|
It is with sadness that I have to inform you of the death on Sunday 30th November 2025, following a stroke, of ex Sgt 378 Michael ‘Mick’ WALKER, following a two year stay in a Nursing Home in Chesterfield. There is no next of kin, as Mick, as he was known, was a widower, following the death of his 3rd wife. Mick had four children, three daughters with whom he has had no contact for over 40 years (despite trying to bring them together). His son, Stephen with whom he was in contact, died suddenly aged 57 from a heart attack, a few years ago.
Mick joined the Police in 1962 and served at Chesterfield and Ilkeston. He was promoted Sergeant in 1971 and served in and around Staveley. In 1982, whilst on patrol with ex PC John Jordan, he was called to an alarm at Loggins Garage, Staveley, which was being robbed at gun point. They were confronted by a masked man with a sawn off shotgun, who ran off. Mick set off after him on foot towards Poolsbrook, when the robber turned and shot at Mick at close range, wounding him on his right side. The robber made good his escape and the case remains undetected. Mick was hospitalized and to his dying day his legs contain 130 pieces of shot. Mick retired in 1989 on an injury on duty pension. There will be no funeral as Mick has opted for a direct cremation. A seemingly tragic story but I would like to mention that for the past two years whilst Mick has been in his Nursing Home, ex PC 830 Kevin Walton has visited him twice a week and acted like a member of the family, seeing to all his needs. He certainly went far and beyond what is hoped of an ex colleague. Ken is also arranging for the scattering of Mick’s ashes in Poolsbrook Country Park on a date to be arranged. Sean Murphy (Derbyshire NARPO Committee)
0 Comments
It is with sadness that I have to inform you of the death on Monday 24th November 2025, peacefully at home with family by her bedside, of Mrs Margaret Lucy BISHTON, 92 years, widow of PC 157 Bill Bishton. Her next of kin is her son, Mr Andrew Bishton.
Margaret was a Policewoman from 1953 to 1957 known as WPC 20 Ball. Stationed at Chesterfield and Matlock, when she met Bill, married and had a family. She then trained as a Social Worker and worked for 25 years in the Chesterfield and Amber Valley areas. She will be remembered as a Police Matron working in Derby and Alfreton. The Bishton’s had an affinity to Derbyshire Police with her service as a Policewoman, Bill as PC 157 a Vehicle examiner, their son Andrew, PC 405 a Dog handler, daughter in law Joanne, who worked in Chesterfield Comms for 10 years, their son Edward aka Ted who was a Scenes of Crime Officer, and his wife Maureen who was a Police Officer in Derby, all now retired. Margaret's funeral service has been arranged for 11.00am on Monday 5th January 2026 at the Parish Church of St. Thomas, 114 Nottingham Road, Somercotes DE55 4LY and at 12.00 noon for the cremation at Amber Valley Memorial Park and Crematorium, Derby Road, Swanwick DE55 1BH. Sean Murphy (Derbyshire NARPO Committee) It is with sadness that I have to inform you of the death on the 23rd November, 2025 peacefully in a Nursing Home, after a short illness of ex Insp 998 Leonard aka ‘Len’ George BRIDDON, 84 years. His next of kin is his wife, Mrs Norma Briddon, however any communications should be sent to their daughter, Mrs Helen Wilson.
Dearly loved husband of Norma, Loved father of Jonathan and Helen and Father in Law to Julie and Jim. Cherished Grandad to Ashley, Alex, Ben, Sophie and Chris and a much loved Great Grandad to Tyran, Ryley and Sienna. Len as he was known served mainly in Derby and retired as Inspector in HQ on 31st March, 1998. On retirement he worked for the Derby Association for the Blind and then as a volunteer. Len was well known as a singer with the Derbyshire Police Choir and was on their committee. Len’s collar number was 218 when he joined Derby Borough (date of joining NK) and then in 1967 he moved to Derby County on amalgamation when his collar number was changed to 998. A service to celebrate Len’s life will be held at 11.30am on Thursday 18th December 2025 at St. Johns the Evangelist Church, Mill Street, Derby DE1 3HZ followed by a private family cremation at Markeaton Crematorium. Family flowers only please but donations in lieu can be made to Treetops Hospice, Derby. Sean Murphy (Derbyshire NARPO Committee) It is with sadness that I have to inform you of the death on the 21st April 2025 of Mrs Janet BANCROFT, 88 years, widow of Insp Gordon Bancroft, who passed away 25 years ago. Her next of kin is her daughter, Mrs. Laura Woodford.
Her funeral has already taken place. Sean Murphy (Derbyshire NARPO Committee) It is with sadness that I have to inform you of the death on the 5th November 2025 of Mrs Ann Lorraine PARRANS, 74 years, wife of ex PC 82 Philip Edward Parrans. Philip is her next of kin. He served mainly in Glossop and Buxton Road Traffic.
Ann had not enjoyed good health for the last two years and suffered from Type 1 Diabetes from her early 20’s. Ann’s funeral has been arranged for 10.30am on Thursday 27th November 2025 at Dukinfield Crematorium, Hall Green Road, Dukinfield SK16 4EP. This will be followed by a Celebration of her Life at Windy Harbour Country Hotel, Woodhead Road, Glossop SK13 7QE from 12.00 noon. All who knew Ann are welcome to attend. Sean Murphy (Derbyshire NARPO Committee) It is with sadness that I have to inform you of the death, in a Care Home in Buxton, on the 20th February 2025, of Mrs Olive WOOD, 102 years, who was the widow of ex PC Edward Wood.
I have spoken to Olive’s niece, Mrs Lynette Lamb, who informed me that, she never knew Edward, who was 20 years older than Olive and aged 70 when they married in 1973. Edward must have served in the 1920’s/1930’s. Her funeral has already taken place. Sean Murphy It is with sadness that I have to inform you of the death, on Thursday 16th October 2025 at the Royal Hospital, Derby, from renal failure, of ex Insp 3102 Ian Keith DADE, 79 years. His next of kin is his wife Mrs Carole Dade. All correspondence via their daughter Mrs Jenny Burton, please.
Ian was a member of Norfolk Constabulary from 9th June 1966 until the 13th May 1979, transferring to Derbyshire on the 14th May 1979. Serving until he retired on the 4th January 1993 on an injury on duty pension following an arrest. Ian served mainly in Derby and retired as Inspector of Swadlincote. There will be no funeral as they are having a Direct Cremation, as per Ian’s wishes. Any donations to Kidney Research please. Sean Murphy It is with sadness that I have to inform you of the death on Sunday 19th October 2025, after a month in Hospital with a heart condition, of ex PC 499 Leslie ‘Les’ NEWTON, 91 years. His next of kin is his wife Mrs Norma Newton.
Les, as he was known, joined the Police and served in Chesterfield , Matlock and Alfreton. He will be remembered as a Dog man with the call sign T57. He retired in 1989 and was the Security Officer with Tesco at Chesterfield for 10 years. There will be no funeral as he will have a Direct Cremation as per his wishes. Sean Murphy  It is with sadness that I have to inform you of the death on Sunday 12th October 2025, in Australia, of ex PC 1487 Richard Terrance TOWNLEY-JONES, 75 years. His next of kin and executor of his will is his son Mark Townley-Jones.
TJ, as he was known to some, died from cancer in a Hospice in Doonan, Queensland, Australia. He served with Derbyshire Police mainly in the Derby area, for 15 years until retiring. Prior to that he served in the Australian and Royal Navy for 10 years. Richard’s cremation, with no service, took place on Wednesday 15th October 2025. There is a memorial page https://bare.com.au/tributes/e4a06000-8e62-426e-a31e-51a51a1a3aa7 Sean Murphy It is with sadness that I have to inform you of the death on Monday 29th September 2025 of ex DC 73 Leslie ‘Les’ MARRIOTT, 75 years. He died peacefully at home with his wife, June, who is his next of kin, by his side. Les as he was known had been poorly since December with heart and kidney failure.
Les retired on ill health around 1995 having served on Chesterfield and Motorway Traffic, CID and Fraud Squad. He then worked as a civilian for 16 years in the File Preparation Unit. Members will remember his wife, June, nee Roper who worked in HQ Operations Room. Les’s funeral has been arranged for 11.00am on Wednesday 29th October 2025 at Amber Valley Memorial Park and Crematorium, Derby Road, Swanwick DE55 1BH and afterwards at Brailsford Golf Club, Pools Head Lane, Brailsford DE6 3BU. Sean Murphy It is with sadness that I have to inform you of the death on Thursday 25th September 2025 of ex DC 1136 William ‘Bill’ John DURRANT, 79 years. Bill endured a 3 year battle with Cancer and died peacefully at home with family present. His next of kin is his wife, Mrs Mary Durrant.
Bill served in the Merchant Navy travelling to all parts of the world before joining the Police. He served in Glossop, Buxton and was seconded to Sheffield Regional Crime Squad. He retired in 2002 shortly before he was diagnosed with Cancer. Bill’s funeral has been arranged for 12.00 noon on Wednesday 15th October 2025 at Bangor Crematorium, Llandegal Road, Bangor LL57 4HP. Sean Murphy It is with sadness that I have to inform you of the death on Friday 19th September 2025 of ex PC 783 Graham MILES, 84 years, following a massive stroke 10 days earlier. Graham passed away peacefully in Eastwood Ward, Chesterfield Royal Hospital. Grahams next of kin is his son Mr David Miles. His wife Dorothy predeceased him two years previous. His partner Joan passed away in May this year.
Graham retired on ill health in 1991 following an injury on duty in the cell block in Chesterfield Police Station. He was also the beat bobby at Whitwell and beat car driver in the Chesterfield area. His funeral has been arranged for 10.10am on Monday 13th October 2025 at Chesterfield Crematorium, Brimington Road, Chesterfield S43 1AU. Sean Murphy It is with sadness that I have to inform you of the death on Thursday 25th September 2025 of ex Sgt 30 Stewart EXTON, 77 years, who died peacefully in a Care Home, after a short illness which led to other complications. His next of kin is his ex wife now partner, Mrs Elaine Exton.
Stewart joined Derbyshire Police as a Cadet in 1965 and then joined the regular force serving in Ilkeston and Matlock. On promotion to Sergeant he served as an Instructor at Dishforth and Ryton on Dunsmore, Police Training Schools. He retired around 1997 and worked as a Gardener and a house sitter in France. Stewart and Elaine divorced in 1993 but eventually reunited living with her as his partner. Stewart’s funeral has been arranged for 9.30am on Monday 20th October 2025 at Amber Valley Memorial Park and Crematorium. It will be a private family funeral. Sean Murphy  It is with sadness that I have to inform you of the death at Chesterfield Royal Hospital on Monday 8th September 2025 at of retired DC Kevin COUGHLAN, 75 years. His next of kin is his wife Sue.
Kev was very well known to those who worked the Derby area. Amongst other sections he served at Chaddesden in uniform and as a Detective at Peartree. He was a lovely man and a well respected Police Officer. His funeral has been arranged for 10.50am on Tuesday 7th October 2025 at Chesterfield Crematorium, Brimington Road, Chesterfield S43 1AU. Ian Louch (Chair) It is with sadness that I have to inform you of the death on Tuesday 26th August 2025, of ex Sgt 98 James Thomas ‘Tom’ GIBBS, 99 years, peacefully in his Care Home at Pinxton Manor, just 10 days short of his 100th birthday. Tom’s next of kin is his wife, Mrs Phyllis Gibbs, whom he married after he retired in 1978. Unfortunately Phyliss is also in a care Home so any communications should be addressed to his son, Mr Bob Gibbs.
Tom as he was known joined Derbyshire Police in 1949 and retired as Sergeant in 1975 where he served at Chesterfield, Ilkeston, Alfreton and lastly in Operations Room at Police Headquarters. After he retired he became a School Welfare Officer with Derbyshire County Council until he retired in about 1985. Tom or Sniffer as he was affectionately known, contributed an enormous amount to Derbyshire Police, together with his brother, the late ex PC Colin Gibbs and his son Bob Gibbs, who retired in 2001. Tom’s funeral has been arranged for 4.00pm on Tuesday 23rd September 2025 at Amber Valley Memorial Park and Crematorium, Derby Road, Swanwick, DE55 1BH. Sean Murphy It is with sadness that I have to inform you of the unexpected death on the 3rd August 2025, peacefully in Hospital, after a short illness of ex PC 530 Thomas ‘Tom’ COCKBURN, 87 years. His wife Alice pre deceased him. His next of kin is his daughter Carol Cockburn
. Tom retired in 1987 and served as a Beat Constable mainly in Swadlincote and Derby. His funeral has been arranged for 1.30pm on Tuesday 9th September 2025 at St. John’s Church, Church Street, Newhall, Swadlincote DE11 0HY followed by interment at Newhall Cemetery (adjacent to the Church). Mourners will be welcomed at Newhall Social Club, 97 High Street, Swadlincote DE11 0HT to raise a toast to Tom to Celebrate his Life. Sean Murphy It is with sadness that I have to inform you of the death on the 22nd July 2025 of Mrs Brenda ROBERTSON, 94 years, widow of ex Sgt 894 Keith Robertson (died 2003). Brenda died peacefully in Hospital. Brenda’s next of kin is her daughter, Geraldine Robertson.
Brenda’s funeral has been arranged for 11.00am on Friday 29th August 2025 at Derby Crematorium, Markeaton Lane, Derby Sean Murphy It is with sadness that I have to inform you of the death on the 15th July 2025, peacefully in Hospital after a shirt illness, of ex Supt Kenneth ROBERTS, 97 years. His wife, Gillian, pre deceased him in 2020. His next of kin is his son, Mr Simon Roberts.
Ken initially joined the Derby Borough Police in 1948 after National Service in Germany. He then transferred to the Derby County Police upon Amalgamation in 1967. Ken served in Derby, Clowne, Matlock in CID and Traffic and Training School, Ripley until his retirement in 1984. After he retired he was a Lecturer at Wilmorton College, Derby and he and Gillian went to live in Spain for 15 years. There will be no funeral as Ken, as per his wishes, will have a Direct Cremation. Sean Murphy It is with sadness that I have to inform you of the death on Wednesday 23rd July 2025, in a Care Home at Etwall, Derby of retired C/Insp 109 Michael Barry PARKIN, 79 years. His next of kin is his wife, Mrs Sandra Parkin. He has two daughters, Samantha and Amanda. Mike as he was known suffered with Parkinson's and was living with Dementia.
Mike joined the Derbyshire Police and was the youngest Sergeant in Derbyshire when he was stationed at Whaley Bridge. He served in Buxton, Ilkeston, and in 1972 was a trainer at Pannal Ash, Harrogate. He later served at Long Eaton and Alfreton, eventually finishing as Chief Inspector at Headquarters Training School until he retired in 1995. There will be no funeral as Sandra has elected for a Direct Cremation. The family hope to have a Celebration of his Life in the near future. I will update you when I know the arrangements. Sean Murphy It is with sadness that I have to inform you of the death of retired PC 14133 Richard PRESCOTT, 58 years. Richard was found deceased on Wednesday 18th June 2025 at his flat at Dronfield where he lived alone. His next of kin is his ex - partner, Meg Holmes, from whom he separated in 2015. They have a daughter, Katie, 18 years.
Richard was in the Navy for 17 years prior to joining the Police. He joined British Transport Police in 2002 and transferred to the Derbyshire Constabulary in 2008. He served at Chesterfield. He retired on ill health in 2022 after suffering from the effects of Covid. There will be no funeral as Richard will have a Direct Cremation or a Naval burial at sea. Sean Murphy It is with sadness that I have to inform you of the death on Wednesday 2nd July 2025, in hospital, of retired DC 2187 KURTIS HAYES-BRADLEY, 52 years, after a short illness. His next of kin is his partner of 24yrs Tracey Jennifer Hayes-Bradley. Kurtis joined the Police in 1998 working in uniform at Derby and then as a DC with EMSOU until he retired in 2018 on ill health. They have two sons, Thomas and Samuel who has just passed his exams for the Derbyshire Police.
Kurtis' Celebration of Life will be held at 1.15pm on Monday 28th July 2025 at Mansfield and District Crematorium, Derby Road, Mansfield NG18 5BJ and afterwards at Larwood Park Sports and Social Club, Twickenham Road, Kirkby in Ashfield, Notts NG17 8SF. Donations to MIND in lieu of flowers. Sean Murphy It is with sadness that I have to inform you of the death on Saturday 14th June 2025, peacefully at Kings Mill Hospital of ex PC 891 Brian Reginald BENNETT, 86 years. His next of kin is his wife, Mrs Sandra Doreen Bennett. Brian suffered with several issues over the past few years eventually suffering from diabetes and Sepsis but always keeping a cheery disposition.
Brian joined Derby Borough Police in 1958, initially as a Cadet and then as PC 87, serving in Derby until amalgamation with Derbyshire County as PC 891 serving mainly on Traffic and the Motorway Section. Latterly he served on a cycle beat around Blackwell, Newton and Tibshelf until retiring in 1988. Brian’s funeral been arranged for 10.00am on Wednesday 2nd July 2025 at Amber Valley Memorial Park and Crematorium, Derby Road, Swanwick DE55 1BH. Sean Murphy (NARPO Committee) It is with sadness that I have to inform you of the death on Friday 30th May 2025 of ex Sgt 983 Michael John MARQUESS, 80 years. Mick, as he was affectionately known, lived with his partner, Marguerite Harrison for the last 41 years. Mick died peacefully at the Florence Nightingale Hospital having patiently borne his disease of Leukemia for the last 3 years.
Although living with Marguerite he remained married to his wife and mother of his sons, Sean and Stephen, Mrs Christine Mary Marquess, 79 years. Mick joined Derby Borough Police as a Cadet No 184, transferring upon amalgamation in 1967. He mainly served at Derby in CID and Regional Crime Squad as Detective Sergeant. He was patrol Sergeant at Heanor and Custody Sergeant at Alfreton. He retired in 1993 on an Injury pension. As per his wishes, Mick is having a Direct Cremation and there will be no funeral. Marguerite Harrison, Mick's partner, would like to thank all those friends and ex colleagues who came to The Falstaff on Saturday 14th June to celebrate Mick's life. She said it was lovely to hear so many nice recollections of Mick and to have a celebratory drink. Sean Murphy (NARPO Committee) It is with sadness that I have to inform you of the death on Wednesday 21st May 2025 of ex Sgt 371 Geoffrey SAUNBY, 93 years. His next of kin is his wife Mrs Janet Elizabeth Saunby. Geoff as he was known had been living with mild dementia, had a chest infection requiring a hospital stay and after complications died peacefully with Janet by his side.
Geoff retired from the Police in 1987 having served at Chesterfield and Derby finishing in the Comms. Room, Derby. He married Janet in the same year. He then became a County Court Bailiff until retiring when he was 62. Members will remember his wife Janet Roebuck as WPC 1790 at Derby. His funeral has been arranged for 12.30pm on Wednesday 25th June 2025 at Derby Crematorium, Markeaton Lane, Derby. Family flowers only. Afterwards at the Great Northern, Station Road, Mickleover, Derby DE3 9FB. Sean Murphy 16/08/25 Thank you for all the wonderful comments about Geoff and your kind expressions of sympathy which have been a great source of comfort. Thanks also to all who attended Geoff’s funeral it was lovely to see everyone and thank you for your generous donations in his memory which have been divided between Alzheimer’s research and The Salvation Army. I have been overwhelmed by everyone’s kindness. I miss him more than words can say and all your messages are very much appreciated. Jan It is with sadness that I have to inform you of the death on the 17th April, 2025 peacefully at home with his family present, of ex Sgt 490 Thomas ‘Tom’ Walter EMMERSON, 83 years. Tom’s wife Jean predeceased him. His next of kin are Paul Emmerson and Tracey Jane Andrews. Tom was only recently diagnosed with Cancer and unfortunately lost his battle.
Tom retired in 1994 having served at Staveley, CID, No3 Crime Squad at Sheffield. He was promoted to Sergeant at Staveley Police Station. Tom’s funeral has already taken place on the 13th May 2025 at Amber Valley Memorial Gardens and Crematorium, Swanwick Sean Murphy |
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.
Credits: Home page header photograph - 'The Cascade' courtesy of Matthew Bullen, Chatsworth House Trust.
Website: Pete Wise.