Durham Peeler - Summer 2014

Durham Peeler SUMMER 2014

Durham County born “rookie” joins Royal Canadian Mounted Police Durham Branch N.A.R.P.O. Magazine

Front cover: Passing Out Parade – newly trained Royal Canadian Mounted Police recruits.

[Anaztazia “Tayzy” Inkster (centre)] See article “Meet “Tayzy” the Durham County born British “rookie” Royal Canadian Mounted Police Officer” commencing page 2.

(courtesy Suz. & Leslie Hutchinson)

©(2010) Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada as represented by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police

Meet “TAYZY” the Durham County born British rookie Royal Canadian Mounted Police Officer.

Anaztazia (Tayzy) Inkster, is the step- grand- daughter of the late very well remembered and respected Matt Hutchinson (Ex Durham Constabulary Chief Inspector and Secretary for the Durham Branch of N.A.R.P.O. for many years), daughter of mum, Suzan and step father, Les Hutchinson, (who was for a short while was a Constable in the Durham Constabulary..

Tayzy (as she prefers to be called) has just graduated as a regular member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and also celebrated her 22nd birthday on 28th April, 2014. She was born in County Durham at Bishop Auckland hospital She was a young boarding school pupil at Barnard Castle school (4 to 11 years old), followed by Richmond senior school where she did her GCSE's. Her education was completed in Toronto, Canada (as a British/Canadian national) She gained entrance to the McMasters University of Canada, studying Mathematics.

Tayzy made the decision to join the ‘Mounties’ in February 2012 when she committed herself to the online R.C.M.P. evaluation test whilst on a visit to her mum and step dad (Suzan and Les Hutchinson) here in the UK. Inspired to continue the family tradition of being a member of the policing scene, this was her first step of the recruitment process (which can take from seven to 18 months) to getting enrolled at the RCMP Training Academy (Depot). The recruitment covers physical fitness testing and evaluation, mental agility examinations, medical assessment, and personal screening. Successful candidates are scheduled to attend the RCMP Training Academy and begin the Cadet Training Program at Depot in Regina, Saskatchewan.

Tayzy is a 5'7" slightly built size 8 blue eyed blonde - not the a-typical image of a Canadian Mountie….. It was made clear from the beginning that no quarter is given for being female in R.C.M.P. Equality and fairness in all things is part of their makeup, indeed part of the D.N.A. of a Mountie.

All RCMP members are told from the outset that their postings can and will be anywhere in Canada R.C.M.P. (General facts) Part of the fabric of Canada, the R.C.M.P. is a national symbol encompassing Canadian history and institutions. This national police force provides a federal policing service to all Canadians with an establishment of more than 20,000 police officers (plus almost 10,000 civilian members and public servants), and contract policing services to the three territories and all provinces except Ontario and Québec. The R.C.M.P. maintains 4 crime detection laboratories, the Canadian Police Information Centre in Ottawa, and the R.C.M.P. Training Academy in Regina. There is a large marine section with a fleet of patrol boats and an aviation section with a variety of airplanes and helicopters. The R.C.M.P. currently has 42 liaison officers deployed to 30 locations in 26 countries.

The R.C.M.P. partners with 25 other Canadian police services, both provincial and municipal, who contribute their personnel to various peacekeeping missions. The R.C.M.P. manages Canada’s involvement in international civilian police peacekeeping and other peace support operations. Throughout the years, Canadian police officers have been assigned to peace operations in 30 countries, including: Namibia, Yugoslavia, Haiti, Kosovo, Bosnia/Herzegovina, Ivory Coast, Afghanistan, South Sudan, East Timor, the Western Sahara, and Guatemala. Canadian police deployments to international peace operations will continue for the foreseeable future.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police was formed in 1920 after the merger of the Royal Northwest Mounted Police and the Dominion Police. Since 1974 women have been recruited into the force and undergo the same training as male cadets. Upon graduation the female constable is assigned duties on the same basis as her male counterpart. Any member of the force can be found in remote northern communities or on highway patrols or on desk jobs.

Depot and Cadets No one can join the RCMP as a regular member without completing the RCMP Academy's Cadet Training Program.

The focus has evolved on knowledge relating to the multiple facets of law enforcement rather than on military discipline nowadays, though Drill remains a keynote to the program.

Since 1885 all basic training of RCMP recruits has been carried out at Depot Division in Regina. Today the course is 6 months in length and includes a variety of subjects from basic criminal law to driving and shooting.

Cadets are grouped together in what the force calls "troops". A troop consists of a maximum of 32 men and women who follow their entire 24-week training together.

The 24 weeks at Depot is possibly the longest job interview ever experienced. Everything is a test :of skills, abilities, demeanor, and of course time management and the handling the pressure. This is not only during working hours, it applies ‘24/7’!

Not all Depot cadets pass the tests and benchmarks. Even though all cadets know the rules on signing up for the training, when a cadet fails any test, the turnaround from Depot to ‘gone’ is remarkably quick: dismissed today, all R.C.M.P. issue confiscated an hour later, and on a plane tomorrow!

Personal View of Depot The first days of Depot are a whirlwind of forms, faces and instructions. All rookies wear special name tags that identify them as such and absolutely everyone greets the new cadets with “Welcome to Depot.” This continues until proper name tags are issued and although to an outsider, this may seem a little over the top, it builds up camaraderie.

The willingness of the more senior cadets to help out the newcomers, give solid advice based on the benefits of their experiences, and in general show around the newbie's is a mark of the caliber of the people that pass through Depot.

The 6 month course is intensive and disciplined, or as the PR says 'challenging'.

One of the worldwide held views of a cop stereotype is the piles and piles of paperwork they are surrounded and immersed in, this certainly holds true here at Depot - but sadly there's no doughnuts!

Attention to detail is a mantra followed by all in the RCMP and Depot in particular, it's best not forgotten. Never (for example) attend a class without all of the necessary equipment and always follow instructions to the letter! Any little inconsistencies will result in push-ups for the entire troop (way over a hundred). You soon discover that attention to detail and teamwork can never be overrated and that it should always be adhered to regardless of how minor the situation may seem.

Without going through the whole program course by course I've picked out a couple of the more unusual.

Cadets are taught building entries and searches. These are a little like an intense game of hide-and-seek, where the police officer is the seeker and subject of interest is the ‘seekee’. The biggest difference between the R.C.M.P. version and children at play is that instead of: “Aha, I found you, and that’s a whole new slant on the game. I have to say that in a police entry, building searches are not as easy as they are portrayed in the movies. It’s more a case of ‘Gotcha!’”

In another lesson- members of the Troop are scheduled to be OC Sprayed (commonly known as Pepper Spray). This is a horrible experience and one you have to give major consideration to before employing on someone - even your worst enemy. It's like having your face pushed into a furnace, your eyeballs feel like they're melting. The pain and discomfort in the first stage is excruciating, but this is followed rapidly by the cross-contamination and recontamination factors. It quickly spreads up your nose, through your mouth, down your throat, in your eyebrows and hair, and when you've finally managed to calm your senses, the whole affair starts anew with your attempts to actually remove the residue by showering after the lesson ends!

Although this OC lesson seems more like a cruel and unusual punishment rather than a class, I think it is worthwhile as all members of my Troop now truly understand the effects of the spray.

Further into the training the Troop is scheduled to be gassed! (I kid you not!) Another first? In deploying the tear gas, we as Cadets still have to continue to work and act as Police officers in the given situation. We've all got our own hideous looking and pungent smelling masks, and once in the chamber are ordered to do star jumps and read aloud.

This didn't seem too bad until we had to remove the mask and contaminate ourselves with large inhalations of the gas.

Fighting to breath, to see, or simply stand up is difficult in the extreme but we're taught to function as a Police officer through it all. It’s not pleasant and actually breathing out takes some doing, but compared to the pepper spray, I'd say it was a breeze!

In other classes Cadets are taught drug scenarios, high risk takedowns, ground-fighting, advanced driving, firearms training - to name but a few. Each and every discipline is fully assessed with no room for failure, and of course there's paperwork with everything.

Depot is also a true test of your interpersonal skills. You have to get along with your 'new family' from the get go, as you need to be able to rely on them and their joint efforts just as much as they rely on you. Albeit over a six month period there are bound to be disagreements (we are together 24/7 for 24 weeks) you need to work through your differences and quite simply 'get on with it'. There is certainly no tolerance of negativity in any form, and as time is at a premium at Depot, the more quickly this becomes apparent, the easier everything gets for all those involved.

In summary being a Cadet at Depot is like attending a really long job interview where you're being evaluated all day, all week for the full 24 weeks straight - and not just working hours!

Everybody wants a piece of you - each discipline requires extra work and commitment and you have to learn how to juggle accordingly.

Everything, absolutely everything, is a test but often it's not about what you do, it is about how you do it!

Throughout the program, Cadets are assessed on cognitive skills and practical abilities, but personally I'd say it's also a test of stamina and endurance and how you respond to pressure, frequent change and uncertainty. It's not easy, but the pride in earning the red serge jacket, Stetson and boots and then being Sworn In most certainly makes it worth it all worthwhile

Royal Canadian Mounted Police - A National Symbol From the earliest years of its existence the mounted police have attracted the attention of writers. Hundreds of novels, stories and films, mostly by British and American authors, have appeared over the last century, creating a vivid popular image of the mounted police as fearless and infallible.

The Canadian government realized the usefulness of this image as early as the 1880s. The scarlet-coated policeman began to appear on Canadian immigration pamphlets and shortly after that on tourist advertisements. The police themselves have always recognized the value of good public relations. Early riding drills developed quickly into public exhibitions of horsemanship set to music. Thus the origins of the famous musical ride can be traced back to the 1870s. Although mounted training once required of all recruits has long since disappeared, the musical ride remains an enormously popular public attraction in Canada and elsewhere. The symbolic importance of the “mounties� may help to explain why they have retained their popularity.

Life Is What You Make It?

So, don’t feel glum, keep smiling , look on the bright side and ignore the ‘popular’ press, political rhetoric and Statistics

Hello everyone and welcome to the summer issue of the Durham Peeler magazine, compiled for your information, entertainment and participation. With glorious summer sunshine ahead, who could fail to be looking on the bright side?

Unfortunately however, life isn’t always bright for those who have recently lost a “nearest and dearest”. We do as always extend our condolences and sympathies with those left grieving. Similarly, those pensioners, alone, lonely and perhaps a little despondent - remember that N.A.R.P.O. the Welfare Officer and Committee members are always willing to support, help and advise. You need never be alone. A cup of kindness often helps.

Only a matter of weeks to go before the Durham Constabulary closes its current Headquarters at Aykley Heads (the site being sold for posh new housing development. A brand new, purpose built, more compact and pleasant Headquarters is still under construction only a quarter of a mile away, near to the former Sports Complex , Hopefully, even in this tight economic climate, we shall all have something to celebrate and look forward to the new beginnings.

That great ugly concrete radio mast unfortunately goes with the package, being seen through rose coloured spectacles as a monument of public interest and is being dismantled (hooray) and sadly, reconstructed on the site adjacent to the new H.Q. at a cost of £400,000. Well, some you win..!

I recall the story of the radio mast when it was first erected in 1969 amidst much angry protest – one Police Authority member thought it such an eyesore (yes, even then), that he seriously suggested that the radio mast be built underground and I am assured by the informant that he wasn’t joking!( some mothers do ‘ave ‘em?). (Don’t shoot the messenger….)

After four years of highly successful and popular Retirees Re-Union Days at Aykley Heads, unfortunately, for the above reasons, it isn’t going to happen this year but hopefully will rise again in the phoenix of the new Headquarters complex. Many of you will be disappointed to miss this opportunity to have a get together with old friends and colleagues – do not despair – why not complete the “flyer” included with this magazine and bring your family and friends to the already successful Durham N.A.R.P.O. Annual Luncheon to be held on Sunday, 5th October, 2014 at the Durham Indoor Bowling Centre, 12.30pm for 1pm. Choice of a quality menu @ only £10.00/per head (subsidised by NARPO). You may be pleasantly surprised at how good the company can be – many a story of deeds in years gone by, has been exchanged (and sometimes enhanced) and the “crack” is always good. You won’t feel alone in this company. A great afternoon to look forward to - “so be here”!

Not a lot of people know it, but a lot of hard graft goes into events arranged for your entertainment, not least, the preparation of the Durham Peeler “rag”. Therefore I am appealing to you one and all to not only participate by reading it, but to be involved. If you have (most of you will have) old photographs, memories of yesteryear in policing or simply your observations – please, do get in touch. We urgently need more support to continue to make this a dynamic magazine. All photographs and material will be returned a.s.a.p. Thanks. Contact: Alan S. Watson Tel.01325 465609; Suenala7@ntlworld.com.

Don’t forget also to have a look at our dynamic internet web “blog” for all the up to date news, views and contributions prepared by Bob Brown. Go to www.Durhamnarpo.org.uk ; e mail: 1093brown@gmail.org.

May I take this opportunity to thank my “civvy” friend and neighbour, Geoff North for the hours willingly given in proof reading the magazine before printing and publication. Also to Derek Sayers who backed up the proof reading.

Similarly to our hard working committee members who help load the magazines and “flyers” into their individually addressed envelopes (printed by Barry & Angie Crawford); to the Chief Constable for facilitating our “sorting room” for the day of dispatch and to the growing number of NARPO members who volunteer to deliver individual magazines – thus saving over £1.20/ envelope postage. Every little helps as they say. Willing to volunteer?

Contact the Secretary or other members of committee. (Contact numbers are set out on page 4.)

Have a great summer and stay healthy and cheerful. ‘Nil desperandum carborundum illegitimi’ Enjoy your magazine Alan S. Watson Editor

*Durham N.A.R.P.O. Meetings 2014.* All meeting commence 7.30pm prompt. Members welcome 14th July. 2014. Bishop Auckland Hospital Club 1st September, 2014 Bishop Auckland Hospital Club 24th November, 2014 Durham Indoor Bowling Club

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It was very encouraging to see the best supported Branch A.G.M. for many years with 32 Committee, members and several Additional members from neighbouring Branches in attendance The Traditional guest speakers this year comprised, Deputy Chief Constable, Michael Banks ( a strong supporter of our Branch); The recently elected Chairman of the Durham Branch of the Police Federation, Andrew Jackson and stalwart National Executive representative, Tony Storry, making his last appearance before retiring from the Executive Committee,. Each of the speakers gave eloquent addresses to the meeting, outlining recent developments including the highs and lows of ever demanding responsibilities to our community.

Mr. Banks,, was optimistic for the Force’s future and pleased that Durham Constabulary continues to be considered one of the most effective and efficient Forces in the country. Crime statistics continue to have a detection rate of 38%; The further Inter Force collaboration and pooling of resources works very well and has saved an estimated £700,00., The dynamic drive to disrupt organised crime is having a positive effect, the Police Crime Commissioner’s positive impact and cooperation is encouraging and we continue to satisfy the confidence of the public with a 95% approval..

We have won an award for the Best Emergency Service in the north. Despite even further reductions of ÂŁ3.4m from our budget of ÂŁ116m and a reduction of regular officers to just over 1200, we continue to strive for excellence..

Later this year, the new, smaller and streamlined Constabulary H.Q. will be officially opened and the previous H.Q. site sold for building development. The radio mast as part of the package is being moved and rebuilt at a cost of ÂŁ400,000! Next year, (2015) Durham Constabulary will be celebrating 175 years of continuous service and a Cathedral Celebration and update of the Force History will be published.

Andrew Jackson may only have been in Office some seven months and at a very trying time demanding change for Federation reform, with some 36 National recommendations to be discussed at the National Federation level in May, 2014. Many of the changes are being enthusiastically pursued. However, compulsory severance, dismissal criteria, restricted duties after 12 months at a loss of 8% salary (ÂŁ2,922.00) and the Hutton Review which includes increasing salary contribution to 14.25% for pensions will be fiercely debated.

N.A.R.P.O. Committee 2014/15

Alan S. Watson, 38, Hummersknott Avenue,

Darlington, DL3 8LG. Tel No. 01325 465609. e mail: suenala7@ntlworld.com

Vice Chairman;

Raymond T. Jones, 11, Linburn Drive, Bishop Auckland DL14 0RG Tel. No. 01388 663098. e mail: R.T.Jones@talk.talk.net Honorary President (ex. Officio):

Chief Constable, Mr. Michael Barton. Durham Constabulary H.Q Treasurer:

Colin Appleby, 21, Lea Rigg, West Rainton, Houghton-le-Spring, DH4 6SR Tel. No. 0191 5846178 email: appleby.colin@btinternet.com Secretary:

Barry C. Crawford, 8, Warwick Place, Peterlee, SR2 2EZ. Tel No. 0191 5180996 email: barrychiltoncrawford@yahoo.co.uk Welfare Rep. & Assistant Secretary:

Mrs Angie Crawford, 8, Warwick Place, Peterlee, SR2 2EZ Tel. No. 01`91 5180996 email: angiechilton@yahoo.com.

Committee Members:

George Bennison.

Ches. Brighouse Alan Drake Martin Hall Audrey Ledger

Tel. No. 01325 314879 Tel. No. 01388 818288 Tel. No. 01325 315820

Tel.No.01388 816617 Tel. No.

01388 601267

Bill Bramfitt.

Tony Burn.

Bob Gadd Stuart Ingram Don Moody

Tel. No. 01388 604369 Tel. No. 01388 813904 Tel No. 0191 3862688

Tel.No 01388 814758 Tel No.

01325 460314

Good reason for officers to be issued with the new BWV’s Following a successful pilot trial, Durham Police are ‘rolling out’ new body worn video devices as personal issue to all frontline officers. The Body Worn Video (BWV) is a cheaper, smaller and more effective alternative to head-mounted video cameras. Its use has been piloted in Bishop Auckland since August last year and proved so successful that it has been issued force-wide to all response and neighbourhood officers, and eventually PCSOs. The camera, about the size of a thumb, will be used to record certain interactions with the public, victims and witnesses and the footage will be downloaded onto a central server, available for reference for any other officer.

The cameras have a 4 gigabyte capacity and are capable of recording up to two hours of footage before the BWV needs to be recharged. Officers will not be expected to run the camera all the time, but to remember to turn it on when attending an incident. It is envisaged this practice will become second nature to staff.

The new equipment will prove of particular value as part of the early evidence gathering process to support prosecutions for vulnerable domestic abuse victims who are unwilling to provide a statement or give evidence in court.

“This is an excellent piece of equipment which should prove of benefit to officers as well as victims,” said Inspector Simon Orton, who has been leading the pilot project.

“As it fits neatly onto an officer’s lapel or body armour, it’s not obtrusive or cumbersome and will provide actual footage which would be difficult for a suspect to dispute.”

Durham is believed to be the first force in the UK which is making the Body Worn Video available as personal issue to all operational officers.

“The expectation is that this will become a standard piece of kit for officers, the same as their handcuffs, ASP baton and incapacitant spray. Already officers are gathering vital evidence which has had a dynamic impact upon CPS charging decisions and the feedback which the project team are receiving is extremely positive." ,” added Inspector Orton NB . Jan 13th 2014 - Further funding has been awarded to Durham Constabulary to continue with the purchase of BWV’s

Force News.

Chief Constable Mike Barton

Retired colleagues will have probably seen quite a bit of building work going on across the constabulary estate. The new headquarters is coming along really well and I believe it is three or so weeks ahead of schedule, albeit we haven’t made up the time lost because of the newts. We will be moving in in August and the former headquarters site will be developed over the next few years as an executive housing estate.

The new building will save us £750,000 a year in running costs alone which means we can afford to pay for 17 more cops. This is important with the reduction in our funding as it means going forward we can afford to employ 1,200 police officers and 830 police staff.

Under construction April, 2014 The design of the building is open plan around a central atrium. There is not going to be a full blown canteen like the old Aykley Heads, but we have made many of the rooms flexible so that throughout its life the building will always be useful. The current headquarters has developed into a bit of a millstone; especially the former residential blocks which are full of asbestos and very few of the flat roofs seem to keep the rain out. We are ensuring that all the memorial plaques are moved appropriately, but if anyone has any memories of the building I know our Head of Knowledge, Teresa Ashforth, would be pleased to listen.

We are keen to put the control room in the new headquarters because we want it to be a 24/7 building since this reflects the nature of policing.

We have moved all the warehousing and workshop facilities to the Whitehouse Business Park near Peterlee.

People will be moving into there by June and frankly it is a pretty splendid building as it is modern and more than the size of a football field. Headquarters CID have already moved to Chester-le-Street and it is good to see that building fully occupied. Professional Standards have already moved to Peterlee and Headquarters Operations have moved to both Spennymoor and Wynyard. We have also spent time and effort improving Stanley Station. We have just finished a £2m development of Darlington Police Station and you are all welcome to the open weekend between 10am and 4pm on Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th May. If you are interested in attending please book your place by either calling the Safer Neighbourhood Unit in Darlington on 01325 346221 or emailing DJSNU@durham.pnn.police.uk or by messaging us on Darlington's Neighbourhood Facebook page. Due to security issues only those who have booked will be allowed entry on the day. Some people think we can’t afford to spend money on our buildings but we feel that it is using our money sensibly so as to keep costs down and morale up.

We have also secured additional funding from the Home Office to have shared stations with the Fire and Rescue Service. We have already moved into a shared building at Newton Aycliffe and we are looking at three other potential shared facilities – watch this space.

Finally, the mast. If we leave it where it is it reduces the value of the land by £1m and if we move it to the new headquarters it costs us £400,000. It’s a no brainer. We are going to be moving it so Aykley Heads will look a bit more like Cape Canaveral whilst that happens. It is likely that it will be the centrepiece of a memorial garden, but those details have yet to be agreed and we would welcome your views.

Durham County Constabulary.

(photo copy of originals provided by Jack Fidiam’s research -no, he didn’t write it!) (Editor re-typed it!)

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Š (2010) Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada as represented by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police

Letter to the Editor from Fred & Ma Lay - M yanmar (Burma) On the 22nd October this year I will be once again, God willing, celebrate my birthday here in Myanmar. I will have been around for 76 years by then and As things are at present, my health is good, my future plans look good and my opportunity to serve the poor and deprived people here in Myanmar is nothing less than a privilege in life that I can only describe as about the best gift I have ever had apart from the woman who serves alongside me. Could I do what I do without her, I doubt it? I would be struggling to say the least. For a start, I have not yet mastered the ethnic Lisu tongue but strangely enough I can sing almost anything they can put before me.

Together, and through the kind donors who have supported us over the years, we have done many things for the poor and disadvantaged. Our orphanage now has seventy children, a mix between orphans, children from very poor families along with single parent families who are unable to support their children.

Grace Haven Orphanage is the flagship of our ministry here in Myanmar and has been the blueprint for two other successful projects within our ministry. ‘The Light of Education Centre No 1 in a place called Kyat Pyin, Mogok’ was established by us some two years ago. It now serves to accommodate sixty students from far away mountain villages who have been deprived of education for many years. Now they can reside at our centre, attend government school, take after school tuition and prepare for their future. Now, thirty more children are asking for sanctuary at this place but first we have to increase the availability of accommodation, so we pray for more donors to help us. We don’t worry because we know that our prayers are always answered in one way or the other.

Now our ministry has stretched into the Shan State, (a 4 to 5 hour journey from our place) at a town called Hsipaw where we have just completed the building of a two storey education centre that is now Identified as ‘The Light of Education Centre No 2’ . This centre will now start operating with an intake of forty students from very poor and destitute families living in the far flung villages of the Shan State where government school education is not available.

Initially, forty students will arrive in May to take up residence and attend school in the new school year in June. Our opening day was held on 23rd March this year, with one hundred and seventy visitors, the majority of whom were from far away villages having made long arduous journeys to support the project which will finally accommodate eighty to one hundred students when finances allow.

Our most senior student Hannah, who has recently obtained her Theology degree at the Eastern Bible Institute of Myanmar will take responsibility as Principal. She herself has been orphaned since childhood and has much empathy and understanding, well tutored by My wife, Ma Lay (who will continue to act as consultant.)

Already we have set our sights on yet another possible centre No 3 in another remote area of the Shan State at a place called Nan Sa Lar where again there is great need for us to duplicate our work, providing the deprived with vision, opportunity and hope for their future. All we ask for is for readers to pray for us as we go about our work helping those in need.

Through the internet, here in Burma we have continued access to The Peeler Magazine. It keeps us informed of many similar ventures to our own along with those who contribute to the memory Lane section. This I feel is so important for all readers to help them reminisce whilst taking their morning coffee, stirring their recall on their own personal contribution on a service to the public unsurpassed by any other. Your own contribution to this magazine Alan is enormous, in both time consumption and in the intelligent preparation for publication. Your own personal written contribution and the information you provide for the benefit of us all, is worthy of the highest praise, not forgetting the contribution that you receive from (your wife) Sue whom I know supports you in all you do., With our grateful thanks and best wishes, Fred and Ma Lay Farley

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“Dogs Welcome� For all dog lovers.

Every human should get a chance to read this!

(from the internet) A man wrote a letter to a small hotel in a Midwest town he planned to visit on his vacation. He wrote: “I would very much like to bring my dog with me. He is wellgroomed and very well behaved. Would you be willing to permit me to keep him in my room with me at night?�

An immediate reply came from the hotel owner, who wrote: Sir: “I’ve been operating this hotel for many years. In all that time, I’ve never had a dog steal towels, bedclothes, silverware or steal pictures off the walls or use them as a colouring book. I’ve never had to evict a dog in the middle of the night for being drunk and disorderly and I’ve never had a dog run out on a hotel bill. Your dog is welcome at my hotel and if your dog will vouch for you, you’re welcome to stay here too�

Durham Constabulary OfďŹ cers Mess. Christmas 1987.

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Farewell Dinner for Retiring Chief Constable Eldred Boothby

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God and Lawn Care - PRICELESS!

(from the internet of course )

GOD: “Francis, you know all about gardens and nature. What in the world is going on down there on the planet? What happened to the dandelions, violets, milkweeds and stuff I started eons ago? I had a perfect no-maintenance garden plan. Those plants grow in any type of soil, withstand drought and multiply with abandon. The nectar from the long-lasting blossoms attracts butterflies, honey bees and flocks of songbirds. I expected to see a vast garden of colours by now. But, all I see are these green rectangles�.

St. FRANCIS: “It's the tribes that settled there, Lord. ‘The Suburbanites’, they started calling your flowers 'weeds' and went to great lengths to kill them and replace them with grass.�

GOD: “Grass? But, it's so boring. It's not colourful. It doesn't attract butterflies, birds and bees; only grubs and sod worms. It's sensitive to temperatures. Do these Suburbanites really want all that grass growing there?�

ST. FRANCIS: “Apparently so, Lord. They go to great pains to grow it and keep it green. They begin each spring by fertilizing grass and poisoning any other plant that crops up in the lawn.�

GOD: “The spring rains and warm weather probably make grass grow really fast. That must make the Suburbanites happy?�

ST. FRANCIS: “Apparently not Lord. As soon as it grows a little, they cut it-sometimes twice a week.�

GOD: “They cut it? Do they then bale it like hay?�

ST. FRANCIS: “Not exactly, Lord. Most of them rake it up and put it in bags�.

GOD: “They bag it? Why? Is it a cash crop? Do they sell it?�

ST. FRANCIS: “No, Sir, just the opposite. They pay to throw it away.�

GOD:

“Now, let me get this straight. They fertilize grass so it will grow.

And, when it does grow, they cut it off and pay to throw it away????.......!�

Brains of elderly are slow because they know so much!!!

By Sarah Knapton, Science Correspondent The brains of older people only appear to slow down because they have so much information to compute, much like a ‘full-up’ hard drive, scientists believe.

Older people do not decline mentally with age, it just takes them longer to recall facts because they have more information in their brains, scientists believe.

Much like a computer struggles as the hard drive gets full up, so too do humans take longer to access information, it has been suggested.

Researchers say this slowing down is not the same as cognitive decline.

“The human brain works slower in old age,� said Dr. Michael Ramscar, “but only because we have stored more information over time.�

SO THERE!!

We Are All Brilliant!!!

Letter to the Editor :Hear All Sides.

I often used to wonder what I would do upon reaching retirement age, and I must admit, the idea of stacking shelves at Sainsbury's, or driving pensioners around, filled me with trepidation. I started to plan for my new life 10 years before I retired, went to Sunderland University and gained an 'honours' degree in Politics and English, then completed a Teacher Training program, only to discover there were no jobs available. Undaunted, I took the opportunity to work in the Middle East as a Defensive Driver Trainer (my Traffic background helped), and from that moment on, I've been 'headhunted' 3 times, eventually ending up in a senior management job with the largest LNG supplier in the world.....

Not bad for a retired PC? The thing that strikes me is there is a big world out there with unbelievable opportunities at every turn, but I must add, it was my qualifications and experience that got me where I am today. Being educated to degree level, opens doors, especially in the Middle East. You need a degree to blow your nose out here, so if you want something a little more challenging than a job a Sainsburys’ plan ahead. There is a huge difference between picking up your pension, and subsidizing it with a few quid a week, and earning £150,000 a year, tax free. For those of you thinking of taking the plunge, my advice is study, get some qualifications, Health and Safety is a good one, or perhaps Project Management, both highly desirable, and the pain now will be amply rewarded in the future.

Mick Kipling - (PC 499 retired)

! ! ! & 0./1 ! $ ) Frank Johnson "( , * -' , ! #-' % " , * -' ) " , * -' ) , + -' % , * -

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“Thanks for the info. Frank. Still a way to go� – can anyone else identify the unnamed members of the syndicate 287A Please let me know. Same applies to earlier syndicate photographs wherever possible. Alan S. Watson (Ed.)

William David Shanks recalls:

The attached photograph was taken in Bishop Auckland yard in 1973 just after we had washed the car - hence the tyre marks in the snow. The call sign was Mike 20 and we covered Crook and Weardale .

The crew was Norman Cuerdon and yours truly. It goes to show how hardy the Weardale car crews had to be - shirt sleeve order in the snow? Of course, it also showed that we had no intention of getting out of the car in such weather!!!

1st Refresher at Plawsworth in 1951 (photos Elizabeth Best. Daughter of the late Eric Best) Personnel identified by Derek Sayers:Back row from left. 2nd. Ray Thompson. 6th John Kirtley.

Last Norman Davison Front row from left .1st.Eric Best.

3rd. Norman Simpson (or Ken Elliott?)

Can you identify any of the others please? (Editor)

Durham Division March, 1932. (photo: Ken Doolan – given to him by ex- Inspector Harry Wise) (back row) T. Schofield (telephonist); P.C. Siddle; Harry Thomas (Switchboard); P.C. T. Longstaff (middle row) P.C. R. Massie; P.C. J. Poole; P.C. A. Calder; P.C. W Andrews; P.C. A. Harrison; P.C. H. Wise. (seated) P.C. E. Headen; P.C. R. Burnell; P.C. G. Bowe; Inspector Hogarth; P.C. T. Stubbs; P.C. Clementson P.C. W. Neave Photo No 2.

Kings Head TrafÂżc Point, Darlington.

1951 Festival of Britain Celebrations?

Busy Pedestrian Crossing at junction from Bond gate near to Woolworths.

P.C. Eric Best on point duty. (identified by Derek Sayers)

Darlington Division 1954 Back Row: D.C. Elwood; P.Cs : Loughlin; Henderson; Galley; Gatenby; Sams; James; Howard 3rd row: D.C.s: Devlin; Organ, P.C.s: Reevely; Williams; Taylor; Thompson; Jefferson; Bielby; Bartlett, Lockerbie; O’Connor; Bowman; Parish; D.C.s: Willis; Deakin.

2nd row P.C.s:: Waller; Pearson; Pinkney; Brewster; Rodgers; Sgts’ Collingwood; Harrison; Bell; D.C.s: Brierley; Stephenson; Barrow; Adams; Perks; D.C.s: Scaife; Trulock.

Front row: P.W. Loughlin; D/Insp. Baker; Sgt. Dryden; Knowles; Bennett; Green; I’Anson; Insp. Wearmouth; Hedley; Supt. Middlewood; Ch/Inspector McGuire; Insp. Richardson; Insp. Rennie; Sgts. Wright; Appleby; Sgt. 9 Harry Bennet; Joplin; Crowther; D/Sgt Clarice; P.W. Smith.

The Police Mutual have changed the terms of their mutuality to include not only those who have a Police Mutual product, but also those who have Home or Motor Insurance policy with Roland Smith.

NARPO members can access the Police Members Care Service which offers a free Nurse led service that supports members and their families through serious illness, chronic health conditions and disabilities. It offers a friendly “listening ear�, practical information, emotional support where it is needed most.

The service provides expert advice, reassurance and access to complementary treatments. This service is provided by Red Arc who are an experienced provider of this kind of service.

To access the service, members should use the below contact details:Tel. No. 0845 450 5220 or email membercare@pmas.co.uk The Police Mutual Federation is another new service for NARPO members who are also members of Police Mutual and provides Respite Care facilities, tailored support to members and their families who have been through a traumatic event or bereavement, helping them to get away from it all and recuperate.

Applications MUST be authorised and submitted by Branch Secretaries using the relevant application form available via the web site at www.policemutualfoundation.co.uk Guidelines used when assessing applications are:i.

Hospitalised within the last 90 days, having undergone surgery and requiring no nursing care. ii.

Illness that may or may not have required hospitalisation that has prevented attendance at work for more than 90 days to aid recovery and return to work (The applicant will not need nursing care whilst away) iii.

Serious illness not requiring hospitalisation or nursing care and diagnosed within the last 12 months. iv.

A carer with day to day responsibilities for a disabled dependant. v.

Bereavement of a partner or dependant child in the last six months. vi.

Terminal illness.

When they were young?

Hi Alan,

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IMAGINE – SCOTLAND Post Independence!

A whole new world?

Could it turn out like this?

Or is this simply “off the map??� (courtesy: some wit on the Internet)

Easy Riders : “Blasts From the Past” B.S.A. 500cc Twin motor cycle, 1956. Reg. No. WPT 324. Ridden by P.C.268 Geoff Dunn.

This new model was introduced in 1956 to replace the Norton Side Valve motor cycles. This speci¿c machine was ridden by me when on the bikes as a member of Durham Traf¿c Department (North) working from the Waterside Garage, Durham City.

I believe it was the ¿rst in the County to be ¿tted with radio. (Because the radio was valve operated, it was frequently at Marley Hill wireless station to be adjusted).

It had a loud speaker behind the windshield with telephone style handset mounted on the tank. A light system of red and green lights on the controls indicated to the rider when messages were received or transmitted out. You will notice that in those days, there was no fancy clothing or leathers and no helmet! In wet weather we wore a black oiled Barbour suit consisting, over-trousers and jacket. Shortly after this photo I was issued with a Corker type crash helmet to wear…. I was on the bikes 1956/7 before transferring onto Traffic Patrols. My Durham Number was 268 . Geoff Dunn

Sgt. Ted Brewster escorting the Round Britain Milk Race, 1970 ( photo courtesy Mrs. Hilda Brewster)

A Time of Storms.

George Hartley

As I write this story the country is being battered by gales and subjected to serious flooding. A time of storms, and it brings to mind a severe storm that my family and I weathered in South Africa which was turned into an adventure by ‘that girl’, Dawn Hartley.

She had taken Averil and me to Pietermaritzburg in Natal (Capital of Natal named by the Voortrekkers in honour of the memory of Piet Retief and Gert Maritz – jointly by calling the town Pieter Maritzburg) as she had business there. We stayed overnight at the Crossways Hotel, Hilton – an affluent white area before heading North on the N3Road. By now there really was a storm. The thunder echoed all around and the cruel deluge of rain hammered on the roof of the Landrover. The road became a river. I was scared as usual and suggested we stop under a bridge and wait it out. Many people were in trouble, but she states ‘We will make for high ground towards the Drakensbergs’.

Neither the weather nor the road conditions troubled the Landrover and we turned off onto the R617 travelling through tremendous floods (in which some people lost their lives and houses were washed away.) We eventually reach Calderwood Hall, a fabulous building, now a hotel where we stay overnight - food, drinks, and lovely big Rhodesian Ridgeback guard dogs and when the rain stopped the air was filled with the terrific and eerie noise of frogs and insects (Cicadas).

The next day we set off towards Underberg and the Southern Drakensberg Mountains as it was her intention to climb the Sani Pass and take us to Mokhotlong (I had always wanted to go there, as I saw Floyd do a cooking programme near there,) it is one of those magical names like Timbuctu or Kathmandu.

We filled up the Landrover at Underberg hoping to make Maseru in one go, setting off via Himeville to the Sani Pass.

We passed through the South African Border Post and started to climb where only 4 wheel drive vehicles were allowed and you soon realise why! An absolutely fantastic journey on twisting dirt and stony roads, through the clouds and rain until you emerge near Sani Top Chalet and the Lesotho Border Post.

A South African tour operator with 10 tourists arrived around the same time – she knew him and they talked. He wanted us to have a meal (to entertain his tourists) but she declined, as she said she wanted to make Maseru today if possible. We later saw them being entertained by Basotho herd boys playing music and dancing!

On we went, climbing a tremendous pass, I’m not sure of the height but it passes close by Thabana Ntletyana (3482 m) – the highest point in Southern Africa and some sight to see. We continued travelling along endless mountain roads with unbelievable scenery on all sides and Lammergeiers (vultures) in the sky, the only signs of human habitation being small cattle posts here and there on the mountain sides .Eventually we arrived at Mokhotlong where we have a drink at the Mokhotlong Hotel, which ‘that girl’ described as ‘much better than the Senqu Hotel’. I must say it would be very hard to find somewhere worse… (so the Morogoro Hotel and Dodoma Hotel in Tanzania have just acquired more stars in my estimation of hotel ratings in Africa). We visited the local government offices, fine old buildings dating from the British Administration.

I then took over the driving and had a wonderful time driving over the passes and mountains, down through Oxbow and to the top of the Moteng Pass (The Pass of Guns named after an early rebellion where the Basotho hid their guns rather than hand them over to the British), then through the foothills, through villages with people and cattle everywhere to Buthe Butha a bustling town with a market, but it was starting to get late and would soon be dark. We decided to cross back into South Africa at Caledonspoort and travel South on R26 to Ladybrand. This journey on South African roads can be done at speed- as opposed to the difficult travel in Lesotho. We crossed the border without trouble and I was again in the driving seat and of course made good time past Fouriesberg, Ficksberg and onto Clocolan, roads I know well.

However there was a strange light in the sky and we soon found ourselves travelling through one of those horrendous dust storms with really strong winds. None the less, I pressed on and things started to clear as we arrived at Ladybrand. We stopped for fish and chips at the Captain do Regos before I finally drove across the border at Maseru Bridge and through the deserted Kingsway up the mountain to Friebel and home.

Unpacked our stuff, had a whisky and off to bed. What an adventure after that girl’s day at the office.

Roads policing officers hit lowest levels and vital skills are lost, says Federation The crucial role roads policing officers play in tackling crime needs to be recognised by politicians as levels plummet to the lowest they have been in recorded history, according to Federation lead.

John Giblin spoke of his admiration for roads policing officers and the critical role they play at the National Roads Policing Conference held this week.

He told delegates: “The last year has seen another significant decrease in police finances and front line officers and we now have the fewest number of roads policing officers in England and Wales in recorded history. Yet the pressure and demands to meet operational requirements and service front line policing needs is as demanding as ever. The service is losing vital skills, experience and operational resilience that are not being replaced.”

The theme of the conference is technology and innovation and Mr. John Giblin spoke of the importance of setting standards and using the best equipment to benefit roads policing nationally.

At the conference, Patrick McLoughlin, Secretary of State for Transport, announced £120,000 in funding for station-based cannabis screening devices.

He added that a number of police forces will soon begin using to familiarise themselves with screening technology.“The new devices mean there will be no need to wait for a medical practitioner to advise whether a driver’s condition is the result of taking a drug. That will save time and money. We are also working to get mobile screening devices available.”

Mr Giblin said: “We can catch more criminals, do more preventative work, gather more vital intelligence and apply that to front line policing if we could harness better co-ordinated equipment use and then make sure we operate it in a consistent way.”

He added: “Policing the roads is a serious, high public profile business and deserves far better understanding from some Chief Officers, PCC's, politicians and HMIC for what it does in keeping the public safe.”

Last year a roads policing officer on duty in South Yorkshire stopped a vehicle on the M1 using ANPR technology, which identified the vehicle as being uninsured. That stop resulted in the arrest of a number of highly dangerous men intent on causing serious harm to communities through terrorist activity and they were subsequently jailed for long prison terms.

He also addressed conference on the significant progress that has been made in the last 12 months in relation to managing and handling police pursuits.

Mr Giblin spoke of his respect and admiration for all roads policing officers who on average deal with the trauma and consequences of five deaths per day and twice as many serious injuries on our roads.

He added: “These incidents have an unimaginable impact on close family members and friends of the victims, yet police officers are also badly affected by what they have to deal with. Road collisions require huge amounts of dedicated police time to investigate and support the victims. Road closures cause untold chaos and expense to the economy, yet it's never ever mentioned by Home Office Ministers as an important role in modern policing. Policing is not all about crime. It’s also about dealing with tragedy and no more is that evidenced than by 2000 deaths on our roads each year.”

Frances ‘Tess’ Redshaw (nee Robinson) 94 years died 30 th November, 2013 North Yorks.

Anne James (wife of Arnold James) 85 years died 12 th December, 2013 Darlington

Kathleen (Kath) Harland

ycliffe Village (Typist many years in Traffic Department, Newton Aycliffe . Fondly remembered by Traffic South officers)

Edward Wm. (Ted) Brewster

88 years

died 24 th December, 2013

Teesside

Leo Grant

73 years

died 27 th December, 2013

Chester-le-Street

92 years

died 28 th December, 2013

Marton, Cleveland

(Ex. Durham and Northumbria)

Ronald Kell (Q.P.M.) (Ex. Durham and Northumbria)

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William (Bill) Lowne

84 years

died

April, 2014

90 years

died 12 th April, 2014

Bedfordshire

(Ex. Durham and Bedfordshire) Mary Elizabeth Welsh

Durham City

(H.Q. Crime Statistics)

George Felton

died 26 th April, 2014

Tudhoe

We extend our condolences to the loved ones and to those nearest and dearest to them.

They are in our thoughts.

We are grateful for the valuable contribution made during their service in maintaining the fine reputation of Durham Constabulary.

The English Plural According to....George Carlin

We'll begin with a box, and the plural is boxes, But the plural of ox becomes oxen, not oxes. One fowl is a goose, but two are called geese, Yet the plural of moose should never be meese. You may find a lone mouse or a nest full of mice, Yet the plural of house is houses, not hice.

If the plural of man is always called men, why shouldn't the plural of pan be called pen?

If I speak of my foot and show you my feet, but if I give you a boot, would a pair be called beet?

If one is a tooth and a whole set are teeth, why shouldn't the plural of booth be called beeth?

Then one may be that, and three would be those, yet hat in the plural would never be hose, and the plural of cat is cats, not cose.

We speak of a brother and also of brethren,but though we say mother, we never say methren.

Then the masculine pronouns are he, his and him, but imagine the feminine: she, shis and shim!

Let's face it - English is a crazy language.

There is no egg in eggplant-nor ham in hamburger; neither apple nor pine in pineapple.

English muffins weren't invented in England.

We take English for granted, but if we explore its paradoxes - we find that quicksand can work slowly, boxing rings are square, and a guinea pig is neither from Guinea nor is it a pig.

And why is it that writers write, but fingers don't fing, Doesn't it seem crazy that you can make amends but not one amend?

If you have a bunch of odds and ends and get rid of all but one of them, what do you call it?

If teachers taught, why didn't preachers praught?

If a vegetarian eats vegetables, what does a humanitarian eat?

Sometimes I think all the folks who grew up speaking English should be committed to an asylum for the verbally insane. In what other language do people recite at a play and play at a recital?

We ship by truck but send cargo by ship... We have noses that run and feet that smell.

We park in a driveway and drive in a parkway.

How can a slim chance and a fat chance be the same, while a wise man and a wise guy are opposites?

You have to marvel at the unique lunacy of a language in which your house can burn up as it burns down, In which you fill in a form by filling it out and in which an alarm goes off by going on.

And in closing.......... If Father is Pop, how come Mother's not Mop????

This ingenious and amusing piece first appeared on the internet some time ago.

Thanks to for giving us lots of laughs and lots to think about!

ly

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