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Winter 2009City of London Police Pensioners’ Newsletter

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2 Commissioner’s Christmas Message 21 The Investiture of the Prince of Wales

3/4 Seasons Greetings/Guest Editor 23 News from Down under/City Rugby

5 Force Issues/NARPO News 24 The Summer Luncheon

6/19/20/22/30 Letters 25 A City Puzzle?

7/8 Dale Wilkinson and Silver Policeman 26 CID at Christmas

9 Alan Francis climbs the ladder 27 Know your history?

10/11 My Mate... John Cardwell 28/29 Biker Grove

12/13 George Got His Present 31 In Memorium

14 Harry Challoner 32 Bob & Edna’s Wedding

15 Lord Mayor’s Show 33/34 The Senior Brigade

16 A Disreputable Influence 35 Diary Dates

17/18 Wanderlust 36 Contact Sheet

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It’s my pleasure to be writing to you again at this festive time of year. I know many of you continue to take an active interest in what we’ve been doing.  

I’m delighted to be able to report that the force continues to go from strength to strength.  Performance across the board has been excellent. Further decrease s in c r ime l eve l s throughout the City have been achieved.  We have maintained a high detection rate whilst ensuring we continue to deliver a fi r s t - r a t e s e r v i c e t o o u r communities. 

T h e E c o n o m i c C r i m e Directorate is growing, having taken on the mantle of National Lead Force.  A lot of work has

gone into setting up a National Fraud Intelligence Bureau. The new system will give a much fuller picture of fraud offences across the country and help other forces nationwide detect and solve fraud crimes.  

Earlier in the year we launched our Local Policing Pledge. We are determined to deliver on the promises we have made to the p u b l i c b y p u t t i n g o u r communities at the heart of everything we do.  

All of this, and much more, has b e e n a c h i e ve d a g a i n s t a b a c k d ro p o f t h e b i g g e s t o r g a n i s a t i o n a l c h a n g e programme-taking place in the history of the force. We have emerged leaner and fitter. The way, in which important changes

to our structure and ways of working have been successfully introduced, with a minimum of fuss, is a credit to everyone involved.   

All that remains is for me, on behalf of my ACPO team, to wish you and your family a very safe and enjoyable Christmas and New Year.

Mike Bowron Q.P.M.

CHRISTMAS MESSAGE FROM THE COMMISSIONER

The Commissioner

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Christmas message from the Force Chaplin

I am very thankful for the opportunity to share a few thoughts as the year comes to a close.

As I reflect on last few weeks of the year 2009, and start to prepare for Christmas, I can’t help but be struck by how our public figures have been depicted by the media. The MP’s expense scandal and the Bankers salaries and bonuses can hardly be said to be heartening for the many who have lost their jobs during the current financial crisis. It seems there is a spirit of selfishness that has gripped our nation and so it is at this time that we should revisit the Christmas message.

I recently had something of an epiphany when I came to realize what it means to be selfless. I was at a church service, listening to teaching on the life and teachings of Jesus, when the vicar mentioned how some - of ill-intent - tried to trap Jesus by asking him whether they should pay taxes. (this was a canning trap because if Jesus said to pay they could accuse him of being pro Roman occupation; and if Jesus told them they didn’t need  to pay taxes they could claim to the Romans that he was inciting rebellion). Jesus’ response was simple. He asked them to show him a coin; and then asked them whose image was on the coin, to which they responded Caesar’s. At this Jesus instructed them to give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and give to God what belongs to God.

Well, that would be just fine if that was the end of the lesson, only, I felt the prompting of something inside me reminding me of the teaching at the beginning of Genesis which tells us that we are made in God’s image. Like the coin which belonged to Caesar, we belong to God and are to give ourselves to God.

So what is happening when we see such corruption in public and private office or even in our own private lives? Unlike Caesar, God does not send a ‘taxman’ to collect when we don’t give of ourselves as is required. Instead we are told that God came to us in the person of Jesus, in a completely selfless fashion.

As we celebrate Christmas, should we not follow His example by surrendering ourselves to God and serving one another rather than following the example of our disgraced public figures who are out to get as much for themselves as they can?

A friend of mine has said “… actually the people who run our country and bankers etc... are only human...and aren't perfect... thus instead of following their example we should follow Jesus' example and in doing so become more Christ like...”  I couldn’t have said it better. 

Have a wonderful Christmas 

Nicholas Manyumbo

from Karen & Yvette, Force Welfare Office.

Happy Christmas to everyone and thanks for  your support through what has been a difficult year but I'm pleased to say that finally we will have a new Welfare Assistant starting on the 21st of December (we do believe in father Christmas!). We still miss John but I know he is very happy out there in retirement land. Please continue to support Chris' good work by sending  in any items or ideas you may have  for the next . Our thoughts at this time of year go to those who have lost loved ones and we hope all of you have a peaceful and healthy 2010. Our very best wishes  Karen & Yvette

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Welcome to the Winter 2009 issue of the Pensioners’ Newsletter. As you can see, I am back in the chair for this issue so hopefully I didn’t upset too many people despite the hasty preparation of the Summer edition.

Thank you to those of you that have provided (printable) feedback on the last issue and many thanks to all those who have contributed to this issue, with letters and tales or derring do; Whatever, if anything, that means.

In November, I attended my first ever ‘Pensioners’ Parade’ at the Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese for the Lord Mayor’s Show. I must admit to being a bit apprehensive as during my years as a serving officer, it was always meant to be the place to avoid on LMS days. Tales of drunken debauched pensioners running riot, hurling abuse and debagging any uniformed officer that ventured too close to the north footway of Fleet Street, was indeed a frightening proposition.

Happily those stories proved to have been slightly exaggerated. There was no riot, no abuse and most of us kept our trousers on. Although I did notice Chris Kearsy in the corner of the downstairs bar reliving some long forgotten rugby tale with great gusto. I made my excuses and left.

The weather unfortunately was extremely poor. The rain bucketed down and the old City adage that ‘A good copper never gets wet’ was proven correct again, as I was soaked to the skin.

It was nice to see a few old faces that I remembered and there were a few even older ones that I didn’t know because they were far senior to me in their City service. It was however a good turnout for the pensioners.

It was good to see the traditional ACPO salute outside Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, when the Assistant Commissioner and later the Commissioner rode past and raised their hats to greet the pensioners. Loud cheers all round and no one fell off.

I have scattered pictures of the day around this issue in various spaces that were otherwise unfilled.

I would also like to take this opportunity to appraise all those computer literate of the new ‘citypensioners’ website. It is intended as a medium for all city pensioners to use to keep in touch with ex colleagues and friends from our days in the City.

It will have all future and archived newsletters as well as a set of even older newsletters from the 1970’s. There is an area for contacting others either individually or as a group and members will be able to submit photos and articles directly online.

Any forthcoming events can be added at the touch of a button, thereby alerting others even at short notice. There will also be a ‘Sad News’ page which will act as a reminder of funeral dates and other arrangements. Welfare will of course remain as the first point of contact for the family for messages, drape etc.

It is not intended to replace ‘Welfare’ or ‘NARPO’ but will be used to relay information and advice by the City Pensioners, for the City Pensioners.

The site has been approved by Commander Rice and a link will also appear on the Force website.

The pensioners site can be accessed at www.citypensioners.co.uk Any feedback will be greatly appreciated.

A Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all.

Chris Pearson (Guest Editor)

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The main issues for the Force this year have been:

Delivering successful wards policing and the Policing Pledge. Along with 36 other forces we were only rated Fair for this by the HMIC in a report published last week. That means there is more work to be done. We rated poor on our ability to meet response times for attending a 999 call. We set our own deadline of six minutes - I believe the national time is 12 minutes - but we have not met the 95% target. During September we met the deadline 89.2 % of the time, so we have a little way to go. 

Also, development of our role as national lead force for fraud investigation. Since we became lead force 18 months ago we have taken on 80 cases in this role. the estimated financial losses from these cases are around £1 billion. These are cases which may not have been otherwise investigated. Reports of fraud for the year April 08 - 09 have risen 72%. We have now set up the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau and testing is underway. Development of the National Fraud Reporting Centre into which fraud reports will come initially is now being led by the National Fraud Authority, not ourselves, as was originally the case. For the Met and City Police, policing of the G20 protests has turned the spotlight on public order policing and a new approach to this has been developed as a result. The climate camp protests were policed in a more 'softly softly' fashion, with police tactics being less forceful. This has presented a challenge for the force in reassuring the community. Several people in the City were recipients of protestor behaviour during the climate camp that would previously have resulted in immediate police action. There are likely to be no charges as a result of protests, although a number of people were arrested.     

Phil Gilbert has taken over from John Hussey as the secretary of the City of London Police Pensioners Association and NARPO, John did a stirling job for over 12 years and will be a hard act to follow. John has now retired from the welfare

department and handed over to Phil at the AGM in the Spring. Many of you will remember Phil, one of the four Gilbert brothers, Phil joined in 1975, a young fresh faced youth, PC 650 D he served at Wood Street on E  group until he was promoted to Sergeant, PS 2C and moved to Bishopsgate in 1984. Remaining in uniform throughout, Phil was promoted to inspector and then moved to Snow Hill. Whilst inspector Phil served at CP4, HQ as Commissioner Owen Kelly's staff officer, then on to the Force training centre, a spell back at CP4 then on to community safety ending up at the Counter Terrorism Section. Phil retired in 2005 and now works across the road from Wood Street nick, at Schroders, where he looks after their security department.   Two of the four brothers are still serving, Andy retired a few years ago and now works for SOCA, Graham and Jonathon are both based at Bishopsgate, nearing 120 years service between them. Phil can be contacted via email:phillip.a.gilbert@btopenworld.com     and he looks forward to hearing from you.

Force Issues 2009By Angeline Burton

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Dear YvetteMy colleague Andy Day and I would both like to have our letters (Attached ) which we submitted for inclusion in the next City Police Pensioners Newsletter, to also be passed onto the Commissioner for the City of London Police, Mike Bowron. For many of us a review of the withholding of the 'Silver Policeman' from Dale Wilkinson is long overdue and we would be very grateful if the Commissioner would look into this once again. We appreciate that in the past Commissioner Perry Nove did give his support to awarding Dale the silver Policeman but was unable to proceed however, we feel that the time is now appropriate for this situation  to once again to be reconsidered. Thank you Yvette for passing this on.

Peter SimmonsEx DC 536E

Dear Yvette,

I understand that Peter Simmons has emailed you regarding his submission and mine for the next edition of the Pensioners Newsletter. Peter has also requested that you forward our emails to the Commissioner.I hope that you are able to do that. It would be wonderful if at this late stage, Dale Wilkinson could receive a Silver Policeman.If the Commissioner agrees, I know that it will be greatly appreciated. If permission is obtained, then could I suggest that the most appropriate occasion for the presentation to be made would be at the Ex CID Officers Annual Lunch, which this year is being held on Thursday 3rd. December. The Commissioner, (or his deputy), are always invited to attend and say a few words. With over a hundred ex City CID Officers in attendance, including of course Dale Wilkinson, I believe that it would be a wonderful gesture to an ex Officer who has suffered so much over many years as a result of the Old Bailey bomb.We all know that the perpetrators were released from prison under the Good Friday Agreement. Unfortunately, Dale still suffers the results of that atrocity, and will continue to do so for the rest of his life.

Andy Day.  Ex D.C. 541'E'.

Dear Chris,

Could you please include the following in response to Andy Day and Peter Simmons letters re Dale Wilkinson.

'I'm very pleased to announce that following Andy and Pete's renewed appeals Dale Wilkinson will be awarded a silver policemen in honour of his bravery and service. By the time you have read this the presentation will have, as planned,  taken place at this year's CID luncheon to be held on the 3rd December. Many feel this award is long overdue and thanks to Andy and Peter's perseverance, Dale's outstanding service in the COLP has been recognised and acknowledged’.

Karen CattermoleForce Welfare Manager

Brief reminder (not that many of our readers will need it)

On the afternoon of March 8th 1973, a bomb

planted by the IRA inside a parked car exploded

outside The Old Bailey. It hurled nearby vehicles

into the air, wrecked a pub and smashed hundreds

of windows. One person was killed and more than

150 others injured.

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The horrendous injuries sustained by Alfie Hines and Dale Wilkinson on that day are always in my thoughts. Alfie suffered injuries to one of his legs, but despite the best efforts of the medical profession, that leg deteriorated to such an extent that it was recently amputated.

I saw Dale a few months ago and he was preparing to go into hospital for yet another operation, this time to repair an artery in his arm that had been badly damaged in the explosion.I asked Dale how many operations had been performed on him since he was returned unfit for police duty that were as a direct result of the bomb. His reply was very humbling, he said that he had lost track, but over the years it was more than twenty!

Dale is very proud of his ‘City roots’, and despite living in Dorset, still attends many ‘City do’s’.As Peter Simmons has stated in his letter, Dale has been denied the opportunity to receive a ‘Silver Policeman’, the reason being that he does not meet the criteria as laid down, (although I am not quite sure what those criteria are).

I have campaigned for many years to make Dale an exception, and before I retired I submitted an official application to that effect. For an exception to be made, I was told, it had to be approved by a), the current Commissioner, b) , the City Superintendants Association, and c), the City branch of the Federation. To his eternal credit, the Commissioner at that time, Perry Nove, unreservedly approved that Dale should be awarded a Silver Policeman, unfortunately, the Superintendants Association AND the Federation did not approve, so at that time Dale was denied his fondest wish.

I tried to make approaches to the Superintendants Association and the Federation to find out their reasons for refusal, but was met by a brick wall.I felt particularly aggrieved for Dale, because on several occasions previously I had attended Old Jewry to take photographs of Silver Policemen being presented to various persons who, in my opinion, should not have even been considered for

such an award. One in particular stands out in my mind when the Commissioner’s Secretary was leaving her job after only a few years, and was presented with a Silver Policeman! Yes that is true – I know I took the presentation photographs. I should also add that all those presentations I refer to were before Perry Nove became Commissioner.

It is Dale Wilkinson’s dearest wish to receive a Silver Policeman, and as Peter Simmons has stated, perhaps this timely reminder of that terrible day in 1973, may help the current Commissioner consider making an exception to the rules.

Incidentally, just before the car exploded, Dale had taken one photograph of it, and we managed to retrieve the exposed film from the badly damaged camera. The resulting photograph enabled police to trace the car, thereby leading them to the perpetrators, and later convictions in court.

Dale WilkinsonOld Bailey Bomb - March 1973By Andy Day

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Barrister James Crespi is helped from the scene of the explosion.

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It was good to read about Inspector George Murrell’s Commendation Day for his work as the Incident Officer at the scene of the Old Bailey bomb in March 1973. Well done George you certainly deserved this.

That same morning we received information that a car bomb had been defused outside New Scotland Yard. It had a flat tyre, presumably to prevent it being moved away and a briefcase had been left on the back seat. In the afternoon a warning was received by the City Police that there was a car bomb in Old Bailey. My colleague, Dale Wilkinson, and I tossed a coin to see who would take the camera to photograph the suspect vehicle, Dale lost.

We both ran from Snow Hill Police Station down the entire length of Old Bailey looking for a car with a flat tyre and a briefcase or parcel inside but there were no such car. At that time we had no information on the index number of the vehicle, however as we approached the Central Criminal Court a uniformed officer informed us he had received a radio message they had the number of the vehicle, although the number was incorrect it was close enough to a car parked alongside the Old Bailey opposite the George Public House. Dale proceeded to take a photograph of the vehicle whilst I joined other officers in a line to move the public away towards Holborn. We thought we had plenty of time as the New Scotland Yard bomb was timed to go off at 3pm. We had 12 minutes, time enough to clear the area or so we thought but when we reached the toilets in the centre of the road the bomb exploded.

A black cloud obliterated the whole of Old Bailey and you could clearly hear metal whizzing and pinging around. I fell to the ground and remember thinking I was far too late as all the flying debris was well passed me by now. Getting up off the ground a scene of carnage met my eyes, people lying injured with limbs shattered, frightened bewildered people everywhere.

Dale had caught the full force of the blast and was lying severely injured with water gushing over him

from a burst water main, amazingly he was alive and conscious. Carefully we moved him out of the water onto the pavement and I remember asking him where it hurt the most, his reply ‘Everywhere’ not surprising as he had over 400 pieces of metal in his body. I still have some photographs of the scene, faces of colleagues some now long gone doing everything in their power to bring order to chaos and comfort to the badly injured. The best sight of all was when as I looked up the road towards Giltspur Street and saw a stream of doctors in white coats and nurses in uniforms from Barts Hospital running down the centre of the road towards us to help. They were magnificent.

Normally I’m afraid I don’t write for the magazine but am one of the many pensioners who love to get it and catch up on the news but I couldn’t let this item go as it really highlights what has for years been an injustice to the one officer who was the most severely injured- Dale Wilkinson forced through his injuries to retire from the police. Dale still undergoes operations to deal with the on-going results of that terrible day in March as he still has a large amount of the metal in his body. Dale took the photo of the vehicle before it exploded and that photo must be in the City Police archives.

We all treasure our ‘Silver Policeman’ yet Dale has been denied the opportunity to receive what would have been his if he had not been so badly injured in the course of his duty for the City. I know that Andy Day has campaigned long and hard to get the Silver Policeman for Dale and I hope that this timely reminder in the magazine will help the Commissioner consider awarding the Silver Policeman to Dale due to the special circumstances. It would mean a great deal to those of us who were there on the day and have watched Dale cope with his awful and long term injuries with humour and no shred of bitterness. Dale comes regularly to the City ‘do’s’ and is very proud of his connection to the force. Surely it’s time the force did him proud in giving him what he would have gained if his service to the City had not made that impossible.

Dale WilkinsonBy Pete Simmonds

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It was a pleasure to read Chris Pearson’s first Newsletter edition. Many thanks to him for stepping so ably into John Hussey’s shoes and for keeping us all in touch…much appreciated.

Falling.The page-and-a-half of NL ‘Senior Brigade’ was a poignant list, because I co-incidentally thought of it this week as I lay on my garage roof for about five 5 long minutes, having fallen 8 feet from the house roof when ladders slipped. I also thought of tragic events, like the Coroner for Westminster, who many years ago killed himself when seeing to his TV aerial…and Chalky Whyte and Michael Nicholson …as I kept very still, doing a self assessment and coming to the conclusion that I had been lucky. No broken bones. The falling ladder had broken roof tiles, two large panes of wired glass and ripped down some guttering.

Whilst journeying in a neighbour-called ambulance, I was asked by the medic what I had done for a living. (It is at times like this that I am pleased not to have been an estate agent, banker or Member of Parliament!) So I told him about the beloved City. I needed stitches and there was a lot of blood on my face and arms. For those who know what I am trying to relate – it was once again Judo which had helped me when falling.

At the local hospital the lady doctor, who put 7 stitches in my head, asked of the ambulance crew, “What on earth was this 79 year old doing up a ladder?” The reply: “He was ‘Old Bill’ ”. “Say no more,” said the doctor, “…that explains it”. My ears pricked up at this. Do the local Mets have a reputation for being taken into A and E? Does the NHS have an impression that police pensioners think they can walk on water or take chances up ladders? Hopefully they don’t think we are foolhardy…this pensioner excepted!

I have learned a salutary lesson. In future young professionals should do the high work. Our local builder worked for Trollop and Colls and put the finishing touches to the glass on the top of the City’s ‘gherkin’: he’ll do nicely to repair my

damage. We must all take more care as we all wish to make the Senior Brigade.

(In fact I do hope next year to debut in the said NL ‘Senior Brigade’ list , Deo Volente.) Best wishes to all ex colleagues who go up ladders.

The ‘Senior Brigade’Laddus falloffus By Alan Francis, Petts Wood

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USEFUL CONTACT NUMBERS WELFARE

Stay in touch with former colleagues and the welfare office at:

citypensioners.co.uk

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by John Cardwell

It all began a year ago with a massive increase with the of night visits to the toilet, loo carsi depending on your social status. Those of you unfortunate enough to have served with me as a P.C will remember that sleeping was my forte.

Nothing has changed. Sleeping is still my passion. Having disturbed sleep is murder. I cannot go without my sleep, cat naps, snoozes, slumbers.

Eventually I went to the doctors’ to ask for some tablets to staunch the flow. What followed was definitely Kafkaesque. As opposed to tablets I was ordered to lie on a bed with my trousers half-mast. A quick look over my shoulder revealed the doctor pulling on a pair of marigolds in a very purposeful manner.

As I began to protest the doctor pointed out that interfering with my brains was not his idea of a good time either. After what seemed an eternity, the probing stopped and I was told I was the proud possessor of an enlarged prostate. I asked if that was a good thing. Sadly he said “No”.

All I can say is, “Thank God, for the NHS “. I was put on a production line where M.R.I scans were followed by blood test. X rays and P.S.A tests. (Prostate Specific Antigen). The attention to detail and the care I received was inspirational. My only caveat lies with the nurses who were without expectation brilliant. However, they seem to have only a rough idea of the difference between discomfort and pain.One incident involved me having my prostate photographed twelve times. I was told to expect some slight discomfort. A dose of real pain hospital style would have caused me to jump of the roof !

Throughout the slight discomfort I bled like a stuck pig- no comments please! As this was going on the nurse sang a selection of 60’s hits, pausing only to kiss me and tell me how she enjoyed her job. The word ‘surreal’ kept entering my subconscious.

At the end of the shoot I was presented with two ladies sanitary towels to see me through my life threatening loss of blood. Within minutes they were saturated and my long suffering wife gallantly drove me to the nearest chemist where to the girls surprise I asked for two bags of sanitary towels.

Some days later my body resumed its normal working and I attended St Heliers Hospital where I confidently expected to be given the all clear with a pat on the back for being in good shape for a 70 year old.

Not a chance. I sat down and the Specialist said “you have cancer of the prostate with seconds in the bones”. The shock left me feeling otherworldly. I stared then went comatose. Fortunately, I had my daughter, a nurse, next to me and she rallied me in no uncertain terms. Apparently my P.S.A test was high. If the P.S.A is 10 or over, you are in trouble. Mine was an unhealthy 73, that added to the fact that eleven of my twelve pictures were cancerous left me stunned.

By the way of re-assurance the specialist pointed out that some of his other patients had their P.S.A counts in the 100’s. So really I was not much of a worry. In the greater scheme of things this information did not really help me. I explained to the assembled group that I had never smoked; it was ten years since I had an alcoholic drink and that I trained every day. In view of that how could I possibly have cancer?Throughout my diatribe the specialist kept yawning and shaking his watch to make sure it was still going. According to him, what I had said was meaningless and could we now move on. Now firmly put in my place we did indeed move on.

My treatment would comprise a hormone injection every three months, with, more later. I was given another appointment for four months time.

Four months on my P.S.A had gone from 73 to 19 and a further 3 months it was down to 2.8 which is lower that the national average. Only one word- marvellous.

My mate Pete Prostate and Cousin Dem Bones

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There were side effects. Either I was not told or I did not pick it up, but six months into the treatment I discovered the hormones being injected into my stomach were of the female variety. Everything fell into place. My vapours, hot flushes, headaches and the slow but inexorable disappearance of hair from my body can all be traced back to the female hormones. As far as the hot flushes etc were concerned, I did turn to the ladies for sympathy and understanding. Big mistake. Big. Huge. The best I got was along the lines of “ Now you know what we have to put up with.” Followed by very unfeeling sniggering and double entendre asides, which generally brought on another hot flush, much to everyone’s amusement.

The most devastating side effect is the disappearance of my body hair. It took me 72 years to grow 28 hairs on my chest. Eight months later and I am down to a gallant but bedraggled four! Also I am inspected on a daily basis for man boobs and I have been asked to audition for the choir as a soprano.

This has been going on for the past twelve months and I have been overwhelmed by the support I have received in that time.In no particular order of precedence I would like to thank

1. Force Welfare for arranging a stay at the Police Convalescent Home for me

2. Harry Bastable and Ernie Plumb have been absolute stalwarts. They are some years in front of me in the prostate stakes and their advice and support has been invaluable.

3. John Mills and many others from the swimming and sport world have been in constant touch

Finally, and most importantly, learn from my mistakes. Everything that happened to me before I finally went to the doctor I rationalised and ignored. Visits to the toilet- too many cups of tea before bed. Pain in then bones- too much training or too many exercises etc. Always avoiding what was really going on until I was forced to face the truth.

Germany has recognised prostate cancer as being the male equivalent of breast cancer. They encourage every male over 50 to undergo free P.S.A test annually.This facility is not available in the U.K but I do urge everyone over 50 to take the annual P.S.A test and if necessary pay for it.

I did myself untold damage by not listening to my body and to some good advice I was given. At the end of the day cancer is cancer wherever it is. Cancer is out to do you harm and the best protection is early diagnosis and treatment.

Over 50 the motto should be ‘Safety First’. Do not be scared to go to the doctor for advice, help check ups call it what you will. Just don’t stand still and get this as I did. Because to tell the truth, Pete Prostate and Dem Bones are not good mates at all.

John Cardwell

EDITOR’S NOTE. Thank you for this brave and candid letter JC. I am sure that everyone will join me in wishing you all the very best for the future.

My mate Pete Prostate and Cousin Dem BonesContinued.

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Yes, on a very hot day in Washington DC - 98 degrees and abnormally hot - Barry Bowles broke away from the official visit to the West Wing of the White House (the business part with the Oval Office) to present a gift from the “Pilgrim Fathers UK Origins Association” here in Bassetlaw, to George W. Bush, a direct descendent of Francis Cooke who sailed on the Mayflower, survived and settled in Virginia. This was to mark 400 years since the original Pilgrim Fathers (Separatists) fled from the Retford Area to Holland. They then set out for the New World in 1620. (The Pilgrim Fathers UK Origins Association was founded in 2004 by Barry Bowles - see www.pilgrimfathersorigins.org).

It wasn’t presented directly to Mr Bush, which was always a long shot, but due the national emergency in the US - Hurricane Ike and a massive train crash - the President and senior people had other things on their minds than accepting presents. Never the less, a very senior man from the President’s personal staff, Tim Nank, (no more detail for security reasons) received the gift on his behalf. This will be passed to the president and will, most probably, eventually be housed in the new library that Mr Bush will have built after he leaves office. The gift is a specially bound set of the trilogy of historical books written by Sue Allan about the Pilgrim Fathers leaving the Retford area and settling in Virginia; Mayflower Maid, Jamestown Woman and Restoration Lady.

During the 5 day visit, hundreds of brochures, CDs, DVDs, books etc. were handed out to people in all the places visited - White House, the Capitol, the Republican Campaign HQ , as well as individuals and all sorts of tourism outlets. The writer even took advantage of John McCain’s Presidential campaign in Alexandria, Virginia to promote the Pilgrim Fathers and Bassetlaw. People were surprised to meet a Brit on the Campaign Trail, and were thrilled when they found where we came from and the connection with the Pilgrim Fathers. They were hungry for literature and information about their heritage. Several are already coming to the UK for the 2012 Olympics and will be coming over before then to “see what else there is to do in UK to make it a vacation”. They now want to know about their ancestors and the Pilgrim Fathers from Bassetlaw. A contact was

made with a Scotsman, who already knows a great deal about the Pilgrims. He has volunteered to promote and distribute Pilgrim literature etc. to friends working in the tourism and hospitality industry.

Our tour round the Capitol was given us by a Senator’s assistant who appeared to be a real true ’Yank’ but turned out to be from Grimsby! She knows the Retford area and wants to come and see Pilgrim Country. She will be visiting her family over here very soon and wants to show them round!

All in all a very successful visit as far as promoting Bassetlaw, Nottinghamshire and most especially Pilgrim Country was concerned. The people in Washington DC and Alexandria, Virginia, were very welcoming, and so enthusiastic regarding the Pilgrims and the planned celebrations for 2020 and look forward to visiting their roots here in Bassetlaw.

I have to thank the Conservative Party for allowing me to take advantage of the political visit and use some of it to promote something that is so important not just to Bassetlaw but also to British, American and world history, and democracy - The Pilgrim Fathers. I am positive from the reception that I received that the visit will definitely bear fruit. When I suggested a gift for ‘descendent Bush‘, I had no idea what the Pilgrim Fathers UK Origins Association would come up with, but what an inspiration the Trilogy turned out to be. It caught the imagination of everyone who heard about it. Indeed, a local newspaper in Maryland are running a story all about it and it’s author, Sue

Allan, and the gift to George Bush right now! (24th

September 2008).

The political visit was also a great success, although extremely hectic and tiring. The reason for the trip was that, in 2006, the Bassetlaw Conservative Association won the Party’s National Award for Campaigning Excellence. The ‘Prize’ was a trip for 4 activists to go to the USA to study political campaigning methods. No mention of Washington DC at that time! Well, it WAS Washington DC and at the very exciting time of the lead up to the Presidential Elections. The team

George got his present!By Barry Bowles, Carlton-In-Lindrick

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had a professional day of instruction from a non-party organisation in US campaigning. Then on to the Capitol to see both the Senate and Congress in session. This also incorporated a private tour of the whole of the senate, including seeing the Pilgrim Fathers Painting and wall relief, and included all the interconnecting tunnels and a ride on the special underground train.

THEN, on 13th September, as mentioned above, the team joined the John McCain Team at the Virginia Campaign HQ. Their services were very welcome, and on a swelteringly hot day they joined local activists and canvassed the people of Alexandria and Arlington by knocking on doors and asking questions regarding voting intentions. After several hours of that it was back to HQ and telephone canvassing in the US manner. Very enlightening! Then came the highlight. John McCain himself visited and thanked every ‘helper’, had a quick chat and shook their hands.

There was a little free time and almost all of this was spent on 4 wheels, whisking round the city seeing all the sights. Fantastic, but, oh how moving it was at Arlington Military Cemetery; row upon row of white headstones covering a vast area. Seeing rows of new headstones and preparations for even more was a very sad reminder of victims of current conflicts around the world.

One evening of total relaxation was to have been at baseball in Baltimore, but the weather gods had other ideas. We sat for 3 hours waiting but in the end the game was called off due to the heavy rain.

Barry BowlesDeputy ChairmanPilgrim Fathers UK Origins Association

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Presenting the gift

Receiving the gift.

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From Adrian Maxwell (Max), Bampton, Devon

When I joined the City Police in 1968 the 'Challoner case' was still fresh in most copper's minds. In 1963 Met DS Harry Challoner planted a half brick on a demonstrating student, one Ronald Ede. In the charge room Challoner dumped the half brick on the charge Sgt's desk saying to Ede, 'This is a present from Uncle Harold'. Ede was charged with conspiracy to attack the Queen who was to attend a reception where Ede had been demonstrating. The NCCL got involved and wheel came off in a big way. The core issue being that another half brick was planted on another person that day miles away at a different event involving a different copper. The 2 half bricks were a perfect fit. Eventually convictions in 30 of Challoner's cases were overturned, he was charged but found unfit to plead and 3 other officers went to prison after trials at the Bailey. Ironically (see below) Challoner retired to Cornwall and died last year.

I recently came across a current copy of the West Country News (Barnstaple edition) wherein the whole story was retold on the retirement of Ronald Ede. He had gone on to qualify as a barrister and became head of Cornwall CPS. I also read what I hadn't heard in 1968, ie that Challoner was in the SAS in WW2, he was captured twice whilst working behind enemy lines in Italy and was decorated with the Military Medal. Ede bore Challoner no ill will, when  he heard that Challoner was a real war hero he said 'When I knew that he was truly mentally ill and the root cause was that he was damaged whilst preserving our freedoms I felt great sympathy'.

 

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Chris Corke and partner Lionel Seymour and hat

Lord Mayorʼs Show 2009

Allan McLennan feels Troggs collar.

The Assistant Commissioner doffs his topper.

The Commissioner greets the oldies.

Mark Winchester just back from Aus

Lawrence Marchant/Anne Harrison A typical police line up.

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Well there it is then, Norway knocked off the list of things to do and places to visit etc. The week cruise was just about right and at 650 passengers the boat had a good feel about it. Norway is as stunning and as expensive as I remembered it, the prices are extraordinary.

Standing on a railway station platform at From, waiting for the tourist train for the mountains, I noticed an advertisement for hot dogs. Now this is not normally a subject of interest to me but I suddenly thought of Mr W's epicurean interest in things of unknown protein shoved in to a bun. A hot dog and a small bottle of cola cost an eye watering £10.50p. If you were overcome by the need to risk life and digestion with the flat version it would cost you £15.50p.

Back on board I asked the guest speaker on Norwegian social affairs why the exorbitant cost. She said that the population don't like to work but enjoy huge social benefits, thus high taxes, she also added that a fellow traveller had told her that he had paid £23.00p for a sandwich, so beware!

Having been dragged up and down the osteo's table and listened with growing trepidation to the bone crunching noises coming from my joints she pronounced me fit to travel provided I used my newly purchased collapsible all purpose walking stick. I must admit she is a very capable lady. She has got me walking again even though the NHS, for whom I have acquired a lot of respect, was unable to achieve it.

On the first couple of visits as she dragged me half naked up and down the treatment table she told me it was permissible to hold on, however as most of my remaining clothing was being dragged off I chose dignity rather than expediency. I did not realise that training was needed in the use and custom of the common or garden walking stick. In untrained hands, mine, becomes a weapon of mass destruction. If you don't concentrate it assumes a mind of its own, poking passers-by in extraordinary places, tripping them up, usually with a full glass in their hand and committing all sorts of mayhem. On one occasion it even tripped me up, thankfully with no one to see me except

Jennette and she feels my ineptitude is beyond comment anyway.

Whilst I am away, in common with a lot of people, I like to remain unaware of goings on in the larger world. So it was something of a surprise to find that I had been declared an enemy of society. “A disreputable influence” I believe Mr Straw said. I must admit it is not just me, but includes two and a half million other people.

Apparently, because I have acquired three points on my driving licence for travelling just short of the speed of sound, should a disadvantaged member of said society seek to obtain some increase in advantage by knocking me on the head to steal some of my meagre pension, the compensation scheme would deduct money because I am a bad character. This was said just before the expenses scandal broke, what a hoot!

Well what next? The next trip is to be down the Rhine on a floating hotel. J doesn't like waves so I shall raise a glass, hopefully, to this river bourne expedition. I have regular blood and other fluid tests for various malfunctions and on a recent occasion the Doctor asked for a sample of urine. I obliged and he held it up to the light and declared that I was drinking too much. I was astonished and asked how he knew. He replied that for a start there was an olive in it.

Well, snuggle up in the box, regards to all.

Allan

A Disreputable Influence Allan Coleman, Gidea Park

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It’s 4th June and time to compile my usual missive for the forthcoming N.L. Note the date - election day-the day Mrs W. and I tore up our voting papers in protest at the incredulous expenses claims of our hard up politicians.

Another amusing tale from Allan Coleman on Croatia. Allan dear boy, we are off on a Mediterranean cruise in September, visiting Split and Dubrovnic among other places. Let me know the names of the hotels you were staying at and I will pop in to see Big Helga and the Blockhead Brothers, Ivan and Igor, to give them your kind regards!

Brian Cluney’s photo of Charlie Allen brought back memories. On the rounds at Cloak Lane many years ago, I was on point at Cannon Street/Walbrook. It was winter and bitterly cold with an east wind blowing down Cannon Street. Charlie came over and saw I was nearly frozen stiff. “Give me your gauntlets, go and have a cup of tea and then bring me back a cardboard box from the canteen”. This I did. He then folded the box flat and told me to stand on it while doing the point. “You’ll keep warm now mate’ he said. And so it proved. A nice chap, well respected.

By the way Brian, you’re not still chasing railways? Whatever happened to your train set?

Last Christmas and the New Year saw us again cruising the Med. with P & O. I was a bit choked when setting sail from Southampton, standing on our balcony being waved off by a band and children’s choir, singing carols and thinking how lucky we were after lots of depressing news about loss of jobs and homes

owing to the economic situation (I’m a big softy at heart!).

Attended a quiz on board. Question: “What is the full title of the P & O line?” I went all cocky, remembering many strolls past their offices when on the beat. I quickly wrote down “Pacific and Orient Steam Navigation Company” and took my answer to the quizmaster, noticing I was the only one to do so. Wrong! Correct answer : Peninsular and Orient” etc. Big red face!

Just heard on the news that 90% of trains were on time during some unspecified period. Classified as “On time” if they were only up to 10 minutes late! Who on earth thought that up?

Just back from holiday with the ‘Great Train Journeys of York’ Itinerary was mainly spain and Portugal, the latter mainly the River Duoro region.They had never been to this region before and so we were guinea pigs, so to speak. Many things went wrong, including two scenic rail excursions cancelled and substituted by coach tours (Brian Cluney would have been devastated).

Apart from the top class hotels we stayed in, there were many other blips, such as coaches not turning up to ferry us from stations to hotels, to take us to port wine tasting etc. Leaving the tour manager with a near nervous breakdown.

Awaiting to hear how my letter of complaint-along with many others-will be dealt with. So it’s back to cruising in the Med. during September and the Caribbean next Christmas and New Year.

WanderlustPart one

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CONTINUED...

In Madrid, we went to the main station, the scene of the terrorist train bombings. A huge glass dome has been built in the station as a memorial to the dead. Inside, it is perfectly quiet and serene and seems miles away from the hustle and bustle of the station. Very moving.

Oh I nearly forgot! You will love this - I had my wallet stolen in Lisbon on the Metro. Stood by the door on the rather crowded train and got jostled by an attractive well dressed lady, holding a bag in front of her apparently trying to get in. When the doors started to close, she stepped back on to the platform and too late, I realised she had dipped me! Brilliantly done I must say! On to Mastercard within the half hour, to be informed that an attempt had already been made to extract money. No real harm done - just inconvenience and seven euros lighter. Worst thing was I had a completed Cafe Nero coffee card in the wallet, so the b-----d got a free coffee. That really hurt!

At the start of the year, my least favourite store - Tesco - had some wines reduced in price. Spotted a 1999 Rioja Reserva down from £13.99 to £6.99. Grabbed the last four bottles, added eight other lesser bargins and paid at the checkout. On the way out, realised I’d been charged full price for the Riojas. Back to Customer Services (they love me!). After checking the pricing ticket with a staff member, in very small print was Offer ends12

December. “That should have been changed long ago” she said. She refunded £55.96 and allowed me to keep the four bottles as I had, in effecy, been overcharged. What a result - I nearly promoted them to my favourite store!

During the early June hot weather spell, we visited Camulodunum (Colchester to the uninitiated). Question: Why do obese men and women shed their clothes to an almost obscene minimum and if that is not gruesome enough, sport dozens of tattoos on their acres of flesh?...

On this thoughtful note, I’ll open the wine for a well earned aperitif !

Regards to all,

Wanderlust, East Anglia

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John GRAY, Brampton, Ontario Canada

Thank you so much for the Pensioners’ Newsletter, I read it cover to cover and am saddened by the passing of so many people that I knew during my years on the Force prior to 1970 when my family and I emigrated to Canada and I joined the Police in the Region of Peel (440 sq miles).I retired from the police in Canada in 2000 after an additional 30 years of service, decorated twice, was a Ranking Detective and Uniform Sergeant, I attained the rank of A/Station Officer (Staff Sergeant).I thank our friend John LANCASTER for letting you know of my being poorly after an operation. Getting old is no fun, why could we not be retired when we first leave school then after retirement, take up employment? Makes sense to me.I had an operation, in June 13th, 2007, it was supposed to be “day surgery” to remove my gall bladder, stones, sludge and all, by way of laparoscopic surgery, or keyhole surgery as it is also called.I spent five weeks in hospital as the surgeon found out that my gall bladder was completely stuck to my liver, he was only able to make a partial removal, this caused many complications with my blood count etc. I contracted e-coli, had to have blood transfusions as well as intravenous antibiotics etc. I was sent home but had to be taken back to hospital a total of six times due to infections. I had pneumonia twice, once in hospital and the second time at home. I was on Morphine in hospital and they

switched me to a narcotic drug called percocet. On September 12th, I was admitted into the hospital where I had major surgery to scrape the gall bladder from my liver. Once again back onto Morphine and another stay in hospital, I received a 9inch cut across my stomach and was eventually sent home with a drain from my side to collect the build up of bile. The home nurse was in every day to clean me up and re dress the wound. I was on the narcotic Percocet for a total of about 18 months. Cut a long story short, I am off the painkillers completely, I am allowed to drive once again. (what a relief for Ruth not to have to do all the driving). I spent a total of 9 weeks in hospital. I lost 60 lbs in weight (mainly due to hospital food). I try to walk as much as I can. I am back to as normal as I ever will be.

I would love to hear from any old Bishopsgate “E” Group members, or Motorcycle Wing members that remember me.

Our e-mail address is graypad@aol.com

Kindest regards to all.John & Ruth.

Contribute your own articles & letters at:contribute@citypensioners.co.uk

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Chris Kearsy signs autographs

Lord Mayorʼs Show 2009

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Dear Chris Many thanks for carrying on the Book Reviews and I do appreciate it, however I think the City Police Records have searched back a bit too far for the photo of me?  I think it is my GGGGGG granddad, also your proof-readers should be sacked because my name is ROB JERRARD, not Gerrad, or Gerrard as it is spelt in two places.  It is correct in the Pensioners' E-mail Directory. Since I did retire in 1990 perhaps you could replace the portrait of the Lord Chief Justice with the photo attached. The main thing is that you should be thanked for carrying on with the Newsletter which we were in danger of losing.  Good Luck. 

Best Wishes

Rob Jerrard

"Internet Law Book Reviews" www.rjerrard.co.uk\law\policela\policela.htmAndMember of the Advisory Panel to Police Journal (UK)

(See Rob Jerrard’s Book Reviews at www.citypensioners.co.uk)

we were on the same train. Dick and I shared a sleeping cabin with Colin and Carol a couple from Western Australia. We boarded the train at 8pm and for the next 4 hours we had a great time with international members popping in for a chat and a night cap. At some stage we named it the Vodka Train. It was a rude awakening at 4.30am the next day when 'she who must be obeyed', our Russian carriage captain, switched on our lights and started to pull the sheets off of Colin. We got the message. Per-haps Kevin was actually dragged from his bed.

I am sure all those who received the pins were equally surprised and pleased.

Page 12

PENSIONERS NEWSLETTER

C I T Y O F L O N D O N

P O L I C E

!"#$%&!!'()*$#""+$,"!-&!$

Ex Police Inspector Rob Gerrard

Has sent in the following book

Reviews. He says “Can you Mention me and my website www.rjerrard.co.uk\law\policela\police.htm

This is "Internet Law Book Reviews".

Publishers send books but no money Changes hands, the site provides academic independent reviews of law books, but these are more general of interest.

The street to qualify as the ‘worst in London’ is the former Dorset Street, a stone’s throw from Spitalfields Market and the City of London boundary. It was renamed Duval Street in 1905, in an unsuccessful attempt to rid the street of its dreadful reputation. In the second half of the twentieth century developers moved in and razed the remaining buildings to the ground. The grim, non-residential replacements make any hope of a further ‘history’ beyond the second half of the twentieth century a forlorn one. Today the ‘worst street in London’ is a mere quarter mile stretch of tarmac and scant evidence remains of its former notoriety.

Few streets have a ‘history’ other than that connected to their original naming. Any history that arises tends to come about as a result of the activities of people who construct, frequent, reside or do business in them. The history of Dorset Street was further affected by a mixture of events arising from the behaviour of individuals who lived or owned property in it. Sometimes the history itself was affected by people and decisions made well away from the area. In some cases by Parliament and, more distant still, by governments in foreign countries, driving sections of its citizens to escape persecution by moving elsewhere. It was a street for the poor and throughout its history attracted the disadvantaged for whom it, and the neighbouring parts of East London, became a fa-voured destination.

None of these points is missed by Fiona Rule in her first published book. She traces the history of Dorset Street throughout the ages from promising beginnings in the 17th century as part of a silk-weaving industry, through the decline of the silk industry, fol-lowed by years of poverty, the lodging house industry and a general exploitation of the poor, before becoming a hotbed for criminal activity and finally to the present day.

Ms Rule examines the issues which brought groups of people from overseas to seek sanctuary or employment and the eventual recognition that the area had become ‘a problem’. She also points to the sometimes futile attempts of parliamentarians to ‘do something’, usually achieving nothing, and the efforts of philanthropists, which at least had some impact. The illustrations used throughout, are, on the whole, well-known to any London historian or Ripperologist. None the less they give a fair indication of the area and the problems it experienced between the sixteenth to the early twentieth centuries in general and to Dorset Street in particular.

It is not often that a reviewer feels driven to comment on covers of a book, but this one is worthy of note. The bottom third of the front cover is taken up by the title and author’s name. The top third comprises a picture, circa 1900 of Dorset Street, including some of its inhabitants. The central portion is taken up by an 1890s map of the area. The map itself then merges in with both the picture and the title in a most effective way. The final touch is a faint trace of blood droplets and smears hinting at the violence throughout the street’s history and which eventually contributed to its downfall. Those who consider that covers should indicate the content will be well-pleased.

The Worst Street In London

Fiona Rule

Published by Ian Allen 2008

Price £19.99

ISBN 978 0 7110 3345 0

Rob Jerrard Lord Chief Justice

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The above photographs shows the City Police Contingent at the Investiture of the Prince of Wales on 1 July 1969 at Caernarvon Castle.  Dave Smith is at the left of the arch facing you and I am between the yeoman and plain clothes officer on the right. Not sure of any others. I think the original photos were published in the Daily Telegraph at the time.

Mick Lee

The Investiture of the Prince of WalesJuly 1st 1969 Caernarvon CastleFrom Mick Lee

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From Mrs J M Armfield of Rayleigh, Essex

Re Friends United, Newsletter Summer 09.

I felt deeply moved on reading the account of Ron and Pauline’s journey to Africa. Such courage deserves to be given some kind of peace in the tragic loss of their beloved son. The way, and what they have achieved to make this project possible over the last nine years, has been remarkable. But the end result is to say the least, truly amazing and courageous. I’m sure Martin was with them all the way. I sincerely hope their reward will be the peace they are hoping for in the future years. They really deserve it.Martin would have been so proud of you both.Mrs J Armfield

From Chris Haydon (Italy)

Dear Yvette,Could you please pass on the following message to Chris.Pearson as I didn't see his actual contact details in the Pensioner Magazine...............(maybe I missed it as the old brain isn't as sharp as it used to be......!!) Thanks.

 Location, Location."Hello there Chris - Just wanted to say "Congratulations" - firstly, on your retirement from the City, and also for the great job you have done as "Guest Editor" of the Pensioners Magazine.It is no easy task to put together such a publication but rest assured that it was a most enjoyable read and I don't doubt that you will get many encouraging comments from other pensioners as well. I can't believe that I have been retired for almost nine years now.........Blimey, how time flies.We moved to Cornwall initially after my retirement but last year we moved out to Italy to be nearer our daughter and family.It's no easy task learning a new language and culture at our age......but things are going well.We have just been formally granted "residency" so we can become one of the locals and are currently renting a small apartment in Bolzano in order to get ourselves properly established before starting our house-hunting in earnest.Having the "residential status" now enables us to "crack on" and buy a  car and later a property - the good news being that we will pay a lot less tax as a "resident"...

 

Cheers for now, and regards to everyone back home.Congratulations once again.

Chris

PS - please feel free to put this letter in the next issue if it meets your "editorial standards".........!! Also, I have attached a picture of me on the beach before we left England.

From ex City sleuth Wayne Shepherd

Dear all, If you receive a phone call on your mobile from any person, saying that, he or she is a company engineer, or telling that they're checking your mobile line, and you have to press # 90 or #09 or any other number. End this call immediately without pressing any numbers. There is a fraud company using a device that once you press #90 or #09 they can access your "SIM" card and make calls at your expense. Forward this message to as many friends as you can, to stop it.

Wayne

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G’day!

It was good to see our first member, Brian ‘Jock’ Garry, reach the list of 80 plus ‘Seniors’. We thought this was an ideal opportunity to have another get together to rib him about his seniority. However despite the fact that we have been in drought for the last 10 years, the heavens opened, the roads flooded and the car carrying half our ‘mob’ collided and had to be towed away. Ralph’s car was a write off but he Barbara and Peter Murray were not seriously injured, just extremely shaken up. He has vowed the next car has to have airbags. We all thought Peter’s stomach would act as one but apparently not. Sorry Peter. That just left Jill & Keith Cronchey, Jock & Edna Garry and Dick and I. We had arranged a dinner at our usual restaurant on the 17th September only to find out that it was Jock and Edna’s 54th Wedding anniversary. The restaurant supplied a bottle of complimentary champagne to celebrate the occasion. Ann Merry lives too far away to join us on our socials but we hear she is organising a trip back to UK. Gordon and Pat Sidnell are still unable to attend due to ill health but we keep in touch by phone.Another member Ted Crofton lives in Queensland but keeps in touch with us. Unfortunately he is another on our ‘sick’ list. He has been in remission for a year for multiple myeloma and has now been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma after having his tonsils out at 71yrs. He is on the ‘Chemo’ treadmill again and we all wish him well. Hopefully he will make a speedy recovery so that he can dust off that caravan that’s in storage and come down with Carmen to visit us all in Victoria.

Best wishes,

Sandy

The City of London Police Rugby Section has grown over the last 5 years. The team has gone from strength to strength with the addition of new players. The season has started quietly and only one game has been played so far. This was against Kent Police in the Police Cup Semi Final. This ended in a narrow 13-12 defeat.

The Team entered into the British Police 7's Competition where 18 forces attended.  Credible wins followed against Avon and Somerset and Leicestershire and  narrow defeats to Gwent and Staffordshire (attached is a photo).

Over the last year the team has played Coventry BCU both home and away, Troops Hereford, 11 EOD Regt RLC, BTP, LFB,  HMP's Belmarsh and Pentonville.

All games are being played at the HAC with a fixture every month.

The Steve Dyer memorial game is hopefully going to take place in April or May 2010 at Bancrofts RFC, Buckhurst Hill. When this has been arranged further details will be published.

The section has currently got two players who represent the British Police, namely Paul Carroll and James Grimes.

The section is currently sponsored by Plowman Craven and the Blue Lamp Bar at Bishopsgate, this has provided two kits for the team.

COLPASC News from down under.

from Sandy Pelling, Victoria, Aus

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CITY RUGGER!By Clive Gwinnell

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Picture of this years Summer Luncheon. Letters of thanks were received from , Sylvia Owst, Les Hollet, Bill Gallafent, Rita Benwell, Vera Burrell, Helen Howard, Eileen Nicol, Lionel & Joan

Ball, Connie Talbot, Norma Goreing, Peggy Richiardi, Barbara Bridle, Beryl Axell, Barbara & Margaret Gallafent.

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From left of pic: Force Chaplin Nicholas Manyumbo, Anne Oakley, ex PC 268 B Dave Wright

Magician Etienne Pradier, with serving officers.

John Hussey

From left of pic: Nicola Harferth, Janet Campbell, Eric Nesbitt, friend of Connie Moore, Connie Morre

Moonshine Entertainments

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Now here’s a puzzle! This photograph of a group of City of London policemen turned up in the archives of the Gloucestershire Constabulary. The questions is, when, where and on what occasion was it taken?

Presumably ‘when’ could be anywhere between the First and Second World Wars. Or maybe even earlier? ‘Where’ it was taken is also unclear, perhaps the Guildhall before the Luftwaffe re-arranged the architecture? The stonework is certainly impressive. Furthermore, during one early period, Guildhall was were training took place, so could it be a passing out occasion? It was also where a standing ‘reserve’ of officers was based at one time.

Who is the gentleman in plain clothes? He’s tall enough to be a member of the Force. Could he be a senior officer and the bow tie added a further impression of importance? Someone who did have a natty line in bow ties was Chief Inspector Ernest Nicholls who joined at the turn of the century and retired in the mid 1930s. On retirement he wrote a book ‘Crime within the Square Mile’ which contains a portrait of him, clean shaven and sporting a bow tie. Could it be him? And whoever he was, why did he bring his blasted dog with him?

What about the senior uniformed officer? He looks a bit like James Stark who was the Assistant Commissioner during the late 1920s. But the uniform appears to have been that of an Inspector, a rank he would have held pre 1920.

Anyone out there any ideas? There are other group photographs of a similar background. Somebody out there must have some better ideas.

Peter Rowe

A City Puzzle?By Peter Rowe, Cirencester, Glos.

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Dear All,Please find attached details of our Annual Lunch to be held on Thursday 3rd December 2009 at the Garrison Mess, Brigade of Guards HQ at Wellington Barracks. 

You will see that the cost of this event is £35 per person.  This is an increase on last year, but we hope that the excellent menu and very reasonable bar prices (bitter £1 a pint, lager £2 a pint, spirits £1, mixes 50p and wine £6 a bottle) and of course a great venue to dine in will make up for this.  The bar will be open at 11.30am so there is no need to visit any of the (expensive) local pubs beforehand. 

The mess will comfortably hold 150 and dining will be at round tables of 8.  The bar area is spacious with plenty of room for everyone to meet.  If you are bringing guests, I do need to know their names as we have to provide Wellington Barracks with details of all those attending.  Entrance to Wellington Barracks for this event will be via the Petty France entrance and you will be directed to the mess.  Finally, I do need to have numbers and cheques back to me by 16th November please as I have to confirm our final numbers shortly afterwards.  Interest for this Lunch is pretty high, so I would be grateful if you would return your slips to me as soon as you can.  Letters will be going out to those not on e-mail in the next couple of days.

That's about it for now, we've had a few members not too well recently and 'hip' problems have been on the increase - must be up and down those high City kerbs! - we wish them all well.  We are also trying to recover dues owed, so I'll come back to each of you individually in the next few days and let you know what you owe - if anything.  Bob McIntosh is recovering well, he hopes to be at the lunch and will be resuming his Association duties in the New Year.

AGM went well, Fred Simmons and the committee were voted back in and everyone adjourned to the bar pretty quickly. I'll send the minutes out in due course.

Regards

Jim

EDITORS NOTE. City folkore has it that the term ‘CIDOO DEE’ was first coined by the

infamous DC TILBURY-ESSEX as he was making his way home from a ‘CID DOO’ in the late 1980’s. He was spotted, a little worse for wear and unsteady on his feet by a Night Duty PC at Bank Junction.

PC “Are you ok Bob?”Bob (Eyes glazed, speech slurred etc. etc.), “Yes,

I’ve been to the CIDOO DEE”

Christmas CIDOO DEE Ex CID OfficersJim Jolly

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Log on to the website to find or add details of upcoming events!

citypensioners.co.uk

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Texsʼ JottingsAldgate.

One of the six original gates to the City built by the Romans. The road through it led out to the east and Colchester, once the capital city of England. The Saxons called it Ealdgate, ‘old gate’. It was rebuilt at some time between 1108 and 1147. In 1215, the year of Magna Carta, the Barons came through it on their way to lay siege to the Tower of London. Between 1374 and 1385 the room above the gate was leased to Geoffrey Chaucer. In 1471 during the War of the Roses, The Bastard of Fauconberg, at the head of 5,000 men, demanded entrance.

The citizens let him in, but then lowered the portcullis and routed his force. Mary Tudor entered London through this gate in 1553 for the first time as Queen. Princess Elizabeth waited with a guard of honour of 2,000 men to meet her. The gate was rebuilt in 1606-1609 when Roman coins were found in the original foundations. It was demolished in 1761 and briefly re-erected at Bethnal Green. Its site is now covered by the corner of Aldgate and Duke’s Place.

Acknowledgement to The London Encyclopaedia

Billingsgate Market.

Famous for fish and bad language ! For many centuries, Billingsgate and Queenhithe were the main wharves in the City for the mooring of fishing vessels and landing their cargoes. Queenhithe was at first the most important but Billingsgate gradually superseded it, masters of ships preferring to use the wharf below London Bridge rather than attempt its’awkward passage.The first toll regulations for the Market in existence date from 1016. Corn, malt and

salt as well as fish were landed as early as the 13th century; and by the reign of Elizabeth 1st , ‘victuals and fruit’ as well.

Billingsgate became a ‘free and open market for all sorts of fish’ in 1698, when an Act of Parliament was passed to break the monopoly of a group of fishmongers. The foul and abusive language their became notorious. Until 1850 the market consisted only of shed buildings, the open space by the dock being dotted with low booths and sheds, with a range of wooden houses with a piazza in front on the west, which served the salesmen and fishmongers as shelters and for the purpose of carrying on their trade.

The porters bobbing hats, so named after the charge they made to carry the fish from the wholesaler to the retailer, are said to have been modelled on the leather helmets worn by Henry V’s bowmen at Agincourt. The market was rebuilt in 1850. In 1874 it was rebuilt again to a design by Sir Horace Jones, the City Architect and was reopened by the Lord Mayor in July 1877.

It had a practical iron interior, conceived with the needs of the wholesale fish trade in mind, but the exterior was somewhat in the French Renaissance style with pavilions at either end mounted by golden dolphins on the weather vanes.

The old Thames-side market closed on 16th January 1982 and moved to new premises on the Isle of Dogs.

Acknowlegement to The London Encyclopaedia

Know your History?By Ex PC 781 Ian Harmer

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By Mark Headley

The Up (and certainly) over the hill gang

If you ‘d have said to me 25 years ago sitting in the drivers’ room at Wood Street that ‘Bomber’ Dave Harries (606) would one day float past me in a pool in Southern France being chased by my daughter intent on drowning him with a water pistol, I’d have said you were mad! This tale tells you how it happened.

This June, Bomber turned up for 3 days off roading with me in France having discussed it when he called in to see us last year on his grand motorcycle tour of Europe. I had recently bought a KTM 400 EXC-R (Enduro) and still had my old Suzuki DRZ 400 for Dave to ride.

Day 1 arrived- clear blue skies ( unlike our heads from the night before ) and about 35 degrees. Nice gentle morning’s ride of fire-trails and tracks in the mountains. Bomber hadn’t ridden off road before and it takes time to master riding most of the time standing up which is necessary to absorb all the ruts and bumps.

Just before lunch we stopped at a bar by a river for a small libation where Bomber said he could have just taken off his helmet and laid in the river to cool off. After another hours ride we stopped for lunch at quite a nice little restaurant where the tables outside looked very inviting but surprisingly empty .We politely asked to eat outside but were grumpily told “ No “ Ahh the quirkiness of the French at times….

Lunch reminded us of our ages when both of us had to take our daily prescribed pills washed down with a saucy little ‘rouge ‘

After a great afternoon riding a mountain ridge line with fantastic views we descended down a very overgrown pathway, between two hills into my hamlet. A good day’s ride having covered about 140 kms offroad.

Late afternoon and evening comprised of swimming, drinking and talking – how unusual especially the second two.

Day 2Even hotter than day 1. We met up with my usual riding partner Andy and off we set .The first half hour of our route is a little demanding as we had to ride a few steep climbs.. At one point the rising track got even steeper with a dog leg to the right over a rock step about 2-3 feet high. Andy in the lead dropped his bike trying to mount said step. I stopped about 10ft behind him. I glanced round and there was Bomber – 3 seconds later another glance round - no Bomber, bike or anything at all, just a large bush to my left shaking and after a few seconds a crash helmet appeared out of the bush at foot level.

As Bomber tells it he performed the worlds best wheelie even better than Evil Kneivel but only moved forward for 2 or 3 feet before spectacularly plunging off the track and down into the undergrowth.

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It took all 3 of us to get the bike out and all 3 of us again to get each bike over the rocky step. We then rode through fantastic scenery with great views towards the Mediterranean and Pyrenees in the distance and even managed to ride through a vast underground river cave. A great mornings ride was topped off by lunch in a lovely shaded square with a fountain in which all 3 of us dunked our heads in. ‘Heaven’ as it was now in the 40s in the sun and all of us wearing full body armour just in case of a ‘tumble’.

More of the same in the afternoon except for a completely new experience, my first ever puncture. Front wheel. Tried repairing it with an aerosol can but never really fixed the problem, so hobbled home on road at about 30kph for the last 20 miles. All in all a great days riding covering 150kms off road. After a lazy morning we had a gentle afternoon pottering around a fresh set of mountain trails and of course the obligatory stop for a cold beer in between only covering 80kms concluding in about a 3 mile long descending trail made up wholly of rocks the size of tennis balls, (now that’s fun to ride on) and guess what another puncture, Bomber’s front tyre, luckily we were only 15 mins from home so gently ambled back.

In all we had a great few days riding. I don’t think Dave expected it to be as physically demanding as it was but he coped brilliantly with the new style of riding necessary and I’m looking forward to another visit to explore new pastures. That’s if us old timers can cope!

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Dear Yvette,Perhaps you would kindly pass on my comments below to Chris Pearson, Guest Editor of the Newsletter, as he did ask for some feedback following his Summer edition.  Dear Chris,I find the small print very difficult owing to my deteriorating eyesight.   The previous format was OK but anything smaller and I struggle.     The pages are very 'crowded' and some articles 'too' long.'Nevertheless it is appreciated  that you have stepped in to the keep this valuable communication going and I wish you all the best with future editiions. Best WishesEric Gladman - 10063

from ex Snow Hill PC Robin Fisher

Dear Mr Pearson I was so pleased to hear about the new web site for City pensioners, I quickly turned my laptop on, got my grandchildren to sit with me, and went to the web site. It looked really cool, to use their language, then suddenly my grand-daughter let out a scream and on the screen there was a photo of a hideous looking man in a moustache with piercing devil eyes. She now has to have therapy and still wakes at night screaming. Please remove the offending photo. I attached a copy so you see can for yourself. A shocked pensioner. Robin Fisher

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(As a result of Eric’s letter, Welfare have now contacted every City Pensioner and asked who would like future copies of the Newsletter in larger print. So many thanks to Eric for the feedback).

Chris Pearson circa 1981

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It is with great sadness that Ex Inspector Donald Bull has informed us that his wife Pamela passed away aged 81 on the 6th September 2009.

from Bob Cottrill, EssexIt is with deepest regret that I have to inform you of the death of my wife Edna following a prolonged and painful illness. She suffered with dignity battling Amyloids, a debilitating blood disorder in her nervous system that slowly attacks the vital organs causing them to eventually fail. Amyloids is a little known incurable disease that only has one research centre in this country based at the Royal Free hospital, Hampstead. Over 1000 pounds was raised in support of the research by family and friends attending the funeral service.

I would particularly like to thank John Conroy, Bruce Parker, Colin Pridmore, Peter Smith (ex City), Bill Lynd, and Dick Lettin for their support throughout these difficult times.

Edna and I would have been married 46 years last October. Our wedding reception in Hackney was attended by many of my former colleagues in the City Police at Bishopsgate. I attach a photo of the event that includes (L-R) Bob Lane, John Shrosbry, Bill Stansfield, Taffy Blye, Bill Wratten, Andy Day, Bill Best, Roy Smith, Pat Butner and Pam Mayes. Mick Sherlock was also there but is not in the  first photo. Readers may also be interested to know that the jazz band seen in the background were the Happy Wanderers. They were buskers who could regularly be seen each Sunday in Petticoat Lane Market walking in single file along the middle of the road playing their instruments to the delight of the crowds.

May I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.

Bob Cottrill

(see page 32 for Bob & Edna’s Wedding photos)

Those who have sadly, passed away this year:

Denis Corboy: 3.02.09

Roy Wilson: 19.02.09

David Davies: March/09

Martin Lawrence Walshe: 17.05.09

Richard ( Dickie) Farmer 22.5.09

Anthony Thomas ( Gerry) Rye: 6.6.09

Ian (Hamish) Tucker: 11.7.09

Roy Fredrick Holiday (Doc) 5.08.09

Bert Heaps: 6.08.09 

Stan Newall: 18.09.09

Robert (Bob) Howard 18.10.09

from Cris & Jon Fowler - Cris is the daughter of the late Richard (Dickie) Farmer Dear Yvette,

Would please be kind enough to pass on not only our sincerest thanks to all those who 'braved the elements' (not to mention the Army Association's Guard of Honour!!) to attend Dad's funeral yesterday -  as you may have heard, he was a bit of a 'show man' so would have loved every minute of the proceedings - but also our profound apologies for not spending as much time as we would have liked speaking to each and every one of them or thanking them personally.I was beginning to understand how Her Majesty feels, facing a seemingly unending line of people who want to shake her hand/tell their tales!!Seriously, it was an overwhelming show of kindness and appreciated more than mere words could ever say so thank you all.

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Bob & Edna Cottrill’s Wedding Reception.

By Trenz Pruca

Top Photo - (L-R) Bob Lane, John Shrosbry, Bill Stansfield, Taffy Blye, Bill Wratten, Andy Day, Bill Best, Roy Smith, Pat Butner and Pam Mayes.

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The Senior BrigadeC

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80 OR OVER RANK AGE JOINED PENSIONED

Bill White PC 6333 E 97 09.07.36 10.08.72

Henry Tyson PS 22 B 95 17.01.35 01.09.62

Wally Hailes DS 903 E 95 19.05.38 25.10.68

Wally Stapleton ASST COMM 93 28.05.36 01.07.76

Philip Copack 89 26.09.46 30.05.78

Alan Brown Ch/Supt 89

Francis (Ted) Stubbs PS 23 B 88 20.09.48 07.01.74

Jimmy Green Ch/Insp 87 27.02.41 09.10.72

Fred Chamberlain PS 75 C 87 13.03.47 20.09.76

Sid Smith Ch/Supt 87 02.01.47 02.20.79

Fred Butterfield ? 87 27.05.48 01.06.76

James Murrell PC 611 E 87 12.05.52 12.02.73

George Fell PC 172 B 87 27.04.53 03.10.82

Peter Knowles PC 358 A 86

Stanley Geale Inspector 86 10.04.47 01.07.77

Cyril Breeze PC 658 D 85 22.03.54 19.09.79

IanHayward DS 941 E 85

Ken Short Ch/Supt 85 29.04.48 10.05.76

Albert Parry PS 44 E 84 26.01.53 03.05.83

Cyril Tolhurst PS 35 E 84 24.01.55 28.01.85

Ron Goldson PS 8 B 83 09.02.53 19.02.86

Ron Edrupt PC 645 D 83 17.08.53 20.04.81

W R White PC 709 E 83 13.02.50 31.08.84

Donald Bull Inspector 83 26.02.48 01.03.78

Charles Torrance PC 606 D 83 25.05.52 06.02.78

John Thacker PC 477 B 83 20.01.52 04.07.77

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The Senior Brigadecontinued from page 30

80 OR OVER RANK AGE JOINED PENSIONED

Gordon Muffett PS 104 C 83 08.06.53 13.06.83

Gerald Wallace D/Insp 82 05.02.48 06.02.87

Ted Buckle PC 425 E 82 27.02.50 03.03.75

Bill Webster DS 912 E 82 01.04.48 12.20.77

Francis McPherson PC 188 E 82 30.10.50 31.10.76

Raymond Holland PC 477 E 82 15.12.52 14.05.84

John Sherlock PC 468 E 82 22.06.53 01.07.83

Ron Scriven PS 78 E 82 29.04.48 05.11.73

Bob Wilson PC 445 E 81 20.12.54 18.02.84

David Pronger PC 644 E 81 20.07.53 05.09.83

Donald Smith Ch/Supt 81 11.08.52 29.02.83

Andrew Graham PC420 A 81 05.10.53 05.10.83

Dennis Edwards PC 460 E 81 26.07.54 28.08.84

Len Wilson DS 904 e 81 16.02.53 28.02.83

Ron Piper PC 121 E 81 05.11.51 16.11.81

Edward Hughes PS 94 D 81 14.09.53 14.09.83

Brian Garrry PC 237 E 81 24.01.55 14.09.83

Stanley Roberts PC 453 E 80 16.03.53 01.09.83

James Miller PS 61 E 80 25.04.55 28.01.85

Ron Westgate PC 192 E 80 25.10.54 29.10.84

Ernest Thompson DCI 80 12.07.68 15.09.75

Peter Emeny PS 80 18.02.07 02.12.82

Michael Golden DC 80 24.01.55 28.01.85

Roy Barron PS 99 C 80 25.10.54 24.09.87

Douglas Cooper PC 411 E 80 19.01.53 30.09.87

Gordon Campbell PC 196 E 80 08.06.53 16.06.78

35

Diary Dates

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6.30pm Thursday 18th March, Conference Room, Bishopsgate Police Station AGM of NARPO and the City of London Police Pensioners' Association. 2.30pm Tuesday 13th April - Royal Norfolk Hotel, Bognor Regis

2.30pm Tuesday 11th May - Bosworths, Finchingfield, Essex.

2.30pm Tuesday 8th June - Tea Shop, Deal, Kent.

2.30pm Tuesday 13th July - Kingscliff Hotel, Holland on Sea, Essex

2.30pm Tuesday 10th August -

The Chatsworth Hotel,

Eastbourne. 6.30pm Thursday 12th August

- Conference Room,

Bishopsgate Police Station  -

NARPO and COLPPA Meetings

2.30pm Tuesday 14th

September - The Cliffeside

Hotel, Bournemouth.

2.45pm Tuesday 6th October

- Cliffs Pavilion, Westcliff-on-

Sea, Southend.

Saturday 13th November -

Cheshire Cheese, Fleet Street

- Lord Mayor's Show.

VISIT www.citypensioners.co.uk

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Information held on record by the Welfare Unit

Title:Forename:Surname:Rank/ Collar Number:Address:

Post Code:Telephone Number (Home)Telephone Number (mobile)Fax Number:Email address:

Please confirm if you are happy for your contact details to be shared or used only by the Welfare Unit.

Please complete and return to Yvette Addo, City of London Police, Welfare Unit. Walbrook Wharf. 78-83 Upper Thames Street. London EC4R 3TD

RESTRICTED

Contact Sheet