Durham Peeler - Summer 2009

Durham Peeler SUMMER 2009

DURHAM COUNTYBRANCH Magazine

Durham Branch N.A.R.P.O. Committee 2009.

Chairman & Editor “Durham Peeler” magazine. Alan S. Watson. 38, Hummersknott Avenue, Darlington DL3 8LG. Tel. No. 01325 465609. e-mail suenala7@ntlworld.com Honarary President. Derek Harrison L.L.B; M.B.E. c/o Helen McArdle Care Home, DurhamDH1 5SE Vice Chairman: Tom Baxter. Tel. No 0191 3849036.

Secretary: Barry C. Crawford, 8, Warwick Place, Peterlee, SR2 2EZ. Tel No. 0191 5873987. e-mail. barrychiltoncrawford@yahoo.com Assistant Secretary & Welfare Officer: Angie Crawford.

Tel. No. 0191 5873987 e-mail. angiechilton@yahoo.com Treasurer: Colin Appleby, 21, Lea Rigg, West Rainton, Houghton le Spring DH4 6SR. Tel. No. 0191 5846178 e-mail. appleby.colin@btopenworld.com Committee Members George Bennison, ‘Birchwood’, 14a, Snackgate Lane, Heighington.

Ches. Brighouse Tel. No. 01388 818288 Derek Davison Tel No. 0191 3888889

Tony Burn Tel. No. 01388 813904

Don Moody Tel. No. 01325460314 Audrey Ledger Tel. No. 01388 601267

David Muckle Tel. No 01325 244261

Bill Stableforth Tel. No. 0191 3866419 N.A.R.P.O. (Durham Branch) Meetings for 2009. All members are cordially invited to attend Monday, 11th May. 2009. 7.30pm. Bishop Auckland Hospital Club Monday, 13th July. 2009. 7.30pm Durham Indoor Bowling Club Monday, 7th September, 2009. 7.30pm. Bishop Auckland Hospital Club Monday, 9th November, 2009. 7.30pm. Bishop Auckland Hospital Club

Front Cover.

Beamish Museum - probably the north’s greatest tourist attraction. Transport Conference- witnessed by “Sergeant” Harry Wynne in Sunderland Borough uniform and Edwardian Lady.

2

Summer Time …. Cost of Living Ain’t Easy….?’…

Summertime is here at last and your Editor is raring to go, hopefully, bringing you more rays of sunshine even than Gordon Brown’s smile? I’m sure that our pleasantly surprising pay award in April should help keep us in the manner to which we have become accustomed?

As always, the first thing is to thank all those members who have taken the trouble to put pen to paper and /or sent me photographs to help make the Durham Peeler magazine as popular as it now finds itself As the saying goes, “it pays to advertise” which is what we have done in a modest way, (that’s a contradiction in terms according to my wife – ‘you, modest?’) As I was saying, we have had requests for copies of the magazine from a number of NARPO branch members up and down the country and copies distributed at national and regional meetings. As a result, we have a number of “ex. pat” (originating from Durham County Force) members up and down the country, who have joined our branch of N.A.R.P.O. and keen to keep in touch with colleagues through the auspices of this magazine. We are hoping that this trend continues and look forward to seeing even more familiar faces at the N.A.R.P.O. Luncheon on 6th. September, 2009 (as I was saying it pays to advertise…?)

Whilst the majority of us have every right to feel ‘upbeat’ with some lovely weather to look forward to (we hope), let us remember those who have unfortunately been bereaved in recent times. It was with the greatest sadness that we learned that Danny Ledger, a keen member of our branch committee, passed away on 11thJanuary, after enduring a long illness.

I am pleased to say that Danny’s wife Audrey continues to represent the Ledger family as a member of our committee.

To the loved ones of ALL of our members and widows who have passed away, we at N.A.R.P.O. extend our deepest sympathies and condolences. Always remember that we genuinely promise to offer our support, friendship and guidance to those who need it.

If you know of any N.A.R.P.O. member who is suffering ill health, alone and lonely or suffered bereavement, please contact our Volunteer Welfare Officer, Mrs. Angie Crawford, tel. no. 0191 5873987 or any member of Committee (telephone contact details are on inner front page). Our policy of welfare to our members is well admired and the envy of many other branches. The N.A.R.P.O .Executive, similarly have made provision for professional advice on welfare issues for its members nationally, through a company, Care First at an introductory cost of £150,000. The effectiveness of this service will in due time be reviewed and evaluated before further commitment. In particular, it provides advice by telephone in matters relating to welfare, Debt Counselling, legal issues and a range of issues that members may not wish to discuss with their local representatives. A fuller outline of this service appears in the N.A.R.P.O. National magazine.

We at Durham branch are particularly keen to see proof that this service provides value for money to the membership.

Our own experience tends to commend the appointment of branch welfare officers – at a fraction of the cost, much more personal, confidential and user friendly. If we can’t help, chances are we will know someone who can! e.g. Citizens Advice Bureau, the Samaritans, Bereavement counsellors and most local services regularly available.

The Home Office recently launched a nationwide initiative. There is now a Policing Pledge (quote from advertisement) It’s a new set of promises from the police on the services they provide- which are to be adopted nationwide. For instance, you now have the right to have your say on what your local policing priorities should be. The police will listen and act on these concerns and keep you informed of what happens. Your local Neighbourhood Policing Team will be out and about for at least 80% of their time- focusing on making your community safer and ensuring local problems are dealt with quickly…. The local team will meet with residents to hear their concerns and to find solutions to problems as they arise.

You now have the right NOT to remain silent. By getting involved you can have a stronger voice in how your community is policed.

Durham Constabulary has implemented a Community Engagement Strategy and action plans. Regular Police & Community meetings are being organised county wide – look out for YOUR local area meeting.

A ray of sunshine-at last- someone who is acknowledging the value of us pensioners! ACC Mike Barton who is keen to see the retired officers’ help hone the skills and influence the work ethic of today’s bobbies in our police stations. He says” It is wrong that they should be written off and forgotten about. I’d like to see them invited back to our stations, shown modern developments and current ways of working to tap into the skills they possess. These are the people who would make ideal volunteers. They are a fantastic resource which should not be ignored ….These are the people whose passion and leadership have helped develop the qualities which make Durham Constabulary a force that has won respect in our communities over generations” “Hallelujah to that” – at last someone with vision… Now can we enjoy the reflected sunshine…Nice to be important but its important to be nice!

Have a wonderful summer – relax and enjoy your retirement.

Alan S. Watson Editor 3

Dear Alan As I am now reliant on NARPO to keep me informed of happenings in County Durham, I am sending my fee as an Additional Member to Colin Appleby. I hope to attend a few functions in the coming year.

I do not believe for one moment that the “cutting adrift” of pensioners has anything to do with the Home Office. Some Forces, Thames Valley being one of them, did it years ago. It has everything to do with the lack of leadership, for I can say with certainty that had I still been the Chief, it would not have happened in County Durham!

Forces are as good as they are because of those who have gone before and any Force which loses sight of this fact (do so) at their peril. Just reflect for one moment on the notification issue. It cannot be about cost – Welfare need to know of pensioner’s circumstances. Welfare still need to send one message to your colleague (John Wood), (who then circulates all those on the e-mailing list who require knowledge of sudden deaths and details of funeral services) They only sent one before - by e-mail!

My experience as a Police Constable led me to form a number of views that helped me in my later years, one is this. “If you don’t care for your own, how can you expect them to care for others? And that includes retired officers…!

As I reflect on the Police Service now, I am driven to the view that it is managed to death and led by no one. That is not the fault of the Home Office, but the current breed of Chief Officers who are more concerned with Knighthoods than serving the public. The ramblings of yesterday’s man may be, but true in my submission.

Kindest regards to you all in Durham Yours sincerely, George Hedges QPM; DL 10th December, 2008 And so say all of us! George was always highly regarded and deeply respected by both serving and retired officers. He has shown his sincerity, passion and conviction, by travelling from Oxford to attend our AGM (as an Additional Member). He gave vigorous verbal and moral support to us all, even addressing the A.C.C. Mike Barton on these issues adding, that if the promises made on that night were not fulfilled…..” I don’t want to have to come back but I will….”

As you will see in the Editorial, Mike Barton appears to be true to his commitments – a new beginning? -watch this space….

Alan S. Watson

Editor

Hi Alan, This is a true blast from the past as I haven’t seen you since we worked Jarrow together in the mid ‘60’s Allan Scrafton kindly gave me a copy of the Durham Peeler recently (Winter 2008) and I believe he has forwarded you a photograph of a motley bunch of Durham ex-pats who moved to West Mercia.

I was amazed that the photos of the Durham wrinklies have such vivid memories still for me even though I’ve been in West Mercia since 1973. In fact I would go so far as to say that I know more Durham pensioners than I do West Mercians. I suppose it’s a question of geography and Durham being so compact.The names just leapt from the pages:Yourself, Tommy Baxter (give him my best), Don Moody, Ches Brighouse, Rhona Foster, John Cuthbertson, Max Mawson, Ken Doolan, Ted Roberts, Geoff Perry, Ray Johnson, Bill Lippett, Ian Hilton and more. I was fortunate to reacquaint myself with a number of my ex colleagues such as some of those mentioned as well as good friends David James, John Scott, Jim Fiddiman etc. when I was posted to the North East District Police Training Centre at Aykley Heads just before I retired and to introduce my wife to all the people she had heard of but never met (my first wife died in 1985).

I was heartened to read your editorial because, as a Methodist local preacher, you were pressing all my Christian buttons.

If only!!!! Please feel free to keep in touch and pass on my best wishes to all those who remember me.

Best wishes,

Des Robson This editorial work is most rewarding – well most of the time. Delighted to have you back in correspondence, Des. Thank you also for becoming an Additional Member. Looking forward to your future contributions to the magazine.

4

Alan S. Watson

National Association Retired Police Officers (Durham Branch) Annual General Meeting Durham Indoor Bowling Club, Durham. Monday, 23rdMarch, 2009 It was indeed encouraging to see the best attendance of Durham Branch and Additional Members for many years and from as far a field as Gateshead and Oxford. We particularly welcomed George Hedges, QPM; DL, former Chief Constable of Durham and staunch supporter of retired officers, who had travelled up from Oxford to support our members. The continuing growth in numbers of Additional Members, many ‘ex-pats’ (who served with other Forces) was an indication of the confidence, optimism and interest in our Branch work. Your welfare is our concern!

It was sad to report the recent demise of Danny Ledger, who, despite ill health was always a keen member of our Committee. His wife, Audrey is continuing to serve and the remaining Committee were re-elected and we are delighted to welcome a new Committee member, George Bennison from Newton Aycliffe Concern is clearly growing within our membership at the declining relationship between the Force and NARPO – a common factor in most Forces now! We are keen to re-kindle a more meaningful relationship with the once “family Force”. In his address, Assistant Chief Constable Mike Barton, representing the Chief Constable, was ‘up beat’ about the Force, even in the present fragile financial times. Having listened to our concerns expressed regarding the lack of apparent interest in pensioners’ welfare and poor communication in most related areas, Mr. Barton expressed optimism that things could and would be improved–(although in fairness, financial constraints clearly still apply). Principal Committee members have been invited to visit H.Q. and discuss with Mr. Barton, how co-operation can be regenerated. We watch with interest and will report back to our members. As George Hedges said, “You must NOT neglect those retired members whose efforts have made the Force what it is-they are your best supporters-and critics- do so at your peril…!”

Chief Superintendent Ian MacDonald (Superintendents Association) and P.C. Andrew Metcalfe (Federation Branch Chairman) addressed the meeting enlightening us how they see the way ahead for Durham Constabulary in particular the importance of our opinions and quality judgements re the direction of County policing. Tony Storry, the northern representative of National Executive Committee once again updated everyone regarding initiatives that were being pursued in the interests of its members, which led on to a lively exchange of views…

N.A.R.P.O. members, together with their family and friends are cordially invited to join us at:

The Annual N.A.R.P.O. Reunion and Sunday Lunch.

Sunday, 6th September, 2009 Durham Indoor Bowling Centre, Abbey Road, Durham.

Members and guests are invited to attend at 12.30pm for 1pm lunch- what a bargain! Only £12.00/person.

Come along, bring your family & friends, meet old friends and colleagues and share in our very popular and wonderfully sociable luncheon and chat away the afternoon. Enjoy our fabulous free raffle.

Happiness is optional- please note- 80 people went away happy last year! Book early.

For information of Widows and single people – don’t be put off if you are on your own - if you have difficulty with transport, we may be able to help you share with others attending. Please contact Angie Crawford tel. no.

0191 5873987.

Menu

Delicious Vegetable Soup OR Melon Fan

Traditional Roast Beef withYorkshire Puddings OR Roast Chicken ORVegetable Lasagne Apple Pie & Cream OR Brandy baskets OR Cheese & Biscuits Coffee and Mints + FREE raffle

Complete your application form (overleaf) and forward with your cheque payable to N.A.R.P.O. (Durham Branch) by post to: Barry C. Crawford, 8, Warwick Place, Peterlee, SR8 2EZ 5

Hello Alan, I am Pam Hutton, widow of the late Tony Hutton. I do enjoy reading the ’Peeler and always hope to read about old friends and see photographs which bring back many happy memories.

I was very interested to read the letter from Joan Armstrong. I lived in Felling in the early’60s when Joan was sent to work in Felling. My mother was a widow and took Joan as her lodger. The timing was perfect as I left home & married Tony – my mother missed having me at home. Joan became part of the family, filled the gap and looked after my Mother at the same time.

Our travels took us to all parts of Durham County, but I was always grateful to Joan for staying with my mother. After John (Armstrong) died, we kept in touch but for one reason or another, we seem to have lost touch. I would love to hear from her again. My son is now 42 and I have 3 wonderful grandchildren, “which will make YOU feel very old Joan!!” I hope that her son, John is well and hope the Peeler can put us in touch again.

It is very sad that so many people have lost touch with old friends. Maybe the magazine could have a column to help people find old friends? We all shared such good times back in the old days. A few years ago, I wrote some short stories about the old times and funny things that policemen’s wives had to cope with. These were published in Copperplate. I had some letters then and would love to hear from others who remember both Tony and me.

I will look forward to hearing from you. Best wishes,

Pam Hutton Shortly after receiving this letter, my wife Sue & I delivered to Pam, her NARPO Widows Christmas present (over 100 presents delivered personally by Committee members) from our Branch. As an extra special surprise, we also informed her that I had passed on her details to Joan Armstrong ((nee Kirkup) - in the process, Joan and I shared many happy reminiscences over the telephone too)). I am pleased to say that Pam and Joan have renewed their contact. As you will see from this issue of the magazine, I am delighted to report that we have unwittingly become “ex-cops re-united”. Many ex. pats have been in touch and joined our Branch as Additional Members and are now regular recipients of the magazine. It certainly gives me a warm feeling to have been part of this achievement. Don’t forget to complete your application form (printed in this issue of the Peeler) to attend the next NARPO Luncheon in September. We really are reaching out and sharing wonderful experiences and renewed friendships like the “family Force “really should. Thank you all for sharing. Doesn’t it make you just feel good?

Alan S. Watson

Editor

ORDER FORM

N.A.R.P.O. Annual Re-union and Sunday. Lunch. Sunday, 6th September, 2009.

Name ………………… Starter …………………. Main Course………………….. Dessert …………………

Name ………………… Starter …………………. Main Course………………….. Dessert …………………

Name ………………… Starter …………………. Main Course………………….. Dessert …………………

Name ………………… Starter …………………. Main Course………………….. Dessert …………………

Name ………………… Starter …………………. Main Course………………….. Dessert …………………

Name ………………… Starter …………………. Main Course………………….. Dessert …………………

Name ………………… Starter …………………. Main Course………………….. Dessert …………………

Name ………………… Starter …………………. Main Course………………….. Dessert …………………

Please state if you have a preference of dining partners at your table.

6

Osteoporosis Devastates Lives – Men as well as Women!

Case Study: John Lowes.

Retired Police Sergeant, John Lowes MBE, now 60 has lived with the devastating physical effects of osteoporosis for the last 33 years. His story was recently published in Osteoporosis News, which forms the basis of this article.

At the age of just 27years, John Lowes was diagnosed with osteoporosis. As a Police Sergeant with the Northumbria Police; he had earlier spent three years as a police diver with the Underwater Search Unit and two years as a Physical Training Instructor at a Regional Police Training Centre. Describing himself as being as being strong and fit before his diagnosis, John was an athletic, strapping 6 feet 2 inches tall and was always physically active. He was married to Elizabeth, with a daughter Jane and with another child on the way.

As a P.T.I he was required to teach self defence and whilst demonstrating a technique to evade an underarm knife attack to trainees, he was injured following a stumble which resulted in the base of his spine crashing to the ground. The impact was extremely severe with the combined weight of himself and the assailant hitting the floor at speed. Some months later he was again injured in the gym where in a rugby scrum type manoeuvre, he was forced backwards against some wall bars- once again his spine and tailbone took the brunt of the impact. Both injuries caused immediate intense pain and subsequently a dull pain that just wouldn’t go away. John had a broken back; but at that time, nobody knew it!

After experiencing unrelenting and unbearable pain, John sought further medical advice, consulting an Orthopaedic Surgeon privately.

Only then, some 14 months later everywhere, was he conclusively diagnosed as having the disease of osteoporosis. Admittedly, it was long before bone scanning technology but a new word had been added to his vocabulary and an unwelcome intrusion into his life.

“In 1975 osteoporosis was one of medicine’s best kept secrets,” John reflects, , “prior to the formation of National Osteoporosis Society and the awareness it engendered, the disease just wasn’t really discussed! It entered the public arena as the ‘little old ladies disease’ - the reason granny got shorter-but in reality, anyone, regardless of age or sex could be affected”.

Like 45 per cent of men with osteoporosis, the cause of John’s condition is idiopathic (unknown).

Since being diagnosed, John has experienced numerous fractures and has lost more than a staggering twelve inches in height! He has already had two hip replacements, broken his wrists, ribs, sternum, a number of finger fractures and even worse, multiple fractures of the vertibrae. John has been on elbow crutches since his first hip replacement in 1986, on the direction of his surgeon, who realised that his bones were in such a poor condition.

John has lost so much height that his heart is now out of alignment and he experiences a build up of fluid in his lungs and also in his legs. The only solution offered, is is yet more medication. “I have taken a regime of tablets for the last 33 years and I am now into double figures, I am now taking the drug ‘bisphosphonates’ daily and I recently became involved in an annual injection programme,”.

He still takes a variety of medication in the form of anti-inflamatry and other drugs to help cope with the pain but tries to keep a positive attitude in his prolonged battle with the condition.

Five years ago, following a particularly bad spinal compression fracture, which resulted in three months hospitalization and daily morphine injections, John also underwent a procedure called ‘vertebroplasty’- where surgical cement is injected into the vertebrae to relieve the intense pain. To date the procedure has proved extremely effective!

Raising awareness Over the years John has been extremely active within the Northumberland area, helping to raise tens of thousands of pounds for the Society. He has given up his time to raise awareness of osteoporosis through various television and radio interviews and has also toured his region to speak to a variety of audiences about the disease. For ten years he was an active member (Treasurer and Secretary) of the now lapsed Newcastle upon Tyne Support Group.

John is so highly thought of that he was awarded with the M.B.E. for his charity work in June 1994 and retired from the Police Force in the October of the same year.

Family and friends have always been important to John and he has been tirelessly supported by Elizabeth and his two children Jane and Jonathan. “We are now grandparents and proud of our two young grand-daughters. I just don’t know how I would have survived without Elizabeth,” John admits.

One in five men over the age of 50 will break a bone mainly due to osteoporosis.

7

A Right Royal Occasion

by Les Granlund

I was based at Headquarters Special Branch, Aykley Heads in the early 1970s. I received a call from Barry Hawley, the manager of the Royal County Hotel in Durham City He informed me that he had received a booking reservation for the King & Queen of Tonga, together with two aides. “Was this a hoax?”

I contacted the New Zealand High Commission, who kindly confirmed that King Taufe‘ahau Tupou IV together with his wife, were making a private visit to Durham. Protocol directed that although it was a private visit, that we should have been informed. Apparently, the Crown Prince, who was being educated at a school in the south of England, had been selected to represent his school in the Schoolboy Athletics Championships, to be held in Framwellgate School grounds. He was staying with other competitors in private houses in the Newton Hall area. (Keeping a low profile?). The High Commissioner belatedly requested that I should act as press liaison and give any assistance that may be necessary. This information satisfied the manager of the hotel – he was well versed in etiquette and protocol required when dealing with V.I.P. visitors. The King’s party duly arrived at the hotel and his aide asked if it was possible to bring the Crown Prince to see his father?

This was the Friday evening prior to the Games. Enquiries revealed that he had gone out from his lodgings for the evening. This prompted Sergeant Jack Kendrew and I, to look for him. The lights were on in County Hall, prompting me to check to see if he had been invited to some social or civic event. On entering, I was noticed by the Chief Constable, Mr. Puckering who quizzically asked “What are you doing here Leslie?” I replied, “I seem to have lost the Crown Prince of Tonga…” (I couldn’t pronounce his full name, although Jack Kendrew could…) I said, “He needs to see his father”, to which Mr. Puckering boomed out “Then you had better find him then…!”

The Prince, a teenager about 16 or 17 years of age was later found and taken to see his father with our undertaking to wait and return him to his previous venue. When asked later what his father had to say, he said “The usual, keep off the drink and the girls”.

Saturday, the day of the sports events, we escorted the limousine with the King and an aide to the playing field.

The Queen and Princess had gone in a second car – shopping… The Prince was a big lad and was throwing the javelin and putting the shot.

To digress, many will remember Queen Salouti of Tonga, (this King’s mother) attended the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth in 1953 and rode in an open Landau through London despite the rain on that day. She was a large lady who towered over many others.

The King certainly took after his mother and filled the rear seat of the limousine. Weighing around 30 stone, he was massive… On arrival at the side of the playing field, the Press asked permission to take the King’s photograph. At the behest of the aide, I opened the car door and said, “Excuse me your Majesty, the press would like to take your photograph?” He merely grunted which I took to be a Yes. I nodded his agreement to the press and someone impatiently asked “Is he not getting out yet?”

Eventually, the King climbed out of the car and we walked down into the playing field. Local voices were heard saying, “Look at the f…… size of him!” I endeavoured to drown out these remarks with polite over riding conversation. As we entered the arena – sorry, the field, it was like presenting a (very large) spectacle to the crowd. A slow handclap began and I tried to reassure the King that this was just the local style of applause.

Whether he believed me, I know not. Two small school type chairs were optimistically set up close together for him. I must admit that I had reservations regarding their durability! Fortunately they did sustain his weight.

The King then asked for his overcoat, which had been left in the car. I can still picture Jack lugging the massive overcoat across the field – it would have covered a small motor car… The King easily swung it up and around his shoulders! The Prince duly did his competitive throwing activities – not very successfully – then disappeared.

8

The next stop for the King was luncheon at the Redhills Hotel, hosted by a petroleum company. The Queen and Princess arrived there having concluded their shopping trip. Jack had discreetly arranged with the City Town Hall to provide a very large chair – more like a throne, for the King’s comfort whilst at the luncheon. On arrival at the Hotel, the King asked for a private sitting room, a tray of sandwiches and a jug of milk whilst he watched cricket on the television. The Manager provided his own sitting room, upstairs. I was left to make the introductions of other guests to the Queen and Princess as they entered the luncheon room. I suggested that the two aides should also go in for lunch but they declined as they were not allowed to eat with members of the Royal family. They suggested that Jack and I should attend instead but we politely declined and ate in the side room with the door ajar, in case of anything untoward.

Later, there was a train go catch and we escorted the Royal party to Durham Railway Station, where the Prince was supposed to meet up with his parents and travel with them to London. As you will have guessed, there was no sign of the Prince and just as the party were boarding the train, a figure leaped over the barrier, on to the platform and on to the train! The Prince had been waiting for his parents at the wrong hotel…. The Princess commented “He will be in trouble”. Jack & I sighed with relief as the train departed. I had visions of the press headlines, “Crown Prince of Tonga missing in Durham”. It all ended well when later, a letter of appreciation was received at the Chief Constable’s office from the New Zealand High Commissioner who dealt with this small kingdom.

On 12th September, 2006, I read in the Northern Echo the reported death of King Taufa’ahau Tupou IV, at the age of 88 years - one of the World’s longest serving monarchs, having ruled the tiny Pacific island nation over four decades. By Tongan tradition, mourning lasted for 12 months and with special rituals 10 days and 100 days after the King’s burial.

In a message to Queen Halaevalu Mata’aho, our Queen Elizabeth II paid tribute to the late monarch, saying that King Tupou had served the Kingdom and people of Tonga with dedication and dignity throughout his life.

The Crown Prince? He is now King Taufa’ahau Tupou V.

Inspector’s Initial Course September, 1984.

back row. l to r. Tony Mullen; John Knox; Trevor Johnson; Jim Mitchell; Gordon Robbins;George Hartley; Tony Cockburn; Howard Hudson. front row Mike Penrose; Gerry Rodgers; Joe Timney (Course Director); Peter Maddison (Instructor); John Cornock; Max Currah

9

Once Upon a Time I Was a Police Cadet

by Ray Tilly

My association with Durham Constabulary was fairly short, but most enjoyable. I was a Police Cadet circa October 1950 to March, 1952 and first worked at Birtley Police Station. The Inspector there was a Mr. White, who was followed by a Mr. Wise and the Sergeant (who worked out of the Birtley Elizabethville Police “Hut”), was Sergeant Watson. At that time Washington was a “country beat”, supervised from Birtley and occasionally, Inspector White took me for a ride in the ‘station Hillman Minx when he visited Washington. I looked upon it as a reward for having to clean the car in all weathers – with cold water! The Hillman Minx was put to shame of course, when Superintendent Webb from Chester -le-Street Divisional HQ turned up in his wonderful Humber Super Snipe to visit Birtley Station.

My duties were all office related – apart from cleaning the Hillman Minx..!

My duties were mainly answering the telephone and filing, which included the laborious task of cross referencing entries in the Police Gazette and Confidential Informations. Thinking back, what would I have given for a computer – but they weren’t even heard of in those times. I was allowed to deal with callers at the Station and make appropriate entries in the “Occurrence Book”. Many years later, during research, via “Tyne & Wear Archives Service” at Newcastle upon Tyne, I have acquired copies of some of those pages from the “Occurrence Book”, to include in my scrapbook. They make fascinating reading.

Being an enthusiastic swimmer and life saver, I competed in the Cadets’ race at No. 2 District Swimming Championships, held at Scarborough – in that healthy open air swimming pool with salt water… I did not have any success, but I fondly remember the journey on the coach with all the other Durham competitors – we had a great sing-song on our way home. Hoagey Carmichael’s song, You Touch My Fingertips was all the rage at the time. In the Durham Police Swimming Gala, in 1951, Chester –le-Street Division did very well and the photograph shows three members of the team and 3 trophies. Inspector O’Connell is in the centre with P.C. Todd on his left and me on his right.

In October, 1951, I transferred from Birtley to the Mounted Branch which was then at stables in the grounds of Lambton Castle, the Dog Section was also located there. My duties consisted of grooming the horses, cleaning out their stables and keeping the equipment clean. I was also fortunate in being taught how to ride a horse.

As I recall, there were four horses-two bays (whose names I cannot remember), a black horse whose name is now politically incorrect…. and a dapple grey called “Mayne”. It was named after one of the first Metropolitan Police Commissioners, Sir Richard Mayne, presumably because the Inspector in charge, Guy H. Langdon, had been brought in from the Met to set up the Mounted Branch. The only officer’s name I seem to remember was I think P.C. Burdon – I definitely remembered his old car with the Registration Number FT 2982, in which he used to give me a lift into Chester-leStreet.

As National Service would have been compulsory for me, I left in March, 1952 and ‘signed on’ for 3 years in the Life Guards so that I could join the regiment of my choice rather than being conscripted into one that may not have suited.

Following my army service, I joined the Police Service ‘down south’ and retired from Thames Valley Police in 1985 after 30 years service.

There is no doubt that I was influenced in making the Police Service my career by officers like Jack Newton, Derek Harrison, Harry Garth, Ernie Lear and others. I believe Ernie Lear’s son George (who was of my era and a good swimmer) also joined the Police Service. I thank them all for being good mentors.

Finally, thanks for your most interesting magazine. Ray Tilly 10

Formation of the Durham County Constabulary Mounted Branch, 1949

Whilst unaware of it at the time, Ray Tilly shared and contributed to the early development of the Mounted Branch.

The Mounted Branch was formed in 1949 when a Sergeant Guy H. Langdon, an Instructor in Horsemanship with the Metropolitan Police, transferred to Durham on promotion to the rank of Inspector.

He held the Weedon “A” Certificate, the highest British qualification for horsemanship, which he attained during his eight years service with the armed forces.

Inspector Langdon was charged with forming a new Mounted Branch, for which he was assigned two sergeants, ten constables, two civilian grooms and twelve horses. Six horses were stabled at Harperley Hall for duties in the south of the County and six to Lambton Castle for the north of the County. Harperley Hall was later to be the home of the whole of Mounted Branch and Dog Training Centre, which went on to gain Regional status.

Harperley Hall ceased to be a Constabulary asset during the 1980’s, when taken over by the Home Office for the development of the National Training Centre for Scientific Support to Crime Investigation.. In April 2002 it became part of the Centrex NTC, evolving into the National Policing Improvement Agency’s new Forensic Centre which was officially opened in April, 2008.

So, who are the guys with the automobiles?

A group of interesting photographs provided by Brian Gargate who asks: “Do you recognise the officers and can you identify the vehicles please? I have a feeling that the grainy photo (lower right) is a “foreigner” i.e. not one of Durham Constabulary’s own?

11

CG Spring Lunch. Sunday 10th. May, 2009 at Durham Indoor Bowling Club.

Beautifully organised by Cynthia and Harry Angus

12

“The Way We Were” - 1946 and 30 years on, 1976 (photographs: Mrs. Nell Newton)

The following photographs are of a syndicate of Durham County Police Officers during initial training. The second photograph is of a re-union of those who survived 30 years on – almost in identical positions on the photographs.

2nd photograph:

Back row: Chief Inspector C. Newton; Sgt. Nevins; Inspector T. Souter; Ch. Inspector Evans; Inspector May; Assistant Chief Constable Bradley and Sergeant Allison Front row: Sergeant Collinson; Inspector Todd; Sergeant Grainger; Inspector J. Hepplewhite; P.C. Longstaff; Superintendent S. Baker & Superintendent R. Hill Messrs Potts; Simpson, did not attend; Inspector Jopling and A.C.C. John Dagg (illness) & Inspector Short ( deceased) 13

Tribute to the late Paul Greener by Sheila Greener

Regional Dog Trials 1982. l. to r. :C/Insp. John Tyrell; Wilf Carr; C.C. Boothby; Malcolm Crow; Geoff Hopps; Bob Phillips; Paul Greener; Peter Burns

Hello Alan, Thanks once again for dropping off those copies of the “Durham Peeler” Reading through some of the article last night prompted me think that perhaps some of the members might enjoy reading about some of Paul’s experiences in the police force. He always intended writing a book about his exploits and had in fact started jotting down many stories and anecdotes, mainly about his years as a police dog handler. Sadly it wasn’t to be. Those who knew Paul, like yourself, also knew of his sense of humour and dry wit and the stories always put a Smile on my face (and sometimes a tear in my eye) every time I read them. Sheila Greener

Reflections of a Newly Recruited Gateshead Borough Bobby. By Paul Greener. for the tallest officer in the force – certainly they had not considered the smallest (me) In my day, psychological tests and countless degrees were not required to qualify as a candidate for the police service. A matter of common sense was however, highly rated. In some forces you had to be as tall as 6’-0”, whilst others (thank goodness) as short as 5’-8”. How these different height requirements came about, I don’t know. Maybe it was cost effective to order uniforms in just one size. It stands to reason that uniforms to fit the shorter bobby must have been cheaper than those for the tallest ones? Gateshead Borough had a minimum height of 5’-10” – whilst I wasn’t really that tall, I did manage to scrape in. There was a problem – I had to direct traffic and had to take a white coat from the local police box. Unfortunately, the coat was obviously bought to fit the tallest officer in the force – most certainly they hadn’t considered the shortest (me). So if anyone can remember a small guy with a white coat trailing on the ground and with his sleeves rolled up, directing traffic in Gateshead-that was me!

You also had to sit and pass an entrance exam, consisting of general knowledge, arithmetic and English. There was always an elderly P.C. waiting to retire who would be hovering over your shoulder “tutting” and shaking his head when you entered an incorrect answer (he obviously wanted someone – anyone-to pass in order to replace him…).The arithmetic was particularly challenging… one question was “what is the total of three pounds, two shillings and sixpence and five pounds, four shillings and seven pence”? It then gave three alternative answers –one of which was of course correct! The exam was marked immediately and if successful, you were weighed and measured, followed by an eyesight test. I was taken to the rear door of the police office and had a view over Gateshead. I was then asked “Can you see the Co-op”? “Yes” I replied, ‘O.K. you’ve passed’… The next stage was getting fitted for a uniform – not a new one of course but someone else’s cast off. It was like being the youngest of three brothers again. I’m pleased I didn’t have any older sisters.

Training School at Newby Wiske in North Yorkshire was a beautiful large manor house in extensive grounds. I vowed when I ‘passed out’ that I would never set foot in the place again and I never have! We reported on the Sunday afternoon. Two syndicates started their training together – mine was 615B – the other was 615A. The thirteen week training felt like a lifetime. You were allowed home each weekend but had to return by Sunday night. Most students were dropped off by their families and loved ones. After a tearful goodbye, the students were ushered into a beautiful library/lounge, the inside of which you never saw again. The sergeant for 615A introduced himself and briefed his students to the effect that he was there to help and guide them through their training. What a nice sergeant he appeared to be…? Our sergeant, all six feet three of him and an ex-guardsman, barked out your name and gave you a little name tag.

“These are to wear on your uniform, parallel with your top pocket and when I say parallel, I mean parallel!” whoops, not such a nice sergeant. We did learn to love him, or was it respect for him, whichever, we learned to wear our name tags parallel with our top pockets.

Training school did not leave me with many good memories; sitting to attention before meals; walking around the building signing fire buckets in the middle of the night; counting bandages as a punishment; making bed packs and running around the parade square whilst holding a tree branch above your head; not to mention getting up in the middle of the night to go swimming? I couldn’t see the point of these tasks because after leaving training school, I can’t remember once having to run through Gateshead carrying a tree above my head, or sitting to attention whilst eating fish & chips, sandwiches or pork pies…

My only lasting memory of training school was that every student wore a helmet that was too big for him. Hat bands had to be doubled over or paper inserted inside it to try to make them smaller and more secure. How is it that every force which used the training school at Newby Wiske sent their newly appointed constable with wrong sized helmets? Perhaps it was another recommendation from the Home Office?

Thanks Sheila. I’m sure that those who knew Paul will appreciate the wry smile he had when he wrote this- Please continue to submit his anecdotes and memories, they’re the things that make good reading in the magazines 14

Alan S. Watson

.C. Allan Reed, clearly happy in his work, serving the public at the royal visit of Princess Diana 1984 (photo courtesy Northern Echo)

Syndicate 219. No. 2 District Training Centre, Newby Wiske Hall

. September – December 1959

(photo. Allan Reed)

D. Errington; G. Hartley; D. Clarkson; J. Gibbon; E. Brown; K. Watson; N. Brown B. Hawkins; D. Maidman; G. Aisbett; R. Woodhouse; A. Coyle; T. Carr; T. Monkhouse; M. Smith; R. Hately; Sgt. A. Munden; B.Stevenson; M.P. Smith; A. Reed 15

WEST MERCIA RETIRED OFFICERS DINING CLUB

By Allan Scrafton – Ex Durham and West Mercia Constabulary

I look forward to and read with great interest, the ‘Durham Peeler’ when it drops through my letterbox. As an ‘Additional Member’ it keeps me in contact with former colleagues and my roots in the North East. Last year, I read that the Durham Senior Officers Mess has folded and this news prompted a phone call to Alan Watson.

The West Mercia Constabulary Senior Officers Mess folded in 1994, the year I retired after 31 years service in Durham and West Mercia. Poor attendance over the previous couple of years, lead firstly to cancelled events and the subsequent demise of the mess. Together with a small group of retired police officers, we met and decided to form a ‘Retired Officers Dining Club’. This was not intended to be a replacement for the mess, nor to take over any NARPO activities or responsibilities. It was simply to provide an opportunity for retired police officers to get together for lunch at a suitable venue. In May, 1994, the R.O.D.C. was born and has Ex Durham members of the Retired Officers Dining Club.. been going strong ever since. Our first Back row l to r. Peter Murphy; Alan Scrafton; Des Robson. inaugural meeting attracted about 30 Front row l to r. David Blakey; Alex Rennie; Mrs. Rita Scrafton individuals and a committee of 4 was elected. It was agreed that the club should have no rules or constitution – after 30 years of Police Regulations we had had enough of that already. The only rule was that you should come along and enjoy yourselves! It seemed to work. Membership fees were set at £5.00 and this has been kept at this level ever since. Wives, partners and civilian employees may also join and we have a good mix of people who genuinely enjoy getting together.

In our first year we met four times but it became abundantly clear that if we organised more events they would be well supported. Now we hold eight functions in a year with a good variety of locations. Summer events are held at the home of some members. David and Wendy Blakey host a “Strawberries and Champagne” tea in their garden. David, formerly Durham officer was Chief Constable of West Mercia, before retiring as H.M.I. Des and Beryl Robson lay on a B.B.Q. at their home in the lovely Teme Valley. Des too is ex-Durham and for a time worked at the District Training School at Aykley Heads. We have recently introduced a “Curry and Karaoke Night” to our list of events. Romana Edwards does a brilliant curry and you would be surprised at the talent that is unearthed at the Karaoke. Romana is the wife of John Edwards (JEDD the cartoonist of the ‘Police’ magazine.)

Our members are welcome to bring guests along to our events and some who came initially as guests, are now members. Membership now stands at just over 60 with our oldest member, the 91 year old Alex Rennie – yet another ex Durham officer. One of the curious things about West Mercia is that three former Durham officers : Alex Rennie, David Blakey and the present incumbent Paul West, all became Chief Constable of this constabulary.

About 12 years ago, we included a London Weekend break for members. Travelling by coach, we had organised visits to the Houses of Parliament or a trip on the London Eye, plus a theatre visit to a West End show. We stayed at the Tower Thistle Hotel, a good central location on the Thames with easy access to popular sites. On our homeward journey, we stopped off at places of interest such as Kew Gardens and Blenheim Palace for an afternoon visit.

In 2007 we changed our London Weekend for a trip to a European city. Over 40 members travelled to Amsterdam for a 4 night break with a visit to the bulb fields included. Last year, we had an excellent 4 night 16

break to Prague, a lovely and interesting city. This year, 2009 we are off to Budapest. These breaks are proving to be very popular and we are lucky that a former colleague’s wife) runs a travel agency and handles our bookings for us.

Durham finds itself in the same position we were 15 years ago. Our experience has shown that an organisation like R.O.D.C. can run very successfully if enough people want it to happen and are prepared to put some effort into getting it started. The demise of your mess should be seen as an opportunity to begin something new.

Good luck.

Newly published book that may be of interest to you “From Farm Hand to Chief Constable” by Alex Rennie ex West Mercia C.C (Originally a Durham County officer). Available from: M & D Bookshops, High Street, Droitwich, Worcs.@ £12.00 including p & postage.

Thank you for your enthusiastically written article Allan. I’m sure you may have inspired the germ of an idea ‘up north’ All we need now is the will and the personnel to organise a new get together campaign for retired members and civilian staff. N.B. Don’t look at me….! Alan S.Watson Editor.

Des Robson doing an excellent Elvis number.

17

Another Policeman’s Story. Part IV. Earning My Stripes.

By Ken Thurlbeck

My new co-driver at Section 3 was Jack Fidiam who, like my previous partner, had an easy going and likeable nature, equally unflappable and we worked well together. We still exchange Xmas cards and keep the occasional contact. With Jack came Austin A.90 or A.95 patrol cars, which although not particularly business like in appearance, were a joy to drive and the growl of their six cylinder engines added to that pleasure. Also they were fitted with one radio aerial instead of the usual two, which helped disguise their presence.

In retrospect I suppose this was the start of a very busy time in my life with Traffic Patrols. A vigorous enforcement policy had always been encouraged and followed in the areas I had previously patrolled - but now, on home ground that I knew so well, coupled with a busy A1 road and the many nearby army camps and air force stations, the opportunities increased and a more robust enforcement policy was a natural consequence. Also, this was a time when roads were not as busy as they are today and temptation to exceed the speed limit was ever present.

M.O.T.’s had not been introduced and generally, vehicles were in such condition as to easily fall foul of the Construction and Use Regulations, while the driving licence regulations were openly flouted.

One other factor which weighed in our favour was that patrol cars, like almost every other car on the road, were black in colour and lacking the adornments or Battenberg colouring of their modern counterparts, were hard to distinguish by the unsuspecting motorist until it was too late. Taking all those factors into account it was almost impossible to be on patrol and not report at least one traffic offence per day. There were no league tables as such but each crew was required to submit a monthly report which summarised all matters dealt with in that period.

Apart from arrests and offences reported, verbal cautions, assistance to the public, accidents attended, ‘999’ calls answered and a host of other categories were included. It would be true to say that a competitive spirit was not discouraged.

We were now additionally blessed - or cursed as some would have it, with the introduction of radar speed meters.

The early models closely resembled a large cumbersome suitcase on legs attached to an unwieldy portable 12 volt car battery and were assembled by the roadside in areas where excessive speeds were prevalent. They were operated by two officers, one to read the speed of offending motorists and then pass that information by ‘walkie talkie’ radio to the second officer who would stop and deal with transgressors.

Despite the ease with which motorists were ‘trapped’, for reasons unknown radar duty was never popular with car crews. I had the unfortunate experience of setting up one of the first speed meters in Aycliffe Village on the A.1 road and one of the first to pass it at excessive speed was a gentleman who jumped out of his car, slapped his riding boots with horse whip and said “So this is our new radar?” I assured him it was, told him his speed and that he would be reported. He said, “You can’t do that, I’m --------- and I’m on the Police Committee”. He then disappeared in the direction of the nearby Police Headquarters and when I returned to the Traffic Office a short while later I was instructed to record the encounter as a verbal caution. Bearing in mind a recent similar experience and not wishing to be posted once more to a far flung outpost of the Force, I sold my soul and readily agreed.

I sold my soul on one other occasion when I stopped a sporty looking car for speeding in Grange Road, Darlington, bearing the registration number K7. I found it contained a member of the Royal Family, the number indicating his position in the pecking order for succession to the throne, who was returning to Catterick Camp after a night out in Darlington. My notebook and pencil remained diplomatically in my pocket as I politely reminded him that he was still in a built up area, apologised for the inconvenience and bade him a respectful good night.

In the same location some time later I reported the son of a shipping magnate, local benefactor and magistrate for dangerous driving. Travelling along Grange Road in his ‘E’ type Jaguar he ignored temporary traffic lights at red, reached speeds up to 70 mph in two built up areas, cut corners and almost collided head on with oncoming vehicles. When stopped well down the A1 into North Yorkshire he denied everything and told me that I was wasting my time as the case would never come to court. He did appear in court however and was represented by a barrister who argued successfully that as I had closely followed his client throughout the incident I too must 18

have been driving dangerously and what was acceptable for me was acceptable for him. Despite the corroborative evidence of my car observer at the time, the case was dismissed. I might have felt better about things had he waved farewell with all the fingers on his hand as he said “Told you so”. In view of his previous motoring convictions this was well and truly the case of one who should not have got away. I could only hope his barrister’s fees were exorbitant.

Sadly, Jack Fidiam and I parted company after about nine months, he to become a founder member of the Special Incident Squad while I teamed up with Jack Broadbridge, filling a vacancy left by Alf Charlton on what was termed ‘Special Patrol’. Our transport was a Mark I Jaguar 2.4, one of the first to be used as a patrol car and we were given a more or less free role, subject to normal shift patterns, to patrol anywhere within the section area that we thought merited particular attention.

Jack Broadbridge was a fearless driver who would not have been out of place on a Formula 1 circuit and uncompromising in law enforcement to the extent that for him zero tolerance was the softest option. Tragically he later lost his life in a road accident when, ironically, he was not the driver of the car in which he was travelling.

Like many of my colleagues, our energetic activities generated considerable amounts of paperwork although not on par with our modern counterparts. One person reported for one or more traffic offences required the submission of one summons report form, without the additional and time consuming peripheral paperwork with which today’s police officers are burdened. Even so, it was a laborious process tackled by individual officers with the aid of ‘neo-steam driven’ typewriters and well thumbed copies of “Hopkins Summons Headings”. Eventually our task was made easier by the introduction of Emidicta machines, closely resembling the mark II version of Edison’s phonograph, whereby reports were dictated onto a disc and later transcribed by properly trained, efficient typists.

Court appearances also took up a good proportion of our time, more often than not on rest days or when working late turns. We were, of course, compensated for our overtime in the form of time off in lieu. Paid overtime was just a distant dream.

Our most harrowing experiences came from attendance at fatal road accidents, particularly those with multiple fatalities. No matter how experienced we may have been, nothing could prevent the apprehension we felt on speeding to a scene or prepare us for the horrors we found on arrival. In the early days it was not unusual for the accident to be investigated by the first officer on the scene but later this task fell to a senior C.I.D. officer.

Eventually responsibility was taken by the Serious Incident Squads with Traffic Officers taking subsidiary roles of rescue, traffic control and the like.

In my own case I assisted at many such accidents of which I was reporting officer for four of them. One of these resulted in charges being heard at Durham Assizes for causing the death of two persons by dangerous driving under relatively new legislation used in preference to motor manslaughter.

I particularly recall assisting at one accident which happened at Crumley Corner, just south of Aycliffe Village, on a Sunday evening when a private car carrying four trainee police officers returning to the District Training Centre at Newby Wiske collided with a motor cycle travelling in the opposite direction. The rider was killed outright but it was not until the day after, following a telephone call from an anxious mother, that we learned her son had been a pillion passenger on the same motor cycle. A group of us returned to the scene in daylight and eventually found the poor lad’s body jammed into hedge, looking very much like a bundle of rags, about 25 yards from the point of impact. I don’t know how or who broke the news to his parents but, unlike today, there were no recriminations or a public outcry in the press. If nothing else, it was certainly a lesson learned for searching accident scenes. No action was taken against the driver of the car involved and he subsequently completed a successful and distinguished career in the police service.

In late 1959 Traffic Patrols and Crime Patrols combined to form Motor Patrols, the objective of which was to provide a more general purpose policing unit. As a result Motor Patrols now provided 24 hour cover throughout the County in a six shift pattern, including night shift which we had not worked for some years, to ensure maximum 19

strength when most needed. It was not uncommon, for example, to find up to six patrol cars in Darlington area alone between the hours of 10pm. and 12midnight to supplement local resources. Integration between the two units took a little while to accomplish as each tended to concentrate on the independent roles they had previously enjoyed and to which they were most suited.

My own career took an upward turn in April 1960 when I performed spells of duty as Acting Sergeant totalling about sixteen months out of the next eighteen. Two stripes sat comfortably on my arm and I relished the opportunity to show I had the ability to merit consideration for a third. My supervisory duties, which I thoroughly enjoyed, sometimes covered the whole of the southern end of the county and I’m sure the scope and variety of my experiences later stood me in good stead. I was also grateful to my colleagues for making my task easier.

However, in my first spell of Acting Sergeant in April 1960, an incident occurred which might have had far reaching consequences for me. I was on night duty covering the south end of the county when about 2am. a request was received to search Stockton area for a village P.C. who had failed to report off duty that night. As he had been riding a motor cycle the primary concern was for his safety. Several cars, myself included, commenced a search pattern and just after half an hour later I saw the officer’s motor cycle parked outside a pub in Great Stainton. I knew from a previous radio conversation that another patrol car carrying the Stockton Divisional Superintendent was a short distance behind me and I was left with little option but to report my find.

The Superintendent arrived almost immediately and instructed me to wait at the front door while he went to the back. After a short while he opened the front door and I followed him into the bar where I saw the missing P.C., in full police uniform, standing near some empty beer glasses on the counter. The Superintendent, who I have to say at this point was not the legendary Charlie Ritchie,… instructed me to arrest the officer for being drunk in charge of a motor cycle. The officer smelled of drink but after questioning him I was satisfied that he was not unfit to drive and said so. The Superintendent told the officer he was taking him to Stockton Police Office in another police car, driven by Neville Marley, and I was instructed to follow with the words, “and I will deal with you later”. Brian Turner, Neville’s co-driver that night, rode the motor cycle back to the officer’s house in an adjoining village.

I don’t know what happened at the police station because Chief Inspector Burton Wardle arrived and on being told of the circumstances told me to make myself scarce, which I did. I’m told that the Superintendent was the only one who thought the offending officer was unfit to drive through drink and persisted in charging him with that offence. I’m also told that, to my relief, he was dissuaded from taking action against me for failing to obey a lawful order.

Later the P.C. appeared in court and with others, I gave evidence supporting his “Not Guilty” plea and the case was dismissed. Also, at a later disciplinary hearing when we gave similar evidence, he was found not guilty of any drink related driving offence. I think he pleaded guilty to a minor disciplinary matter and received a token punishment. The Superintendent was transferred to another station and my career was back on track.

Dear Alan, Ken Thurlbeck sent me a copy of the Durham Peeler) recently, him being a printed author and all that – so I found the magazine to be very interesting and the people mentioned, conjured up strong memories of times spent together or aware of each other’s police service I joined the Durham Cadets in 1950, did two years in, the then called Information Room at Aycliffe H.Q. following directly from Neville Marley, who was off to do his service with the Military Police and where I served under such people as Sergeant Bill Spedding. My memories of those years remind me that I was expected to clean the disposition board with meths every morning, then update the latest Police Gazette information (boring) and still to find time to get the teas.

Running to the bookies with bets emanating the Information room was a non curriculum activity expected of me when a certain sergeant was in command. Other duties included serving as a waiter in the Officers’ dining room at lunch (D.C.C. Bill Hogg, Alf Reay and other luminaries);attending and answering the (newish) VHF radio and at the same time, dealing with Express Messages and teleprinter circulations (60 wpm max.). Life was never dull.

20

Across the department was Colin Farndale, who had joined with me, and later with Brian Mackenzie, John Hope and others never far away. . Alan Campbell was an older officer and a good friend, who tried to help my cricket and my interest in photography.

In 1954, I served in (British) West Hartlepool where I lived in the new hostel at Seaton Carew and there I met Ken, who had “a Life of Riley” working as he was on Traffic- whilst I was working- on foot -in the town. I went on to serve in Horden and Bishop Auckland, (where I first met Sergeant John Passmore), Later I was transferred to Sherburn as a compassionate posting to be near and help my dying mother..

I resigned for a ‘grass is greener’ job in London – fortunately, later being allowed to return by Mr. Hogg in 1964 and posted to Consett. I was now much keener as a result of the time away and by 1968 was promoted to sergeant from Tow Law and sent to Stockton Division.

By the time of the 1968 boundary changes, I was instructing law at Dishforth and so short was the new force, that Ken Thurlbeck and a couple of others with me, who had decided to stay in Stockton, were pulled out to ‘man the barricades’.

So, I left Durham in actuality- but never in spirit.

When visiting the family in Shadforth, I sometimes see Les Granlund who looks no different, as he walks up and down the hill for his daily newspaper and constitutional.

How might I get the magazine and news more regularly in the future with payment of course, and apply for membership of the NARPO branch at Durham?

Sincerely, Brian Oxley MBE, BA Welcome on board Brian, since your letter, I’m delighted to say that you have joined our ‘happy band’ and it seems that our ex. pat.

Members are growing all the time-in keeping with ‘the family Force’ we were (and still are) proud of ..!

Alan S. Watson

Those were the days…..? Government Inspection 1948?

Extreme left in civvies – Detective Constable Charlie Newton….. 2nd from extreme right – yes, it really is, “young” Arthur George ‘Peter’ Puckering (sprog Detective Constable) 21

Police Research Projects in the 1950’s and ‘60s.

Written by David H. Gidley M.B.E.

The first thing I should say is that Durham County Police should be forever conscious that particularly in the 1950’s and 60’s we, as a Force always perceived and implemented improvements in techniques and equipment and were soon followed by Lancashire Constabulary, who developed the first police mobile personal radios. Of course in those days, we had two successive (and successful) Chief Constables, Alec Muir and Eric St. Johnston who had the vision and courage to pursue such activities. I had the job of pioneering research along these lines- some methodologies may raise a smile or two.

CONSPICUOUS COLOUR (Emergency Vehicles).

Whilst pioneering research in the late 1950s & early ‘60s, I received a number of enquiries about what we considered to be the most conspicuous colour for emergency vehicles, clothing and equipment. I rang the British Standard Institute and suggested that this subject was worthy of further investigation. They agreed and soon created a committee of around 30 scientists, paint manufacturers, optical experts and conspicuous clothing manufacturers. I was appointed as Chairman of the said committee and with the huge assistance of Terry Kent, a Home Office scientist and the Fire Service Training College at Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire, we conducted a scientific/ physical experiment which revealed that Lime Green was the best choice colour.

The experiment was conducted by marking a mile long unused runway. We put distance markers between the Start point and the Target at 100 yards, 50 yards and at the Target end we had a wide rack with one inch disks mounted in various colours. The Fire Officers (men and women of varying ages) walked from the Start point, stopping at each distance marker and recorded their scores indicating the most conspicuous colour on the Target. The compiled data was scientifically and objectively analysed and concluded that Lime Green was the optimum colour with a white background. On its own, white simply appeared like a wet reflective puddle; red and orange respectively, looked “muddy” at a distance.

A numbered B.S.I. report was not issued as the experiment was a concept and not a specifically defined piece of equipment. The members of the B.S.I. Committee were confident that their findings would be accepted readily by all concerned. Despite these findings, typically, Emergency Services for many years have continued with various colours, patterns and liveries…!

Eureka ! I noted recently in the Copper Plate Force news that the Durham Traffic Manager has finally dumped the ‘Day-Glo’ orange and is now marking police vehicles with stripes and liveries of lime green, on a white background which is now considered the most suitable and conspicuous colour! …….surprise, surprise?

Durham’s First Helicopter Trials At Aycliffe, (then Force H.Q.) we hired a two seater Brantley helicopter from a Darlington based haulage contractor, Alistair Craig. We initially hired an ex Canadian Army Pilot, Dick Dorman, to fly it. (Later, Sergeant Jackie Blair (ex. R.A.F. pilot) was to become the County’s first Police helicopter pilot).

We did a number of very useful studies and operations in demonstrating the flexibility and manoeuvrability of those early helicopters. It came into its own searching out a pack of wild dogs that had been killing a Dale farmer’s sheep. On another occasion, it enabled us to quickly deploy Sergeant Alf Charlton, armed with an experimental protective shield to assist a village ‘bobby’ and a doctor in the overpowering of a very large and very disturbed man who had become extremely violent. Of course there were several widespread searches for missing people – which nowadays is almost a routine operation. However, our pipe dream didn’t last - the Home Office stopped providing financial support, not being convinced of its viability …!

THE AUTO-GYRO PLANE By technical definition, the fundamental differences between an auto-giro and a helicopter are that the rotor blades of a helicopter are the engine - powered motive force for vertical take-off and flight; the rotor blades of an auto-giro, which are free to spin by virtue of an engine powered propeller, driving the vehicle forward along a runway and the alteration of the pitch of the blades gives lift off. The auto-gyro that I tested was different…

22

it allowed vertical take-off. It had small rotor blades and being diminutive in size, could be operated and flown from a small garden.

The designer-builder-pilot was an American airline captain. He had flown the auto-gyro over the Atlantic in the hold of his Boeing!

I was by then working for the Home Office Research Unit, and based at an ex-M.O.D. Radio Station at Sandridge, near St. Albans. By arrangement, the plane arrived by landing on a “mark out” on our field. It was a tandem arrangement – the Observer in the front cockpit and the Pilot immediately behind him. The engine with a drive propeller and a small rotor fan above was mounted on the chassis, behind the pilot seat. A clutch and gear arrangement put most of the drive into the propeller.

We went for a test flight… The pilot revved the engine to get the rotor blades turning at high speed, then altered the pitch of the blades – shooting us up to around 50 feet from the ground .and the plane flew forward at around 90/100 m.p.h. We did about an hour’s flight over Luton & the Dunstable Downs before returning to base and a safe landing – much to my relief… It all sounds a little complicated and crude now, but these were early days…..

IN VOGUE. Summer, 1912. Straw Helmets!

Remember those balmy warm and humid summers of 100 years ago – well maybe not, but Durham Police Authority certainly took it seriously when they introduced straw helmets in 1912. From the sublime to the ridiculous – imagine the discomfort on those hot days wearing the high neck tunic AND carrying your cape – just in case.

I don’t think the helmets proved to be too practical either…

23

Sunderland Remembrance Parade 2008.

By Barry C. Crawford

Sunday 9th November, 2008, broke wet and cold, but apart from the low temperature and a couple of unpleasant showers the weather was not too bad, and after twelve months of preparation, what is held to be the biggest remembrance parade outside of London was ready to proceed. The Operational and Logistical infrastructures were directed by retired fireman Arthur Lockyear. The meticulous attention to detail ensured that the proud event was both memorable and dignified. The Civic Centre, the muster area, the locale of the War Memorial, and the route of the parade were well organised, ensuring a safe event for the participants and public alike.

(Arthur was previously a Police Constable in Darlington and the son of Seaham Harbour’s legendary P.C. Arthur Lockyear…)

Veterans of all generations, services and conflicts, serving members of Her Majesty’s Forces, the emergency services, youth and community groups, and military representatives of the London based Embassies and High Commissions of Canada, France, South Africa, the United States of America, Pakistan and Australia gathered in and around the Civic Centre. The atmosphere at the muster area was vibrant and charged with anticipation, bustling with the arrival of military vehicles, fire appliances, and television and radio crews, and of course, the chatter and laughter of old comrades re-united- to say nothing of the glint of campaign medals, and ubiquitous hip flasks!

Some-where in the region of two-thousand people gathered to pay their respects at the War Memorial, and witnessed the march-on of the Honour Guard comprising four Troopers from the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment in “Dismounted-Review Order” of cuirasses, helmets, and jack-boots, carrying swords, and a six strong Lance Party from the Queen’s Royal Lancers.

The opening elements of the parade stepped-off at 10:15 hours when a thirty strong, and extremely smart, platoon from the Rifles (formerly the Light Division) Training Company of the Infantry Training Centre, Catterick Garrison marched-on at a spectacular 140 paces a minute, with their rifles at the trail, bringing an element of nostalgia and great pride to our old Durham Light Infantrymen. The Light Cavalry Band, whilst remaining static themselves, played them on to the “Light Barque” the regimental quick-march of the Durham Light Infantry.

At 10:20 the main body of the parade, comprising over two-hundred serving members from Her Majesty’s Forces including The Royal Marines Reserve, the Royal Artillery, Coldstream Guards, Scots Guards, The Parachute Regiment, 150 Provost Company Royal Military Police, and RAF Leeming, marched onto the muster area, and what a magnificent sight it was!

A very high standard of appropriate music was provided both on parade and at the Service of Remembrance by the Light Cavalry Band, the Pipes and Drums of 1st Battalion Scots Guards, the Esh and Bearpark Colliery Band, and the Strathclyde Fire and Rescue Service Pipers.

24

The emergency services detachment (which included Angie and me) comprised nurses from Sunderland Royal Hospital, the Sunderland Volunteer Life Brigade, the Northeast Ambulance Service, Northumbria Police, and serving and retired fire-fighters from fifteen United Kingdom Fire and Rescue Services.

During the service a reading of the first four verses of “For the Fallen” by Lawrence Binyon was delivered mellifluously by Mr Ted Hold, Imperial Service Medal, Life President of the Sunderland and District Branch of the Parachute Regimental Association, and soon to be National Vice-President of the Fellowship of the Services.

The “Far East Prisoners of War Prayer” was given in a strong and passionate voice by Mr Len Gibson formerly of 125 Anti-Tank Regiment Royal Artillery (Sunderland’s Gunners), and a former POW on the infamous “Death Railway”. After a stirring rendition of the Cavalry “Last Post” and “Reveille” on posthorns by Trumpeters of the Light Cavalry Band, Lieutenant-Colonel Gregory Cole Commanding Officer of 4th Regiment Royal Artillery (The North-East Gunners) recited the poem “In Flanders Field” by LieutenantColonel John McCrae.

Parade guests included the families of local men recently lost in service, including those of Tony Carr, (Coldstream Guards); Michael Tench (Light Infantry) and Nathan Cutherbertson (Parachute Regiment).

Leading the Veterans’ company on parade in his wheel-chair was twenty-six year’s old Lance Corporal Martin Edwards of Leeds,( the face on this year’s Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal), who was left brain damaged by a roadside bomb whilst on his third tour of Iraq with the Light Infantry. The Victoria Cross and George Cross Association was represented by Mrs Freda McKay mother of the late Sergeant Ian McKay VC of the Parachute Regiment, and Mrs Margaret Beck, the daughter of William Younger, George Cross, the mining hero of the Louisa Colliery disaster at Stanley.

An invitation to NARPO to provide a presence on this great parade each year has been extended to me by Arthur Lockyear, and I hope that we as former police officers will take this opportunity to join what is truly a great national occasion and pay our respects as a team. Any members wishing to parade next November should contact me on 0191 5873987, or Arthur Lockyear on 0191 373 2035 or e-mail him on artaemusaiki@aol.com for details of the parade.

Lest We Forget.

25

THE BATTLE OF TRAFALGAR --if it had happened in this crazy P.C. world today…..

On the deck of H.M.S. Victory, just prior to battle:- (Yes, it’s a spoof…)

Lord Nelson. “Hold on – that’s not the message I dictated to Flags! What’s the meaning of this?”

Hardy. “Sorry sir?”

Nelson (reading aloud) “England expects every person to do his or her duty, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, religious persuasion or disability” “What gobbledygook is this?”

Hardy. “Admiralty policy, I’m afraid sir. We’re an equal opportunities employer now. We had the devil’s own job getting “England” past the censors, lest it be considered racist.”

Nelson. “Gadzooks, Hardy. Hand me my pipe and tobacco.”

Hardy. “Sorry sir. All naval vessels have now been designated smoke-free working environments.”

Nelson. “In that case, break open the rum ration. Let us splice the main brace to ‘steel’ the men before battle” Hardy. “The rum ration has been abolished, Admiral. Part of the Government’s policy on binge drinking.”

Nelson. “Good heavens, Hardy. I suppose we’d better get on with it…. full speed ahead!”

Hardy. “I think you’ll find that there’s a 4 knot speed limit in this stretch of water…”

Nelson. “Damn it man! We are on the eve of the greatest sea battle in history. We must advance with all dispatch.- report from the crow’s nest please.”

Hardy. “That won’t be possible sir.”

Nelson. “What?”

Hardy. “Health and Safety have closed the crow’s nest, sir. No harness! And they said that the rope ladders don’t meet specifications of regulations. They won’t let anyone up there until proper scaffolding can be erected…”

Nelson. “Then get me the ship’s carpenter without delay, Hardy!”

Hardy. “He’s busy knocking up a wheelchair access to the fo’c’sle Admiral” Nelson. “Wheelchair access? I’ve never heard anything so absurd” Hardy “Health and Safety again sir. We have to provide a barrier-free environment for the differently abled” Nelson “Differently abled? I’ve only one arm and one eye and I refuse even to hear mention of the word. I didn’t ride to the rank of Admiral by playing the disabled card!”

Hardy “Actually sir, you did. The Royal Navy is under –represented in the areas of visually impairment and limb deficiency” Nelson. “Whatever next? Give me full sail. The salt spray beckons” Hardy “A couple of problems there too, sir. Health & Safety won’t let the crew up the rigging without hard hats AND they don’t want anyone breathing in too much salt – haven’t you seen the adverts?”

Nelson “I’ve never heard such infamy. Break out the cannon and tell the men to engage the enemy.”

Hardy “The men are a bit worried about shooting anyone , Admiral.”

Nelson. “What? this is mutiny” Hardy “It’s not that sir. It’s just that they’re afraid of being charged with murder if they actually kill anyone. It’s all about ‘risk assessment’. There are a couple of legal aid lawyers on board, watching everyone like hawks.”

Nelson “Then how are we to sink the Frenchies and the Spaniards?”

Hardy “Actually, sir, we’re not….”

Nelson “We’re not? why ever not?”

Hardy. “No, sir. The French and Spanish are our European partners now. According to the Common Fisheries Policy, we shouldn’t even be in this stretch of water. We could get hit with a claim for compensation” Nelson “But you must hate the Frenchmen as you hate the devil?”

Hardy “I wouldn’t let the ship’s diversity co-ordinator hear you saying that sir. You’ll be up on disciplinary report.”

Nelson “You must consider every man an enemy who speaks ill of your King” Hardy “Not anymore sir. We must be inclusive in this multicultural age. Now put on your Kevlar vest – it’s the rules! It could save your life” Nelson “Don’t tell me – health and safety. Whatever happened to rum, sodomy and the lash?”

Hardy “As I’ve explained sir, rum is off the menu and there’s a ban on corporal punishment” Nelson “What about sodomy?”

Hardy “I believe that is now legal, sir” Nelson “In that case….. kiss me, Hardy”

26

Obituaries. Retired and Serving Officers and their Widows George Cecil CRAWFORD Jeff SANTON

Geoffrey Norman THOMPSON

died 18thNovember, 2008 died 27th November, 2008 died 20th December, 2008

aged 95 years. Newton Aycliffe aged 83 years. Darlington aged 75 years Chester le Street

Jasper ‘Joe’ TRULOCK Douglas SMITH Daniel Whitfield LEDGER James William WOODHOUSE Robert ROBINSON Walter Edmund GATENBY

died 9th January, 2009 died 9th January, 2009 died 11th January,2009 died 13th January, 2009 died 24th January, 2009 died 23rd January, 2009

aged 95 years aged 87 years aged 76 years aged 80 years aged 95 years aged 86 years

Robert Emerson DOBSON Sidney Caleb C. DAVIES

died 1st February, 2009 died 6th February, 2009

aged 90 years Durham aged 80 years Mansfield

Jack TODD Christopher BARBER Victor WILSON John (Jack) Strachan Widows Mrs. Kate STOKER Mrs. Mary Jane MELVILLE Mrs. Ann EDGAR

died 13th March, 2009 died 5th April, 2009 died 30th March, 2009 died 8th May, 2009

aged 87 years Newton Ayclffe aged 51 years Darlington aged 82 years Australia aged 92years. Stamford Bridge (Nr. York)

Darlington Lanchester Bishop Auckland Spennymoor Australia Macclesfield.

died 26th October, 2008 (William Stoker (Gateshead Borough)) died 14th November, 2008 (Cecil Melville) died 16th November, 2008 (Les. Edgar)

Our sincere condolences to their loved ones and those nearest and dearest to them.

They are in our thoughts We are ever mindful of the service and valuable contributions each officer and family have made both to the Community and the Police Service in County Durham We strive to maintain the public respect, image and fine reputation of Durham Constabulary -earned by our forebears .

Alan S. Watson

Chairman

‘The truly independent family company caring for your needs day or night across the North East’ Supporting the local community

whitehouse

funeral service

e f th r o s arte ner win en Ch ctor of Gold al dire wards a er fun year e th

You can’t remove the heartache and emotional upheaval of a loved one’s passing, but you can remove the financial and organisational headache.

Prepaid Funeral Plans provide a sound financial investment and give you total peace of mind that your wishes are carried out.

cockerton house, 11 west auckland road, cockerton, darlington DL3 9EJ T 01325 482999 E enquiries@whitehousefuneralservice.co.uk W www.whitehousefuneralservice.co.uk To discuss prepayment funeral planning call us on:

Freephone: 0800 7812082 Quoting reference: DP0908

27