NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF RETIRED POLICE OFFICERS - DERBYSHIRE BRANCH
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2023 News Archive


07/12/23 Christmas Lottery Draw
The following retired members were lucky winners in the December Draw of the Derbyshire Police Sports Club Christmas Lottery: D Abbott, W Beresford, M North, M Robson, A Neville, L Smith, T Gascoyne, P Newman and J Dawes.  Our congratulations to them.
​​​Sean Murphy (Secretary)
07/12/23 Police Mutual Update
For the information of any members who have Police Mutual products. Please see attached update from Kerry McMahon-White, Head of Police Mutual. 

This update is also on our website  https://narpo.org/police-mutual-update/
 

Any queries should be directed to Police Mutual.
Regards,
​​Alan Lees (CEO NARPO)
12/12/23 Obituary
​It is with sadness that I have to inform you of the death of Mrs Sandra JOHNSON (ex WPC 18 Sandra Metcalfe), 83 years, on Wednesday, 29th November 2023.  Her next of kin is her husband Mr Jim Johnson (ex PC 785) who served on Road Traffic and Underwater Search Unit until his resignation.

Sandra who was the daughter of Insp Ron Metcalfe, served as a Police Cadet number 2, until she joined the regulars in 1958 serving at Chesterfield , Alfreton and Belper until she resigned in 1970 to have her family.
​
Her funeral will be held at 1.30pm on Thursday 14th December 2023 at Christ the King Catholic Church, Nottingham Road, Alfreton DE55 7GL followed by Cremation at Amber Valley Memorial Park and Crematorium, Derby Road, Swanwick.
Sean Murphy (Secretary)
01/12/23 November Lottery Draw
The following retired members were lucky winners in the November Draw of the Derbyshire Sports Club Lottery: V Roberts, J Bailey, M Morley, E Allcock and N Brocket Our congratulations to them.
​​Sean Murphy (Secretary)
Pictureclick for larger image
16/11/23 Community Police Officer of the Year Award
On Wednesday 8th November 2023 I had the honour of attending the Derbyshire Constabulary Celebrating Achievements Awards where I presented the Community Police Officer of the Year to Constable Scheck who is stationed at Ilkeston. The citation for this award was given by Assistant Chief Constable Michelle Shooter.

The award which is sponsored by NARPO Derbyshire Branch is presented in the name of Pc Matt Rowe who died of cancer while serving in Derby in 2005. I had the pleasure of working with Matt so it was so nice to present the trophy which bears his name.
Ian Louch Vice Chair

31/10/23 Obituary
It is with sadness that I have to inform you of the death on 29th October 2023, in Care, of ex ACC of Derbyshire and CC of Bedfordshire Police Paul Hancock, 73 years.  His next of kin is his wife, Mrs Michelle Hancock of Lyme Regis, Dorset.

Paul served in Long Eaton, Derby and Headquarters rising to Assistant Chief Constable.  He then moved to Bedfordshire Police as Chief Constable retiring in 2005.
​
Paul was recently diagnosed with Motor Neurone disease to which he succumbed.  Paul was not a member of NARPO.  He will be remembered by many with fondness.

Paul's funeral will be held at 12.15pm on Monday the 27th November  2023 at East Devon Crematorium, London Road, Strete Ralegh, Whimple, Exeter EX5 2PT, with a celebration of his life afterwards at the Jack in the Green Inn, EX5 2EE.

Donations to Weldmar Hospice, Dorset. (www.weldmarhospicecare.org/)
​Sean Murphy (Secretary)
19/10/23 Linder Myers Solicitors
Dear all,
Linder Myers Solicitors, who previously advertised in NARPO News, have been closed by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (‘SRA’). Gordons LLP have been appointed to help the SRA with the closure. If any member has been a client of Linder Myers, they may need to take action. Further information can be found here: https://www.gordonsllp.com/metamorph/
 
Kind Regards
Sophie Maxwell-Clayton (Marketing Manager NARPO)
10/10/23 Obituary
It is with sadness that I have to inform you of the death this weekend 7th/8th October of Ms Noreen PEARCE, 81 years.  Members will remember, Noreen from when she worked in Cadet Training at Headquarters in 1965, then as a typist at Bakewell in the early 1970’s, then at Matlock typing pool. When that was closed she became the property officer at Buxton DHQ until she retired. Known to many on B Div.  

 Funeral details can be obtained from JW and J Mettam, Funeral Directors of Bakewell tel  
01629 812114​
​Sean Murphy (Secretary)
20/09/23 National Bus Pass Petition
For the information of anyone who may be interested in taking part.
​Sean Murphy (Secretary)

I wanted to bring to your attention an important matter that was raised during the September NEC meeting by No 7 Region, regarding a petition to make the National Bus Passes UK wide. After further discussion with our LLA partners, we are circulating the petition, should Branches and members wish to get involved. The petition can be viewed here: https://chng.it/j5TwtZmjxS
 
Many thanks
 
Kind Regards
Sophie Maxwell-Clayton (Marketing Manager NARPO)
Picture©Ben Fleming-Dufour
13/09/23 NSPCC - Volunteers needed
Volunteers in Derby needed to help NSPCC keep school children safer


Could you spare just a few hours each month to help the NSPCC keep children in Derby safer?

The charity is looking for new volunteers to share its Speak out Stay safe (SOSS) programme in primary schools across the region.

Speak Out Stay Safe is designed to help children aged 5 to 11 understand how to recognise abuse in all its forms. Using age-appropriate language, it helps them understand that abuse is never a child’s fault, that they have the right to be safe, and how to get help from trusted adults or the NSPCC’s Childline service

Last year, the NSPCC delivered SOSS online programmes to over 21,000 children in more than 120 schools in Derbyshire, and is looking for volunteers to train to deliver sessions in person when school starts again in September.
Through assemblies and workshops delivered by volunteers with the help of mascot Buddy, children learn about the different types of abuse and what to do if they're ever worried about themselves or a friend.

Rosie Murden, the NSPCC Schools Coordinator for Derby, said: “We need new volunteers in Derby to help us protect the next generation of children from abuse and neglect.

“Volunteering for the NSPCC Schools Service feels like being part of a family. Our volunteers get to meet like-minded people and together we deliver workshops that help children understand how to Speak Out and Stay Safe.”#

Sharon Hudson, an NSPCC’s schools service volunteer from Derbyshire, has been with the charity for nine years and encourages anyone with spare time to find out more about Speak Out Stay Safe.

Sharon said: “The NSPCC Schools Service plays a hugely important role in teaching children about the importance of speaking out about their worries and concerns while keeping them safe from abuse.

“I like the flexibility of being a schools service volunteer, so I can work round my other commitments and I get to see different parts of Derby when travelling to schools. Training and support are excellent from the NSPCC, so I never feel overwhelmed by the role.”
All NSPCC school volunteers are required to give a minimum commitment of visiting two schools a month and they will receive training and support from their dedicated coordinator.

To apply to become an NSPCC schools service volunteer, please visit: https://join-us.nspcc.org.uk/volunteers/
For further information, please contact [email protected]
END
For further information please contact the NSPCC Midlands press office on 07597 121 552 / 07597 121 552 or email [email protected]
​Sean Murphy (Secretary)

29/08/23 Remedy Flyer for Retired Members
Dear Colleague 
The NPCC have released the attached 2023 Police Pension Update for members who retired between 1 April 2015 and 1 October 2023.
 
This is also on our website- https://www.narpo.org/pensions-challenge-update/
 
Regards 
Alan Lees (CEO NARPO)
14/08/23 Blythe House Hospicecare & Helen's Trust
Following on from the successful NARPO social at Buxton Conservative Club, a raffle took place and we raised £123-00 for Blythe House, Chapel en le Frith.  We would like to thank all those who donated raffle prizes and all those who purchased raffle tickets.  Please see letter below.
Sean Murphy (Secretary)

To everyone at the Derbyshire Branch,

Thank you so much for your very kind and generous donation of £123.00.

Your donation will make a huge difference and will help us to continue to provide free care and services to anyone in the local community affected by life limiting illness and bereavement.

Blythe House Hospicecare & Helen's Trust provides free care and services to people across the High Peak, Hope Valley and North East Derbyshire. Our compassionate and expert staff are on hand to provide COVID-secure:
24/7 palliative and end of life care for patients in their own home
Support after diagnosis, living with your condition, symptom management, planning for end of life care, changes to treatment plans, understanding the current healthcare system, isolation, confusion and loneliness, physical therapies, mental health and well-being
Counselling and bereavement sessions for adults and children. (referral criteria may apply)
Find out more via our website: https://blythehousehospice.org.uk

Kind regards,
Katie Holt
Supporter Engagement Officer
Picture
 04/08/23 Warner  Late Deals - New August Dates Added 
Please see attached latest Warner offers from Time Out 2 Enjoy.
Pete Wise

25/07/23 St John Ambulance - Adult Volunteers needed Church Gresley
Please see below from Steve Bedford of the St John Ambulance. Anyone interested to contact Steve direct.
Sean Murphy (Secretary)

St John Ambulance have received £2.4m funding from the Department of Culture, Media & Sport to help us create 3,500 new spaces for young people across the country in our cadet programme. Cadets are aged 10 to 17 years and learn life-saving first aid skills whilst developing their communication, team-working, resilience and leadership skills. Cadets can provide an emergency first aid response at events both locally such as carnivals, festivals and Derby County matches; and nationally where this year cadets have supported at the London marathon and the King’s Coronation to name but two. But, as first aid competent young people they can be a real asset in their homes, school and communities training others in life-saving skills and providing emergency care to others when needed.

To keep our existing cadet units running and create the additional capacity we need new adult volunteers at Church Gresley. Generally giving 2 to 2½ hours each week to support sessions on a weekday evening our Youth Team members create safe, supportive environments in which young people can thrive. No experience is necessary, full training is provided along with a uniform and reasonable expenses are reimbursed. Please see here for further information or contact me direct on [email protected].
11/07/23 Obituary
This is purely for your information.

Mr. Peter Hook 91 years, ex Public Relations Officer, passed away on the 21st June 2023 from a diabetes related illness.  He worked in Headquarters for over 20 years from the mid 1970’s until taking early retirement on medical grounds.

His next of kin was his estranged wife Dolores Hook.

His took place yesterday, Monday 10th July 2023. Unfortunately I do not have any further details.
​Sean Murphy (Secretary)
08/07/23 Job Vacancy
Please see below. This might suit someone who wants to work casually as opposed to full time.
​
Sean Murphy (Secretary)

Marc Stephens Funeral Services who has premises between Allenton and Chellaston, Derby is looking for casual Driver/Pall Bearers to take part in our funeral duties both ceremonial and back of house.  Applicants to be smart, punctual, reliable and clean driving licence essential.  All training provided and uniform supplied.  Please contact Marc direct on 01332 986966 or [email protected] for more information.
02/07/23 June 2023 Sports Club Lottery Winners
The following members were lucky winners in the June Draw of the Derbyshire Sports Club Lottery: J A Lamb, J Bailey, D Lucas and M A Andrews.

Our congratulations to them.
​Sean Murphy (Secretary)
11/05/23 Cenotaph Parade and Service 2023
​Please see attached invitation to join the Cenotaph Parade, limited places.  Anyone interested to contact the Secretary who will send out further details.
Sean Murphy (Secretary)
13/04/23 ​Data protection claims against PFEW
Dear All
 
In March 2019, the Police Federation (PFEW) was subject to a Cyber Attack and the attached emails were circulated by NARPO on behalf of the PFEW.
 
Following a High Court case on 13th March 2023, please see the latest update from the PFEW - https://www.polfed.org/news/data-protection-claims-against-pfew/ and FAQ’s https://www.polfed.org/news/data-protection-claims-against-pfew/faqs/
 
This update is also on our website - https://www.narpo.org/data-protection-claims-against-pfew/
 

Regards 
Alan Lees (CEO NARPO)
04/04/23 ​Winners of the March Draw of the Sports Club Lottery
The following members were all winners: Linda Sturgeon, D E Naden, ? Robson, L Briddon, M R Holmes, A D Bateman, D McDonald, Graham Betteridge & W P Crick. Our congratulations to them.
Sean Murphy (Secretary)
30/03/23 Extension to deadline to pay voluntary National Insurance
​Dear Colleague 
Please see the below from Connect
 
There is some information on in this issue on our website - https://www.narpo.org/new-state-pension-contracting-out/ Please note it is an individual’s decision on whether to top up their State Pension and NARPO cannot advise on such matters.
 
Regards 
Alan Lees (CEO NARPO)

On the 7th March Financial Secretary to the Treasury Victoria Atkins gave a statement announcing that the government will be extending the deadline to pay voluntary National Insurance (NICs) to 31 July this year.
 
In April 2013 the Government permitted individuals to retrospectively build their April 2006 to April 2016 National Insurance (NICs) record through voluntary contributions as part of transitional arrangements introduced alongside the new State Pension; through paying National Insurance voluntarily, people could ensure that they have enough qualifying years to receive the full State Pension. The deadline for voluntary contributions was set for 5 April 2023.
 
The extension to the deadline follows a “recent surge in customer contact” concerning voluntary contributions. The extended deadline applies to years that would otherwise have been out of time to pay after 5 April, up to and including the 2016/17 tax year. All voluntary NICs payments will be accepted at the existing 2022/23 rates until 31 July.
28/03/23 PTC News
Please see attached the latest edition of Back on the Beat. In particular the article on the Wellbeing Programme for retired officers  may be useful to some members.
Dave Ashley (Chair)
​Copyright © 2025 NARPO Derbyshire Branch. All rights reserved.
Credits: Home page header photograph - 'The Cascade' courtesy of Matthew Bullen, Chatsworth House Trust.
Website: Pete Wise.
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  • Events
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  • Members Ads
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    • Photos >
      • Photos 2024
      • Branch Lunch November 2023
      • Photos 2022
      • 60s Cadet Reunion
      • Branch Xmas Lunch Dec 2021
      • Branch Lunch November 2021
      • NARPO Centenary Dinner 2019
      • Photos 2018
      • Photos 2010-2017
      • Photo Archives
    • Articles >
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  • Useful Info
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