson; (Missing) H. O’Connor; J. Urwin

Cadet Summer Camp June, 1961 (photo Frank Pickering) back row Copeman; Kingston; Carr; Wray.

2nd row Smith; Thompson; Jacobs; Stevenson; Humberston; Turner; Bolan; Jacobs; Murray.

3rd row Harle; O’Connor; Crass; Parnaby; Pitchford; Gannon; Rowan; Hunting. front row P.C. Pickering; Sgt Charlton; Inspector Robson; P.C. Robinson; P.C. Hart; Cadet Lawson

No. 2 District Police Training Centre (detached wing) R.A.F. Dishforth, 1967 Staff (photo courtesy Frank Pickering) back row K. Hart; J. Carmichael; S. Grainger; A. Todd; T. Beever; W. Myles; F. Pickering; I Curtis; N. Weatherley; T. Latimer;; B. Fairless. middle row B. Salkeld; H. Parkinson; T. Watson; D. Carrigan; G. Braithwaite; J. Thorp; W. Scott; E. Hamilton; L. Hall. front row J. Sweeney; S. Lancaster; N. Parker; B. Ruthewrford; D. Clark(Sec); T. Ritson (D/Comm.)

J. Baskill; K. Elliott; F. Purser; J.Jones.

Members of Hartlepool C.I.D. and Wives; Retirement Party of Bob Longstaff (photo Mrs. Helen Shingles (nee Coyne)) Back row l – r: “Bomber” Harris; Alan Thompson; “Young Ian”; Arthur Uden; Tony White; Don Moody; Bill Greenhaulgh; Fred Wilson; Charlie ?; Jack Newton(partly obscured on right end) Mid. row : Bill Grundy; George Handley; Charlie Newton; Jack Weighton; Lou Marshall; Dennis Weatherall; Harold Coyne

Hartlepool Divisional Ball 1964 – 65?

A Very Privileged Person

By George Hartley

At the time of writing, most of the news has been about the Football World Cup which has taken place in South Africa. There was much excitement and anticipation at England’s prospects in the competition (I shall say no more….). Personally, I am a Rugby and Cricket fan - however, no country’s interests excite me more than South Africa.

In 1998 my daughter, Dawn, was living and working in Maseru, the capital of Botsutoland (Lesotho), when the Civil War broke out. I heard it on Radio 4 news and immediately rang her mobile. “I know why you are ringing father but I can’t speak now. There are soldiers at the door and I have been given ten minutes to get out!”

The end result was that white people were escorted across the border into the Orange Free State by the South African Army. I arrived there two weeks later and so began my association with the Afrikaaners – Children of the Voortrekkers, the White Tribe of Africa.

The regular meeting place was at Nick Claasen’s Gun Shop in the township of Ladybrand, where we drank coffee and played with knives and guns… Luckily for me I was pretty handy with rifles and handguns, so I was quickly accepted into their fraternity. I would be driven down to the Maseru Bridge border post and then walked across into South Africa to wait beside the single railway line for the Isuzu Trooper All Terrain vehicle to pick me up. I would pay 50 Rand to Robert Greyling, the Quartermaster, who saw to the feeding of our party. Men were responsible for the purchase of their own beer and whisky, bought at one of the big liquor stores- regularly replenished… We then ranged far and wide, hunting, fishing, shooting, eating and drinking. They recognised no borders and no laws… but they were always welcomed on the farms, particularly in Knazulu Natal. I have to say that I saw and learned a lot from these wonderful people and remain in contact with them to this day.

Now as you know, all South African towns have what is called a township attached to it. The best way to describe a black township is that it looks something like Pelton Allotments – only much bigger and sprawls over the land. The people live in the ‘crees’ and ‘shanty’ huts. The township of Ladybrand is called Manyetseng and following the civil disturbance in Lesotho, Dawn Hartley’s man, Ntate Motaung (which means Lion), took his family to Manyetseng where he got himself a plot near to where his ‘Uncle Albert’ already lived and built himself a breeze block house. I also called this grand old man Uncle Albert – he once visited our house in Maseru, dressed in a thick gray tweed suit, complete with waistcoat and carrying his knobkerrie made of steel, which looked much more dangerous than those made of wood!

For some unknown reason these people wanted me to visit their homes at Manyetseng even though white people do not usually go into the townships. I was not to be concerned because they reasoned I was part of their family. On my first visit I was given a chair, whilst Motaung got the other one (the family only had 2 chairs). His wife Me’ Elsina prepared tea and macaroons, well you know me! I picked up a macaroon only to be stopped from eating it by Motaung “Wait, Ntate George, Me’ Angelina will say grace” Yes I had been caught out by these fine, simple people with little to give but friendship and respect … the old lady (mother in law) sitting on the hard clay floor, went on to say a prayer before we ate our biscuits and drank our tea.

Some years later, I was again in Ladybrand visiting my Afrikaaners. I sent word into the township and Motaung came and collected me. I was informed that Me’Elsina was making a chicken dinner with Mealy Pap and Coca Cola to drink (incidentally the hens lived in the house so I suppose they were handy for dinner). I sat at the table with some recently acquired extra chairs and it was announced that on this occasion I would say Grace.

This was readily and happily agreed by mine hosts. Unfortunately with little or no religious training to speak of I gave the old Army grace “For what we are about to receive may the Lord help us…!” Everybody present appeared pleased with my efforts and heaped praise upon me before we had our meal. Incidentally, I ate very little Mealy Pap, managing to spread most of it around my plate. Because of my apparent ability to mix with

both black and white factions, whenever I returned to ‘that girl’s’house, she would say, “You are a very privileged person, father.”

I wonder how many of our football fans enjoyed similar experiences whilst in South Africa?

Afrikaaners in Northern Province Honorary Afrikaana George Harpley 2nd Right Front Row

Cooking breakfast in the Golden Gate Mountains.

L– r Willie van de Merne, Guy Pitchers, Robert Greyling, George Hartley

Township of Manyetseng Motaung, Me & “ The Old Lady“ with children

Dear Alan, May I first of all congratulate you, the production team and the contributors to the Durham Peeler. I look forward to each edition and found the Summer 2010 edition particularly interesting.

I was delighted to read the article submitted by my former class mate from Durham Johnston School, David Young. I last saw David in 1956 when as a “cub reporter”, he interviewed me when I became secretary of the Durham Junior Football League. David then went on to a distinguished career in journalism (I don’t think it had anything to do with the article he wrote about me….).

He often caused me to laugh at school – but not as much as in the magazine when he thought I became a patrol car driver.

Anyone who has been my passenger in a car driven by me will tell you I could never aspire to such dizzy heights… This was obvious as early as my Standard Driving Course when my instructor, Brian Leng, remarked “I know that farmer’s a friend of mine, but there’s no need to plough his bloody field”. I was not unduly hurt by this as he did say much worse things about my driving before the course was finished! I must have “played a blinder” on my test as I managed to scrape a Grade IV….

Syd Coulson; George Blackburn; Tom Teasdale; Ch. Supt. Alan Henderson & Tom Stokoe Some of you may remember that I did slave my eyes out in the Drawing Department where I was lucky enough to work with three men whom I regarded with the utmost respect, they were George Blackburn, Tom Teasdale and Tom Stokoe.

I enjoyed working with them and count myself fortunate in having had colleagues of their integrity. Sadly they are all no longer with us. An interesting note about Tom Teasdale’s son, Graham, who studied medicine, he went on to become Professor, Sir Graham Teasdale, known worldwide for his services to neuro surgery. Not bad for another Johnston School lad? His parents would have been so proud of his achievements.

On retirement I was “tricked” into attending ballroom dancing classes – I enjoyed it so much that my wife, Delia and I gained our Dance Teachers qualifications. For the last 15 years we have held dances at various venues and currently have a Saturday night dance at Bowburn Community Centre. Over the years, we have worked for Thompson’s Holidays in Benidorm & Tunisia and attended Dance Holidays in Florida, Costa del Sol, Cyprus and Tenerife. We still attend several Dance Festivals during the year in this country, where I often meet up with retired police officers. I would recommend to anyone to give it a try. It’s surprising that we all think we have two left feet at first, but it is not long before a standard is reached to enable us to enjoy it. Best wishes and good health to you all. Syd Coulson (not a patrol car driver……)

Some of the Durham County Constabulary motorbike team 1950.

From left to right:

Gordon Stonehouse, Jimmy Bailes, Alan Vickers and John Bell Editorial note

May I refer you to the article “Highly Commended Cadet” page 13/14, Summer 2010 edition of the Durham Peeler magazine. Brian Turner specifically recalls registering these and similar motor cycles at Headquarters which pin points the year to 1950.

Dear Alan, May I address the letter sent by yourself, to Jillian and Jim Pitcher (Summer 2010 edition). In that letter reference is made that Syd Beckett was basically the last of the recognised Chief Constable’s (Alec Muir) drivers – that was not so! I took over (as C.C’s driver) from Syd Beckett in January, 1964. (Syd. at that time lived beside me at Sherburn Village). I was the one and only Chief’s driver until June, 1965, when I was promoted Sergeant and went to Durham City. My “few weeks” referred to by Alf Charlton was in fact one and a half years Following my stint with the Chief (Mr. Alec Muir), which incidentally I wouldn’t have missed for the world because of the places we visited and the interesting and influential people I met, from Deputy Prime Ministers downwards. I was incidentally succeeded by a further driver to Mr. Muir, who turned out to be Billy Hills (Ex. Chief Superintendent Bill Hills) I wouldn’t like to put an accurate period of time on his stint but I feel quite certain it was a bit over 12 months. What happened after Bill Hills I cannot say but the facts in this letter are correct. I know these facts are not important relatively speaking, but it certainly wasn’t the case that Syd Beckett was the last Chief’s driver.

Yours sincerely, Harry Leathard Thanks for that correction Harry, always good to hear from old friends. I am only too pleased to correct the error. As I always “preach”, we are all living history and only by adjusting and correcting facts that we leave an accurate record and legacy for those following us in recording the ongoing history of the police.

Sometimes it DOES take a rocket scientist!! (from the Internet)

Alan S. Watson

Scientists at NASA built a gun specifically to launch standard 4 pound dead chickens at the windshields of airliners, military jets and the space shuttle, all traveling at maximum velocity. The idea is to simulate the frequent incidents of collisions with airborne fowl to test the strength of the windshields. British engineers heard about the gun and were eager to test it on the windshields of their new high speed trains. Arrangements were made, and a gun was sent to the British engineers. When the gun was fired, the engineers stood shocked as the chicken hurled out of the barrel, crashed into the shatterproof shield, smashed it to smithereens, blasted through the control console, snapped the engineer’s back-rest in two, and embedded itself in the back wall of the cabin like an arrow shot from a bow. The horrified Brits sent NASA the disastrous results of the experiment, along with the designs of the windshield and begged the US scientists for suggestions. (You’re gonna love this . . .)

NASA responded with a one-line memo -- “Defrost the chicken!” (True story)

Dear Alan, I may be able to identify some of the personnel in photographs published in the 90th NARPO Anniversary edition of the excellent Durham Peeler. What a good read.

Can I refer to the photograph of the County Constabulary Driving Course, Police H.Q, 1946.The date is obviously incorrect because it shows HQ at Newton Aycliffe, but HQ didn’t move from Durham until January, 1947. The personnel in the front row left to right; P.C. Eric Fryer, P.C. Arthur Nash, Sgt. Adam Purdy (father of Supt.Barry Purdy) Supt. Billy Hogg, Ch. Insp. F. Corner, P.C. Cecil Crawford, P.C. Joe Millican, P.C. Syd Elliott, P.C. (Unknown-not a student), I recognise several of the students although I can’t put a name to any of them. Alf Charlton Dear Editor, I have only just picked up your message on the website asking me to contact you.

I was a cadet in Durham from 1962 until 1965 when I became a Constable, serving at Darlington until I married in 1967 when I was posted to the Detached Beat at Thornley Colliery. From there I became a Dog Handler at Chester - le -St, living at Plunkett Terrace, Pelton Fell, where one of my neighbours was a mentor to many of us, Chief Inspector Jack Blair whose obituary I was sad to see on the website.

Whilst competing in the Police Nation First Aid Competition in London I met up with a former Durham colleague who had transferred to the West Midlands on promotion to Sgt in 1967. That was Bob Proudlock who persuaded me to transfer to the West Midlands in 1972 and subsequently became my Inspector at West Bromwich. We became good friends. He eventually retired and worked as Force Press Officer before retiring fully. He passed away due to a heart attack whilst visiting his daughter in Trowbridge in 1987. He was a Serving Brother of the Order of St. John and he knew he was having a heart attack. His wife called the local doctor who told Bob that he had indigestion. Bob disagreed but the doctor told him to take Rennies and left. Bob died shortly afterwards. I’m still in touch with his widow Greta, and his son. I also still occasionally see Bob Hope, another ex Durham Traffic Officer who transferred here in 1967. He retired as Superintendent at the Driving School, Halesowen.

I served at West Bromwich where my previous Detached beat experience in Durham got me noticed. I was working as a Temporary D.C., when the Superintendent came into the canteen demanding to know if anyone knew anything about Diseases of Animals law. Having done a course at the agricultural college as a cadet and worked through the Foot and Mouth epidemic at Thornley, I was still well up on that law.

This was then the second Foot and Mouth epidemic, and it transpired that a very large and influential slaughterhouse / wholesale butchers were taking liberties. They didn’t get many animals, let alone diseased ones in the West Midlands, so I was the obvious choice. I was immediately despatched to deal with them. The Head Security Officer a retired local DC denied me access. He was suitable advised!! I dealt with it effectively, a high profile successful prosecution followed and soon afterwards I was sent on an Instructors course.

On promotion to Sgt., I spent two years as an Instructor at the DPTC, Ryton on Dunsmore, then back to West Bromwich, then Midland Links Motorway Sub Div .Sutton Coldfield and Aston, (of Villa fame).

I was then promoted Inspector on the Central Birmingham Traffic Div. for 3 years then to Walsall Div. where I worked, Walsall, Aldridge and Willenhall before taking on the Community Services Dept. A real “catch all”, Child Protection, Race Relations, Road Safety, Schools Liaison, Crime Prevention and anything else the Ch. Supt could think of! I retired in 1995 and pursued a second career in Transport Management. I am currently in the process of establishing a new limited company carrying out the new Driver CPC Training.

Hope I haven’t bored you with my rambling reminiscences, but it’s great being in touch with “my roots” Jim Wilson Dear Editor, My mother suffered a stroke in December 08 and eventually resided at Tenlands Care home, Ferryhill. However, her condition began to deteriorate earlier this year and she eventually transferred to the EMI (elderly, mentally infirm) unit at Defoe Court in April.

In view of her condition with dementia I do not see any advantage to be gained by continuing her membership of NARPO. However, I would just like to say thank you to you and your members who have been so supportive to Nellie since my dad Mick Thornton died in 1992. I cannot think of another profession where such support is sustained throughout a lifetime.

Best wishes, Mike Thornton

My Grandfather, Tommy Armstrong. The Pitman Poet

Dear Alan, During our correspondence in 2008/09, I mentioned that I was writing a book about my grandfather, Tommy Armstrong, ‘The Pitman Poet‘of Tanfield Lea. Having learnt of claims that he was a drunkard, a thief and had spent 6 months in Durham Jail, I was delighted to find a ‘skeleton in the cupboard’, which is the hope of most family historians. Even as recent as 10th June this year, the Northern Echo carried an article about the Durham Constabulary Male Voice Choir performing in Newton Aycliffe. In the article, Ron Bell, a retired Inspector repeats the claims about Tommy Armstrong. However, the more I researched, the more I was convinced that those claims were not true. I was therefore prompted to write a book to ‘set the record straight’ which has taken a long time but finally reached fruition.

The book is mainly about my grandfather Tommy Armstrong but also includes the story of his son William Hunter Armstrong (my father) who was responsible for my illegitimate birth. There is to be a ‘Book Launch’ at the Lamplight Arts Centre, Front Street, Stanley at 10.45am on Thursday 18th November 2010 and lasting no more than two hours.

The intended programme is that the publisher, Andrew Clark of Summerhill Books, Newcastle upon Tyne will introduce the event then I will give a brief talk on how I came to write the book. This will be followed by sales of the book which I will be signing. Tea or coffee with a biscuit will be provided. As a matter of interest, proceeds from all book sales will be divided between the Stroke Association (because Tommy died as a result of strokes) and the Tommy Armstrong Society. More details about the book and its launch are on the websites: www.pitmanpoet.derwentside.org and www.sunnisidelocalhistory.co.uk – in the left margin list, click on ‘Tommy Armstrong, The Pitman Poet With NEW BOOK’.

If you have any means of communicating the forthcoming Book Launch to Ron Bell or other members of the Male Voice Choir, they may be interested in attending. They will hear what I have to say and at the same time can support the charitable causes by buying a copy of the book at a cost of £9.99 – all are welcome. Alternatively, after the Book Launch, the book can be bought through the website www.summerhillbooks.co.uk.

Kind regards. Ray Tilly

The National Association of Retired Police Officers was formed in 1919 By coincidence, the following poster was circulated in the U.S.A in 1919 I wonder if there is a link?

Or is this just a happy parallel event/ coincidence, I wonder?

“Syndicate of Temperence Ten?” (can you name them?)

seriously, wouldn’t you just join NARPO and keep drinking?.....

Man Management in the ‘Forties. By Jack Blair (now sadly deceased) I am sure the narrative of these little incidents will jolt the memories of more than a few of you.

Most of the people known to me in those days have now passed on to greener pastures. I will not quote names, districts or anything that may disclose the identities of the parties involved. My story will hopefully trigger off memories of similar experiences in your service. Don’t forget to commit them to paper and share them with other readers.

I had been “in the job” about 4 or 5 years and enjoying discretional duties where (if you were lucky) you could spend a little time at home resting or working in the garden. I was in repose when I received a telephone call from a retired army captain’s wife. “My husband went into the bathroom to take a bath. He has been in there for a much longer time than it normally takes and I’m getting worried about this”.

It was only a short distance from my home to the house in question and I was at the scene in a couple of minutes and directed by the distraught wife to the bathroom. The door was locked from the inside but I was able to force the door quite easily. The bath appeared to be “full of blood” – the errant Captain was still alive although breathing laboriously and bleeding heavily from both wrists. He had lost a great deal of blood and apparently had been drinking copious quantities of whisky and prescribed tablets - before slashing his wrists. In the absence of first aid items and necessity being the mother of invention, I naturally utilised his underclothing and towels that were scattered around the bathroom. I managed to stem the bleeding and called for medical support and updated the Police Station of the situation (by telephone of course- no pocket radios then! The doctor arrived and did what was necessary before the section Sergeant poked his head into the bathroom with words of great encouragement, “you seem to be coping alright son, carry on, I’ll see you later” and promptly left! “Thanks very much Sergeant!”

I muttered…..

Doctor Stanners informed me later that my prompt first aid had probably saved the man’s life.

I remember being sent to an accident on a major road where a car driven by a most influential personage in the area, had collided with a car travelling in the opposite direction. The innocent driver had attempted to avoid the collision by driving onto the nearside wide grass verge but was still hit by the guilty driver who managed to swerve onto the same verge on his wrong side of the road – causing a head on collision.

The innocent driver was beside his car when I arrived, but the other “important” guy was sitting in his car and smelling strongly of intoxicating liquor. He was clearly under the influence of drink and staggered as he alighted from his car. I told him that I was arresting him for driving under the influence of drink. He was less than subtle and confidentially told me that he would see me alright with a turkey after Christmas! My sergeant arrived on the scene, took one look at the person arrested and after hearing of the circumstances of the collision beat a hasty retreat saying, “Carry on son, I’ll see you later”. It was later in my service that it was instilled in us that “on occasions it was acceptable to delegate certain things and issues downwards BUT never to be afraid to refer issues upwards to assist in making the right decision…..!” Funny old world isn’t it?

Do you remember Tom and Beryl Hoggarth. ex Mounted Branch in the 1960s?

Hello Alan, I was interested in 2 items in the “Those were the days” section and noticed that Sgt Gordon English has departed and wondered if it was the same Mr English that served in the Mounted Branch at Harperley Hall in the 60’s with my late husband Tom Hoggarth? I also noticed my then next door neighbours photograph A/Sgt Ernie Burden.

I would love to hear from anyone that remembers us. Kind regards, Beryl Eissens Interested? Please contact the Editor who will pass on your letters/information to Beryl

Obituaries from 15th. May 2010.

Robert B. Bennett

died 10th May, 2010 aged 89 years

Wigtownshire

Edward Gordon English

died on the 18th May, 2010 aged 83 years.

Hurworth

John Frederick Wood

died Saturday 15th May. 2010 aged 64 years.Â

Belmont

Allen George McGranaghan died 19th May 2010 aged 70 years.

Durham

William Terence Callaghan died on 24th May 2010 aged 76 years

Chester-le-Street.

Steven Kitching

died 30th May, 2010 aged 53 years

Shotton Colliery

Colin Bowes Hardman

died 31st May, 2010 aged 85 years

Preston, Lancs.

Peter A. Eddy

died 5th June, 2010 aged 49 years

Hartlepool

John Scott Anderson (Ex. S.Shields)

died 24th June, 2010 aged 94 years

Cleadon

William Thomas Forrester

died 14th July, 2010 aged 75 years

Durham

Gary Waine

died 14th July, 2010 aged 72 years

School Aycliffe

Barry Purdy Simpson

died 27th July, 2010 aged 73 years

Harperley Hall

Michael Baxter died 6th August, 2010 aged 67 years (ex. Durham & Northumbria)

Houghton le Spring

Cecil McCrickard

died 15th August, 2010 aged 86 years

Fife

John Robert Hutchinson

died 17th August, 2010 aged 87 years

Sherburn Village

James Hunter

died 17th August, 2010 aged 83 years

Durham

Sandra Margaret Forsythe

died 20th August, 2010 aged 40 years

Stockton on Tees

Mrs Joyce Robinson died 25th August 2010 (wife of Tommy Robinson)

Darlington

Albert Sydney Allen

Lanchester

died 1st September, 2010 aged 66 years

Robert Lawson died 4th September, 2010 aged 80 years (Northumbria – ex Durham)

Chester le Street

Alan Lunn

died 23rd September, 2010 aged 73 years

Winlaton

Arthur Harness

died 7th October, 2010

Durham

John Goldsworth

died 23rd October, 2010

aged 89 years aged 80 years

Chester le Street

Hi Alan Firstly can I offer my congratulations to you, your Committee, Durham Executive, volunteers and all who gave up their time to make the reunion so memorable, mine was a flying visit from Cyprus as you know, but I'm so glad I made it. To see and chat to so many people from the past was great. Shame the weather was inclement but it didn't spoil the day. On a bit of a downside Alan I was somewhat disappointed that so many of our peers from the early sixties to the late nineties didn't turn up. Given the success of your occasion, is there anything you and your colleagues think can be done to encourage their attendance next time around - I'm sure it was their loss and not ours. Brilliant day and thanks to all those who put in the effort to make it a success. Your efforts in updating the 'blog' with all the photos etc must take you well into the night!! I'm still commiserating with the Military community here over our PATHETIC performances in South Africa - my annual pension doesn't even equate to one weeks wages for most of them. Prima Donnas - go home in shame!! You and your colleagues’ efforts would eclipse theirs. Well done all. Robin & Margaret Dodd Thanks very much Robin and Margaret - delighted you made such a Herculean effort to fly across to meet old friends. Perhaps those who 'couldn't be bothered' were the ones who missed out? Next year maybe we may get a lot more support? The Garden Party I mean not our "prima donnas"... I believe that England are to get a new dual management team imported from China - names? "We Won Once" and "How Long Since". I'll never watch them again - after all they didn't come to see me when I was bad.....! Alan Watson Dear Alan Many thanks to you and all involved in the organization of the Party which Maureen and I thoroughly enjoyed. It was so good to re-visit the familiar Headquarters and to meet the serving officers and old friends and colleagues.

What a good idea to wear our name tags to remind us of who we are and who "what's 'is/ 'er name is!

Three hours passed far too quickly. The choir and the band were excellent. I have many happy memories of the band in the '70s when I marched in front at the many public performances of those years. Not having had time due to gossiping so much (I think we occupied the same bit of floor all afternoon) to see much of the exhibits or even buy a raffle ticket.... yours sincerely, Maureen and Dave Cromarty (Senior) We also take this opportunity to acknowledge many other letters written in a similar enthusiastic manner and also the many telephone and e-mail calls. Thank you all for making it such a great day.

A Modern Rewrite of Noah & His Ark (Internet funny) In the year 2009, the Lord came unto Noah and said, “Once again the earth has become wicked and overpopulated and I see the end of all flesh before me. Build another Ark and save two of everything along with a few humans”. He gave Noah a blueprint saying, “You have six months to build the Ark before I bring unending rain for forty days and forty nights!”

Six months later the Lord looked down and saw Noah weeping in his yard – but no Ark. “Noah” he roared “I’m about to start the rain. Where is the Ark?” “Forgive me Lord but things have changed. I need a building permit and I’m in dispute with the building inspector about the need for a sprinkling system.”

“My neighbours claim that I’ve violated the neighbourhood zoning laws by building the Ark in my back yard and exceeded the height limitations. We had to go to the Development Appeal Board for a decision.”

“Then the Department of Transportation demanded a bond for the future costs of moving power lines and other overhead obstructions to clear a passage for the Ark when it has to be transported to the sea. I told them that the sea would be coming to us but they would not listen.”

Getting wood was another problem. There is a ban on cutting local trees in order to save the spotted owl. I tried to convince the environmentalists that I needed the wood to save the owls – no good! When I started gathering the animals An animals’ rights group sued me. They insisted that the accommodations were too restrictive and that it was cruel and inhuman to put so many animals in such a confined space.”

Then the authorities ruled that an environmental impact study and a risk assessment were both essential before I could proceed. There is an ongoing investigation by the Human Rights Commission regarding the use of minorities labour in my building crew. Immigration and Naturalisation are checking the green card status of my workers and the trade union say I can’t employ my own sons – only union card holders with Ark building experience or NVQ qualifications. To make things worse, the Inland Revenue have seized all my assets, claiming that I’m trying to leave the country illegally with endangered species!”” So forgive me Lord but it will take at least 10 years for me to finish this Ark.” The skies cleared, the sun began to shine and a rainbow stretched across the skies. Noah looked up in wonder exclaiming “You mean you’re not going to destroy the World?”

“No need” said the Lord. “The politicians have beaten me to it!!!”

Superb Re-union Garden Party beats the blues…Report by Alan S. Watson (who else?)

.

Sunday, 13th June, 2010 was meticulously planned as a joint venture between Durham Constabulary and Durham Branch of N.A.R.P.O. The only thing we couldn’t organize was the weather – which was typically, yes, you guessed it - a British summer rainy day.

This showcase event, celebrating the new and improving relationship between Durham Constabulary and its many retired employees both police and support staff proved to be spectacularly successful. We had retired officers and staff from as far afield as Cyprus, Scotland, Gloucester, and Oxford from whence Retired Chief Constable George Hedges (always an active supporter of NARPO even before retiring) and his wife travelled , together with many others too many to mention.

Chief Constable Jon Stoddart, Deputy Chief Constable Mike Barton and Assistant Chief Constable Michael Banks attended in full uniform and brought along their families. It was fantastic to see representatives of regular ranks, including Chief Superintendents in uniform, all enthusiastically embracing the occasion and sharing social intercourse with retired colleagues and old friends alike. This truly was a memorable afternoon of reunion and bonding friendships.

Guests, on arrival, had official photos taken which they were able to collect later and attach to their souvenir programme. Durham County Council, NARPO (including freebies and informative leaflets from Roland Smith Insurers); the Force Historical Archives; Beamish Museum’s display of police related photographs in the foyer and dining room areas of the main complex. A welcome drink of Cava and strawberries for everyone started the day off well and the sheer looks of excitement and joy as we all met past colleagues, friends as well as warmly meeting and greeting many modern serving officers. Entertainment was provided during the afternoon by the Constabulary Choir (frequently drowned out inadvertently (I think?) by the enthusiastic chatter in the background…) (note for next year – a more elevated position for the indoor entertainers), whilst in time with the music, participating in delicious refreshments……. .

Outside, braving the weather, (under canvas), we were thrilled to see the latest vehicles ’on parade’ by Motor Patrols and Motor Cycle Departments, with an opportunity to get up close to watch officers enthusiastically demonstrating the latest electronics equipment. Yes, many of us had a ‘pose’ on the super motorcycles….

Also braving the rain, members of the Dog Section team manfully provided a series of exciting displays of agility and capturing criminals, which were realistic and much appreciated.

Over 240 people shared a great afternoon experience electric with enthusiasm, good will, pure enjoyment.

Fond memories and experiences of their pasts were vividly recalled whilst others struggled to even recall the names and faces of former colleagues!

NARPO Committee members organized a prize raffle, realising over £200.00 which was donated to the Police Treatment Centre, (Convalescent Home) in Harrogate. The free raffle prize number was drawn and Mrs Bob Gadd, the lucky winner, collected the beautifully decorated Reunion Garden Party Celebration cake. (especially commissioned by the Chief Constable)

All too soon, the afternoon had flown away -all good things come to an end. Almost to a man & (woman), everyone went away very happy, safe in the knowledge that next year this event will be even better, This reunion, everyone agreed is too good to squander. Be sure to be there next year!

Don’t forget to look out for announcements in the Durham Peeler, The Copper Plate, local newspapers and in the NARPO web pages: (www.durhamnarpo.com), in the New Year.

NARPO HOME & CAR INSURANCE home car breakdown travel funeral plan

Who protects the protectors?

All arranged exclusively for NARPO members by

We do!

People who spent their working lives protecting the community deserve the very best protection for themselves.

Roland Smith Insurance specialise in arranging insurance for members of

Contact us for a tailor-made quote

NARPO

0845 758 5878†

ʇ

Interest-free instalments for Car and Home Insurance

www.rolandsmith.co.uk

ʇ

No extra charges—you only pay the insurance premiums

ʇ

Phones answered by real people (UK based) - no automated answering system

ʇ

In-house claims handling for most Home Insurance Claims

Call us and get protected

Roland Smith Insurance 1st Floor India Buildings Brunswick Street Liverpool L2 0XH

Roland Smith Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Police Mutual Assurance Society Limited. Roland Smith Insurance is a trading name of Roland Smith Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) and is registered in England and Wales No 1073408.

Registered office: 1st Floor India Buildings Brunswick Street, Liverpool L2 0XH. The Dignity Funeral Plan is regulated by the Funeral Planning Authority and not the FSA. Calls may be recorded and monitored for training and quality purposes . †Daytime calls cost 3.36pence per minute, evening and weekend cost 0.85pence per minute. Calls from mobiles will cost more.

RS1099B