News Item No: 219          Date: 24/08/2010

It is with sadness that I report the sudden death of Geoff Williams whilst on holiday in Greece. Geoff was well known for being a member of The Kestrels pop group before joining the Police. He later went on promotion to West Mercia. Because of the formalities in Greece it may be several weeks before the Funeral can be held. I will notify details as soon as I get them. Pat

News Item No: 218          Date: 06/08/2010

It is with sadness that I report the death on the 2nd August 2010 of Peter Bale age 78 years. His Funeral is on Tuesday 10th August at 2.30pm at Worle Crematorium at Weston super Mare. All friends and colleagues are welcome. Pat

News Item No: 217          Date: 05/08/2010

A request has been received from the Committee of the Hertfordshire Branch NARPO to provide some publicity for a concert close to the heart of one of their members, Jimmie MacQueen. Jimmie has recently returned home, confined to a wheelchair, following a year at Stoke Mandeville for treatment to a spinal injury. He was a founder member of the City of Bristol Pipes and Drums Band. In conjunction with the Abertillery Orpheus Male Choir (of which another Hertfordshire member, Fred Prosser, is a member), the Bristol Band will be in concert at The Church Hall, Clevedon Baptist Church (located in the Queen's/Millennium Square, near Clevedon Triangle), on the evening of Saturday, 18th September, 2010. The concert has been arranged by Bristol Rotary Club and will benefit their chosen charity and the National Spinal Injuries Centre, Stoke Mandeville. Further information can be obtained from Rotarian, Derek Edwards, on 01275 875467.

News Item No: 216          Date: 01/08/2010

Police rugby within Avon and Somerset is over 75 years old, having originated with the old Somerset Constabulary in 1934. There are many serving and retired police officers who have played for the rugby side, which once boasted international players and impressive fixtures. Unfortunately the professional era changed the nature of our police rugby side, that and the demands that modern policing makes on it’s employees. However, the sport is a great release, played for enjoyment and that is the manner in which the current team play. At 3pm on 22nd September 2010, at Gordano RFC, we are holding an exhibition match against a joint Avon Ambulance and Avon Fire Brigade team. It will be an opportunity for ex-players to bring along photographs and talk about the ‘glory’ of the old days and have a few beers. There will be a celebration in the clubhouse after the match to mark this occasion. All players past and present are welcome. - Robin Hobbs

News Item No: 215          Date: 02/07/2010

The Avon & Somerset Constabulary Male Voice Choir. At the end of June 2010 the members of the choir take a two months break and after a very successful 6 months performing nine concerts the rest is well deserved. We have sung to audiences from Chipping Sodbury to South Petherton and have been pleased to see colleagues from NARPO at many of these events. All the concerts have been well supported and we were particularly pleased to see a full house at St John the Baptist Keynsham where the concert was in support of the Children of Chernobyl Appeal. This concert proved challenging as the church had been hired for the event and no one knew how to turn the heating off or the lights on, however the concert raised £1800 for the appeal and was enjoyed by all. We return to rehearsal on Monday 6th September to prepare for the autumn and pre Christmas (sorry to mention this) period. We have a full programme of events starting on Sunday 26th September when we will be at Clarence Park Baptist Church for the Police Memorial Day service in the afternoon. On Saturday the 9th October at 7:30pm we are at St Martins Church Knowle Bristol sharing a concert with the Whitland Male Voice Choir from Pembroke. This is a return concert having sung with them at Whitland Town Hall last year. Four more concerts:- Saturday 16th October St Mary’s Church Shirehampton Saturday 23rd October Methodist Church Staple Hill Saturday 20th November United Reform Church Portishead Saturday 4th December Fishponds Baptist Church all starting at 7:30pm take us to our annual Christmas service at St Peter’s Church Henleaze. This year the service is on Saturday 18th December and we are being joined by the popular ensemble, ‘Bold Brass.’ This is a traditional family service and will be followed by mince pies and mulled wine. All are welcome, no admission charge but a retiring collection will be taken in support of local charities. Our concert programme for 2011 is now full and will be published in September. The choir now has over 50 members but there is always room for more. For all details on choir activities visit our web site at www.policechoir.co.uk .

News Item No: 213          Date: 07/06/2010

HELP FOR HEROES -- from Nigel Wright - 'During the first 3 weeks of August I will be riding on a bike (admittedly its a finely tuned road bike with a saddle sharper than a surgeons knife, but a bike with pedals and no engine nonetheless) from Lands End to John O Groats. As well as enjoying the British scenery I Have decided to use the ride as an opportunity to raise funds for HELP4HEROES, in particular a military programme called Battle Back that uses adaptive adventure training to rebuild the confidence of young soldiers who have lost limbs in the course of their duties abroad. If any NARPO Members know me and would like to donate to HELP4Heroes I have a web page that will allow them to make a secure donation on line: http://www.bmycharity.com/V2/NigelLE2JoG'. - PLEASE help Nigel in this very worthy cause. Pat I will put a report about how Nigel gets on in the next newsletter. THANK YOU

News Item No: 211          Date: 23/05/2010

Just a reminder that Bristol NARPO Golf Day is on Thursday 16th September 2010 at Stockwood Vale Golf Club at Whitchurch. Full details in last newsletter. Contact Keith Shattock on 0117 9778705. I understand there are no Lady Golfers ? You are welcome to compete. I know there are several good lady golfers around . Pat

News Item No: 188          Date: 07/02/2010

Macmillan Nurses need people in the Bristol area to collect money , normally in supermarkets for an hour or two. Every couple of months would be useful. All volunteers are welcome . INTERESTED -- then contact Jon Yabsley e mail: yabbo@btinternet.com Please support this excellent charity. Pat