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NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF RETIRED POLICE OFFICERS
CHICHESTER BRANCH
SUMMER NEWSLETTER 2010
BRANCH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The 63rd Annual General meeting of this Branch was held on 24th April 2010 at the West
Meads Hall, Bognor Regis, and was attended by 94 members. At the meeting, our Chairman
since 2004, Bob Davies stood down. He was thanked for his outstanding service to the
Branch by the award of Life Membership. The following were elected as your committee for
2010 (without the need for a coalition)!
Chairman. Barry Wiseman.
Vice Chairman. Mike Herbert.
Secretary. Les Mann.
Assistant Secretary. Ken Whitfield.
Treasurer. Keith Mates.
Social Secretary. Carol Wiseman.
Chaplain. Rev Cannon Jo Gavigan.
Committee members. Barbara Collison, Dave Warner, John Paice, Lin Herbert, Steve
Rolfe and Ian Arnold.
A NOTE FROM THE NEW CHAIRMAN.
Those of you who attended the Annual General Meeting might remember me saying, “This
wasn’t supposed to happen.” By that, I meant that when I joined the committee however
many years ago it was to support others through a transition of the Branch. Well, here I am
now and with no misgivings. The reason that I have no misgivings is because of the strength
of the other committee members. It is a truly excellent group, representing you all to its
utmost, giving time and effort freely for something in which each of them believes. Being a
police officer shaped our lives in so many ways and, I believe, made us better people than
we would otherwise have been. Although we are now retired, we are still the same people
and we derive so much pleasure and happiness when we are with others like us. Many of us
have been friends for many years and through NARPO, we make new friends we would not
otherwise have known. We trust each other in a special way and we look at each other,
knowing that all of us have performed duties that have changed and, hopefully, improved
the lives of others. From that, I imagine it doesn’t need saying that I am proud to take over
the reins of the Branch and I am touched by your faith in me. I thank outgoing Chair, Bob
Davies for running a good and competent team and hope to pick up where he set down.
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One thing that brings us together in our enjoyment of life is the Branch outings. Please
check Carol’s offerings for the coming year and consider joining us for good holidays at
excellent terms. I can tell you – they just get better every time.
Barry Wiseman
OBITUARIES
I regret to inform you of the deaths of the following former Sussex Police Officers:
Nicholas John WILLIAMS: On 14th March 2010, aged 66 years, a retired Sergeant and a
member of Hastings & Rother District Branch of NARPO. Nick retired in 1994. He served
throughout the County of Sussex, notably as an instructor at the driving school at Chichester
before it was relocated to Headquarters, and as a traffic sergeant at Hastings traffic. He
leaves a wife Jo and a son & daughter. For some years he and Jo have lived in Northallerton,
North Yorkshire, where Jo is a serving Major in the Army Nursing Corps. The funeral took
place in North Yorkshire. Any friends or former colleagues, who wish to contact Jo, can do
so at her home address ‐ details obtainable from the Branch Secretary Hastings & Rother
Branch.
Terry WASS was a DC at Uckfield then uniformed Sgt at Burgess Hill. I have no other
information available.
Ronald MARSHALL: aged 80 years. He leaves a widow Mary to whom all letters of
condolence may be sent c/o R Butler & Son Funeral Director, 5 Station Road, Hailsham BN27
2BE. Tel: 01323 840086 01323 840086. Donations to Cancer Research.
Harold HOWE aged 95 years who died on 6 April 2010. All letters of condolence may be
sent to his daughter Christine Howe c/o Midlands Co‐Operative Funeral Services, 55 West
Bars, Chesterfield S40 1AZ. Tel: 01246 220201 01246 220201 Donations can my made
directly to the Cats Protection League, Chesterfield & District Branch, Cleveland Villa
Mansfield Road, Warsop, Mansfield NG20 0EF. Tel: 01623 845 846 01623 845 846
Richard Swift CLAY BEM, who died on 11 April 2010, aged 89 years. He leaves a widow
Madge to whom all letters of condolence may be sent c/o Nigel Dengate Funeral Services, 4‐
6 Montefiore Road, Hove BN3 1RD. Tel: 01273 204410.
George EARNSHAW. He was a member of Exeter Branch of NARPO. George joined the West
Sussex Constabulary in 1939 served at Littlehampton and then joined the Royal Navy in
1942. After the war he rejoined the Force and served at West Chiltington and Westbourne
and on promotion to Sergeant was posted to Petworth where he retired in that posting.
Harry GIBBS aged 84 years who died on 21 April 2010 He leaves a wife, Dorothy, to whom
all letters of condolence, may be sent c/o the Funeral Director ‐ HD Tribes, 63 Sea Lane,
Rustington BN16 2RQ. Telephone number 01903 787188. Donations in memory of Harry
can be made to The Chestnut Tree Hospice via the Funeral Director. On leaving school Harry
was apprenticed to a firm in Worthing as an electrician and during this time he took part in
wiring the old Police Station. He served in the RAF for two years before transferring to the
Military Police where he served a further four years. His Police Service was at Shoreham,
Midhurst, Cocking and Worthing, Harry’s father was also in the Police Force, finishing up in
the stores at Chichester – but they never served together. Harry was Secretary of the
Worthing Police Choir from its inception in the early 1950’s until amalgamation in 1968,
when the Sussex Police Choir was formed. He also served as Secretary of the Worthing
Branch of NARPO from 1978 until 1983.
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Brian SHEPPARD, aged 79 years, suddenly on 12th May. He joined the former Brighton
County Borough Force in 1951 and retired in the rank of Sergeant in 1981. He was then
employed in a supervisory position in the Prosecutions Dept at Brighton.
Walter WEATHERLEY, aged 86 years, on 29th April. He joined West Sussex Constabulary and
was posted to Horsham in 1949, then serving at Crawley before being posted to Shoreham
in 1964 as Coroners Officer and Scenes of Crime Officer. He remained as Coroners Officer
until he retired in 1976 when he took up his new post as civilian counter clerk at Steyning
Police Station until his retirement. He has been a widower living on his own for several
years. Donations to the Salvation Army.
Les TEMPLEMAN, aged 69 years, on 5th April. On leaving school in Newhaven Les became a
fireman on the railways, but later decided to become a 'proper' fireman and joined East
Sussex Fire Service, later transferring to West Sussex Fire Service on promotion to Sub‐
Officer. In 1966 he joined East Sussex Police and served at Hove, later joining Hove CID
where he stayed until promotion at Bognor in 1975, where he stayed until the early 80's
He was then attached to the Regional Crime Squad at Cosham for 3yrs before gaining
promotion to Inspector. He served as Inspector at Worthing and Petworth, during which
time he was involved with the S.O.G (firearms). In 1986 he became Staff‐Officer to the Chief
Supt at Chichester until joining the Force Drug Unit at Hove as Detective Inspector in 1990.
After his retirement in 1992 Les continued to be active in both the Force Golf and Fishing
sections. He leaves a wife, Margaret, three children, five grandchildren and two great‐
grandchildren.
Peter ALEXANDER, aged 79 years, on 21/02/10 of. He leaves a widow, Jean to whom all
letters of condolence may be sent via the Funeral Director: Arthur C Towner Ltd, 2‐4
Norman Road, St Leonards TN37 6NH. Telephone number 01424 436386. Donations to St
Michaels Hospice may be sent c/o the Funeral Director, details as above.
Walter Sydney (Wally) Hunt aged 90 years on 18/04/2010 of. He leaves a son Michael to
whom all letters of condolence may be sent c/o the Funeral Director Arthur C Towner, 2‐4
Norman Road, St Leonards on Sea, TN37 6NH. Donations to the British Heart Foundation in
memory of Wally may be sent via the Funeral Director.
WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERS
William ‘Bill’ BIGGS now living at Yapton, has joined us an Additional member. His ‘home’
branch is Preston, Lancashire.
Peter and Anita COSTEN living in the Spanish sunshine, Peter retired in 1984 having served
in uniform at Bosham, and at HQ and Bognor CID.
A SHORT MANAGEMENT COURSE.
A priest offered a Nun a lift. She got in and crossed her legs, forcing her gown to reveal a
hint of thigh. The priest nearly had an accident. After controlling the car, he stealthily slid
his hand up her leg. The nun said, 'Father, remember Psalm 129?' The priest removed his
hand, but changing gears, he let his hand slide up her leg again. The nun once again said,
'Father, remember Psalm 129?' The priest apologized 'Sorry sister but the flesh is weak.'
Arriving at the convent, the nun sighed heavily and went on her way. On his arrival at the
church, the priest rushed to look up Psalm 129. It said, 'Go forth and seek, further up you
will find glory.' The Moral of the story is: If you are not well informed in your job, you might
miss a great opportunity.
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NARPO DIARIES
Please contact the Secretary as soon as possible if you wish to order 2011 Narpo diary,
NOSTALGIA SPOT
Derrick Randall has sent this photograph originating from Gerry West's effects. The photo
dates from 1951/52 and might be of some interest to any "survivors" or someone interested
in the West Sussex Constabulary history”. Are you in there? Can you fill in any of the missing
names?
Back row: Eric Ball – Jack Spencer – Colin Bish – John Goldsmith – Gerry West – Bob Burt
Middle row: Arthur Razzell – Not Known (NK) – Terry Hanlon – NK – NK ‐ Derrick Randall –
NK Front Row: NK – Jack Hopkins – Jim Medowcroft Bert Barnett– Sgt Thomas – NK – Phil
Oliver
THE MECHANIC AND THE SURGEON
A mechanic was removing the cylinder heads from the motor of a car when he spotted A
famous heart surgeon who was standing off to the side, waiting for the service manager to
look at his car. The mechanic shouted across the garage," Hello Doctor! Please come over
here for a minute." The famous surgeon, a bit surprised, walked over to the mechanic. The
mechanic straightened up, wiped his hands on a rag and asked argumentatively, "So doctor,
look at this. I also open hearts, take valves out, grind 'em, put in new parts, and when I finish
this will work as good as a new one... So how come you get the big money, when we’re
basically doing the same work? " The doctor leaned over and whispered to the mechanic "
Yes, but try doing it when the Engine is RUNNING "
PAGE 5
FIRE SAFETY CHECKS
Did you know that the West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service (OK Yes, the Fire Brigade)! offer
Home Fire Safety Checks to the most vulnerable individuals and groups as listed below. You
may be eligible if you meet their criteria, which is as follows:
Someone aged 65 and over, a lone adult/lone parent, someone with a permanent disability
or someone with permanent mobility difficulties, someone who is on Careline/Lifeline, or
someone who cannot hear a standard smoke alarm AND lives alone. This is a free service so
therefore well worth considering, if you qualify contact them now on 0800 3286487.
CENOTAPH PARADE
NARPO will again be providing a contingent of 48 members at the Cenotaph in London on
Sunday 14th November. Chichester Branch has been represented in the contingent for the
last two years and both members who attended thoroughly enjoyed the day. If you wish to
be considered this year please let the Secretary know as soon as possible, but please note
that it is quite a physically demanding day, involving at least a 1½ hour stand in Whitehall
and a lengthy march in possibly inclement weather.
NARPO CRUISE TO NORWAY
Cruising can be afjordable, as twenty of our members found on the cruise of the Norwegian
Fjords this spring. Carol had negotiated a free coach to Tilbury and back, so members were
able to spend a week aboard the Marco Polo for as little as £499, enjoying good
accommodation, first class dining and rollicking entertainment. The Marco Polo is a
relatively small cruise ship, accommodating some eight hundred souls and it ploughed its
way bravely through some very rough North Sea weather en route to Norway. There will be
those (including me) that believed the fjords must be overrated. What do we know? They
are truly magnificent! It is true to say that the weather was perfect: cloudless skies, plenty
of sunshine, with snow on the mountains along the fjords. The air was delicious and the
towns, well…kind of strange. There were very few people about and the streets were
spotless, with absolutely no litter or graffiti anywhere. The Norwegian Kroner is riding high
against the £1 Sterling and fish and chips in the street cost about £12 and a prawn sandwich
in a restaurant about £18, but who cares when the Marco Polo fed us so well? It must be
reported that the party behaved properly and integrated totally with the other half of our
party, predominantly people from Carol’s West Meads Residents’ Association. There were
game shows in Scott’s Bar every night and one of our couples won the Mr & Mrs
competition, after making public some very “what the butler didn’t see” details.
Visits were made to Eidfjord, Vik, Ulvik, Flam (where most went on a train ride into the
snow‐covered mountains) and the lovely city of Bergen, where most went on the historic
PAGE 6
Mount Floien Funicular, emerging into falling snow and breathtaking views. The ancient
area of Bryggen was popular and we met many members strolling around the narrow lanes,
mostly commenting on the high price of shop goods, especially the £120+ pullovers.
Apparently, they last forever and have to be mentioned in wills. Most important, though,
was the shipboard life, where drinks were surprisingly reasonably priced. The ship was
comfortable and smaller than most, with a traditional mahogany and brass look. It might
seem strange to read this, but it was a real ship, with real ship noises and sensations. The
crew was of mainly Russian, Ukrainian and other Eastern European extraction and they
made us so welcome. Our thanks go to them.
By the end of the cruise, back in rainy England, Carol had already made up her mind to
travel on the Marco Polo next year to Oslo, Helsinki, Tallinn, Stockholm and St Petersburg.
She mentioned this to others and there is already a nucleus asking to go. It will be for twelve
days, so, not surprisingly, it will be about twice the cost of this year’s trip. Interested? Watch
the newsletters for further details. Do bear in mind that those cheapest cabins tend to be in
the noisier parts of the ship and, though they tend to be not much bigger, any extra money
you pay puts you in a more comfortable part of this interesting ship.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
In case you missed it, the current edition of Narpo News is carrying a full page spread on the
Narpo Group Travel Scheme. (Page 23). I mention it because I think you will find it offers
unparralled value, particularly if you are of the more mature years! You can join if you are
under 85 years and once in, there is no age limit. Premiums are unaffected by age, and
currently single is £80 and couples £115 for worldwide cover. Further to that, pre‐existing
conditions are covered provided you are fit to travel. If you have mislaid your copy or want
further details give the Secretary a call.
SUSSEX POLICE LOTTERY
The Sussex Police Lottery is drawn monthly and tickets are £1 each with a maximum holding
of £10 per draw. The first prize is £1500, second prize is £500 and there are several other
smaller amounts of £100 and £50. If a NARPO member wants to join the Lottery, then they
should contact the Promoter, David Gaylor at david.gaylor@sussex.pnn.police.uk to arrange
monthly payments by means of direct debit. (If you do not have internet access just
telephone the Secretary and I will forward your interest) This would allow the easy
collection of monies and when a member decides to withdraw from the Lottery they can
just cancel their direct debit. Details of winners will be sent to the NARPO Branch
Secretaries in order they may be included in the quarterly publications. Those who win a
prize will, of course, have the cheque sent directly to them. I am not a mathematician but I
know that the chances of winning a prize in the Sussex Police Lottery are higher than the
National Lottery although the prizes are, of course, smaller!
HOW FIGHTS START
The wife was standing nude, looking in the bedroom mirror. She was not happy with what
she saw and said to her husband, "I feel horrible; I look old, fat and ugly. I really need you to
pay me a compliment.' The husband replied, 'Your eyesight's damn near perfect.'
And then the fight started.....
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WEST SUSSEX REUNION
A reminder from Alan Skinner to get your tickets for the West Sussex Reunion in September.
So far 156 tickets have been sold, slightly down on last year although it is still early days, but
this looks like being another occasion not to be missed!
West Sussex Constabulary Reunion
The Charmandean Centre, Forest Road, Worthing
Sunday 26th September 2010 ‐ 12.30pm for 1pm.
Finger buffet Licensed bar
£15.00 each
Wives/partners and widows welcome
Please send cheques payable to ‘West Sussex Police Reunion’ and send to Alan Skinner at
193 Kings Drive, Eastbourne. BN21 2UH
CAROL’S CORNER AND SOCIAL EVENTS FOR THE COMING YEAR
Thank you to all who have supported the Torquay holiday and the New Forest trip to the
Old time music hall/dinner, both of which are now sold out.
New Year Lunch 2010 ‐ those members who have not received their part refund are asked
to forward Carol a stamped self, addressed envelope for its return before 15th June. The
2011 lunch will be at a different venue, work is ongoing!
The proposed programme of social events for 2010/2011 is set out below and whilst this
might seem to you to be somewhat early, I would urge you all to consider them now and to
book early to avoid disappointment. I have tried to appeal to varying requests and tastes.
There is a time limit for members to make bookings, as we have to comply with both a
minimum and a maximum number. Members from our Worthing Branch are always
welcome to join us and we look forward to renewing acquaintances. So, here are my offers
to you:‐
King’s Theatre, Southsea for the show, ‘Guys and Dolls’ – Thursday 4th November 2010.
You know, the one where the gangsters wear yellow zoot suits and all end up singing with
the Salvation Army? A brilliantly uplifting show. Price £21, including coach and driver’s tip.
Autumn Social – ‘Swing’ ‐ Saturday 13th November 2010
We have a treat in store for those who love swing and the big bands. We have managed to
get a contract for “Five Star Swing Band” to play for us at West Meads Hall, with the music
of Glen Miller, Benny Goodman, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald and others. This talented band
is led by Chris Smith, from Frank Sinatra’s European Tour band and Five Star has appeared
on BBC and with Vera Lynn. Simone (saxophone, flute and vocal) was in the Ivy Benson Band
and the double bass player and drummer are just brilliant. A ploughman’s supper will be
provided and tickets will be £10.50. Ninety places are available and they will go quickly.
NOW is the time to reserve your tickets by calling Carol on 01243 827402.
Dutch Waterways Cruise, 3 nights from 15th April 2011 – This is a trip some of you
specifically requested and a nice package has been provisionally arranged. The boat is the
MV Virginia, sister ship to the Kristina and similar in size and specification. There is a
selection of photographs on www.transriverline.nl. We will travel by coach from Bognor
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Regis to Dover port. Some of you have asked to use the ferry rather than the Eurotunnel
every time. We will carry on by coach to Amsterdam, where we will have dinner aboard,
before having a free evening in Amsterdam. The next morning we sail to the ancient town of
Hoorn, where we remain for the rest of the day. On day three we sail to the vibrant town of
Zaandam, where the coach will take those of you wanting to visit the famous Keukenhof
Gardens (admission will be around £10). The following morning, we sail back to Amsterdam
and disembark after breakfast. As with the Rhine Christmas Trip, the coach will follow us
and be available, so we will look at the possibility of an inclusive side trip on day two. I will
try to ensure that we have a Plan‐It coach and will ask for the same driver as last year.
The price, £315, will include all meals aboard, coaching, ferry and driver’s tip, but any
admissions are not included, as some travellers might not wish to visit the gardens.
Only two single cabins are available, so it might be wise for single travellers to travel with a
friend. Holland is a highly underrated destination and the towns the cruise visits are
delightful. A deposit of £80pp will be required by 20th June 2010 and this will be sent
straight to the travel company, so will be non‐refundable. I can arrange monthly payments
for the remainder. The last day for booking will be 15th June 2010 and bookings will be on a
first come, first served basis. We need 42 people to make the trip viable.
12‐night Cruise to the Baltic Cities & St Petersburg September 2011, sailing from Tilbury
and visiting Oslo, Kalundborg (for Copenhagen), Tallinn, Helsinki, Stockholm and Kiel Canal,
with two days in St Petersburg. At the end of our Norway cruise, I mentioned that I was
going to travel on the Marco Polo to St Petersburg next year and immediately it became
apparent that others wanted to go. No further information is available just now, but it is
safe to assume that the trip being twice as long, the cost will be about twice that of Norway.
Figure on £900‐odd for an inside cabin, with prices rising with the location in the ship. If we
have sufficient uptake, I will try to wheedle a free coach again. Those of us who went to
Norway were generally impressed by the Marco Polo, smaller and more intimate than the
new ships, with excellent cuisine and entertainment. No children are allowed. If you wish to
register an interest, please complete and return the slip attached. When we have full details
re dates and prices, I will arrange a meeting with you all. Bookings will need to be made no
later than 15 August 2010.
Ypres October 2011 ‐ staying in the town for four nights, with guided tours of Paschendale
for a day and The Somme on another. The spare day will include a visit to Lille, perhaps
shopping for early Christmas presents. I can’t provide a fixed date or price just yet, but the
whole trip – coaching, half board accommodation, tips should be comfortably less than
£400pp. Ypres is a wonderful town, around a huge, cobbled square and was totally flattened
during WW1. The way the town was restored is breathtaking. We will be able to visit the
Field of Flanders Museum (small admission charge) and the nightly playing of the Last Post
at Menin Gate. I have visited Ypres a number of times and always look forward to returning
to its mix of emotions and atmosphere. Some folks imagine it must be depressing, but that
is the last thing that it is. Personally, I find it sad but, somehow, uplifting.
If you wish to register a genuine interest in any of these trips, please complete the relevant
section of the form below. Don’t forget to enclose a stamped, self‐addressed envelope for a
reply – or phone to reserve your places if you prefer.
We/I am interested in receiving further details of the following events.
Cruise to the Dutch Bulbfields – April 2011.
Name……………………………………………………………
Address…………………………………………………………………………………………
Telephone………………………………..
Cruise to St Petersburg – September 2011.
Name…………………………………………………………..
Address………………………………………………………………………………………….
Telephone…………………………………..
Ypres Holiday – In Flanders Field – October 2011.
Name……………………………………………………………………..
Address…………………………………………………………………………………………
Telephone………………………………………
Note:
All correspondence regarding social events should be sent to the Social Secretary.
Carol Wiseman, 6 College Close, Aldwick, West Sussex PO21 5RR.
Telephone 01243 827402.
(If using answerphone, please speak clearly and remember to leave your name and
number)
All Cheques for Social events, made payable to our Social Account ‘Off Beat Activities’
