NARPON Brighter Days to Come - THE MAGAZINE OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF RETIRED POLICE OFFICERS
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NARPO
NEWS
THE MAGAZINE OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF RETIRED POLICE OFFICERS
NOVEMBER 2021 | ISSUE 108
Brighter Days to Come
www.narpo.org 1
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inside
NOVEMBER 2021 | ISSUE 108
ON THE
LIFE after the Police WORK after the Police LEISURE after the Police
20
Welcome
Welcome to the 108th edition
of NARPO News. This issue sees
the round up of the long-awaited
Conference 2021, which could finally go
ahead this September. It was wonderful
46
to see everyone back once again.
This issue’s cover image also
showcases the winner of our very first
44
NARPO Photography Competition
2021, Keith Stoneman.
With Christmas on the way, we build
up to the festive season with a range of
markets to visit, along with a few festive
recipes which mean you can spend less
time in the kitchen this Christmas and
more time with loved ones.
38
04 President’s Review 38 The National Memorial
Opinions expressed by authors and services
offered by advertisers are not specifically 07 Readers Letters Arboretum
endorsed by the Association.
The Editor reserves the right to refuse or 10 News 40 What’s Cooking
withdraw advertisements at his discretion and
does not accept liability for clerical or printer’s 17 2021 NARPO Photography 42 Pensions News
errors, although every care is taken to avoid
mistakes. Advertisements in NARPOnews are Competition Results 44 Christmas Markets
accepted by the National Association of Retired
Police Officers only on the understanding that the
18 You wouldn’t Believe It 47 Financial Worries in
advertisers warrant that the advertisements do 20 Conference 2021 Retirement
not contravene the Trade Description Act 1968,
the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 and the Business 26 Annual Accounts 2020 48 Your Legal Rights
Advertisements (Disclosure) Order of 1997
and conform to the British Code of Advertising 28 Members of the NEC 51 Police History Society
Practice.
Articles contributed by the editorial staff may 31 Westminster Round-up 52 Holiday Lettings 2021
not be reproduced without permission in writing
from The Editor. 32 Benefits Update 57 Computer Know How
NARPO News is published by The National
Association of Retired Police Officers (NARPO). 34 Pensions 59 Time Out
NARPO News is delivered to you as part
of a package of NARPO membership benefits,
36 Supporting Local Schools 60 Book’em!
including goods and services we offer when you 62 Electric Cars
join and continue to be a Member. How we do
this, and process your personal information, is
contained in our Privacy Policy, which is available
at www.narpo.org. You can also request a hard
copy from NARPO HQ.
For further information about NARPO, its
Mailing info
services, branches and approved advertisers, It is important that you notify NARPO HQ of any changes to your
please visit our website at www.narpo.org address as soon as possible. Please quote your membership number
To facilitate a prompt reply when contacting which is printed above your name on the envelope in which NARPO
the office by email, please quote your News is delivered. Please telephone 01924 362 166
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NARPONews - PRESIDENT’S REVIEW
Allow me to introduce myself. I am Richard Critchley
and am the recently elected President and Chairman
of NARPO.
President’s Review
This is such a great honour to be means that we all still have access to his President, with a new team is a great
elected by my colleagues and peers to extensive knowledge, wisdom, and wise opportunity for us to map out and plan
such a position and thus to be able to counselling. for the future. We have already started
represent you, our members. I am proud I am also very sorry that, at the same to conduct a review of how the NEC and
and privileged for this is the highest time, Steve Edwards (Chief Executive the office work together and interact. This
honour and the climax of my (extended) Officer), has left us. His knowledge, intended to make clearer our strategic
career in Policing. Of course, you might dedication, and labours on behalf of aims and to make the management
say that I would say that wouldn’t I? But, our members over many years was of the organisation clearer and more
believe me, I do mean it. outstanding and it will be a very difficult cohesive, thereby improving the service
I served thirty-three years with West challenge indeed for whoever follows we can give.
Yorkshire Police in various parts of the him. We are grateful to Alan Lees My own objectives for the next couple
Force and in several roles. Although this (Deputy CEO) who has temporarily of years are clear. Firstly, to improve
meant that I worked under three different stepped into the breach until a new CEO the way we conduct our business
Force names, it was always the same is appointed and has stepped up to mark and to meet and create better lines of
Force. Just the name kept changing. well ensuring that the work of NARPO communication between the centre,
At retirement, I immediately joined continues, unabated. Branches, and members so we can all go
NARPO although I had previously Finally, we also have to say farewell forward together in unity.
assisted the West Yorkshire Branches by to Carly Scott, our Business and Next, to improve the welfare support
entertaining their meetings at my office Communications Manager who is leaving we give to our members. Clearly this is
and ended up acting as their Honorary for family reasons. Although she has not something that we can deliver from
Secretary. Shortly after that I was ‘elected’ not been with us long, she has had a the centre, but we need to give more help
as Secretary of my Branch, a position I real and lasting impact on NARPO’s to Branches to give them the support and
have held for the past eighteen years. business. One example which members knowledge to be able to deliver an even
After retirement I worked eleven years will have noticed is the improvement to better service, locally.
for Roland Smith Insurance which later the look and content of NARPO News. And then to raise the knowledge
became part of Police Mutual and, when This is an unfinished project and is and awareness of NARPO to a much
finally giving up paid work, stood for and ongoing work but a great start. wider audience outside our organisation,
was elected to the National Executive To all of those leaving, I wish them all especially amongst serving officers who,
Committee, representing the North East the very best for the future. we anticipate will be our future members.
Region. Turning to NARPO business. To be a body that can and will influence
Let me now take the opportunity to As I mentioned earlier, Covid has had a opinion whilst all the time working to
pay tribute to our past President, Brian serious impact on our activities and on improve the lives of our members, taking
Burdus, who stood down at Conference our members. As we come out of the lock into account your views and opinions.
after four years in the role. His time at the downs and life is returning to a degree of Let me be quite clear. NARPO
helm has been a very mixed affair, due normality, Branches are now awakening is a wonderful and very effective
to circumstances. For the last eighteen from their enforced slumbers and are organisation. Great strides have been
months, Covid has had a detrimental returning to ‘normal service’. made in recent years in the areas I have
effect on all our activities. Whilst the NARPO was able to hold its Annual already covered, but there is more we
core business of NARPO has been Conference in Llandudno during can do. There is always more that can be
undertaken using modern technology, it September. It was well attended, despite done, and I will strive to ensure that this
lacks the personal touch and interaction some lingering concerns about contagion is my priority.
that to a people organisation is so but the arrangements were excellent. That work has already begun and I
important. It was, of course, two years since our now look forward to the future with great
On the other hand, he had the unique last Conference and there was much enthusiasm, optimism and confidence,
honour of being President throughout our catching up to do and it was so good to proud to lead such a fine organisation of
Centenary Year celebrations, culminating see members able to socialise. There is exceptional people.
with entertaining Princess Ann, the a full feature on the Conference in the
Princess Royal, to dinner at the Tower centre pages together with other updates
of London. We are fortunate and I am of our work throughout the magazine.
grateful that Brian is staying on as a Although I was the previous Vice- Richard Critchley
member of the National Executive which Chairman, taking up the mantle of President
4 www.narpo.org
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NARPONews - LETTERS
Readers Letters
No Waiting The Shooting of Arthur Rowlands by
Robert Boynton
I read with immense interest and great (remember those!). To see his work
sadness your article on the shooting of was phenomenal, in fact, watching him
Arthur Rowlands by Robert Boynton, the and not knowing, one would never have
subsequent man hunt and the heroic believed he was totally blind, but he did it
actions of Arthur’s colleagues. I was in all without complaining and with a wicked
my mid teens at the time and the day sense of humour, so much so that he
after it happened, I cycled to Dyfi bridge joked about his disability and took it in
from my home in Aberdyfi, a distance of great spirit, whenever anyone pulled his
approximately 10 miles, out of curiosity leg about him being able to see. He was
and utter disbelief, that something so that good at what he did.
appalling could happen so close to home We spent many hours over the years
to such a well respected Police Officer. talking about various subjects, but mainly
This dreadful incident and the rugby and football. His knowledge and
media reports undoubtedly influenced memory of both sports was exceptional.
my decision to join the Police Force. About this time my wife was involved
Almost two years later, I became a in Scouting as a cub scout leader and
Birmingham City Police Cadet (101); I decided to ask Arthur if he would come and
wasn’t tall enough for the local force! I give a talk. He readily agreed and I picked
trained at Ryton on Dunsmore and was him and his guide dog up and conveyed
eventually posted to Erdington (D203), them to the ‘scout hut’. The children
where I spent my early service. In 1970 I listened intently and were absolutely
transferred to the Gwynedd constabulary enthralled by what he had to say and
- now North Wales Police - height spoke about it for weeks afterwards. He
restrictions had been reduced! - and was also deeply involved in charity work.
I was posted to Caernarfon. Not long Arthur was an incredible individual
I have recently acquired a ‘Police No afterward I met Arthur for the first time. who must have suffered horrendously,
Waiting’ cone in blue and white. Can However, it was some time later but was extremely positive and truly
anyone advise on the history of these that I got to know him really well when modest about what he achieved in his
cones and when the change took place we worked together at the Divisional lifetime, despite his awful disability. It was
to the yellow cones? Headquarters in Caernarfon. Arthur a real privilege to have known him.
worked in communications, mainly on the
Ms Della M Cannings - Exeter Branch switchboard and operating the teleprinter Phil Jones - Gwynedd Branch
An Academic Achievement
Patrick Johnson is a valued friend of through the Open University. Degree course despite having recently
mine, who has just Graduated from the Despite his age 76 years, and not celebrated his 80th Birthday.
Open University with a BA in business enjoying the best of health, he enrolled I feel confident you will agree this is
studies. He served as I did, in the West for the Course commencing in 2017. no mean achievement and worthy of
Yorkshire Police, retiring in 1989. Patrick He completed the course in July of recognition, probably even inspiration
nursed his extremely ill wife for nine this year, which could not have been to other retired officers contemplating
years until her death in 2017. No mean easy as many officers much younger improving their academic standing.
feat as she was completely crippled in and earlier in retirement would probably I suggested to Patrick, he should send
the last 4 years of her life by her illness. agree. Patrick is well known in Police details of his achievement to your good
(cortico-basel degeneration) circles having been the Federation self but he, with characteristic modesty
Patrick, who lives alone in an apartment representative in the West Yorkshire said no, stressing he enrolled to ease
at Cleveland, a retirement village, having Force and is the holder of the B.E.M. for the grief of losing his wife rather than any
a lot of free time on his hands, despite his Services to the Police. other reason. Knowing that to be true
many interests in a local choir, secretary of As I stated in the opening Para of I feel it should nevertheless, be aired
the Village Forum and treasurer of a local this letter, Patrick has received his in NARPO circles as it will be of real
street committee, all unpaid posts, decided certificate of Graduation but, having interest to his many former colleagues.
to apply for the 4 year study course in been encouraged by his Tutor at the
Business Studies and Social Sciences O.U. is preparing to tackle a Master's Roy Smith - Huddersfield Branch
www.narpo.org 7
NARPONews - LETTERS
Replacement Prints by John Edwards The Biggest
Manhunts in
In 1988, via the magazine ‘police’, signed John R Edwards, JEDD, which
I purchased several limited prints of has faded considerably, although never Welsh History
work by John Edwards (JEDD). Since having been in a position at the mercy of
that time, they have occupied a place strong sunlight or similar. I read with interest the article by Hugh
of prominence on the wall of my lounge I would be interested in purchasing a Colley regarding one of the biggest
evoking the occasional smile and touch good quality replacement of this limited manhunts in Welsh history.
of nostalgia for a time when policing edition print and any originals of JEDD’s However, it should be noted that
wasn’t as frenetic as today. work which I understand were auctioned besides Thomas Owen Davies -
With one exception, the colours of off and the proceeds went to charity. Constable, Mid-Wales Constabulary
the prints have remained as fresh and Any such purchases would go to ‘a and Arthur Rees Rowlands - Constable,
bright as at the time of purchase. The good home’. Gwynedd Constabulary, both receiving
exception is the limited edition print the George medal, there were others
(141/50) ‘TIME GENTLEMAN PLEASE’ C Bartholomew - Glamorgan Branch who were also highly decorated in
recognition of their brave conduct.
The following officers where awarded
the George Medal: Robert Carswell -
Constable, Liverpool City Police and
Robert William Roberts - Constable,
Electric Vehicle Charging Points Shropshire Constabulary.
John Francis Bennet - Constable,
Mid-Wales Constabulary and Geoffrey
Thank you very much for your letter members all the best for the year ahead Seymour Evans - Sergeant, Mid Wales
dated 15th September 2021. I thoroughly and hope that you will be able to return to Constabulary where also awarded the
enjoyed the pre-Conference Dinner Llandudno in the future. British Empire Medal for Gallantry (Civil
and the hospitality shown by Mr Burdus Division)
and Mr Critchley to us, as well as Sir Cllr Harry T M Saville - Mayor of
Orde’s fascinating insights into a range Llandudno Tom Holt - Merseyside
of current affairs. I also had a brief
discussion with one of your delegates
from County Durham regarding the lack
of Electric Vehicle charging points in and
around Llandudno and have since raised Hearing Star Excellent Service
this point with both Llandudno Town and
Conwy County Borough Councils. Having been a user of hearing aids for the 10 years (no real surprise there, goes
Thank you for your incredibly over 10 years, I would like to comment with age).
generous donation to my Mayoral Charity on the excellent service from Hearing I therefore opted for two new Livio
Fund. I plan to use the fund to support Star. aids, when they arrived Kevin fitted them
the Great Orme branch of the National My previous aids were provided and explained how everything worked
Coastwatch Institution, the Llandudno and fitted by Kevin Howlett who is very including the remote control.
Elderly Peoples Welfare Society and professional and nothing was too much Well to say I was happy would be
Blind Veterans, who run a rehabilitation trouble for him. an understatement, they are amazing,
centre in Llandudno. I must also thank I recently read in Narpo News that especially the bluetoooth element. As
you for bringing your annual conference Kevin recommended Starkey Livio 2400 well as aiding my hearing they opened
to Llandudno. Overnight stays in local aids for Narpo members. So as my aids up a new world of streaming, I can hear
hotels are vital to Llandudno’s local had given good service for 10 years I phone calls, radio and music directly
economy, which has suffered throughout thought I would contact Hearing Star through my aids. At the same time if
the COVID-19 pandemic and every again. somebody speaks to me I can hear them.
individual overnight stay helps to support As expected Kevin clearly explained I cannot thank Kevin and Marie
local businesses and local jobs. Finally, how the hearing aid technology had at Hearing Star enough, I thoroughly
thank you very much for the vase, which vastly improved during that time. recommend their organisation for
will be a cherished reminder of a very Kevin through his very detailed opening up a whole world for my hearing.
pleasant evening. assessment of my hearing, found that
I’d like to wish NARPO and all of its my hearing had in fact deteriorated over Alan Davies - Dorset Branch
8 www.narpo.org
NARPONews - LETTERS
Services to NARPO Business Smiler Stamp
Memory-jogging Sheet Issued in 2009
If NARPO News were to get an award Whilst researching some
it would be for services to memory- information concerning the
jogging. Jim Finn jogged mine. NARPO Stamp First Day
About 1970, my colleague and I Cover commissioned to
stopped a car being driven along the celebrate the Millennium
Old Kent Road in excess of 30mph. The in 2000, I discovered
occupants were two men who did not that NARPO had also
inspire veracity. During the dialogue, I commissioned a Business
noticed the butt of a sawn-off shot gun Smiler Stamp Sheet to
protruding from under the driver’s seat. celebrate the 90th Anniversary
Both occupants were arrested. Further of NARPO in 2009.
enquiries revealed that this weapon As a keen stamp collector
had been used during a wages-snatch and NARPO member, I was
in Woolwich a fortnight earlier. Further unaware of this issue, as I
arrests were made by Woolwich CID. did not become a member of
I seem to recall the speeding offence NARPO until 2011.
became camouflaged. Now; did I hear I understand that 3,000 of
the Governor say, “Your Commendation’s these sheets were issued, the
in the post.” No; I never heard another majority being purchased by
word and neither did my colleague, Dave NARPO members.
Randall. True heroes don’t need halos. I commissioned a Stamp
First Day Cover on behalf
Roy Buchanan - London Branch of Staffordshire NARPO
to celebrate the 100th
Anniversary of NARPO in
2019. You may recall I wrote
an article in NARPO News
Suspicious Emails concerning the auctioning of
sheets that they no longer require, if they
4 of these First Day Covers
signed by famous cricketers to raise would consider selling it to me.
In the latest NARPO magazine I was The original selling price was £20, but
money for the National Police Memorial
particularly interested in the article on I would be prepared to pay a reasonable
in Staffordshire.
page 16 entitled ‘Do you want to lose price to acquire one.
As I do not possess a Business Smiler
your life savings? Email: mark.judson@narpo.org
Sheet I would be interested in purchasing
A similar article in the NARPO maga-
one to add to my stamp collection.
zine some weeks ago drew my attention Mark Judson - Staffordshire Branch
I am therefore asking that if any
to the reporting of e-mails to ‘report@
member, or their family have one of these
phishing.gov.uk’, and since that time I
have been sending occasional suspected
scams to them. Initially I got an instant
reply which was basically a ‘thank-you’
and an update about how many such Hearing Star
reports had been received.
I was encouraged by getting a As a NARPO member, I would like to when it rings particularly when outdoors
response like that because at least express my satisfaction with the service thanks to Bluetooth, and then to have
it seemed that the report was being provided by Kevin and his colleagues at a telephone conversation in a noisy
received and possibly some sort of action Hearing Star, in respect of the supply and environment, that previously would have
taken to what is really a heinous fraud for fitting of my hearing aids. The information been impossible.
some unfortunate people. they provided prior to making my The follow up service at Hearing Star
More recently my reports have not decision was clear and the upfront prices is also excellent and it is reassuring to
received such a response which has left me in no doubt what I was getting for know that any problems can be solved
caused me to double check that I have my money. The home appointments were with a friendly telephone call.
got the right address to send it to. relaxing and informative with everything I would therefore have no hesitation
Anyway I will keep on sending reports explained in a clear manner and I did not in recommending Hearing Star to
that I suspect could be scams. I just feel inhibited to ask ‘silly’ questions! anyone requiring information and advice
hope they don’t think I am some sort of I previously used hearing aids regarding their hearing difficulties
‘nutter’, or to be kind to them perhaps they provided by the NHS and I find that my without the high pressure, pushy
are getting so many reports from the public new hearing aids are more discreet, sales techniques employed by some
generally that they are unable to respond. user friendly, and easy to maintain in organisations.
comparison. One of the main pluses
Trevor Emans - Hampshire Branch for me is the ability to hear my iPhone Jeff Sawyer - Durham Branch
www.narpo.org 9
NARPONews - NEWS
News
Stories from across the NARPO branch network and our partners
FA 50-Year Service Life Membership
Above shows the following Dorset
Branch members receiving their Life
Membership certificates at their AGM
in July. From left to right: George
Legg (Treasurer), David Seabright
(Circulations), Norman Robertson
(Secretary), presentation made by Mick
Wallis (Chairman)
Pictured right is Bill with a fellow recipient of the award.
Suffolk NARPO member, Bill Tinkler, played local football for St Edmunds
has been honoured by the Football FC and Priors FC in Bury St Edmunds
Association with their ‘FA 50-Year and became a qualified referee in the
Service’ award for his involvement in local late 1970s. He was still registered as a
football for over 50 years. The award match official until very recently. Those
was presented to him by the Chairman of who played in any match in which Bill
the St. George's Park National Football officiated will know that he was not a
Centre, former Chairman of the Football referee to get on the wrong side of!
League and former Chairman of Ipswich Many a miscreant was subjected to the
Town FC, David Sheepshanks. brandishing of a red card.
Before transferring to Suffolk from In June 1998 he was appointed as
Teesside Constabulary (now Cleveland Secretary of the then Bury & District
Constabulary), Bill played for Powlett Football League, which subsequently
United in the Darlington and District became the St Edmundsbury Football
Sunday League and also for the Teesside League where he carried out duties as Above shows the Branch Chaplain,
Constabulary in the Northern Police secretary, player registrations, fixtures, Allen Knott receiving his Life Membership
League. press officer and webmaster until the certificate from the Chairman, Mick Wallis
On arrival in Suffolk, Bill soon became league dissolved in the summer of 2019. at a coffee morning held in August.
involved with the Bury St Edmunds Until a few years ago Bill still refereed The Chairman, Mick Wallis,
Division and Suffolk Constabulary teams in the two Bury St. Edmunds Leagues announced at this year’s AGM that he
and became manager of the Force team (Saturday and Sunday) and occasionally intended to stand down in March 2022
where, under his guidance, the team had for the Suffolk & Ipswich League as well and he decided that he wanted to convey
many successes in the Armed Services as Suffolk FA assignments, eventually his thanks to all those involved for their
Cadastrian League and various police having to cut back due to illness in his years of service to the Branch.
leagues and cups. family. He was also a Suffolk FA Council
Outside the police service, Bill and committee member. Norman Robertson - Dorset Branch
10 www.narpo.orgNARPONews - NEWS
Tokyo 2020
I went out to Tokyo in July to work to inform me that
for Eurosport at the summer Olympics. due to the on going
This was obviously deferred from last pandemic restrictions,
year and I was keen to get out there and we would not be
experience the country. I had previously able to meet up. This
made contact with our IPA contact in was disappointing,
Japan, Ryoji Suzuki, who ultimately had however he arranged
for a quantity of beer
and a baseball cap
to be delivered to my
hotel room.
In my job role I
was able to travel
freely about the
capitol and greater
area wherever
sport venues or
relevant premises
were and as such
immersed myself in welcome. There was definitely something
the Japanese daily lifestyle and culture. missing from the sporting event they
It is a magnificent country and due to had waited so long to host and it was
the amount of islands that are joined them. Stadiums were empty and shops
together, the infrastructure of bridges and and restaurants were either closed or on
tunnels is amazing. I was lucky enough restricted openings.
to be able to visit some temples, Mt Fuji I returned on the 11th August as did
and take a ride on a Bullet train. Even the nearly everyone working on the event
train inspector bowed as he entered and saying arigato (thank you) and being
left each carriage. grateful I had the chance to visit this
I found the Japanese to be a fantastic country.
delightful, respectful and disciplined
people only too willing to help and Andy Amos - Ret Herts and IPA
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a delivery company such as Deliveroo, number. These are used to make tricked by them. Do not be one of them.
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just made an online payment, or are there has been some fraudulent activity to report@phishing.gov.uk. Suspicious
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address does not resemble the actual Don’t do it. or call 0300 123 2040.
address of the company. City of London Police received at least
www.narpo.org 11NARPONews - NEWS
North West Branches Back Refugee Appeal
Back in September, Archie Arbuckle, the Afghan children. They
Crewe & District Branch Secretary was also requested donations
contacted by Branch Member William of toiletries and hygiene
(Billy) Wilson who works at Manchester goods and monetary
Airport on Security and Passport Control. donations. One of the
Billy informed Archie that he and his Crewe Branch Members
colleagues had been responsible for the who won £25 in the
safe arrival and security of the refugees branch lottery immediately
arriving from Afghanistan. He told Archie donated his winnings
that some were arriving with very little to the branch appeal
personal articles except for their clothing, which Archie used to buy
and the children were obviously very tired toiletries. This was quickly
and poorly clothed. followed by other winners
The public have been amazing in in the Branch Lottery
making fantastic donations of clothing and who also handed over
they had ample to supply the refugees their winnings. Branch
with once they had been transported to members rallied to the
temporary accommodation, where they call and made monetary
were well looked after by charity groups donations to Archie.
and local government departments. As word got around,
Apparently however, what they NARPO Northwich and
desperately needed was toiletries, NARPO Macclesfield The appeal also attracted the attention
toothpaste, toothbrushes and all the joined in the appeal with Mark Watson, of both UK Border Force and the Home
goods necessary to maintain good Macclesfield Branch Secretary, collecting Office Higher Officer, Border Force
hygiene. Even first aid goods like and delivering some of the goods and North, and Chief Immigration Officer,
plasters, creams, salves etc. They also toys as many of the refugees are housed Manchester Ops Team. They both wrote
needed toys and kids bicycles, as well near to him. Ged Ilott, the Northwich to Archie to thank him personally, for the
prams and other baby goods for the Secretary, also delivered goods and ‘’amazing’’ contribution.
children. money raised by his Branch Members. Speaking to us Archie said ‘’I am pretty
On Billy’s behalf Archie put a call To date Crewe and Northwich proud of what we have done in the name
out to members to ask if they had any members have raised a total of £700 of NARPO’’.
such children’s toys etc. that he and his between them for the initiative. Donations Well done Crewe, Northwich and
colleagues could gladly take off their of toys, games and books were also Macclesfield and of course Archie.
hands and transport to Manchester for greatly received and distributed.
Long Standing NARPO Member
Stan Morgan was born in Cardiff in from Croydon the next day when severe
1921 and was the youngest of eleven weather forced the plane to return to
children (3 boys and 8 girls). After a Croydon - an experience Stan never
happy childhood surrounded by sisters, forgot. He served for 30 years in Cardiff
he enlisted in the R.A.F. He served mainly in the Traffic Department from
throughout the war and in 1946 was where he retired in 1975 as a sergeant.
based in Munich. Whilst home for a The day he retired he joined NARPO
short leave, he met a Cardiff policeman and he has been a member for 45 years.
and decided to apply to join. By the time He was married to Dorothy for over 60
he arrived back in Hamburg, there was years before she passed away in 2015.
a letter waiting inviting him to take an Stan was presented with a bottle of his
education test and interview at Cardiff two favourite tipple (Jack Daniels Honey) by
days later. A friendly adjutant arranged a branch vice chairman Howard Davies.
place for him on a flight to Croydon the
next day and he made it back to Cardiff in Alan Greaves - Cardiff branch Pictured from the left: John who is
time. He was on a flight back to Munich Stan’s son and a NARPO member, Stan
Morgan and vice chairman Howard.
12 www.narpo.orghearing
matters
TM 0800 03 23 771
hearingstar.org.uk
Supporting the welfare of NARPO members. First class hearing services
provided away from crowds at home, with safe C19 infection control
Letter
“more discreet, user friendly, and easy to maintain”
As a NARPO member, I would like to express my satisfaction with the service
provided by Hearing Star, in respect of the supply and fitting of my hearing aids. The
information they provided prior to making my decision was clear and the upfront
Technology
prices left me in no doubt what I was getting for my money. The home appointments
The latest Starkey Livio hearing aid
were relaxing and informative with everything explained in a clear manner and I did
technology can be controlled by a
not feel inhibited to ask ‘silly’ questions!
remote control or mobile phone. Calls
I previously used hearing aids provided by the NHS and I find that my new hearing
can be heard direct through your
aids are more discreet, user friendly, and easy to maintain in comparison. One of the
hearing aids. There is also smart
main pluses for me is the ability to hear my iPhone when it rings particularly when
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nothing worn around your neck. Hear
environment, that previously would have been impossible.
more clearly than ever, with digital
The follow-up service at Hearing Star is also excellent and it is reassuring to know
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that any problems can be solved with a friendly telephone call. I would therefore
aids. New Livio technology is available
have no hesitation in recommending Hearing Star to anyone requiring information
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streamer. See brochure for details.
Jeff Sawyer
For The Good and The Brave ®
Covid-19 infection control and our services, in the comfort and safety of your home
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To ensure members safety through lock downs and beyond, we’ll continue with all of our safe practises. We’ll also continue to
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the aid(s) location if lost!
For your copy of Hearing Star’s 2021 brochure, NARPO members may contact us:
Tel: 0800 03 23 771 email: NARPO@hearingstar.org.uk Online: www.hearingstar.org.uk
www.narpo.org 13NARPONews - NEWS
Remembering Roy Massey
As the years tick on newer members and highly respected by the community
and serving officers may not realise he served. For the last few years of his
many of their former colleagues and service, he and a colleague served as
our members started their careers of court officers dealing with prisoners and,
service in the Armed Forces. In this issue in the days when it was carried out by
and in the month of Remembrance, we police, transporting remand prisoners
look back over the life of Huddersfield between the courts and prison or
member Roy Massey who started his detention centres.
career of service in the RAF in WWII. He retired from the police in 1977
Huddersfield branch member after 30 years service (one year counting
Richard Fitzroy (Roy) Massey passed from his war service) and spent a further
away just three weeks before his 100th six years as process server with the
birthday, which would have been on 4th Huddersfield County Court.
May 2021. He and Audrey retired to a property
Prior to joining the police, he joined in Tenerife. Sadly, Audrey passed away
the Royal Air Force during WWll as in 1987 suffering from Motor Neurone
leading aircraftman in the RAF 84th Disease.
Squadron serving in Sumatra in 1942 Later, he was fortunate to be
but when the Dutch capitulated, he and introduced to Margaret (Peggy) Webber
his squadron were forced to surrender through friends in Tenerife and the story
to the Japanese and spent three and a has a happy ending in that they had
half years as a prisoner of war, firstly in a been together for 30 years at the time
camp in Batavia for a number of months of his death. Roy could not speak highly
before being shipped to Singapore in enough of the love and care which Peggy
a cargo hold in conditions which Roy gave to him, particularly as his eyesight
described as awful. failed him and he became frailer.
They were taken to barracks where Roy and Peggy have been back to
he contracted diphtheria and was one the Far East on numerous occasions
of many too ill to travel and stayed in including visits to many sites from his
the notorious Changi Camp where they war years and to the war memorial in
were made to clear away jungle to make Singapore. In 2005 he was invited to
way for airfield runways. Here, they were the Ambassador’s House. In 2013
poorly fed and contracted dysentery, he was on the red carpet in Leicester
foot rot and malaria. Beatings, torture Square attending the premier of the film
and threats of being shot were regular ‘Railway Man.’
occurrences and one of his friends from In 2014 he was one of the
Leeds died there. ‘Unforgotten Heroes’ who were presented
When news of the Allied victory, to the Queen at Buckingham Palace
brought about by the atomic bomb on along with ten other survivors. Force
Nagasaki reached the camp via radio, sweetheart Vera Lynn was also there.
the Japanese fled and shortly afterwards For the past 5 years Roy and a fellow
army and medical officers parachuted in. POW of the same age and also living
Otherwise, Roy is convinced that they in Poole, have attended the annual
would all have been murdered. commemorative service in Westminster
Many of his POW colleagues were too but were prevented from doing so in
ill to travel but Roy managed to get the 2020 owing to the Covid restrictions.
first boat out. After spending some time However, Roy wanted to still
in rehabilitation, he caught a train home commemorate his comrades on
alone to be reunited with his parents and the anniversary of Imperial Japan
then girlfriend Audrey, who was later to surrendering in 1940 and a small
become his wife. They had exchanged service was held in Poole Park attended
just one card each whilst he had been by members of the Poole British Legion
away. together with a number of members
After two years of recovering from of the public who stopped to watch
his ordeal, Roy joined the Huddersfield the event.
Borough Police in 1947 and served as Our condolences are extended to
constable in the town and what was Peggy and the respective families.
then known as the southern section for
many years where he was well known Terry Jepson - Huddersfield Branch
14 www.narpo.orgNARPONews - NEWS
Recollections of Debbie Anne Heeley-Hirst
Recollections of Debbie Anne Heeley - Hirst
(Keighley and District Branch) representing NARPO
at the Remembrance Sunday Parade at the
Cenotaph, London on Sunday 14th November 2021.
My grandfather Thomas Heeley was born on
13th July 1908 in Grimethorpe, South Yorkshire.
He served in the 9th Coast Regiment of the Royal
Artillery. He was captured and then imprisoned
in Changi in Singapore and then taken to Burma
to work on the railway. After the railway was built,
he and many others were hospitalised in Nathong
Patong in Thailand. When the Japanese realised
they were not going to win the war they took a 1000
men from the hospital to build them an escape road.
This was called Mergui Road. My grandfather and
many of the men died building this road and many
were buried there. He died on the 28th July, two
weeks before the end of the war in 1945. He was
buried at 12 Kilo Camp on the Mergui Road.
He is now buried in Kanchanuburi Cemetery
https://www.cwgc.org/visit-us/find-cemeteries-
memorials/cemetery-details/2017100/kanchanaburi-
war-cemetery/. We have been out to see his
tell you how proud I am to wear them - especially as
grave and the railway and what a sobering and
his granddaughter whom he never knew. I know that
heartbreaking experience that was.
the tears will be flowing down my face as I honour
My grandfather was honoured with a number of
his ultimate sacrifice as he died for his country.
military medals which were in the possession of my
I cannot express enough my gratitude to those at
cousin David whom I subsequently made contact
NARPO and the British Legion for selecting me to
with (in Bahrain!). After a lengthy and emotional
take part in the Remembrance Day Parade on 14th
journey, I now have my grandfathers medals and the
November 2021 and I will do my utmost to make
first place I took them to when I returned home was
everyone proud on this most emotional of days.
to my fathers grave. He would have been so proud,
as I remember how much he had missed his father.
The medals are presently being remounted so
The top left photo is my grandparents, Thomas
that I can wear them with pride and in my father's
and Eliza Heeley in 1929.
honour on the Remembrance Sunday Parade at
The top right is the Cenotaph in Kanchanburi
the Cenotaph, where my husband Lloyd and I have
Cemetery with the wreath we took out to put on in
been selected to represent the National Association
remembrance of all the loved ones that were lost.
of Retired Police Officers (NARPO). That will be the
The bottom photo is the graves in the cemetery,
first time they have ever been worn by a member of
my grandfathers grave has the red poppy on.
his family since his death and I cannot even begin to
www.narpo.org 15Protect what matters most with... NARPO Car Insurance Police Mutual Rescue NARPO and the Police family have been trusting us to protect what matters for over 37 years. It’s no surprise that we arrange car insurance for over 20,000 NARPO member vehicles. To give you extra reassurance for the road ahead, we are pleased to offer NARPO members exclusive rates on Police Mutual Rescue (Breakdown Cover) with UK cover for vehicles under 10 years old, starting from less than £48 per year. NARPO Car Insurance and Police Mutual Rescue are separate policies and can be purchased independently of each other, at any time. Find out more today. Call 0151 242 7645 Lines are open: Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm Get a quote or request a call back at policemutual.co.uk/narpo NARPO Car Insurance is provided by Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Ltd. Police Mutual Rescue (Breakdown Cover) is provided by ERS (Syndicate 218 at Lloyds). PMGI Limited, trading as Police Mutual is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Financial Services Register No. 114942. Registered in England & Wales No. 1073408. Registered office: 55 Gracechurch Street, London, EC3V 0RL. For your security, all telephone calls are recorded and may be monitored. 16 www.narpo.org PMGI3150 Advert 1121
NARPONews - PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION
2021 NARPO
Photography Competition
Winner and runners up revealed in the first NARPO
Photography Competition
Brighter Days to Come - Keith Stoneman
The first NARPO Photography Competition was successfully held this year,
with worthy winners announced at the long-awaited Conference 2021.
The overall competition winner was Keith Stoneman for ‘Brighter Days to
Come’, who received a prize of £500 of Camera World vouchers.
Deserving runners up were John Ruggiero for ‘Duckling in the Daisies’,
winning £100 of Camera World vouchers and Martyn Hubberd for ‘Beach huts at
Saltburn-by-the-Sea, North Yorkshire’, who won £50 of Camera World vouchers.
Duckling in the Daisies - John Ruggiero Beach huts at Saltburn-by-the-Sea,
North Yorkshire - Martyn Hubberd
www.narpo.org 17NARPONews - YOU WOULDN’T BELIEVE IT
You wouldn’t Believe It
Anecdotes from down the years
Canteen Duties Turmoil a white apron but had no other police apparel/
equipment apart from his truncheon in his hand.
In the early 60’s I was a young constable in the The meals were a bit late that night, but that was
Birmingham City Police stationed at Victoria Road forgiven in the circumstances. His actions highlight
Police Station, Aston. one way that comradeship in the police service
At that time it was the practice that ‘on nights’ develops.
one officer would be deployed to canteen duties
and as such would have to prepare meals for the
rest of the ‘shift’ (1 Inspector, 2 Sargent’s and
approximately 10 Constables).
The Bodyguard
On one night Jock Cameron was so posted, Way back in 1963, I was a young Detective
whilst the rest of the shift was on the streets trying to Constable in Liverpool City Police. One evening,
sort out various and diverse problems. I found myself in the role of bodyguard to Frank
That night a serious public order problem was Sinatra Junior, the son of “Ol’ Blue-eyes” himself.
occurring at an area known as Aston Cross. This Young Frank, then aged 19, had been following
was a distance of approximately 1/2 mile from the in his fathers’ footsteps trying to establish himself
Police Station. Also in close proximity to the area on the cabaret stage in America. One night, whilst
was Ansells Brewery and HP Sauce (interesting appearing at a theatre in Lake Tahoe, he was
smells at times). kidnapped by two men, bundled into the boot of a
car and driven off. The kidnappers were aged 23
years and had planned the offence for some time,
following young Frank through several cities until the
opportunity presented itself.
They got away and demanded a hefty ransom,
which was quickly paid and young Frank was
released. Some cynics declared that it was all
a publicity stunt to help his career, but such
suggestion was totally denied.
To help young Franks’ rehabilitation, it was
decided to send him on a European tour and his
first stop was Liverpool, England, where he was
booked for a one-night-stand at the Empire Theatre
and because of the back-story of the kidnap, it
was decided at some level that there should be a
discreet Police presence.
At short notice, I was ordered to attend the
Empire Theatre and make myself known. I
met young Frank and took up a position in the
wings, where I was subjected to numerous press
photographs, which showed my unidentifiable profile
lurking behind drapes.
I can recall that the theatre was quite full and that
young Frank was well-received. He looked like his
Dad, he sang like his Dad and obviously used the
well-known songs. It was a good show.
Some time later, young Frank and I returned to
the hotel in a taxi. En route, he declared that it was
shameful that a Police Detective had been taken
from important investigations of crime to look after
The trouble involved a large number of men him. I didn’t try to dissuade him, but pointed out that
fighting in the street, having just turned out from I should have been off duty that evening.
local pubs. On our arrival they stopped fighting
each other and decided to turn on us. However the
officers working that night were used to such turmoil
and started dealing with the problem. He lived to the age of 72 and you
My enduring memory of that night is that of
Jock Cameron, having heard that his mates were probably guessed - the signed
in trouble, had left his canteen duties and was seen
running down the road to help. He was still wearing
photos were lost in the post.
18 www.narpo.orgNARPONews - YOU WOULDN’T BELIEVE IT
Well, that made things much worse until I individual supporters.
explained that my wife would be delighted to hear After a short while the Sergeant again consulted
of my evening and that she and I were keen Sinatra his watch and, in a loud voice, said, “Right, now!
fans and had numerous LP’s of “Ol’ Blue Eyes”. It’s bang on midnight. The Constable and I would
Frank was delighted, took down my details and like to take this opportunity to wish everyone here a
promised to send me signed photos etc. very happy and prosperous New Year. Shooouuld
On arrival at the Adelphi Hotel, we were crossing ….”, at which time the ‘congregation’ joined in with
the floor of the large foyer when the Duty Manager a chorus of Auld Lang Syne, joining hands in the
called out from the desk behind. “Oh Mister Sinatra, traditional manner with the Sergeant and myself
your Dad is on the phone here now”. included.
Without pausing a step, young Frank called back, By quarter past twelve we were back on the
“I’m tired. Tell him I’ll ring in the morning” and off we Beat, with no hard feelings, fortified by the traditional
went to his suite. I checked all the doors, windows, Happy New Year glass of whisky. On reflection
cupboards etc. shook his hand and wished him a I thought ‘Well that’s Bobbying!! THEY DIDN’T
good tour. TEACH THAT AT THE TRAINING SCHOOL!!
I don’t know where else he toured but eventually
went back to the States and resumed his cabaret
career.
He lived to the age of 72 and you probably A worthy conviction
guessed - the signed photos were lost in the post.
During the Prison Officers Industrial dispute,
convicted felons were accommodated in Police cells
and looked after by Officers working overtime shifts.
A New Year with a During one such shift I got into conversation with a
London based villain and the following conversation
difference took place:-
Me: “How long are you in for”
During the early sixties I was a Probationer
Reply: “15 years”
stationed on a Beat which covered a post war council
Me: “Christ, that’s a long sentence, what offence?
housing estate, modern terraced or semi-detached
Reply: “Possession of a shotgun cartridge”
buildings. The estate was policed as a cycle beat.
Me: “You don’t get 15 years for possession of a
On New Year’s Evening 1963, I was policing it on
shotgun cartridge”
night shift at just about 11.45pm and noticed that
Reply: “You do when it’s shoved up a sawn off and
the light attached to the outside of one of my Police
you’re stood in the middle of a bank”,
boxes was illuminated. That obviously indicated that
I cried with laughter.
I should use the ‘phone inside the box to get in touch
with the Force Control Room, which I did.
I was informed that there was a disturbance
taking place in a house about a quarter of a mile
away.
On my way to the house I was met by the Shift
Sergeant, quite a character with a chest full of
military medal ribbons. I told him where I was going
and he said that he would accompany me.
We arrived at the house by about 11.55pm. And it
was quite clear that there was a disturbance taking
place. I parked my bike up alongside the fence of
the house and started to walk towards the front
door. The Sergeant stopped me and I couldn’t quite
understand why because there was no let-up in the
noise. It was obvious that what was happening was
not just a friendly exchange of opinions.
After a few minutes the Sergeant looked at his
watch and said that we should knock on the door
now, which I did. The door was opened and we
immediately walked in. There were lots of people
in the room and there was still a lot of shouting
going on and two males were laying into each
quite positively with the females screaming either
encouragement or abuse.
Our entry into the room had the desired effect,
although there was still a certain amount of ‘name-
calling’ going on between the combatants and their
www.narpo.org 19You can also read
