We were formed in 1947 and we celebrated our Diamond Jubilee in 2007.
It is known that the founder member and first Secretary was in 1947, Thomas Joseph kennedy, an ex Inspector at Matlock and he continued in this office until 27th March, 1963. The Chairman was W. B. Clews and both worked diligently towards an efficient branch.
On 6th february 1956 the first invitation was extended to the Chief Constable, W. E. Pitts, to attend a meeting on sunday 18th March, which he did. He was invited to become President of the branch to which he agreed and the practice continues to this day.
Our present Chairman is Len Smith who was elected in 1987 and the present Secretary, M. North is standing down and his place will be taken by the Treasurer, Frank Gregory. Malcolm North has been Secretary since 1995.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
It gives me great pleasure to present my twenty second Annual Report.
It has been a very busy year for the Branch. In addition to the Committee meetings three coach trips were organised, two social evenings were held, one at Buxton Conservative Club in August and the other at Mickleover Golf Club. Both were well supported. I was pleased to welcome the Deputy Chief Constable Alan Goodwin and Chief Supt. Roger Flint, Divisional Commander Buxton Division. I thank John Louch and Arthur Padmore for making the arrangements at Mickleover Golf Club and Derek Beal for organising the Buxton Social. . A buffet was provided by the Branch and a raffle was held at each event. I thank all who provided prizes for the raffles. Three members from the Leicestershire Branch and four from the Nottinghamshire Branch attended the social evening at Mickleover Golf Club.
It is with great sorrow and sadness that two Committee Members, Jim Boston and Maureen Handford passed away during the year. Both had given valuable service to the Branch and the Association. They are sadly missed and our thoughts are with their families.
The Annual General Meeting was held at Force Headquarters on Sunday, 27th April, 2008 by kind permission of the Chief Constable and I am sorry to say that only 57 persons attended which included guests from Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire. The guest speaker, Sandie Wilde, a member of the NEC was unable to attend. Alan Goodwin, Deputy Chief Constable and Vice President of the Branch, addressed the meeting and spoke of the force in general and it’s close ties with the Branch. Alan Goodwin presented Malcolm, the retiring Secretary with a mahogany plaque featuring the NARPO coat of arms in full colour. An orchid was presented to Ann who has supported and helped Malcolm as Secretary.
Malcolm became Secretary in 1994 and has attended every committee meeting since. I am pleased that he has decided to continue to be a member of the committee. Malcolm has been a Life Member since 2004. The ham salad tea at the AGM was prepared by Margaret Roddis, Ruth Watson. Pat Gregory and Sarah Roddis and we thank them all. Also at the AGM I was pleased to welcome the appointment of Frank Gregory as Secretary for the Branch in addition to the post of Treasurer. We all wish him well and thank him for volunteering to fill this very important position.. Under the guidance of Frank the Branch has opened it’s own website, which has received many supporting comments. Our website address is www.derbysnarpo.co.uk and all comments are welcome.
The Branch Lunch was held at Horsley Lodge Golf Club on May 14th, 2008 when 76 attended. The guests included Janet and Roger Birkin, Maria Brown, Sheila Sismay, Ann Eley, Kay Martin. Malcolm and Ann North were also guests on this occasion on the retirement of Malcolm from the Secretary’s position. Peter Goodman Assistant Chief Constable and a Vice President of the Branch, was the principle guest.. A free prize draw was held and I am grateful for the prizes given and my many thanks go to all those who contributed. On behalf of the committee I presented Malcolm and Ann with vouchers for a visit to a leasure complex and Ann received a basket of flowers and she was made a life member of the Association. I thank Kay for taking some photographs of the occasion.
At the Regional Meeting held at Stamford Lincs., on Saturday, 26th April, 2008 and I was elected to be the Regional Representative to serve on the National Executive Committee for another two years commencing in September, 2008. I thank the Branch for nominating me and their continued support.
NATIONAL EXECUTIVE
In my capacity as a member of the National Executive I attended the AGM’s of Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire and Lincolnshire as well as East Midlands Regional Meetings. I also attended four NEC meetings and Conference Arrangements Committee meetings. I am also a member of the Misconduct Sub-Committee. At Branch level I continue to address officers on Resettlement Courses at HQ’s. I thank the Training Dept. staff for their assistance.
The Branch continues to receive support in many ways from our President, Mick Creedon, who I would like to thank especially for the use of the facilities of the Force for our meetings, which is something that is not enjoyed by other branches. I would also thank Alan Goodwin , Peter Goodman and Dee Collins or Vice Presidents, for their support. I also thank Duncan Davies and all at the Federation Office. To all the regular force and support staff who give assistance and guidance to the Branch, I extend my sincere thanks, particularly to those of the Welfare, Finance, Printing, Personnel and Media Depts.
CHRISTMAS LUNCH
The Christmas Lunch was held on Wednesday, 10th December, 2008 at Horsley Lodge Golf Club when 117 persons attended. Due to attending meetings Mick Creedon Chief Constable and Janet Birkin, Chairman of the Police Authority were unable to attend. The Principle Guest was Chief Superintendent Roger Flint, Divisional Commander of ‘C’ Division. Other guests included Carol Brister, Vice Chairman of the Police Authority, Mandy Trotman Vice Chairman of the Joint Branch Board, Kay Martin, Ann Randle and Julie Biddulph from Finance Dept. I was pleased that amongst the 117 persons attending there were ten ‘first timers’who I hope will continue to attend future events. I thank those who gave prizes for the prize draw. The lunch was the 21st held by the Branch. On Wednesday 5th November 2008, I attended a reception at the House of Commons on behalf of the Police Dependents Trust. The guest of honour was the Prime Minister, Gordon Brown who I had the pleasure of meeting.
During 2009 the Association celebrates it’s 90th Anniversary and the Branch has decided to hold a dinner on Wednesday, 24th June, 2009, to mark the occasion. The venue will be Horsley Lodge Golf Club, 7pm for 7.30pm details of which are in the Annual Report.
I give a special thanks to our Secretary, Frank Gregory, and Committee members and their wives for ensuring the smooth running of the Branch and also to those members who visit sick colleagues both in Hospital and in their homes. I know how much this is appreciated.
My final thanks go to members who have supported our functions and activities and who have donated raffle prizes. I hope you will continue to give your support and encourage others who have not already done so to give us a try.
Well that’s it for now and I wish you all the very best and hope to see you soon.
Len
