Closure of Sports Complex Aykley Heads, Durham.

On behalf of the Chief Constable, Jon Stoddart, I regret to inform you that the Aykley Heads Sports Complex is to be permanently closed in the very near future.

I realise that many of our members will feel put out at the loss of this facility but with the stringent cuts imposed on the Police Budget for the ensuing year(s), drastic savings must be made!

Mr. Stoddart wishes it to be know that there are stark and obviously not very popular choices to be made. Cutting maintenance costs (i.e. imminent and essential extensive essential repairs to the Sports Complex) is a primary choice There will be many other reductions in service areas which may mitigate the necessity of in direct cuts to police and support staff personnel. Watch this space!

The most practical choices of cuts have been carefully costed, considered and instituted to minimise effects on the efficiency of the continuing fine service we to the public . I'm sure that you all have the interests of our Service at heart and will accept the cuts as outlined. If you have any queries, observations, suggestions or simply wanting to " rant", please forward your thoughts to the blog under 'comments' following this article.

Alan S. Watson

Reunion Garden Party Sunday, 13th June, 2010. Programme of Events

Just in case you've been on another planet in recent weeks, please note that the first, all new Reunion Garden Party jointly organised by Durham Constabulary and the Durham Branch of the National Association of Police Officers ( N.A.R.P.O.) will be held at Durham Police H.Q. Aykley Heads on Sunday, 13th June, 2010. 2pm - 5pm

N.B. Admission strictly by ticket only (FREE but applied for in advance)

Programme of events :-

2.00pm. Reception .Glass of Cava & Strawberries.

2.15pm Welcome address by Chief Constable Jon Stoddart and NARPO Chairman, Alan Watson

2.30pm Durham Constabulary Male Voice Choir.

3.00pm Dog Display

3.30pm Durham Constabulary Male Voice Choir.

4.00pm Durham Constabulary Brass Band.

4.45pm Raffle and Closing Speeches

5.00pm Event Close

High Tea will be served in the canteen throughout the event.

Static Displays on site:-

Magenta Motor bike Section

Car Park A.N.P.R. Demonstration

Gun Car

Canteen Beamish Museum Exhibition

North east Historical Society Exhibition

Durham Constabulary Archive Display

Entrance to Canteen Durham Constabulary

Durham Police Authority

N.A.R.P.O.

P.M.A.S. & Roland Smith Insurance Displays.

Please feel free to view these displays at your leisure throughout the afternoon.

Remember, this has been very carefully planned to ensure a great afternoon out for you and your family & friends, where you can meet up with past friends and colleagues too.

Be sure to obtain your ticket in advance from :

Angie Crawford (NARPO) Welfare Officer. Tel. 0191 5180996;

Colin Appleby (NARPO Treasurer) Tel. 0191 5846178;

Jayne Swinburne Tel. 01913752273;

Amanda Dodds 01913752276 or

Anna Malkin 01913752071

Can you afford to miss it? Be there.