First edition of the new look SPRCA newsletter!
Surrey Police Retired
Comrades Association
‘For those who served’
March 2016
In This Issue
• Chair's Chomp
• Editorial
• Lives Remembered
• Updates
• New Members
• News & Views
• Surrey Policing News
• On This Day
• Notes for your Diaries
• Plus much, much more!
Links to other websites
from this Newsletter. Click
on links for access:
Surrey Constabulary
History Webpage
Robert
Bartlett:
'I
see
myself more as a collector
than a writer; a collector of
fragments of fact that would
otherwise be lost because
no one else would trouble
themselves to write them down and pass
them on to the next generation'
Newsletter - Issue 149
Chair's 'Chomp'
Martin Field our Editor for quite a while now provided us
with many editions of Old and Bold. His last edition was just
days before his untimely and
devastating fall. Thank you for
all you did Martin. Thank you
for keeping us all informed,
entertained, and knowing who we have lost
from our ranks. I am saddened we have to
add you to our list. We have lost way too
many good friends and colleagues over the
last couple of months or so. If I could
Martin at Work in Ops
propose a ban on any more for the
foreseeable future, I would. Sadly, I can’t, something like that is way out
of my league. As always though, the police family to which we all belong
has rallied round as colleagues were ill, provided support where they
could, and proved what a great organisation we have.
It would be wrong to pick on individuals, and possibly cause
embarrassment, so I will be vague. Suffice it to say good friends have
stood by colleagues and their families throughout long illnesses. Visits to
hospitals, to homes, and offers of help have flooded in. We should not
underestimate the kind comments that we pick up on and can feed back
to families. Turning up at funerals to say goodbye and, not forgetting
with CASPER, we have shown that the Surrey Constabulary/Police have a
family, and we do not forget. We know that losing someone can be hard,
sometimes it leaves widows all alone – and then they understand they
are not. Right across the UK and out into the wider world former
colleagues can be contacted and offer their help and support willingly. It
makes me immensely proud and humbled to be part of such a wonderful
group of people. You Old and Boldies are amazing!
Moving on to a topical issue in the News, it would surprise me if you did
not know that Chief Constable Lynne Owens CBE QPM, has moved on to
a prestigious new role as the Director General of the National Crime
Agency. It would appear that Lynne was chosen above a senior MI5 chief
and the Chief Constable of the West Midlands Force, Chris Simms.
1|Page
The appointment is reported to come with an enhanced salary in the
same league as the Met Commissioner of around £275,000. It arguably
also places the role, what has been dubbed the UK’s FBI chief, at about
the same status too. The appointment was made by the Home Secretary.
Now, there have been a number of occasions when I have disagreed
quite strongly with decisions by the Home Secretary and, somewhat
impolitely at times, I have used adjectives describing Mrs. May which
have been, well, quite blunt about her political ideology with regard to
policing. Throughout all that I have not questioned her intelligence, she
seems one very capable and determined woman. Placing Lynne Owens
into her new role makes Lynne one of the most senior woman law
enforcement officers ever. I wholeheartedly wish Mrs. Owens well and
she clearly has many in Surrey, included those still serving, saying they
are sorry to see her go. Not so Kevin Hurley the current PCC.
I confess, I did not think the concept of PCC’s was a good one. The idea
that one elected individual could hold so much power in policing terms
did not thrill me at all. I am not sure what I was expecting with them
and to be fair, along with some appalling horror stories, some positives
have arisen. Exactly why Mr. Hurley chose to publicly “shame” Lynne
Owens, claiming he was trying to justify requiring her to retire or resign
using Regulation 38(3) of the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act
2011 is something for him to explain. His more blatant outburst following
a Freedom of Information Act request by the BBC and their reporting on
the results earlier this month was full of contradictions and what I would
term quite spiteful rhetoric. All this following the praise he heaped on the
then Chief Constable, extensions to her contract, pay rises and a calm
measured approach to the criticisms contained in various HMIC reports
about Surrey’s handling of Vulnerable victims (Public Protection) seem at
odds with his change of opinion. We can but wonder what made him
change his comments but we do know that he was not consulted about
her “promotion” and the announcement that she had been successful
came along before his less than diplomatic outbursts.
Whatever his rationale, I have waded through the papers he released
under the FOI Act and one item struck me quite strongly -the minutes
from the PCC scrutiny meeting on Public Protection dated the 2nd
December 2015. In the third paragraph from the end it states “The PCC
was pleased with current progress and the increase in positive outcomes.
He agreed that the Force needed to publicise its progress before the
HMIC reports were published.” You will gather the CC had provided a
plan that was acceptable to the PCC and he was “pleased with current
progress” apparently no longer. On the 28th January 2016 he wrote to
the Home Secretary suggesting that he should have been able to hold
the CC to account for – something he was happy was improving? The
same day he wrote to HMI Zoe Billingham demanding she furnish him
with the “evidence” she had for comments made on a radio interview
with BBC Radio Surrey on the 14th December 2015 when she was
discussing her Report on Public Protection in Surrey.
Yes, PCC’s are responsible for holding CC’s to account. Mrs. Owen is no
longer his responsibility. Yes, CC’s are human and can make mistakes.
We all can. Mr. Hurley’s main complaint about Mrs. Owen seems to be
she “blamed others”. Forgive me but apart from innuendo and his
personal comments in the released papers I can find no direct evidence
2|Page
for that. The Chief, faced with a problem, came up with a Plan. It
seemed to be working – he said so.
Ironic isn’t it that Mr. Hurley now wants to blame someone else for the
clear failings that were not spotted before the HMI
inspection/report. Of course he is up for re-election in
May.
Perhaps that has some bearing on the matter?
T/CC Nick Ephgrave
---------THE OLD & BOLD
‘ORGANISATION’
As members of the Old &
Bold Network you have
full access to back
issues.
Rather than repeat the
same information every
month please be aware
that Volume 118
contains an account of
how ‘Old & Bold’ works.
Not fully up to date but if
you’re a new member, or
if you’re just curious,
please take a look as it
gives you an idea of the
work undertaken.
Don't forget to visit the
history of the Surrey
Constabulary website it
is really quite
fascinating. (If you can
contribute anything
you’ll be welcomed with
open arms!)
In the meantime the PCC has, quite rightly in my view, decided that the
choice of the next Chief Constable for Surrey will be left to whoever is
appointed PCC next. Nick Ephgrave the DCC, has been appointed as the
Temporary CC for now with ACC Gavin Stephens moving up to T/DCC.
Helen Collins, who was the commander of West Surrey, is now
Temporary ACC, (a full list of current Surrey Police senior officers can be
viewed here). I wish them all the best for now and look forward with
keen interest to see who gets the Chief Constables job. I do know that
Nick is extremely well thought of and many are hoping he gets the job. I
am not sure if the others are eligible to apply for the vacancies should
they arise but wish them luck if they are.
_____________________________
Editorial
It is not my intention to hog the top spot in future
editions of the SPRCA newsletter but I thought a word
of explanation was appropriate in this edition. We have
all heard the shocking news of the death of Martin Field
who has so diligently and expertly prepared and sent
out the monthly newsletter for the past four years, well almost four
years. I have checked back through the SPRCA archives and Martin's
first newsletter was in April 2012 and it was the 108th edition. He sent
out the 148th edition in February 2016 and just a couple of days later we
heard the sad news of his passing. Some of you will know that I have
had some past dealings with the SPRCA and I have tried to support Bob
Bartlett's initiative from the outset. In doing so I maintained the contact
and have had some communication across the internet with Martin and
have always found him to be supportive and quick to reply. He will be
missed by the SPRCA and, of course, by all of his family to whom I send
deepest condolences.
Looking back at Martin's first newsletter he paid a tribute to Bob Bartlett
who had been the editor from the outset nine years previously. Martin
wrote:
'Before we move on thanks must go to Bob Bartlett who’s maintained
standards, encouraged support, been welcoming and helpful to
subscribers and generally nurtured the whole thing for the last 9 years.
If you’ve ever edited a Newsletter of any kind you’ll know that it isn’t an
easy task. Your mistakes are always challenged, your successes are
invariably ignored, and no-one will ever tell you if you’re doing the right
thing. To have kept faith, and to have carried on for such a long time,
deserves a commendation at the very least.'
3|Page
THIS NEWSLETTER IS
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
THE SPRCA TEAM:
Kevin Morris: Chairman
Tony Suter: Surrey
Police Pensioners’
Welfare Co-ordinator,
representing Retired
Comrades and NARPO
I can do no better than to echo Martin's own words about Bob in
describing Martin's hard work as he has done an excellent job in keeping
the newsletter going, I just hope that having picked up the torch that I
can fill some very big shoes.
Martin also said, 'There was a photograph of me in the last issue. I
promise that’s the last one you’ll ever see and from this point on I’ll
happily fade away and enjoy the anonymity of being The Editor'
I am not sure how old that photo was but in his memory I reproduce it
here:
Robin Crorie: Technical
Services
Denis Turner: Editor
Newsletter
Paul Hickman: Welfare
support list and stats.
Consultants: Spike
Milligan: NARPO Surrey
John Miskelly: Pension
Matters
Bob Bartlett: Historical
Surrey Police Website
Contact Us:
The Chair:
[email protected]
Welfare:
[email protected]
The Editor:
[email protected]
Technical:
[email protected]
History:
[email protected]
Martin Field
As I looked back through the archived editions of the newsletter it
brought home just how many good people we have lost. Over the
Christmas period and into the New Year more good people have passed
away and another shocking death for me was that of my old colleague
and friend Neville Cast. So many good times spent in his company and I
will keep very fond memories of a huge character and a very loveable
man. The last time I saw Nev was at John Worgan's funeral last year
and he gave Julie a big hug and was the same old Nev. It is difficult to
comprehend that he is gone. The time spent with people passes far too
quickly and it is not until we reflect on the past that we realise the
impact that people like Nev had on your life. His presence also had an
impact on my four sons as they all remember him with fondness, my
youngest summed him up when he said, 'He was one of my heroes as a
kid, he loved life and he seemed to radiate a warm glow. Another
"legend" gone.' My deepest condolences to Sue, Amanda, Paul and all
the family.
Looking to the future I can only reflect on Bob B's words when he
handed over the torch to Martin:
'I am very proud of what we have all achieved and of the team who pull
together to make it all happen. It could not have been done without
Robin Crorie or without the help of Tony Forward with Pensioner’s Patch
and his significant input into welfare of members and some officers who
are still serving. He has been supported by Paul Hickman who maintains
the list of welfare volunteers. Denis Turner on his hill top in France runs
the Blog and the history website and Peter Penoyre has helped me a
great deal and many of you who press the wrong key and your world
falls apart. I will concentrate on Surrey Police history.'
That support and teamwork is still there and has been further built upon
since that time. Tony Suter has taken over from Tony Forward and
continues to do an amazing job. Robin Crorie's computer support
4|Page
'The working life of the
Surrey Constabulary
1851-1992'
remains legendary and there is a whole raft of volunteers who give up
their time freely to assist with welfare matters. The AGM is still well
supported but always needs more and Fred Smith's contribution goes
way back to when there was a little brown box in the front office that
used to beep to give a four minute warning of nuclear attack. Trouble
was it was always turned off!
Some years ago I put together the first Surrey Constabulary history
website and Bob then took it over and built it up to what it is today. He
continues doing sterling work with that website and the information it
now carries is outstandingly impressive.
If you haven't looked go to: http://www.surrey-constabulary.com/#WELCOME
Please do not forget to
check out this excellent
body of work which is
carried on the website of
the International Centre
for the History of Crime,
Policing and Justice.
There are many personal
anecdotes uploaded to
this site, some may even
be yours.
To view the site click
here.
The blog mentioned above by Bob is no longer active although in the
four years that it ran for it was very successful and I learnt much from
the experience. Whilst I am still on 'a hill in France' it is not the same
hill because, after over ten very happy years in the Midi Pyrenees, about
18 months ago we moved 535 miles north of the Tarn to live in the
Manche, Basse-Normandie. We are just inland from Mont Saint Michel
and it is a lovely area but how much longer we remain here for will all
depend on the outcome of the forthcoming referendum on membership
of the EU as we only exist here due to the reciprocal agreements in place
between the UK and France.
Whilst on the subject of living abroad, I would love to hear more from
those that do as I know we have members not only living in Europe but
further afield in places such as Thailand, South Africa, Australia, New
Zealand and Canada. Perhaps I can start a monthly item called, 'For
Those a' thirt the zeas', (in case you do not know I am *Dorset born and
proud of it). The Old & Bold are an adventurous lot so tell us about it.
Returning to the newsletter, I volunteered to fill the vacancy created by
Martin's passing because I thought it worthwhile and important for it to
continue. To their huge credit both Tony Suter and Bob Bartlett offered
immediately to step into the gap but they both have a lot on their plate
with their current commitments and I felt that I could spare some time
to assist. Kevin Morris has even offered me double the salary, (but sadly
not pensionable), so how could I say no?
You will have already noticed that there has been a change to the look of
the newsletter as I thought I would take the opportunity to freshen it up.
The format of the content will remain very similar as I have been back
through Martin's work to re-use the many good things that he did.
In doing so what I have tried to do with this layout is to leave the repeat
items, (and the occasional nag), in the blue sidebar down the left hand
edge of the newsletter and to leave the constantly updating news in the
main body of the newsletter.
It is still evolving but if you hate it let me know, everything can be
changed but if I hear nothing I will assume that all is well although I
promise I will try hard not to follow current government thinking of
selectively presenting facts and quotes that support one's position
otherwise known as 'spin'.
5|Page
Our Chair, Kevin Morris, has promised that he will supply me with a
monthly update for the newsletter otherwise known as the 'Chair's
Chomp' and I will hold him to that promise. The first 'Chomp' appears in
this edition.
Otherwise the usual caveat applies, be gentle with me and bear with me
if I get it wrong. Also the usual nag applies, without you this newsletter
is nothing so PLEASE send in your thoughts and memories - amazingly
next month's issue is the 150th so your newsletter still needs you!
YOUR NEWSLETTER NEEDS YOU!
Thy true vriend an’ zarvent*
Denis
___________________________
Lives Remembered
Retired Constable Martin Field
Mike Field writes: - The sad news of the death of Martin (Dougal) Field
on Wednesday 3rd February has been circulated to all members.
He fell at home on Tuesday 2nd Feb, was taken to hospital and died the
next day without regaining consciousness. He was 65.
His funeral took place on Tuesday 23 February at The Hereford
Crematorium.
6|Page
Martin joined the Surrey Constabulary as a Cadet in the 60’s. He served
at Farnham for many years and later in the Operations Room and in
Stats Dept at HQ.
Bob Bartlett writes: Martin produced our ‘Old and Bold’ newsletter
with dedication and enthusiasm and added his own style to something
which many of us looked forward to.
As you can imagine, as the former Chairman of Surrey NARPO and the
SPRCA, I have liaised with Martin because of the Newsletter he produced
and this has deeply saddened me. As Mike has said, he produced our
Newsletter with enthusiasm and dedication and he will be sorely missed.
My thoughts are with Imogen, his wife.
Back Issues for list
members only: http://www.sprca.org/
mountbrowne/
Operational History of
the Surrey Constabulary
History site: http://www.surreyconstabulary.com/#WEL
COME
And if you weren’t
already aware, we’re
now represented on
Facebook!
Why not have a look?
https://www.facebook.c
om/surrey.constabulary
I first met Martin in the early 1970s when I was a sergeant at Ash and
he came to work with us. He was memorable for his unusual hairstyle for
the times and was known as Dougal the poet, something he encouraged.
Dougal was different to most of us but that is what the Surrey
Constabulary was made up of, individuals and not clones from a box. We
all had our part to play. I moved on and did not have contact again for
many years. I had been editing Old and Bold from issue one and after
about 9 or 10 years it was necessary for someone else to have a go and
make some changes. Martin volunteered to be the editor a task he took
extremely seriously, never wishing to cause offence wishing only to keep
the flame of the Surrey Constabulary alive. He took advice and guidance
from a number of people and gradually cast himself off and developed
his own style. He was occasionally unwell but remained determined to
meet the timetable for publication, which he achieved most of the time.
Martin ploughed his own furrow and remained distinctive and unlike
many of his ex-colleagues. He had a very high IQ and was a member of
MENSA, which meant he thought a lot quicker than most of us and got
there as we were starting off!
He was proud to have served in the Surrey Constabulary and to have
been the editor of Old and Bold.
Kevin Morris adds: Martin has been described by colleagues as “a one
off” I think most of us who knew him would agree with that statement.
Other suitable phrases would include “odd” (Imogen said that was OK!),
“unusual” “eccentric” but also “dedicated”. To give you some idea why
he was seen as eccentric, one of his former Cadet colleagues asked
another, “Do you remember that time when we were cadets at Guildford
Tech and a number of us did cookery with an elderly lady Tutor? We had
to make and ice a Christmas Cake. We all went traditional white except Martin only he could colour his icing black. Happy memories!”
Another colleague described him thus “I have good memories of Martin...
talking records and music... he was very knowledgeable, “and he added
“Probably the best Station Officer I ever worked with.” Out on the
streets others recall his competency, he was a Tutor constable and one
of those who Martin tutored said “So sad to hear this dreadful news.
Dougal was a fine tutor when I arrived at Farnham as a new probationer,
and a good friend for all the years since.”
7|Page
Others said of his policing style, “I worked with him at Farnham and at
Ash, he was well respected by the public he met and dealt with in "his
particular way" and on an extremely personal note another said “Such
sad news. I knew Dougal from my cadet days at Farnham and I have a
particular memory of him being the Bobby on the scene when my Dad
died suddenly at home in 1975 requiring a forced entry etc. My mother
was so grateful for his compassion and kindness at that very difficult
time.”
Martin always seemed to sport a rather unusual haircut, even as a cadet.
Short neat and tidy yes, but with a rather severe thick fringe which
earned him the nickname “Dougal” after the rather adorable dog in the
Magic Roundabout children show.
Perhaps because of his skills as a station officer he moved to the Force
Ops Room where I am reliably informed quite a few of the women
support staff took a shine to him. Always polite and courteous he stood
out from the other officers and his quiet polite manner won them over. I
understand he was also known for making the tea, whether you wanted
it or not. Apparently his tea was the sort you could stand a spoon up in!
Turning to his role as editor of our newsletter. He volunteered and we
were delighted he did so especially as he did a fantastic job. It coincided
with me taking on the Chair of the Retired Comrades and Surrey NARPO.
He made me promise not to tell Imogen. At that time, it wasn’t a
problem. I did not know Imogen and the chances were slim I would get
the opportunity. That was to change when we invited Martin to our AGM
and lunch as a guest for his sterling work producing the newsletter. He
asked and it was agreed that Imogen would accompany him. Our next
conversation went something like this. “You are going to have to tell
Imogen you know” Long pause, “Why, do you have to tell her?” Me “I
don’t but someone will and if I tell everyone not to tell her I guarantee
someone will because that is the daft sense of humour ex-cops have”
Longer pause, “Yes you are right”.
I am delighted to say he took my advice and we were able to have a
lovely meal with both of them and I quickly understood why Martin
adored Imogen. It was clear to me that whilst the earlier version of
Martin was lurking, he now seemed to have more confidence and was
very comfortable in the presence of his former colleagues. I have no
doubt that this was Imogen’s doing. I have told her, and others agree,
she was the making of him.
That sums Martin “Dougal” Field up really. He was different, a one off
and he will be sadly missed. RIP Dougal.
8|Page
Ken Rosam wrote to Bob:
*See next month's issue
for Ken's 'Whisky
Worries!'
(Ed: I am not the only one to have enjoyed 'Rosam's Reminiscences' in
past editions of the newsletter and Ken's letter reminds us that not all of
our Old & Bold members have internet access but can still take the
trouble to keep in touch. Thank you for doing so Ken and please keep
your 'Reminiscences' coming - rumours that Ken might be online soon!)
_________________________________
Retired Police Constable Paul George Veness
It was with sorrow that we heard of the death of retired Police Constable
Paul George VENESS.
Paul passed away at Redhill General Hospital on the 2nd February
following a short illness.
His funeral took place on Thursday 18th February at The Surrey and
Sussex Crematorium, Crawley
Donations in Paul's memory can be sent to:
Bateman Funeral Services
Hereford House
7 Massetts Road,
Horley
RH6 7PR
All donations will be split between the Wooden Spoon Charity, (a
children's rugby charity to help disabled and disadvantaged children
through rugby) and Cancer Research
Paul served as a constable on the Eastern side of Surrey for 30 or so
years before retiring and then working for local council.
He leaves his wife Wendy, three sons, John, Andrew and Peter, their
partners and grandson, Sam.
Kevin Morris writes: So many kind comments on the Surrey
Constabulary Facebook page appear when colleagues pass away.
Unfortunately, they are often short so I am extremely grateful to those
mentioned below for filling in more detail for Paul George Veness.
9|Page
Some things shine through though even from the briefest of comments
such as, Paul was kind, helpful, fun and dedicated. Paul was a great
Tutor and the sort of guy you went to when you needed help and advice.
Fine words on their own but here are some more details.
Danny Curley echoed what many said, “I remember Paul as a
tutor/mentor, about 5ft 7in with fine blonde hair and with a roll up
dangling from his lips, (always brown cigarette paper) or chewing gum,
he kept his notebook enclosed in a brown leather wallet long before we
were issued with wallets and was always very smart.
Paul was a Surrey boy who taught me, a laddie from Scotland, the local
lingo. He was very deceptive in that you would think he had switched
off and then he would suddenly rocket out of a layby to catch a vehicle
that had caught his eye. Paul had a good eye for villains and knew how
to speak to them in his very relaxed manner.
A constant presence on the area car, Paul could really handle that Ford
Cortina at high speed. All the CID guys respected him and he always
knew how to sort out a file. He appeared to be of slight build but was as
strong as an ox particularly on the rugby field and he would often appear
after a long weekend sporting a black eye following a rugby match.
Paul loved a good laugh and would sledge in the snow whilst in uniform.
Once he even threw his notebook with wallet in my direction, in a
crowded briefing room whilst I found space on a window sill, I ducked but the closed window didn't and smashed to the amusement of all in the
room!
People who are exceptional at their job always make it look easy, Paul
was one of those guys, he would always help you and nobody ever said a
bad word about him. I was not surprised at all when he moved on to
CID. It came as no surprise that others found him as approachable and
helpful as a Detective as he was as a senior uniform colleague.”
Paul’s helpful and dedicated manner did indeed persist on CID and he
was a “Go to detective” for so many. Always there to offer sound advice
in his own friendly, personal but thoroughly professional way. He will be
sadly missed by many and remembered with great affection.
Bob Garland, Ron Luck and Paul Veness
10 | P a g e
Retired Police Constable Dog Handler Neville Cast
It is with sadness that we heard of the death on 31st January 2016 of
retired Constable Neville Douglas Cast at the age of 68 years. He has left
a wife Sue with daughter Amanda, son Paul and grandchildren Emma
and Will. Neville joined the force on 5th April 1967 becoming a police dog
handler until he retired on 22nd July 1997 after some years as a specialist
drugs and explosive search dog handler.
A funeral service was held at Guildford Crematorium on Thursday, 18th
February 2016 at 15:00 hours with Tony Forward officiating. This was
followed by an ‘After Party’ (a name used at Nev’s request) at Guildford
Golf Club, where a finger buffet was served. It was especially requested
by Nev and his family that what he referred to as the ‘After Party’ should
be a celebration of his life.
Bob Bartlett: Nev and I were of the same generation and I knew him
well as one of the very professional members of the Dog Section. His
passion towards the last years of his service was the Search Team and
using his drugs and explosives dogs. He was a dog handler to his core
with all the strengths of character typical of those in that demanding
role. He was totally committed and always professional and reliable. He
was a good man, a kind man totally reliable and yet another who showed
a total commitment to the Surrey Constabulary and all his friends and
colleagues. I was really saddened to learn of his death.
Search Team 1994: Les Page, Pete Griffiths, Clive Barham and Nev Cast
11 | P a g e
Former Dog Inspector Stan 'Timber' Wood remembers Neville:
PC 308 Cast & PD Maggie
winning the 1982 Anna
of Avondale Trophy at
Mountbrowne.
I was very saddened to hear of the passing of Neville, PC 308. He joined
The Dog Section around 1973 when he attended an Initial Dog Course at
Mount Browne with his dog ‘Chester’ who was a dog bred at Mount
Browne out of the ‘K’ litter with the kennel name 'Mountbrowne Kraken'.
Neville’s instructor was Sergeant Stan Ford and the Inspector at the time
and responsible for the breeding of the dog was Inspector John Tyrell.
After training he was stationed at the then ‘A’ Division where he was
partnered by Constables Juniper, Davey and Turner.
Around 1979 he was allocated another puppy from the ‘M’ litter and she
was named Maggie. Following another course Neville resumed duties on
‘A’ Division. His instructor for this course was Sergeant Alfie Taylor.
Neville was highly successful with his new partner and in addition to
successful operational duties he was highly successful in competitions.
In the early 1980’s he twice won the Force Competition (The Anna of
Avondale Trophy) and also qualified in the Regional Police Dog Trials to
go on to the National Police Dog Trials. This was in the days when all
forces had to enter dogs in the Regional trials and it was an achievement
to go on to compete in the National Final.
From 1978, I had the good fortune to take over the Inspector's role on
the Dog Section and therefore became very involved in not only the
training but the operational duties of all the force dog handlers. My
experience of Neville can only be recorded as excellent in every way. It
was never necessary to reprimand him on any issue. He was a loyal,
hardworking handler and also a very good dog handler with never a
moan about his dog, his work or his colleagues. In other words he was a
delight to have on the Section in every way and extremely popular with
all the other handlers.
About 4 or 5 years ago a reunion of the section was held at Guildford
Golf Club which was attended by endless ex handlers. I am led to
believe that ‘Our Neville’ was one of the main organizers. What more
can I say.
Timber Wood. Dog Section 1962 to 1986.
Les Page also remembers Neville with fondness especially Nev's
humorous side: Working with Nev so closely when we were working
together on the Search Team was an experience. I felt confident in our
joint role of searching, but learnt a lot from him on the Drug side. He
was always ready to help and nothing was too much trouble. I shall
always miss him but the following will remain in my memory. These true
events are as follows:1) Neville in a classroom receiving a police lecture, when the instructor
asked the class ''What is the definition of a Major Incident?''
Nev:- ''A minor incident attended by a Senior Officer !''
Silence!
2) Nev and I received a request to both attend a pre-retirement course.
Nev said 'Come on Les. We've got to go - we get a free lunch ! Typical.
12 | P a g e
We went and in the afternoon the female lecturer called our attention
and proceeded to put the lights on and drew the curtains. She began her
lecture on 'how to relax'. Sit up straight, sit back in your chair seat, shut
your eyes - completely relax'. Quiet consternation in the audience. In
the subdued lighting she continued, ''Put your hands on your knees''.
Silence, then Nev shouts ''Not my knees Les!'' The class broke up.
3) At the end of the day, the lecturer gave us all a form to fill in
regarding the day's lectures. She said 'Please fill in this form. We need
to have feed back! The form is non identifiable so you can say what you
feel'
Nev's form was submitted with the following comment, ''I totally agree
with PC Page that this was a complete waste of time'' then submitted the
unsigned form !!
Bless him !
(Ed: I could fill this newsletter with similar memories of a lovely guy and
so sorry that I could not attend to say farewell due to family illness)
_________________________________
Facebook users:
Please remember that
not everybody has
access to Facebook,
(some members do not
have computers and rely
on printed copy), and
therefore comments you
might leave on Facebook
will not be seen by all.
If you have a precious
memory or wish to leave
a lasting tribute to a
friend or former
colleague make sure that
you send them in to the
Editor for recording here
and possibly on the
Surrey Police History
website.
http://www.surreyconstabulary.com/
Updates
News of Neville Cast's funeral has been sent to me and I thought
it appropriate to share it with you in his memory:
Andy Mansbridge: The day went well...awesome turn out, between
200 and 250 at least.
Service was good and the family very brave, special mention to the
grand children...who were great doing a reading.
Les Page: Yesterday was a truly remarkable day! The turnout was, (as
expected), very high. I counted roughly 21 former dog section members,
plus search team and divisional personnel, besides their friends & family.
The entrance was memorable - a walking funeral director, followed by a
walking Police flag bearer, dog van, hearse, family saloon, 2 x walking
Police dog handlers with dogs, all flanked by about 8 Police motor cycle
escorts.
Tony Forward conducted the service and opened with personal tributes
from Sue, Paul, & Amanda! How they kept it together I do not know! Sue
had everyone laughing with Neville's exploits. She stated how Nev
would have loved the fact that they held up all the traffic through Woking
& Guildford!!
It was so good to see all the old (sorry retired!) dog section members,
especially Fred Booker who is now 88. A sad but memorable day.
13 | P a g e
Stan 'Timber' Wood: A very sad but special day spent with Sue Cast
and family plus of course many friends and former colleagues. I don’t
know where to start, I have never seen such a local police turnout here
at Guildford. I have no doubt there has been bigger especially those
held at the Cathedral. The procession in was led by a standard bearer
followed by 3 motor cyclist’s, two police dogs with handlers. A dog van
followed up by more police motorcyclists.
The coffin was covered with Surrey Police drape on top of which among
other things was a tracking harness. The mourners then followed in but
there was so many that a lot of us stood or sat watching a TV screen in
the waiting room. We all met Sue on the way in.
Surrey Cadets in Wales 1969
SURREY POLICE CADETS:
If you were once a Surrey
Cadet, and following the
mention in recent issues, have
you joined the Surrey Cadet
Facebook site?
A number of you have, and
have supplied memories of
what it was like and where you
went and who you knew. A
number of you have also
expressed delight at being able
to get back in touch with
people you haven’t seen for
many years.
If you’d like to add to the
unique wealth of knowledge
that we all possess, please
don’t forget O&B but at the
same time don’t forget to join
the Facebook group!
Tony Forward took the service and gave a very nice eulogy followed by a
very brave Sue who stood up and spoke about Neville together with
some words from her children. I thought they were very brave.
The mourners were so many, I only knew but a few as so many dog
handlers were there who came after my retirement.
(ED: A full eulogy and more photos can be found on the Surrey History
site at http://www.surrey-constabulary.com - 'Hot off the Press'
and also at Nigel Rousell's photo website at http://1drv.ms/1RSRPll)
_________________________________
A quick note to our sponsors, (otherwise
known as the 'free ads'
). Please would any
of those who have submitted a free ad for use
in the newsletter send me a quick update on
whether or not you still want them to be
included. The current ones can be viewed at the end of this newsletter
and some have been included in the newsletter for some time so I would
like to know if they are still current. Whilst writing, if you still wish an ad
to be used please send me a fresh copy of what you would like to be
included as the current copy is getting lost in the mists of time.
If I hear nothing from the current advertisers I will take it that the
advert being carried is no longer required and I will discontinue it from
subsequent newsletters. Drop me a line at [email protected]. Thanks!
_________________________________
Kevin Morris writes: Our former colleague Paul Pearson, who now
works for the Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice, has asked me to circulate the
following.
Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice Care in Farnham are in need of additional
drivers/mates for their furniture collection operation. Operating out of
the Farnham donation centre, opposite Farnham Sports Centre in
Dogflud Way, staff will collect and deliver items of donated furniture in
PTHC owned transport within the local area. There is a certain amount of
lifting and physical work involved, so before applying, please consider
14 | P a g e
this. This is a zero hours contract role and the hospice are keen to build
up a nucleus of reliable staff they can call on as and when required.
For more details, please contact Barry Young on 01252 729446 or e mail
him at [email protected]
_________________________________
Robin Crorie sends a reminder to update our email address book:
Last year, I advised that Denis Turner had kindly donated the sprca.org
domain to the Association for its use, and I explained that this new
domain, which reflects the "corporate" identity of the Surrey Police
Retired Comrades' Association, would run in parallel with the old-andbold.info domain so that, in order to facilitate a smooth changeover, the
two could be used interchangeably.
With acknowledgements to Police
Oracle
Many months having passed since that announcement, the first stage in
the decommissioning of the old domain will shortly take place, which is
to cease using old-and-bold.info in all of the Association's e-mail
addresses. You will already be aware that each of our Area Welfare
representatives can be contacted with sprca.org addresses (these have
been published in this "Old & Bold newsletter"), and I will summarise the
principal addresses here:
Kevin Morris [email protected]
Tony Suter
[email protected]
Denis Turner [email protected]
Robin Crorie [email protected]
Please note therefore that, starting almost immediately, e-mail sent to
any old-and-bold.info e-mail address will be returned to you by
your Internet Service Provider as "undeliverable".
However,
given that not everyone who accesses our published copies of "Off Beat"
and "Old & Bold" is registered on our Relay mailing list, it will still be
possible to access the sprca.org website via http://www.old-andbold.info for the time being, i.e. until the domain expires later this
year. However, you will notice that if you use this URL, you are
automatically forwarded to the new one.
Please check NOW that your address book has been amended and is upto-date with the "new" addresses. As always, if you have any queries,
please let me know.
_________________________________
Tony Suter writes: Mick Wells has contacted me seeking volunteers
again for the CREST Relaxation Day . Details as follows:On Sunday 20th March 2016, CREST cancer support are holding a
relaxation day at The White Lodge Centre at Chertsey for cancer
patients and their carers.
To support the voluntary team which run the event I need to find some 6
volunteers to help manage the car park and parking arrangements.
The times required will be from 8.30 - 1000
Location:- White Lodge Centre, Holloway Hill, Chertsey. KT16 0AE.
15 | P a g e
Contact
Phone :Text :E mail:-
Michael Wells by phone text or email
01932 881547 or 07887996926
07887996926
[email protected]
If you are able to help, please reply direct to Michael. Having done it, it
is not a taxing task and you meet very pleasant people (in addition to
ourselves!) and tea/coffee is available.
_________________________________
'Don't forget to keep
sending in your memories
and anything of interest
for inclusion in future
versions of the newsletter
and the history website'
Tony Suter further writes: You may recall that our late O&B editor,
Martin Field had written about the Police Mutual 'Force for Good' initiative
in which they funded local projects on application to them for
consideration.
I thought I would continue his publicity by advising you that Police
Mutual have announced the scheme is active and are inviting
applications for funding. Closing date is MONDAY 29 FEBRUARY.
Further details together with the application form (download) can be
found at www.policemutual.co.uk
_________________________________
New Members
Duncan Brown has recently become part of the crew of the good ship
'Old & Bold', welcome aboard. Duncan joined the Surrey Police in 1980
as Cadet 7 eventually being posted to Reigate. On becoming a regular in
1981 he was posted to Caterham and for five mad years, (his words),
lived in Oxted section house.
In 1985 he joined the Traffic Department at Godstone where he
remained becoming A/Sergeant at Godstone for 4 years eventually
getting promoted to substantive Sergeant in 2005 remaining at
Godstone. He spent his last 5 years in the service as Godstone Traffic
Centre Deputy before eventually retiring in January 2012 to work with
Connect Plus services as an M25 Incident Support manager.
He said he lasted a whole 4 months before leaving and re-joining Surrey
Police as a volunteer until September 2012 when he took up his current
police staff position as Head of Road Safety and Traffic Management
from a retiring Paul Beard.
Surrey Policing And Other News And Views
Tony Suter - Light Blue Touch paper and Speed Off...........
When Graham Glazier sent me the Saga Magazine report and I decided
to circulate it amongst O&B folk I had a feeling it might generate a
response and, yes, it did! I never expected the response I got but that's
Policemen for you.
16 | P a g e
Rather than protract the emails
I have done a 'report' trying to
some of the views
capture
expressed and to respond to
them as reasonably as I can,
allowing that it is some time
since I was dealing with this sort
of thing on a regular basis.
Equally, there is a plethora of
discussion
documents
from
various motoring organisations
and similar bodies. For and
against punitive action.
The most comments in feedback I got was what about the 10% + 2
allowance? It is still there in a different format in the ACPO (as was, now
named the National Police Chiefs' Council - NPCC) enforcement
guidelines as the threshold for enforcement and/or offer of a speed
awareness course remains at 10% + 2 mph above the limit (i.e. 30 mph
will be 35 mph). Note however that is 'guidelines' and not mandatory.
The table below is extracted from the 2015 guidelines:"The guidance is that enforcement by prosecution should not be
considered when it is lower than the speeds reached in the following
table"
So there we appear to have it, the blue and left green columns are
clearly 10% + 2 and despite 'public bar rumours' to the contrary, they
are adhered to which rather suggests that, unless you have a Chief
Officer disobeying the guidelines, protestors of innocence may not
necessarily be relating all the true factors if they say they were
prosecuted for doing, say, 33 in a 30 limit? Many traffic officers will
reminisce that one had to be doing the next speed up before being
prosecuted - i.e. 40 mph in a 30 zone.
Those were the
days..............Not sure about the availability of Speed Awareness
Courses throughout the UK force areas, but that is a different matter
entirely, suffice to say that before these courses were ever thought of a
verbal lashing by a Traffic Officer at the side of the road for an 'offender'
probably had a better impact?
17 | P a g e
Others raised the matter of vehicle speedometer accuracy. Many years
back (before the 1986 Construction and Use Regulations) it was fairly
simple. Certain vehicles had to have a speedometer and, if fitted it had
to be maintained to a level of accuracy of 10% + or - at 30 mph. This
allowed speedometer to be displaying a speed that was either above or
below the actual speed of the vehicle. It almost certainly supported (or
formed the view in enforcement guidelines at the time) of 10% plus 2
etc. to allow for this possible inaccuracy.
Improved manufacture of speedometers has certainly led to a higher
degree of accuracy. In early days it was not unusual to have a patrol
vehicle speedometer being found to be inaccurate over the 'measured ¼
mile' which meant it unusable for enforcement purposes until fixed/recalibrated.
The regulations have been amended, with some verbosity about EU
standards etc. which are not reproduced, but the basics are it "shall at all
material times be maintained in good working order." Material times
means when the vehicle to which it is fitted is being used on a road.
I have undertaken some research on this and you will not be surprised to
learn that there is masses of papers on speed enforcement policies. I
have, however, gathered that there is no force in the country that would
or could prosecute at 1 mph over the limit - the volume would be
insurmountable. One retired colleague advocated a form of civil
disobedience by suggesting that every prosecuted offender should go
'NG' which would bring the system to its knees. Seemingly unnecessary!
The idea these days is that drivers are offered speed awareness courses
(if eligible) rather than be prosecuted and these courses only come in at
10% plus 2 – so someone caught below that could not do a course which
is completely against the ‘education’ policy of ACPO (NPCC) and
Government.
I hope the above dispels concerns that we might be heading for a 'zero
tolerance' approach. If it is there, the 'zero' is almost certain to remain
at 10% + 2mph. Still, it makes a good story and attracts readers (and
generates powerful discussions).
My beef is not so much the speed enforcement policy (and I was done
for speeding in a Police vehicle back in the late 60s) but the setting of
speed limits.
The criteria was easily read and set by the Department of Transport who,
in general, said that limits should reflect the road environment, be
accepted by the driver as being reasonable and realistic. The words
'built up area' were widely used as being 30 mph limits as there was a
system of street lighting in place in that road. Again, drivers had no
problem understanding that.
A sensible 'measure' of assessing a
'reasonable and realistic' speed limit was a covert assessment of the
actual speed of vehicles by measuring the '85th percentile' speeds of
vehicle in regular unobstructed traffic flows. Initially done by use of
radar devices at different times of the day, technology allowed a more
accurate assessment over longer period - days, weeks if necessary.
18 | P a g e
We then had reasonable limits until the Government decided in their
wisdom to decentralise the process and gave more discretion to local
councils (Highway Authorities [County Councils] and District/Borough
Councils). Communities that hadn't been able to budge the Government
and Police through the initial guidelines were able to be more effective
with their local representatives so 'politics' became the greater player
rather than safety and sensibility.
I recall that in one year Surrey County Council introduced 39 new speed
limits in Surrey alone, overriding any objections the Police expressed.
The politicians did it, claimed credit for making the roads safer and left
the Police to pick up the effort of enforcement with, even then,
diminished resources. As things further developed we had the 'being
seen to do something, but achieving nothing' syndrome'. Accident Black
Spots were designated and the politicians immediately reduced the
speed limit with regard for what was actually causing the collisions.
Then they could blame everybody else, especially the Police, for their
initial failings.
One elected representative was very supportive of the Police who stated
certain limits would be unrealistic and not achieving anything. Come the
debate in council and vote, he voted in favour! Explanation "I agree with
all you say but I want to keep my seat [on council]". Sums it all up.
I've had my moment and I hope the foregoing has been helpful but, let
me assure you, these are my (possibly outdated) views and do not
represent those of (all) the retired Police Officers in whatever
organisation they belong to! So there.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Following on from Tony's article ...
19 | P a g e
Former PC 1053 Simon Nelson writes:
I have just been reading Graham Richings' account of Police use of radar
in the Traffic and Vehicles section of the Surrey Constabulary History
site. This has prompted me to send you the following photo of me using
a Muni-Quip K-GP radar meter in about 1994. It was taken in Send
Marsh Road, at the junction of Greyfriars Road, near Ripley.
PC 1053 Simon Nelson
This was the last make of radar meter used by Surrey Constabulary prior
to the introduction of the Laser hand held speed devices.
The Muni-Quip was very light, but the battery pack weighed a ton
compared to the meter itself, and this was either placed on the ground
or slung over the shoulder with a strap.
The Muni-Quip was a reliable instrument providing it was used correctly
according to the manufacturer's instructions. The device was sent away
annually to be checked and calibrated if required. As Graham Richings
has explained in his account, prior to using the meter it was checked
against the speed of a Traffic Car (which itself had an accurate
speedometer) and also at the end of the speed check session, commonly
known as a “Run Past”
My most memorable incident using a Muni-Quip was at a radar speed
site at Folly-Hill Farnham, when I caught a car doing 65 mph in a 30 limit
in a residential area. When I signalled for the driver to stop he
completely over reacted, jammed his brakes on, causing the wheels to
lock up on a dry road. The car went sailing by me, coming to a halt
about 15 yards further down the road. The car was completely hidden in
a cloud of smoke from the tyres which had left some lovely skid marks
on the road. The lad driving the car was 17 and had passed his test 2
days earlier.
Because of his age, my report had to go through an independent Juvenile
Referral Panel who decided to give him a warning as it was his first
offence.
20 | P a g e
I have often wondered if he learnt his lesson, and I expect he still
remembers it to this day!
The next photo was taken in about 1994 in a Vauxhall Senator during a
VASCAR speed check on the A3 Ripley by-pass, and we are about to stop
the car in front of us.
PC's Simon Nelson & Simon Cox
The driver is PC Simon Cox and I am the observer. The VASCAR set in
this picture was a new digital computer, (on the dashboard with yellow
push buttons). The VASCAR sets prior to this were more mechanical in
nature and had small lever switches for the distance and time.
On this occasion we had pre-fed the distance into the computer's
memory using Rose Lane bridge to our position in a lay-by further on.
Vehicles were then timed from passing the bridge to our position in the
lay-by which gave an average speed.
You could sit there for about 5 minutes and get someone doing 95 mph
and over, no problem.
_________________________________
Caption Competition
Tony Forward at the February
Retired Comrades
meeting
seems to be seeking divine
intervention but do you know if
he was rewarded for his
meditation? Has he been at Ken
Rosam's whisky? Check next
month to find out!
Best answer to the caption
competition wins a free lifetime
subscription
to
the
SPRCA
newsletter!
Is there anybody there?
21 | P a g e
Graham 'Charlie' Kendal
Following on from the report in last month's newsletter
that Terry Ashcroft was awarded a 50 year medal
Graham has informed us that he is coming up to 44
years service with the Surrey Police and that he has
been awarded a 40 year coin/medal, (his description).
Congratulations are in order and it has to be said well
done to the Surrey Police for recognising long service in
such a positive manner.
Graham at work - Reading Pop Festival with the drug squad in 1988
_________________________________
Bob Bartlett's Blast from the Past - From the archives:
Can anyone put a name to the officers in the following 1993 pictures?
Traffic Department
22 | P a g e
Guildford High Street
Dog Section
Other News:
The BBC reported that the Surrey PCC was 'not confident' with Lynne
Owens in charge:
Surrey's Police and Crime Commissioner Kevin Hurley says that he was "not
confident" in the force when Lynne Owens was in charge of Surrey Police.
Mr Hurley also said that he was advised by a leading lawyer that he had enough
evidence to require her to resign.
Kevin Hurley PCC
Whilst the Police Oracle website reported:
23 | P a g e
Plus getSurrey carried this picture and reported that 'Kevin Hurley was
'deadly serious' over Chief Constable sack threat':
Meanwhile,
on
Thursday
(February 4) - during a speech
on the future of police and
crime commissioners - Home
Secretary Theresa May listed
Mr.
Hurley's
"decision"
to
"attack the leadership of his
former
chief
constable...
despite proposing pay rises for
her over successive years" as
an example of a PCC who had
"brought the office into disrepute".
Speaking at the Policy Exchange, she said: "But unlike police authorities,
police and crime commissioners are accountable to the people and in
May each and every PCC will be judged individually at the ballot box."
The Police Oracle website also reported 'That big redundancy payouts to
PCC staff could be stopped under plan':
_________________________________
24 | P a g e
This was reported in The Haslemere Herald at the end of last year:
The plaque is to be unveiled at 1230hrs on Saturday 12 March 2016.
Next month's newsletter
will be celebrating the
150th issue so we will be
taking a look back at
issue number one and
reminiscing!
_________________________________
The Independent has reported on the ongoing Deepcut Barracks enquiry:
New scientific evidence has shown a teenage soldier found dead at an army
barracks more than 20 years ago may not have killed herself, an inquest has
heard. A fresh inquest is due to take place into the death of Private Cheryl
James who was discovered with a fatal gunshot wound at Deepcut Barracks in
Surrey in November 1995.
The 18-year-old was one of four recruits to die at the Royal Logistic Corps
barracks in Camberley over a seven-year period between 1995 and 2002 amid
claims of a culture of intimidation, bullying and sexual abuse.
At a hearing at Woking Coroners’ Court in Surrey, lawyers for Pte James's family
called for the inquest to be delayed by a few weeks to allow "important"
pathological evidence to be properly considered.
25 | P a g e
The HMIC’s second PEEL (police effectiveness, efficiency and legitimacy)
assessment of Surrey Police has now been published - some extracts:
ALWAYS REMEMBER TO
The full report can be viewed or downloaded by clicking this link.
(Ed: It would appear that the PCC's requirements were followed by the C/C
according to this report. Odd then that the PCC should turn on his Chief
Constable as he did).
26 | P a g e
See also - Surrey PCC pleased with latest HMIC report
Kevin Hurley said:
“This is a well-deserved report which reflects the hard work done by Surrey
Police to meet the needs of the local communities whilst taking good care of its
own staff. Two policing priorities among the six identified by Surrey residents are
being able to have their say on policing and to see a police force with high
standards. This report reflects positively on those aims.
“Surrey Police still faces challenges in managing the rise in crimes against
vulnerable people (domestic abuse, rape and child sexual exploitation) but being
recognised as an ethical and legitimate police force provides the foundation for
continuing to make the improvements needed.”
________________________________
In the Telegraph we read: Cornerstone of policing at risk with beat
officers only spending half time on streets:
The “cornerstone of British policing” is under threat because beat bobbies are
now only spending half their time on the streets, a watchdog has warned.
Officers in neighbourhood policing teams are increasingly used to fill gaps in
other duties and forces risk “sleeping walking” towards losing touch with their
communities, the HM Inspectorate of Constabulary said.
Inspectors warned the demise of neighbourhood policing increases the threat
from terrorism and crime because they are the “eyes and ears” of crime fighting.
In a damning report on the effectiveness of the police, the watchdog found four
in ten forces in England and Wales need to improve overall and a third are not
good enough in investigating crimes.
Finally click on this link to see some great photos of British bobbies on
the beat:
1926: A policeman on point duty in Yorkshire, standing on a pile of straw
to keep his feet warm.
________________________________
27 | P a g e
On This Day
An oxymoron =
'Cuts to improve
efficiency'
A look back in history and a selection of events that took place during this month
3rd March 1985: Miners call off year-long strike
Miners' leaders have voted to end the longest-running industrial dispute in Britain
without any peace deal over pit closures.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill says the campaign against job losses will continue but miners will return to work on Tuesday.
Police say there were nearly 10,000 arrests during the dispute. On average,
3,000 extra officers were deployed each day.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
4th March 1976: Guilty verdict for 'Maguire Seven'
A 40-year-old Irish born mother has been jailed for 14 years for possessing
explosives at her London home.
Five other members of her family and a close friend were also found guilty of the
same offence and jailed.
Anne Maguire, from Willesden, North London, was convicted of possessing nitroglycerine, which was then passed on for use by IRA terrorists to make bombs.
At least they did not say
it would improve
effectiveness.
Chief Constable Peter Matthews, of Surrey police, who led the investigation, said:
"We are delighted with the verdicts. These are the people we were after.
"We have cut off a major supply pipeline to the terrorist.
"We are only sorry we did not find the bombs."
(Ed: In 1991 the Court of Appeal quashed their convictions after it was ruled the
original evidence against them was unsafe.
But Lord Justice Stuart-Smith, sitting with Lords Justice Mann and McCowan fell
short of ruling the convictions had been a miscarriage of justice.)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
14th March 1991: Birmingham Six freed after 16 years
The Birmingham Six have walked free from jail after their convictions for the
murder of 21 people in two pubs were quashed by the Court of Appeal.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
16th March 1988: Three shot dead at Milltown Cemetery
A gunman has killed three mourners and injured at least 50 people attending a
funeral for IRA members shot dead in Gibraltar.
It is understood he also threw four grenades into the crowd of 10,000 people
gathered around the Republican plot at Milltown Cemetery in Roman Catholic
west Belfast.
A lone loyalist gunman, Michael Stone, was chased by mourners at the cemetery
but was arrested by police.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
19th March 1982: Argentine flag hoisted on S Georgia
A group of Argentines have landed at the British colony of the Falkland Islands in
28 | P a g e
the south Atlantic and planted their nation's flag.
About 50 Argentines are reported to have arrived at Leith Harbour, on South
Georgia, about 1,400 miles east of the Falklands archipelago off the Argentine
coast.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
10th March 1989: Senior RUC men die in gun attack
Two senior RUC officers negotiating cross-border security co-operation in south
Armagh have been ambushed and shot dead by the IRA.
Chief Superintendent Harry Breen and Superintendent Bob Buchanan are the
most senior policemen to be killed since the troubles began.
They were returning from a meeting with the Gardai Siochana in the Irish
Republic where they had been discussing a range of issues including ways of
combating IRA attacks on the cross-border rail link.
A total of 260 police officers have been killed in 28 years of violence, 38 of them
in South Armagh.
(Ed: I was on a course in NI in the November of this year and I was with course
members when we visited this border post. The shock was palpable and what we
learnt there that day still haunts me).
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
23rd March 1987: 30 hurt as car bomb hits Army base
Thirty-one people have been injured after a car bomb exploded at a British army
base in West Germany.
The device, believed to contain 300lbs (136kg) of explosive, went off close to the
officers' mess at Rheindahlen, 50 miles (80km) from the West German capital
Bonn.
Twenty-seven West Germans and four Britons were hurt in the bombing at
2230hrs local time.
The IRA later said it had carried out the bombing of the Rheindahlen barracks.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
30th March 1979: Car bomb kills Airey Neave
Shadow Northern Ireland Secretary Airey Neave has been killed by a car bomb as
he left the House of Commons car park.
The bomb, said to be highly sophisticated, exploded as Mr. Neave began driving
up the exit ramp shortly before 1500GMT.
The inquest into Airey Neave's death was told the bomb was attached to the car
by magnets and the timer started by a wrist watch. A tilt switch was used to
activate the bomb when the car started up the ramp of the car park.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Borough Welfare Reps as from July 2015 are listed below.
PLEASE NOTE THE NEW SPRCA E-MAIL ADDRESSES!
29 | P a g e
Borough
Elmbridge
Rep
Phone & Email
Mick Wells
01932 881547
87 Burwood
Road Hersham
07887 996926
KT12 4AF
Epsom & Ewell
Email:
[email protected]
David Chave
21 Devonshire
House,
Devonshire Ave
Sutton
07789 948433
Email:
[email protected]
SM2 5JJ
Guildford
David Amos
01483 420187
Lawnend
Charterhouse
Rd Godalming
07502 794102
GU7 2AW
Mole Valley
01306 875625
20 Elder Way
Nth Holmwood
07791 432478
101 Nutfield Rd
Merstham
01373 643472
Email:
[email protected]
01932 344607
4 Junewood
Close Woodham
Addlestone
07724191714
Laurence
(Spike) Milligan
12 Spring Ave.
Egham
TW20 9PL
Surrey Heath
[email protected]
Shane Burrows
KT15 3PX
Spelthorne
Email:
Ken Hewitt
RH1 3HD
Runnymede
[email protected]
Roger Young
RH5 4TD
Reigate &
Banstead
Email:
Email:
[email protected]
07777 690744
Email:
[email protected]
Tony Suter
01276 474399
1 Ullswater
Close
Lightwater
077380 79602
Email:
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GU18 5TD
Tandridge
Chris Kearsey
35 Gordons
Way
Oxted
RH8 0NA
Waverley
Graham
Marshal
75
Summerlands
Cranleigh
[email protected]
01883 714223
0774 808657
Email:
[email protected]
01483 275659
Email:
[email protected]
GU6 0NAl
Woking
Allan Hurlow
11 Fairfax Road
Old Woking
Woking
GU22 9HN
07703 568638
Email:
[email protected]
Clicking on any of the email addresses above will open
your email client to send an email to the rep. required.
What’s Coming Up?
THE CATERHAM POLICE REUNION - 2016:
This year’s reunion is already booked for the 18th of
June, 2016 at the same location as this year, (The
Portcullis Club). A reminder will go out nearer the time.
____________________________
The Godalming Reunion – 2016
Anne Stanford has supplied details of April’s forthcoming
Godalming Reunion, as below:
The Godalming Reunion is going ahead at 12 for 12.30 on
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Sunday 1 0 April 2016 at West Surrey Golf Club. The
cost of the three-course lunch is £22 per person. (We are
not being charged £250 for the hire of the room due to Anna
Tyrrell being a club member and the fact they remembered
Roy was a member so I hope to take a collection for the
club on the day to secure any future booking). If you would
like to come along would you please send me a cheque for
this amount, made out to me (the club would prefer one
cheque for the total amount).
If you would prefer to send the money any other way then
please let me know and I will send you my account details.
The lunch consists of a starter, a main course (carvery) and a
dessert followed by tea or coffee.
The club would like you to select your starter and dessert in
advance so please let me know your choice when sending
your money. If you are vegetarian, I would also have to
know in advance.
Here is the menu:
Starter: Grilled Mushrooms with Goats Cheese & Red Onion
Marmalade OR Melon and Parma Ham
(Main course) Roast topside Beef OR Roast Belly Pork with
crackling
(As this is a carvery there is no need to choose now).
Vegetarian - Mushroom Blue Cheese and Spinach Filo pastry
basket . (Let me know if you would like this).
Dessert: Sticky Toffee Pudding OR Fruit Salad
I look forward to hearing from you - numbers are restricted.
Cheques will not be banked until 1 April, which is the closing
date when the details will be passed to the club. After
this d a t e the caterers will permit no refunds.
Anne Stanford 31 South Hill Godalming GU7 1JT Tel 01483
415601 [email protected]
Please note, replies should be sent direct to Anne!
_____________________________
The Haslemere Reunion – 2016
John Stone has sent the following update so that you can
reserve the date for the 2016 Haslemere Reunion.
Please reply to e-mail: [email protected]
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Tele: 01428 717898
Most of you should know by now that this year's will be held on
Saturday 4th June at the Devil’s Punchbowl Hotel, Hindhead, GU26
6AG. This is on the old A3, now the A333. I hope you will be able to
join us. Meet at 12.00 noon for drink and a natter, before lunch at 1.00
p.m.
The cost will be £22 for a 3 course meal, selection of starters (coleslaw
or mixed leaves salad; selection of pizza – ham, pepperoni, margherita;
carvery, and selection of desserts – carrot cake, chocolate cake,
strawberry and cream on the side Plus coffee & tea. No need to choose
starters or desserts. There will be a vegetarian option, please inform
me if you want this or if you have any other dietary needs, allergies.
If you are thinking of staying over at the hotel, make it clear you are
part of the re-union and you should get a double room B & B for £70.00.
Tele:01428 606565
House wine is £14.95 a bottle.
As I will be responsible for paying the bill please make cheques payable
to me.
If you bump into anyone you think might like to join us, then please feel
free to invite them to contact me. It would be really nice to see a few
new faces, and we really do need a few more numbers. I was very
pleased to hear that Nick Owen, Dennis Harvey-Hepherd, David (Jack)
Warner, and Kevin Simpson are thinking of joining us.
When sending your cheque don't forget any dietary needs or food
allergies so that I can inform the Club. My address is 19 Phillips
Crescent, Headley, Bordon, GU35 8NU.
PLEASE RESPOND BY MONDAY 23rd MAY AT THE LATEST.
returns appreciated to avoid my chasing up.
Nil
I look forward to hearing from you, and to another successful and
enjoyable get together.
See you there! John Stone
____________________________
THE TRAFFIC REUNION – 2016:
Please note in your diaries that the Traffic Reunion 2016 will
be on Friday 14th October 2016 at West Byfleet Social Club.
The usual announcement will be via O&B
Richard & Sue Johnson [email protected]
____________________________
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THE GODSTONE
ROOM REUNION:
TRAFFIC
AND
MOTORWAY
This year’s Godstone Traffic and Motorway Room reunion
will be held at 7.30pm on Saturday the 26th November
at the usual venue, The White Hart Barn in Godstone
village. Jerry Taylor is organising it and has asked for
anyone who’s changed their email address since the last
reunion to let him know at [email protected]
In the meantime, please put the date in your diary. More
details later on in the year.
_____________________________
THE METROPOLITAN POLICE CADET TRAINING REUNION @ HENDON:
Martin Bruton has advised that the Metropolitan Police
Cadet Training Centre, Hendon re-union is booked to take
place on Friday the 26th of AUGUST at 1730 hrs. Any
former Surrey Cadet who went to Hendon in the early 70s
will be welcome.
The venue is Peelers, a restaurant in New Scotland Yard
(NSY) and will be the last at those premises as NSY is closing
prior to moving to new premises. There will be a bar
(obviously), and a buffet. All ex-cadets are welcome. As
Martin says "a last (nostalgic or otherwise) opportunity to
see the current building before it closes."
For security reasons it will be necessary to supply a list of
names of those attending so advance booking is a must.
Martin will be providing further information once
arrangements
are
complete
but
suggests
those
interested reserve the date in their diary.
If you want further information in the meantime, please
direct
your
questions
to
Martin
at
[email protected]
____________________________
The Surrey Constabulary Police Cadet Reunion:
The Surrey Constabulary Police Cadets reunion is being
organised at Mount Browne on the afternoon of Sunday 4
September 2016. This re-union will be open to anyone who
ever served as a police cadet in Surrey, whether or not they
continued in police service in Surrey or elsewhere.
Tony will be providing more information soon but asks that
you reserve the date in your diary. You will recall that it was
originally planned to hold this event last September but for
various reasons it had to be put back until this year.
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The Woking ‘A’ Rota Reunion
In next month's
newsletter, what
happened to Ken
Rosam's whisky and
'Timber' Wood tells us
about the origins of the
Anna of Avondale
Trophy.
Recently a number of former members of A rota at Woking
have been in touch with each other and have come up with
the idea of a reunion for those who served from 1980's to
1995ish. They wonder if there are others out there who
would be interested. Once there are numbers available they
can hopefully sort out a venue.
This comes from Alison Roberts (Ex WPC1211 Lawrence). If
you are interested in participating, please reply directly to
Alison at [email protected]
____________________________
And finally ... 'La vie en France'
Snippets of information about life in France
*
*NB: The letter 'A' (red in a white circle) is reserved for new drivers, who have
passed their test less than three years previously - two years for those who
gained additional mileage in the parental driving scheme. During that time they
have to display that red letter, and they have to comply with a reduced speed
limit. They do not get the full amount of credit points on their licence, (in France
points are taken off the licence not added on if there is an infraction of the law).
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Therefore all text that you see in this newsletter in bold blue is
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In some case a security warning box might open such as this -
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Edité à proximité du Mont Saint Michel
dans la Manche
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"In the end, it's not the
years in your life that
count.
It's the life in your years"
Abraham Lincoln
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CONTACTING TONY SUTER – YOUR WELFARE CO-ORDINATOR:
Just a reminder: With an O&B membership well into 4 figures, it’s
hardly surprising that your volunteer Welfare Coordinator, Tony Suter,
receives something like 40+ e-mails every day even before you start
counting the scams or bargain offers. Whilst he’s always delighted to
hear from O&B members he does ask if you could perhaps help to
make his life a little easier.
If you’re sending him an email on a 'new topic' he would be very
grateful if you would actually create a new email rather than simply
hitting the 'reply' tag on an earlier email that he might have sent out.
(We’ve all done it, and it’s a quick and easy way of getting in touch
without having to go to the trouble of looking up an e-mail address and
thinking up a new ‘subject’ but it’s always better to start afresh and so
avoid confusion).
If you send him an e-mail that mentions a previous subject there’s
always a danger that it can be treated as simply an acknowledgement
and – when time is short - it could easily be deleted as an ‘old matter’.
Be gentle with him! Tony thanks you in advance for your help.
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A Note From Our Sponsors - aka The Free Ads.
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