2026 News Archive
28/07/26 Buxton Social
Great Night in Buxton last Friday (24/07/26) for the annual social. Really good turnout and buffet and it was so nice to see so many who hadn't been to a NARPO social before. We also raised over £600 for our charity this year which is Ashgate Hospice. Thanks to all those who attended.
Ian Louch (Chair Derbys NARPO)
Great Night in Buxton last Friday (24/07/26) for the annual social. Really good turnout and buffet and it was so nice to see so many who hadn't been to a NARPO social before. We also raised over £600 for our charity this year which is Ashgate Hospice. Thanks to all those who attended.
Ian Louch (Chair Derbys NARPO)
22/07/26 Ashgate Sparkle Walk
On Saturday 27th June 2026 Derbyshire NARPO members Harry Buttle and Sue Gibbons took part in the Sparkle 10K Night Walk to raise money for Ashgate Hospice, our chosen charity for this year.
The walk raises crucial funds for end of life care when thousands of participants don pink T-shirts, neon tutus and flashing bunny ears to walk the route through the streets of Chesterfield.
Harry and Sue between them raised over £2100 for Ashgate Hospice.
I would like to congratulate them on this achievement.
Ian Louch (Chair Derbys NARPO)
On Saturday 27th June 2026 Derbyshire NARPO members Harry Buttle and Sue Gibbons took part in the Sparkle 10K Night Walk to raise money for Ashgate Hospice, our chosen charity for this year.
The walk raises crucial funds for end of life care when thousands of participants don pink T-shirts, neon tutus and flashing bunny ears to walk the route through the streets of Chesterfield.
Harry and Sue between them raised over £2100 for Ashgate Hospice.
I would like to congratulate them on this achievement.
Ian Louch (Chair Derbys NARPO)
29/06/26 Orgreave Inquiry
If any members are affected by the Orgreave enquiry their latest booklet provides an overview of the Inquiry, as well as information on how those affected by the events at Orgreave can engage with the process. This information is also on the main NARPO website.
Richard 'Doc' Watson (Secretary Derbys NARPO)
If any members are affected by the Orgreave enquiry their latest booklet provides an overview of the Inquiry, as well as information on how those affected by the events at Orgreave can engage with the process. This information is also on the main NARPO website.
Richard 'Doc' Watson (Secretary Derbys NARPO)
16/06/26 Cenotaph Parade and Service
The Royal British Legion is planning to hold the Ex-Service and Civilian Contingents attending the Parade and Service at the Cenotaph, Whitehall, on Remembrance Sunday, 8th November 2026.
NARPO HQ have applied The Royal British Legion to send a national contingent of Forty Eight (48) members, to take part in this unique national event, in the heart of London. We can put forward a maximum of 4 nominations - In the event of more than 4 members putting their names forward names will be drawn.
Due to heightened security measures the Metropolitan Police need to conduct individual security checks on all participants. Therefore, basic personal information will need to be provided in advance for each applicant.
Ticket holders will need to bring both photographic ID and a document showing proof of address with them for access to Horse Guards Parade via the staffed Police entry points on the day.
NARPO HQ are now taking applications from Branches, to take part in the Parade and Service.
All applications must first be made locally to the Derbyshire Branch Secretary via email at [email protected]. If anyone is interested, you must include the Cenotaph application information to enable NARPO HQ to complete the online electronic application process.
Richard 'Doc' Watson (Secretary Derbys NARPO)
The Royal British Legion is planning to hold the Ex-Service and Civilian Contingents attending the Parade and Service at the Cenotaph, Whitehall, on Remembrance Sunday, 8th November 2026.
NARPO HQ have applied The Royal British Legion to send a national contingent of Forty Eight (48) members, to take part in this unique national event, in the heart of London. We can put forward a maximum of 4 nominations - In the event of more than 4 members putting their names forward names will be drawn.
Due to heightened security measures the Metropolitan Police need to conduct individual security checks on all participants. Therefore, basic personal information will need to be provided in advance for each applicant.
Ticket holders will need to bring both photographic ID and a document showing proof of address with them for access to Horse Guards Parade via the staffed Police entry points on the day.
NARPO HQ are now taking applications from Branches, to take part in the Parade and Service.
All applications must first be made locally to the Derbyshire Branch Secretary via email at [email protected]. If anyone is interested, you must include the Cenotaph application information to enable NARPO HQ to complete the online electronic application process.
Richard 'Doc' Watson (Secretary Derbys NARPO)
10/06/26 Policing Charities Launch New Digital Memorial to Honour Fallen Officers
Dear All,
Please see the below message and attached Media Release for your information
Regards,
Alan Lees (CEO NARPO)
In a significant development for police remembrance across the UK, the Police Arboretum Memorial Trust (UK Police Memorial) and the Police Remembrance Trust have launched a new digital platform dedicated to commemorating police officers and staff who have died in the line of duty.
The new Digital Memorial brings together key elements from the existing websites of both charities, including the original online Police Roll of Honour, into one accessible online space, creating a single point of reference for families, the policing community, and the wider public.
Please see Media Release for more information
Melanie Davies (Police Remembrance Trust)
Dear All,
Please see the below message and attached Media Release for your information
Regards,
Alan Lees (CEO NARPO)
In a significant development for police remembrance across the UK, the Police Arboretum Memorial Trust (UK Police Memorial) and the Police Remembrance Trust have launched a new digital platform dedicated to commemorating police officers and staff who have died in the line of duty.
The new Digital Memorial brings together key elements from the existing websites of both charities, including the original online Police Roll of Honour, into one accessible online space, creating a single point of reference for families, the policing community, and the wider public.
Please see Media Release for more information
Melanie Davies (Police Remembrance Trust)
04/06/26 Opportunities for Self-employed Investigators
Please see below message from Stephen Belcher a former officer of Police Scotland and now the Operations Manager at ID Inquiries based in Glasgow.
Richard 'Doc' Watson (Secretary Derbys NARPO)
We are currently seeking to recruit self-employed investigators across various locations throughout the UK. In recent years, we have partnered with several NARPO branches to advertise these opportunities and have found this to be a productive collaboration.
ID Inquiries is a brand protection company working with major sports broadcasting rights holders across the UK and ROI. We are seeking reliable, self-employed investigators to carry out covert regulatory visits within commercial premises. The role involves visiting venues at weekends, to observe and assess whether they are complying with broadcasting licensing conditions.
All visits are conducted, with no interaction required with staff or customers. Investigators are expected to research the premises prior to attending, conduct the covert visit then accurately record their findings and submit detailed reports via an online portal. The work suits individuals who are observant, professional and able to work independently - many of our current operatives come from a background in policing, security, or support services, although this is not essential.
We are currently recruiting in the following areas:
Details of payment will be provided upon application. All applications should be directed to [email protected] containing CV, address and postcode details.
Kind regards,
Stephen Belcher (Operations Manager)
Please see below message from Stephen Belcher a former officer of Police Scotland and now the Operations Manager at ID Inquiries based in Glasgow.
Richard 'Doc' Watson (Secretary Derbys NARPO)
We are currently seeking to recruit self-employed investigators across various locations throughout the UK. In recent years, we have partnered with several NARPO branches to advertise these opportunities and have found this to be a productive collaboration.
ID Inquiries is a brand protection company working with major sports broadcasting rights holders across the UK and ROI. We are seeking reliable, self-employed investigators to carry out covert regulatory visits within commercial premises. The role involves visiting venues at weekends, to observe and assess whether they are complying with broadcasting licensing conditions.
All visits are conducted, with no interaction required with staff or customers. Investigators are expected to research the premises prior to attending, conduct the covert visit then accurately record their findings and submit detailed reports via an online portal. The work suits individuals who are observant, professional and able to work independently - many of our current operatives come from a background in policing, security, or support services, although this is not essential.
We are currently recruiting in the following areas:
- Nottingham / Derby
- Birmingham
- London
- Reading / Windsor
- Leeds / Doncaster / Sheffield / Huddersfield
- Greater Manchester
- Bristol / Newport
- Surrey / South Coast
- Norwich
- Gloucestershire
- Republic of Ireland
Details of payment will be provided upon application. All applications should be directed to [email protected] containing CV, address and postcode details.
Kind regards,
Stephen Belcher (Operations Manager)
23/05/26 NARPO Love or Money Campaign – UK Parliament
For the information of members.
Please see the following link to an Early Day Motion on the Widows/Widowers Pension for Life Campaign-
NARPO Love or Money Campaign - Early Day Motions - UK Parliament
This will be posted on our website
Regards
Alan Lees (CEO NARPO)
For the information of members.
Please see the following link to an Early Day Motion on the Widows/Widowers Pension for Life Campaign-
NARPO Love or Money Campaign - Early Day Motions - UK Parliament
This will be posted on our website
Regards
Alan Lees (CEO NARPO)
23/05/26 Laurelo Specialist Probate Advisers
Please see following link for latest newsletter from Laurelo which may be of interest to members.
Richard 'Doc' Watson (Secretary Derbys NARPO)
Please see following link for latest newsletter from Laurelo which may be of interest to members.
Richard 'Doc' Watson (Secretary Derbys NARPO)
- We are Laurelo - Probate for real people
- Probate and Legal Support
- Financial and Practical Guidance
- Emotional Support and Resources
- Useful Resources and Tools
20/02/26 Remembering the Iraq War – 15 Years On
Please see the below message from the Royal British Legion (RBL)
Members and families who are interested in attending should use the link in the email message from RBL
Alan Lees (CEO NARPO)
Remembering the Iraq War – 15 Years On
We are hosting a daytime commemorative event at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire on Friday 22nd May 2026 to mark the 15th anniversary of the end of Operation TELIC. We warmly invite those to attend from the serving and veteran communities who served in the Iraq War (Op TELIC: 2003-2011), families of those who served in Iraq (including the bereaved), and those who worked as civilian contractors supporting British Forces and civil society in the country.
We ask any individuals who may be interested in attending to register their interest via this link: https://rbl.org.uk/telic15o
Please see the below message from the Royal British Legion (RBL)
Members and families who are interested in attending should use the link in the email message from RBL
Alan Lees (CEO NARPO)
Remembering the Iraq War – 15 Years On
We are hosting a daytime commemorative event at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire on Friday 22nd May 2026 to mark the 15th anniversary of the end of Operation TELIC. We warmly invite those to attend from the serving and veteran communities who served in the Iraq War (Op TELIC: 2003-2011), families of those who served in Iraq (including the bereaved), and those who worked as civilian contractors supporting British Forces and civil society in the country.
We ask any individuals who may be interested in attending to register their interest via this link: https://rbl.org.uk/telic15o
20/02/26 NARPO Partner: Quilter Financial Advisors
Distributed on behalf of NARPO Platinum Partners Quilter Financial Advisors
Richard 'doc' Watson (Secretary Derbyshire NARPO)
Money needs a plan – we can help
Money doesn’t make decisions on its own. Left sitting in cash in the bank it’s likely to quietly lose value. That’s why having a plan matters. The earlier you give your money a plan, the bigger impact it will have on your future lifestyle — but it’s never too late to start.
If you’d like to make the first step, we can help. Our approachable financial advisers make creating your plan easy, so you can make confident decisions, and your money can start working harder for you.
Book your free Initial Consultation now
Why does money need a plan?
· Lazy money loses value over time – inflation chips away at it.
· Investing little and often can help your money grow without needing to be an expert.
· A plan helps you stay focused and puts your money to work for your benefit.
Don’t miss our offer for NARPO members!
Quilter Financial Advisers is part of Quilter plc, whose purpose is to help build brighter financial futures. That starts with a plan. As a member of NARPO, you can get a free initial financial advice consultation with one of our expert advisers to see how a financial plan could benefit you, both now and in the future.
Investing always carries risk. The value of investments can go up and down and you may get back less than you invested.
Approver Quilter Financial Services Limited. January 2026.
Distributed on behalf of NARPO Platinum Partners Quilter Financial Advisors
Richard 'doc' Watson (Secretary Derbyshire NARPO)
Money needs a plan – we can help
Money doesn’t make decisions on its own. Left sitting in cash in the bank it’s likely to quietly lose value. That’s why having a plan matters. The earlier you give your money a plan, the bigger impact it will have on your future lifestyle — but it’s never too late to start.
If you’d like to make the first step, we can help. Our approachable financial advisers make creating your plan easy, so you can make confident decisions, and your money can start working harder for you.
Book your free Initial Consultation now
Why does money need a plan?
· Lazy money loses value over time – inflation chips away at it.
· Investing little and often can help your money grow without needing to be an expert.
· A plan helps you stay focused and puts your money to work for your benefit.
Don’t miss our offer for NARPO members!
Quilter Financial Advisers is part of Quilter plc, whose purpose is to help build brighter financial futures. That starts with a plan. As a member of NARPO, you can get a free initial financial advice consultation with one of our expert advisers to see how a financial plan could benefit you, both now and in the future.
Investing always carries risk. The value of investments can go up and down and you may get back less than you invested.
Approver Quilter Financial Services Limited. January 2026.
17/02/26 Meeting with Derbyshire Police federation
On Friday 13th February 2026 myself and our secretary Doc Watson had the pleasure of meeting Derbyshire Police Federation Secretary Chris Parker and their Wellbeing Lead and my former colleague Helen Gallear.
We discussed our continuing support for their Pre-retirement Course, the current perception of NARPO amongst serving officers, the ways that they can help us to improve this and our relationship moving forward.
We spoke about our welfare team and the ways in which they have been supporting Police widows and the work that is being done to help our former colleagues in need. We also discussed the need for a leavers pack that informed retirees of the benefits we offer.
We all agreed that our aim is to see all Police Officers move seamlessly from membership of the Police Federation to NARPO following retirement.
Ian Louch (Chair Derbyshire NARPO)
On Friday 13th February 2026 myself and our secretary Doc Watson had the pleasure of meeting Derbyshire Police Federation Secretary Chris Parker and their Wellbeing Lead and my former colleague Helen Gallear.
We discussed our continuing support for their Pre-retirement Course, the current perception of NARPO amongst serving officers, the ways that they can help us to improve this and our relationship moving forward.
We spoke about our welfare team and the ways in which they have been supporting Police widows and the work that is being done to help our former colleagues in need. We also discussed the need for a leavers pack that informed retirees of the benefits we offer.
We all agreed that our aim is to see all Police Officers move seamlessly from membership of the Police Federation to NARPO following retirement.
Ian Louch (Chair Derbyshire NARPO)
05/02/26 Wendy Wu Tours - NARPO - Exclusive Member discount
Please see below message regarding offers from Wendy Wu Tours
Richard 'doc' Watson (Secretary Derbys NARPO)
Hello NARPO groups and members
I trust all is well with you and your local NARPO Branch.
As a GOLD partner to NARPO Wendy Wu Tours have some amazing offers and as you know NARPO members are entitled to an additional 5% discount. That’s on top of the offers we have in place so represents a really nice benefit. Don’t forget to use your unique discount code NARPO5 and quote your NARPO membership number at time of booking to redeem the discount.
If you have any questions or require anything further please let me know
Keith Norman
Specialist Sales, Wendy Wu Tours
T: 07983 474493 E: [email protected] W: http://www.wendywutours.co.uk/
Please see below message regarding offers from Wendy Wu Tours
Richard 'doc' Watson (Secretary Derbys NARPO)
Hello NARPO groups and members
I trust all is well with you and your local NARPO Branch.
As a GOLD partner to NARPO Wendy Wu Tours have some amazing offers and as you know NARPO members are entitled to an additional 5% discount. That’s on top of the offers we have in place so represents a really nice benefit. Don’t forget to use your unique discount code NARPO5 and quote your NARPO membership number at time of booking to redeem the discount.
If you have any questions or require anything further please let me know
Keith Norman
Specialist Sales, Wendy Wu Tours
T: 07983 474493 E: [email protected] W: http://www.wendywutours.co.uk/
03/02/26 Member Survey
At the NARPO 2025 Conference, Resolution No. 1 (Gwent Branch) was passed, instructing the National Executive Committee (NEC) to review the Association’s current branch structure. The resolution noted that many branches reflect police force boundaries established several decades ago and asked the NEC to consider whether aligning branches with current force areas may be appropriate. As part of this review, the NEC has been directed to engage with members and branches in order to understand a wide range of views on the existing branch structure. The purpose of this questionnaire is to gather your feedback, experiences, and perspectives. Under the current rules, branches are not required to merge but may do so voluntarily.
The Survey is in the February NARPO News and is available online https://narpo.org/branch-structure-survey for members to complete.
Angela Calvert (NARPO Senior IT & Conference Administrator)
At the NARPO 2025 Conference, Resolution No. 1 (Gwent Branch) was passed, instructing the National Executive Committee (NEC) to review the Association’s current branch structure. The resolution noted that many branches reflect police force boundaries established several decades ago and asked the NEC to consider whether aligning branches with current force areas may be appropriate. As part of this review, the NEC has been directed to engage with members and branches in order to understand a wide range of views on the existing branch structure. The purpose of this questionnaire is to gather your feedback, experiences, and perspectives. Under the current rules, branches are not required to merge but may do so voluntarily.
The Survey is in the February NARPO News and is available online https://narpo.org/branch-structure-survey for members to complete.
Angela Calvert (NARPO Senior IT & Conference Administrator)
01/02/26 Looking for members support with university surveys and research
Good Afternoon All,
We would be grateful if you can circulate these survey / university research to reach as many members as possible.
Supporting T/Chief Inspector Julian Hart of Hull Patrol : https://narpo.org/representation-in-police-leadership/
Supporting student of Winchester University: https://narpo.org/supporting-student-of-winchester-university/
Supporting Bradford University survey: https://narpo.org/the-beat-goes-on-survey/
Many thanks in advance for your support with these.
Kind Regards,
Melissa Colbeck (NARPO Welfare Support & Communications)
Good Afternoon All,
We would be grateful if you can circulate these survey / university research to reach as many members as possible.
Supporting T/Chief Inspector Julian Hart of Hull Patrol : https://narpo.org/representation-in-police-leadership/
Supporting student of Winchester University: https://narpo.org/supporting-student-of-winchester-university/
Supporting Bradford University survey: https://narpo.org/the-beat-goes-on-survey/
Many thanks in advance for your support with these.
Kind Regards,
Melissa Colbeck (NARPO Welfare Support & Communications)
01/02/2026 Widow member Joyce BILSON's 100th Birthday
One of the major reasons for the existence of NARPO is to look after the welfare of its members. With that in mind the Derbyshire Branch recently extended its welfare provision with my appointment as “Welfare Coordinator” and a number of “Welfare Volunteers”.
As a first step, since my appointment I have been arranging for myself or one of the volunteers to visit as many of our widow members as possible. Last week I visited the home of Joyce Bilson but established that following a recent fall and a short spell in hospital Joyce was currently residing at Spencer Grove Care Home in Belper. Not only that, I also discovered that Joyce had celebrated her 100th birthday on 22nd September last year.
It is a shame that we did not know that Joyce celebrated her 100th birthday at the time, as our records for her and many other members are incomplete. Getting those records updated is one of the main thrusts of the work that the Welfare volunteers are now doing as we visit or contact as many members as possible.
Having spoken to members of Joyce’s family I then visited her, taking a bouquet of flowers and a card, wishing her a very belated 100th birthday with many more birthdays to come. Joyce was really pleased to have a visitor and talked to me about her late husband Raymond, who retired from the Force about 40 years ago. I’m sure we all wish Joyce many more happy years to come. Are there still any members who remember Ray and/or Joyce?
I’m sure there will definitely be a few more who remember Joyce and Raymond’s son, Paul Bilson, who followed dad into the Police and also retired some years ago.
Dave Ashley (Welfare Coordinator Derbyshire NARPO)
One of the major reasons for the existence of NARPO is to look after the welfare of its members. With that in mind the Derbyshire Branch recently extended its welfare provision with my appointment as “Welfare Coordinator” and a number of “Welfare Volunteers”.
As a first step, since my appointment I have been arranging for myself or one of the volunteers to visit as many of our widow members as possible. Last week I visited the home of Joyce Bilson but established that following a recent fall and a short spell in hospital Joyce was currently residing at Spencer Grove Care Home in Belper. Not only that, I also discovered that Joyce had celebrated her 100th birthday on 22nd September last year.
It is a shame that we did not know that Joyce celebrated her 100th birthday at the time, as our records for her and many other members are incomplete. Getting those records updated is one of the main thrusts of the work that the Welfare volunteers are now doing as we visit or contact as many members as possible.
Having spoken to members of Joyce’s family I then visited her, taking a bouquet of flowers and a card, wishing her a very belated 100th birthday with many more birthdays to come. Joyce was really pleased to have a visitor and talked to me about her late husband Raymond, who retired from the Force about 40 years ago. I’m sure we all wish Joyce many more happy years to come. Are there still any members who remember Ray and/or Joyce?
I’m sure there will definitely be a few more who remember Joyce and Raymond’s son, Paul Bilson, who followed dad into the Police and also retired some years ago.
Dave Ashley (Welfare Coordinator Derbyshire NARPO)
18/01/26 Sports Club Update
The Force Fly Fishing Section and the Belper Police Social Cricket Section are both actively recruiting for new members. Please see Sports Club page for more information.
Ian Louch (Chair Derbys NARPO)
The Force Fly Fishing Section and the Belper Police Social Cricket Section are both actively recruiting for new members. Please see Sports Club page for more information.
Ian Louch (Chair Derbys NARPO)
03/01/26 Community Police Officer of the Year Award 2025
On Monday 17th November 2025 I attended the annual Derbyshire Constabulary Celebrating Achievement Awards at Derby Cricket Club. For several years Derbyshire NARPO has sponsored an award for the Community Police Officer of the Year. I had the pleasure of presenting this award together with the Chief Constable to PC Simon Lomas who is based in Buxton.
After the ceremony it was nice to speak to Simon and discuss the role we both had in our service as community officers at Fairfield, Buxton, but 40 years apart.
Ian Louch (Chair Derbyshire NARPO)
On Monday 17th November 2025 I attended the annual Derbyshire Constabulary Celebrating Achievement Awards at Derby Cricket Club. For several years Derbyshire NARPO has sponsored an award for the Community Police Officer of the Year. I had the pleasure of presenting this award together with the Chief Constable to PC Simon Lomas who is based in Buxton.
After the ceremony it was nice to speak to Simon and discuss the role we both had in our service as community officers at Fairfield, Buxton, but 40 years apart.
Ian Louch (Chair Derbyshire NARPO)