National Association of Retired Police Officers - (CARDIFF BRANCH)
Of Service - To Those Who Served
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News Headlines & Updates
Obituary Notices
Full details of obituaries will appear below. Acknowledgements and IN MEMORIAM notices will be found under the WELFARE menu
The placing of an obituary notice on this page will only be undertaken on receipt of instructions from the Branch Secretary, or from the Branch Secretaries from any of the other Branches of NARPO within the South Wales Police area.
It is with regret that the Officers and Committee members of the NARPO Cardiff Branch notify our members of the passing of the following, Acknowledging that some may not have been members of the branch, but they were former colleagues, and friends of our members and were a part of the larger Police family in their lifetime.
BAKER: Geoff it is with deep regret that we inform our members of the passing on Friday 18th October 2024 of retired Supt. Geoff Baker. (This date is significant as it was the day on which many of his ex-colleagues were enjoying a dinner to recognise the 40th Cardiff City Police Reunion Dinner. Geoff was one of a small number who organised the very first such reunion dinner.)
Geoff was a former Cardiff City officer, much of his service was in the Traffic Dept./Division.
When he retired he joined N.A.R.P.O. and was soon a member of the management committee. He held roles as assistant secretary, secretary, chairman and president at Cardiff branch.
He was also a regional representative and for many years and he served on the National Executive Committee where he was recognised nationally as a key member of the senior team whose role it was to ensure that successive governments did not adversely affect the police pensions structure.
He will be greatly missed.
FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS:
12:30 pm Wednesday 27th November 2024, Wenallt Chapel, Thornhill Crematorium, Thornhill Road, Cardiff
CF14 9UA. Further details will be published when they are known.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
It is now known that the funeral will also be subject to a 'LIVE FEED' broadcast for those who cannot attend in person. The Live feed details are below:
Streaming details for the service of Geoffrey Baker at 12:30 (GMT) on Wednesday 27th November, at Thornhill - Wenallt Chapel, run by Green Willow Funerals:
Website
Username
qibe5247
Password
538509
Please note, Live & On Demand streams will allow up to 250 connections at any one time. If you think more than 250 people would like to join and view live, please only publicly share the log in details once the On Demand video has been re-uploaded after the service
BALZANO: Shirley. It is with deep regret that on behalf of the Swansea branch we advise our members of the passing of Mrs. Shirley Balzano. Shirley was with the wife of Swansea NARPO member Salvatori (Sal) Balzano whom many members will recall as being a great rugby payer playing for both SWP & the British Police.
FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS:
10:30 am Friday 22nd September 2024 at Swansea Crematorium, Heol Pentre Felin, Llangyfelach, Swansea
SA6 6BY.
BRACEGIRDLE: Phil It is with deep regret that we advise our members of the passing of retired Gwent Constable Phil Bracegirdle.
Phil was one of the founder members of the joint Air Support Unit. He was well known to Dog Handlers and Firearms Officers and although being a Gwent office, he had a great respect for the work of South Wales Officers. A great guy with a ready sense of humour and a consumate professional.
FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS:
3:00 pm Thursday 28th November 2024 at the Sirhowy Crematorium, Pontllanfraith NP12 2XF to be followed by a celebration of life gathering for family, friends etc at Blackwood RFC, Glan Yr Afon Park, Blackwood NP12 1NY.
BRAINE: Susan It is with deep regret that we inform our members of the passing on Monday 11th November 2024 of Mrs Susan Braine, also known as Susan Gilby. Susan was the loving wife of retired D/Sgt Basil Braine BEM. Basil worked in the Rhondda before joining Cardiff City Policed later retired from South Wales Police as D/Sgt in the force Crime Prevention Department based at Romney Police Station Cardiff.
Susan had retired as Director of Housing for Rhondda Cynon Taff. She was affectionately known as the ‘English Lady by many in the Rhondda Taff area.
FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS:
2:00 pm Monday 16th December 2024 at Thornhill Crematorium, Thornhill Road, Cardiff CF14 9UA following which Mourners will be welcome at the Manor Park Hotel Thornhill Cardiff.
URGENT NOTICE TO BT CLIENTS
ATTENTION MEMBERS WITH BT EMAIL ACCOUNTS
If you are a NARPO Cardiff member and have been receiving our e-bulletins to a BT related email account such as @btinternet.com or @btopenworld.com etc. You may have noticed that you are not receiving our e-bulletins as frequently as you have in the past. Our bulletin feedback indicates that our emails to you are being bounce by the BT related servers and do not appear to be reaching you our members and BT's customer. Unfortunately, our attempts to speak with BT on your behalf have hit a stumbling block in that due to the ever growing range of excuses given under GDPR they will only speak with the customers directly. At present this impacts between 50 & 60 members each time we transmit a bulletin. This means that you do not receive the news that we wish to impart to you, and you do not get to read about events and functions.
The only way around this is for you the BT Customers to raise complaints with their service department, in doing so please advise them that you are not the only one's impacted and request they sort it out. The last time we as an organisation had this issue with BT it took Mr. Dave A'herne a considerable amount of time and effort acting on behalf of both NARPO Cardiff as the then chairman, and also as a BT Customer on that occasion it was taken to the CEO level at BT
Should any member wish to supply an alternate email address for the delivery of the bulletins please notify Paul Bryant (Web Administrator) using the email template on the CONTACT US page of this website. Please include the BT email address you wish to delete and the new address. We will then amend the bulletin system and also arrange for your branch record to be updated accordingly to show the new address.
09/2024 PB
GATED WEBSITE CONTENT
NARPO HQ at Wakefield have from the 1st March 2022 introduced a an exclusive members - only gated content area on their website www.narpo.org
This is designed to ensure that their advice on pensions, offers and other alerts remain exclusive to NARPO members. Selected areas's of the Wakefield website will now require a LOGIN to access the gated area.
The current password will be found in ISSUE 109 of The NARPO NEWS Magazine or by LOGIN to the members only area of our website visiting the top of the COMMITTEES CONTACT Page
03/2022
MEMBERSHIP GDPR REMINDER
You may recall that back in September 2023 we advised our members that the branch was undertaking a detailed review of the branch records of all members, in order to ensure that the branch was fully compliant with the General Data Protection Rules.
This essential work is still 'Ongoing' with many hundreds of branch records to be checked and validated. You can help ease the pressure on those undertaking the work by completing the GDPR form that was circulated in September and submitting it as outlined below.
If you have already done so please accept the committee's grateful thanks.
12/2023
GDPR - SECRETARIES MESSAGE
MESSAGE FROM THE SECRETARY
GDPR UPDATE
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those members who have so far sent in the forms in relation to our GDPR Update.
We have had some queries in relation to this and I hope this message will clarify those and explain the reasons behind the request we are asking.
National have moved over membership details to one central secure system in doing so it has highlighted several issues with the details we hold. In fact, I would say what we don’t have.
Which is other than most of the recent joining members, who now completed the same details as we are asking for on the GDPR form. It has shown that we have many details missing.
It is important for us to have all the details on the form as each is relevant to the services we supply.
Examples of this are pension issues with widow’s or widowers, the pension providers require the full name and NI number, then if issues arise the DOB and address.
Without these completed it enables us to supply assistance to our members or their families in the case of issues that arise such as the passing of a member or and welfare needs.
It also means we can insure you are contacted with the most up to date information, offers and support that is available to you as a member.
It is important that you help us with this task and assure you that anything supplied is securely stored.
I once again ask you on behalf of the committee that if you have not already completed a form recently that you do, please.
If you have any further questions don’t hesitate to ask via email cardiff@narpo.org
07/2024 PB
The form is a MS Word .DOCX file and will download to your computer download folder.please complete the form on your computer, save it, and then forward it to the following email address:
cardiff2@narpo.org
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FORM
If you experience difficulties downloading the MS Word file via the above link. Please click on the below to receive a .pdf document. Please print the document off, complete it using a pen, scan the document to your computer, and forward the scanned copy to the email address above:
CLICK HERE FOR .PDF file format
DIARY DATES
The branch committee and in particular the Social Secretaries Frank & Mel Stockham, are already busily reserving dates and commencing arrangements for events in 2024 and 2025. The following dates should be entered in your diaries / wall calendars as being NARPO events with further details to follow nearer the time.
Wednesday 4th December 2024 CHRISTMAS LUNCH Whitchurch Golf Club, Cardiff
RUC/PSNI DOCUMENTARY
The below request has been received via NARPO at Wakefield and is placed here for the information of our members and others who may visit our website:
Balcombe Street Gang/IRA - interviews with retired officers
Sir/Madam,
We are working on a proposed documentary about the Balcombe Street Gang, a division of the IRA in the 1970s that as I'm sure you know, carried out a string of terrorist attacks across the UK in the 1970s. We would hugely appreciate the opportunity to interview any of you who were involved with investigating either the Balcombe Street Gang, or the IRA in general.
We are looking for the testimonies of those who were there at the time protecting our society from terrorism - and the stories you have to share. Happy to discuss all terms, conditions, and areas for discussion if you are interested.
To get more details and chat further - email me at: tony.mcmahon@fabula-tv.com
All the best,
Tony McMahon
Director, Fabula TV Limited - https://fabula-tv.com/
Mobile: 07730 043989
11/2024 PB
MONDAY CLUB - XMAS MENU
Monday club organiser Mr. Howard Cooper has advised us that he is collecting the orders for the Monday club meeting due in the Christmas period i.e, from 3:00 pm on Monday 16th December 2024. In previous years the main stay meal being order is of the curry variety. The below image is of the CURRY section of the Wetherspoons Central Bar menu. With the price point being a curry and soft drink £11.02 and curry with alcoholic drink being £12.55. Other meal options are available.Those wishing to partake of food are requested to TEXT Howard details of your requirements on 07736697896. When doing so please also advise the Drink you want with your meal
11/2024 PB
CCP REUNION DINNER PENS
The committee behind the recent successful Cardiff City Police Reunion Dinner, have a few of the inscribed '40th Anniversary Reunion Dinner Parker pens' that were handed out to those present on the night left over, and they are available to purchase for £10 each. Please contact the Chairman of the Organising Committee Howard Davies, on hjdavies66.hd@gmail.com if you would like to purchase one of these one-off pens before they've gone.
11/2024 PB
200 CLUB WAITING LIST - NOW OPEN
The NARPO Cardiff branch 200 club waiting list is now open. If you are a NARPO Cardiff Branch member who wants to go on the Cardiff NARPO 200 Club waiting list for when numbers become available. Please contact the 200 Club Secretary Mr Howard Davies either through the contact details for the 200 Club on this website, or on hjdavies66.hd@gmail.com
11/2024 PB
HELP WANTED
We have received the below request for help from the author & hIstoriran Mr. Tony Moore
Dear Paul,
Many thanks for agreeing to help. Just a bit of background. As I am sure you know the Police Service started the 2nd World War as a Reserve Occupation. Only those who had previously served in the military were recalled. In early 1942, the head of the Commandos, Brigadier-General Haydon, approached the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, Sir Philip Game, with a request that young fit policemen be allowed to volunteer for the Commandos. As a result 68 Metropolitan Police officers attended what was known as the First Police Intake at the Commando Basic Training Centre at Achnacarry in Scotland from 24 June to 27 August 1942. This was then opened up to all the Police Forces in Britain as a result of which 273 policemen attended the 2nd Police Intake at Achnacarry from 23 July to 24 September 1942.
The four officers that I have identified from the Cardiff City Force were part of this intake:
William J 'Bill' Everett, His parent regiment was the Welch Regiment (army number 14241614, but his service was with 3 Commando.
Samuel Lyndon 'Sam' Hooper. Parent regiment Welch Regiment (army number 14241616, but again his service was with 3 Commando.
Everett and Hooper were both reported missing on 14 July 1943 during the Battle for Malati Bridge in Sicily and subsequently became Prisoners of War in Stalag 18A, Wolfsberg, Austria. This was a very famous battle that 3 Commando took part in which so impressed General Montgomery that he had a stone, on which was engraved 3 Commando Bridge, inserted into the stonework of the bridge which is still there to this day.
The other two Cardiff City officers are:
Leslie Daniel Evans, born 12 November 1919. His parent regiment is shown as Welsh Guards (army number 14241613). He also served with 3 Commando. In the 1939 Register (which was taken nationwide for the purpose of issuing Ration Books) he is shown as a Police Constable at Bridge Street Police Station, Cardiff. He was a post-war member of the Commandos Association residing in Cardiff.
W J C Howells. His parent regiment is shown as the Welsh Regiment (army number 14241617). Also served with 3 Commando. It would appear that he may have been wounded or taken ill at some time because he was at one time in 96 British General Hospital which I believe was in Algiers in North Africa. He was a post-war member of the Commando Association residing in Llanelly, Carmarthenshire.
I have yet to trace a full list of 3 Commando who were at Malati Bridge, but given all four Cardiff City policemen served with 3 Commando, I suspect Lewis and Howells were with Everett and Hooper.
There was a 3rd Intake of police officers who attended the CBTC. This totalled 84 officers who attended between 15 October 1942 and 18 January 1943 but I have no record of Cardiff City officers being on this intake..
I am not sure whether you have access to the Cardiff City police records or whether you have a police historian amongst you, but if you do I would be interested in:
a) their full names, if not already shown?
b) their dates of birth, if not already shown?
c) the date each joined the Cardiff City Force?
d) whether they returned to the Police Service after the war and whether they were promoted and did anything outstanding?
e) if they did return, the date they retired, hopefully, in most cases after 25/30 years pensionable service? I believe Everett and Hooper both did 30 years, and were members of the Traffic Department when they retired.
I am aware Cardiff City became part of South Wales on 1 June 1969 but am assuming that, because this was 30 years after the outbreak of war, all four would have left before then.
Many years later, in 2012, Hooper gave an interview to the press about his experiences in which he suggested that about ten police officers from the Cardiff City Force volunteered for the Commandos. Not everyone qualified for the famous Green Beret and I have no doubt some of the 253 police officers on the Second Intake failed, but if any of your members have knowledge of any other Cardiff City policemen who served in either the Army or the Royal Marine Commandos during World War II, I would be extremely pleased to hear about them.
I have, so far, identified 234 police officers from Aberdeen in the north to Cornwall in the south who joined the Commandos, in addition to the Metropolitan Police officers, who were members of the Army Commandos. I also have a list of about 20 who were Royal Marine Commandos. I would much appreciate any information you are able to give me on the Cardiff City officers.
I shall be attending the Police History Society Conference which is being held at the Police Federation HQ in Leatherhead in just over 2 weeks time, 15 to 17 November, so, if there are any police historians from Cardiff that you are aware might be attending, hopefully we can make contact.
Kind regards,
Tony Moore
If you believe you can help please make direct contact with Tony Moore on the email address below:
10/2024 PB
UPDATE
The branch is exceedingly grateful to Mr. John Revill, who from records he holds has provided Mr. Tony Moore with lots of information concerning his quest. The following are details of the initial information John has supplied. They are now in contact in relation to other military personnel. Once again many thanks John for all the help and support you are able to provide.
Regarding the query from Mr. Tony Moor.
Here are the results of my search. :-
(1). William John Everett, born on 8.11.1921. Appointed as Constable 9’B’ in CCP on
31.3.1941. He rejoined the CCP on 25.10.1945. He must have been a member of
S.W.C. after amalgamation. I do not currently have his retirement date. He died on
14.1.1997.
(2). Samuel Lyndon Hooper, born on 10.5.1922. Appointed as Constable 28’B’ in
CCP on 19.5.1941. He rejoined the CCP on 25.10.1945, same day as Everett.
Sam was also a member of the SWC upon amalgamation and at the moment
I do not know his date of retirement. He retired as Sergeant and took up the post of
Chief Security Officer at the University Hospital of Wales., Cardiff
(3). Leslie Daniel Evans, born on 12.11.1919. Appointed as Constable 73’B’ in
CCP on 1.5.1939. He rejoined the CCP on 22.9.1945. He retired as PS 49 on
30.4.1969. He died on 7.2.1984.
(4). I cannot find any record of W.J.C.Howells. I cannot identify his full name
and there is no record of him in the old CCP appointments / retirement register.
Neither is he listed as joining the armed services during the war or returning
to the force.
Regarding Howells, perhaps you could let Mr. Moor know that there were other
police forces in Cardiff at the time, including the British Transport Police and the Docks
Police. Also the Special Constabulary.
At least 52 Cardiff police officers enlisted into the Army during the War, with
a similar number joining the R.A.F. in addition to those who joined the Navy.
I have a copy of the original register identifying all those who enlisted.
Hope this is of help to Mr. Moor. Should he want further help please give him my
email address. Can I ask you to forward this response to Mr. Moor.
Regards, JR
11/2024 PB
GOING ON HOLIDAY SOON - CHECK THIS OUT
Are you going to be travelling abroad soon, are you going to anywhere in Europe that is within the Schengen Travel area, then please read the below. It will at the very least prepare you for whatt is to come:
From November 2024, the EU plans to introduce the Entry/Exit system (EES). This is a new digital border system that will change requirements for British nationals travelling to the Schengen area.
If you are travelling to a country in the Schengen area using a UK passport, you will be required to register your biometric details, such as fingerprints or a photo, when you arrive. EES registration will replace the current system of manually stamping passports when visitors arrive in the EU.
The exact date that EES will be introduced has not been confirmed.
MORE DETAILED INFORMATION CAN BE OBTAINED BY CLICKING THE LINK BELOW OR COPYING IT AND PLACING IT ON WEB BROWSER
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/eu-entryexit-system?fbclid=IwY2xjawFzj1dleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHWUi0J2rbtwlcgcxUQH_broV8AwUYVKcQRNnhCs_t13aHYVPyrdLulclOw_aem_x1froSGjoNu2-giWFgJf2w
10/2024 PB
MORE DOO's
OLD FARTS REUNION - VENUE CHANGE
This years reunion will take place from 2:15 pm on Friday 29th November 2024 and will also see a change of venue. it will relocate to Wetherspoons The Gatekeeper, Westgate Street, Cardiff Further information can be found on the EVENTS Page of the website
10/2024 PB
The latest No8 RCS Reunion and the Cardiff Central & Docks CID Christmas doos have been organised for the dates below for more details as to times, locations etc please go to the EVENTS Page of the website. Remember to LOGIN first as this page is in the members-only area.
No8 RCS Reunion 2024 - Wednesday 6 November
Cardiff Central & Docks CID Christmas Function - Monday 16 December
10/2024 PB
BRANCH FUNCTIONS 2024 - UPDATE
The Christmas Lunch 2024 to be held on 4th December 2024 at Whitchurch Golf Club Cardiff is now SOLD OUT.
However, a reserve list is in operation should anyone wish to apply to be placed on the reserve list please contact Mr. Frank Stockham.
You can email Frank via the CONTACT US page template
09/2024 PB
WEBSITE CHANGES
Following incorporation Cardiff Branch is a branch of The National Association of Retired Police Officers is a company limited by guarantee incorporated and registered in England and Wales with company registration number 15415367.
A list of the directors of National Association of Retired Police Officers can be inspected at our registered office: NARPO House, 38 Bond Street, Wakefield WF1 2QP. NARPO is a business name of National Association of Retired Police Officers
As part of the incorporation processes we now have to display the full title of The National Association of Retired Police Office (Cardiff Branch) and the Company number. Hence the changes to the Banner of the website and this notice now appearing here. Nothing has changed it is merely a legal requirement under the act of incorporation
09/2024 PB
NARPO TRAVEL INSURANCE - UPDATE
We have received the following update in relation to the NARPO Travel Insurance Policy which will be of benefit to all members:
CSIS travel insurance policy for NARPO members has been updated to include a pro-rata rate for those joining part way through the Scheme insurance period which starts on 1st June each year. The relevant changes and FAQ’s are on our website:
https://narpo.org/narpo-travel-insurance/
09/2024 PB
CARDIFF CITY POLICE RFC - XMAS BASH
Apparently there are just under 100 days to go before Christmas, so it's time for the function adverts to appear
Messrs Gerard Blake & Alan Hurn are first off the blocks this year with their announcment:
The Cardiff City Police RFC Christmas Reunion will be on Tuesday 3rd December 2024 at the Old Arcade, Church Street in Cardiff City Centre and, as usual, everyone even remotely connected, is welcome.
09/2024 PB
JEFF DOES IT AGAIN
Congratulations to Mr. Jeff Barley on reaching the number 1 Slot in the ReverbNation charts. with his latest recording 'SPEECHLESS" If you haven't had a chance to listen to it yet please click the link below, or download it to your computer and listen at your leisure & pleasure
https://www.reverbnation.com/baretruthakajeffbarley/song/19498886-speechlessfrom-album-letting-go
09/2024 PB
A PIECE OF HISTORY
It is not often we receive a copy of an item that is a piece of Policing History. We are most grateful to Mr. Ian Tumelty for supplying this copy of a Cardiff City Police Order from 1966. Undoubtedly, there will be some names on here that many members will recall.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW:
09/2024 PB
JEFF BARLEY's LATEST RELEASE
It has been a while since our song writing superstar has entered the recording studio, but Jeff Barley has done it again.
His latest recoding has been set and can now be heard by simply clicking on the link below. 'SPEECHLESS' tells the story of a girl who says that she is just meeting up with her girl friends for chat, when behind her big blue eyes, she has other plans!!!
https://www.reverbnation.com/baretruthakajeffbarley/song/19498886-speechlessfrom-album-letting-go
Hope you enjoy Jeff's unique musical style once again
IPA EXTEND INVITATION
The following invitation is being extended from the International Police Association (IPA) to NARPO Cardiff members:
The South Wales Branch of the International Police Association (IPA) is organising a trip to the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, on Saturday 21st September. This is is a superb place to visit and the website may be viewed at : www.thenma.org.uk . We currently have a number of tickets available for the coach trip. Brief details for the trip are:
08:45 start at a location, probably city centre, with a further pick up at Newport. En route take a short comfort break at a Service Area. We would arrive at approximately 11:45 which would give the opportunity to visit the Chapel and Exhibition plus the restaurant before taking a land train ride around the various memorials. The cost is £39.50 per person and includes the cost of the land train ride which we have pre booked. We will also be laying a poppy wreath at the Police Memorial for those who wish to join us for that. In the past, we have left the Arboretum circa 4pm for the return journey home.
I have attached a booking form for you to email back to me if you care to join us on the trip, although I would appreciate a decision within the next week please.
One further trip we are running is to the Worcester Victorian Fayre on Thursday 28 November. In addition to the normal activities taking place we recommend visiting Worcester Cathedral at 16:30 hours for a short civic Carol Service; this proves very popular and is free of charge. The cost per person would be £29.50. Starting time would be 09:15 and we would depart Worcester at 18:00 hours. Details will be available at a later date for anyone interested in joining us.
Thank you
Denis Hunt
Secretary
IPA South Wales Branch
PLEASE CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD APPLICATION FORM
08/2024 PB
POLICE CARE UK - LEGACY GIVING
The following has been received by our Branch Secretary and id reproduced here for the information and benefit of our members
Dear Paul,
I Hope you’re well?
As you will know, Police Care UK is an independent charity, and operates to assist both serving and retired police officers, police staff, and police volunteers (including cadets), across all UK police forces, who have been ‘harmed as a result of policing’. It providesfree practical, emotional, and financial assistance to individuals within the police family who are in need. Receiving no support from the state, it relies entirely on donations to deliver the assistance it provides.
Over the last few years, we’ve delivered presentations in support of the NARPO branch welfare officer’s courses, so following on from these, and ahead of the conference in Torquay next month, please find attached;
A copy of our Legacy Giving Brochure
A copy of our Payroll Giving Brochure
A copy of our Payroll Giving Form
Respectfully submitted for dissemination to your members.
If you would like hard copies of these brochures, (or any other leaflets), please do let me know. For any of your members who may be interested, we also have a Fundraising Guide.
Many thanks for your ongoing support and best wishes,
Dave
Dave Blundell
Engagement Officer
Police Care UK
Nova Scotia House, 70 Goldsworth Road, Woking, GU21 6LQ
0300 012 0030
01483 940118
08/2024 PB
SWP RFC REUNION 2024
The 2024 South Wales Police Rugby Football Club Reunion / get together has been arranged and will take place at the Bridgend Rugby Football Clubhouse, Brewery Field, Bridgend on Friday 15th November 2024 commencing from 6:30 pm
08/2024 PB
Christmas in July
Invitations to Christmas functions keep coming earlier each year, Not to be outdone by hotels, clubs etc NARPO Cardiff are publishing their invitations to the Christmas Lunch on Wednesday 4th December 2024 at the Whitchurch Golf Club, Cardiff
The combined application form and menu are now available for members to download and submit via the link on the EVENTS PAGE located under the MEMBERS ONLY AREA.
N.B. This function like many others always sells out fast so get the form & cheques in early or you may be disappointed.
07/2024 PB
NARPO TRAVEL INSURANCE - UPDATE
If you are looking to take out travel insurance, as a NARPO member, you have access to a unique policy as part of your membership benefits.
In association with our partners at the Civil Service Insurance Society (CSIS) we are pleased to be able to offer a ‘fit to travel’ insurance policy via PJ Hayman, at a fixed price, for members aged between the ages of 50-79. The policy has a common renewal date of the 01st June,
For more information please CLICK HERE
07/2024 PB
UNIFORM APPEAL
When you were in 'The Job' the vast majority of you wore uniform tunics, well at least for the first two years.
Some of you may well have a few hanging about in the loft, in suitcases, or other locations within your homes. They are probably gathering dust, and will never see the light of day. Well here is a golden opportunity for you to recycle them. South Wales Police no longer issue tunics as part of an officer's uniform. As a result the South Wales Police band no longer have access to tunics which they wear whilst representing the force at various events in the force area and further afield on a National basis. The band needs your help, if you have any uniform tunics hanging around the house and you want to get rid of them then please recycle/repurpose them by donating them to the band.
Persons who may be able to assist in the provision of old uniforms are requested to contact with Gareth Laugharne email: gareth.laugharne@hotmail.co.uk
06/2024 PB
NTLWORLD / VIRGINMEDIA PROBLEMS
ATTENTION ALL MEMBERS USING NTLWORLD.COM or VIRGINMEDIA.COM EMAIL ACCOUNTS
We are being advised via our service providers that e-bulletins, and e-mails sent to our members from the website are being 'BOUNCED' by the members service providers. i.e. ntlworld.com and virginmedia.com
the below text is the message being received back from our service provider:
The outbound connection was established to the server for the recipient domain ntlworld.com by mxin5.virginmedia.com. [84.116.6.18], but was unable to complete the message transaction, either because of time-out, or inadequate connection quality.
All members with such accounts are requested to contact their service provider and seek a resolution from them. We as a branch are already aware from previous issues involving these companies and others that their technical departments will not discuss anything with as due to GDPR. and therefore cannot seek any resolution on your behalf.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU:
Bouncing of an email means that you no longer receive an e-bulletins from narpocardiff.com, as a result you will not be made aware of various things such as events, pension issues, and other newsworthy items.
WHAT YOU NEED TO DO:
Contact your service provider and request they stop blocking our e-bulletins etc. as explained above we cannot do this for you.
ALTERNATIVE SOLUTION:
Create a separate email mail account with a different service provider eg gmail, yahoo, hotmail etc provide that email account to the web administrator who will then arrange delivery of all narpocardiff.com ebulletins etc to the new email address provided by you the member
Should you wish any further guidance please contact the web administrator via the email template on the CONTACT US page of the website www.narpocardoff.com
05/2024 PB
COMMONWEALTH WAR GRAVES
CWGC graves located at
Cathays Cemetery, Cardiff
(Photo courtesy of Paul Bryant)
The following has been received from Wakefield on behalf of retired ACC Joe Frost and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. If you wish to volunteer please make direct contact via the email given below:.
'Hi Sandra
You kindly copied me to SWales NARPO seeking volunteers and there was a great response. There is a need for volunteers in West Wales could you copy message to our colleagues over there.
The co-ordinator is katherine.pettersen@cwgc.org and volunteering involves visiting war graves 2 or 3 times annually, reporting on condition and cleaning, with water only, where necessary. As an illustration I look after 29 war graves in 11 locations in South Herefordshire.
Very many thanks Joe'
04/2024 PB
NARPO HORIZONS
The latest edition of NARPO Horizons is available to view on the www.narpo.org website or by:
CLICKING HERE
please remember you MUST log in with the password to be able to access the content of the NARPO Horizons
07/2024 PB
POLICE COVENANT CAMPAIGN
We have received the below from Wakefield about the Police Covenant Campaign, please check out the links embedded within the circulation and consider writing to your MP to gain more support for the campaign.
Circulated to All Branch Secs and NEC members
Colleagues,
For your information, please see copies below of links placed on the NARPO website today in relation to work around our Police Covenant Campaign.
Can all members please be made aware of the links and encouraged to view and make use of the attached letter to raise awareness of our campaign with their respective MP’s.
Thanks in advance for your support.
Steve Wilcock sent on behalf of Alan Lees, CEO
WELFARE UPDATE - FLINT HOUSE
The following update has been received from Mr. Steve Bartley and is published here for the benefit of all our readers:
Morning both,
As part of my NARPO welfare Officer duties, I have made some enquiries with Flint House regarding their rehabilitation facilities.
The lady I spoke to was most helpful and told me more about their donation scheme for retired police officers.
I have heard about it but have never got around to finding out the details.
Anyway, if you sign up to make a donation of £5 per month. This entitles you to apply for treatment following a clinical assessment. Details of how to apply for treatment is under the 'Get help now' section of the website.
Once you have signed up, you are entitled to apply.
It maybe that many of our colleagues are already aware of this.
Please feel free to share this information with our members.
The website link is below.
Cheers
Steve
Regularly Donate - Flint House Police Rehabilitation
Members can also read about other members experinces of attending Flint House by visiting the FLINT HOUSE page located under the Health & Welfare menu
04/2024 PB
TRADITIONAL LANDLINES TO BE SCRAPPED
Not many people appear to know about this issue and the associated petition that goes with it.. It could impact on you or someone you know who lives in a rural area. Please take the time to read it and its possible impact, and if you feel you want to support it then please click on the link and sign the petition.
All is quiet on the Triple Lock at the moment but concern is growing over the rushed switch over of traditional landlines to a broadband based system (VoIP or Digital Voice), due to be completed throughout the UK by 2025. Many personal and burglar alarm systems are incompatible with Digital Voice and there is no means to make emergency calls in a power cut or an internet outage, unless you have a reliable mobile signal. Vulnerable customers are also worried about the increased costs of new contracts and equipment.
So Silver Voices has allied with the Digital Poverty Alliance to publish a petition on the official government website, calling for a delay in the forced switchover for at least five years, until all these issues of personal safety and reliability are sorted out.
Please sign and share the petition on the following link!
https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/653201
01/2024 PB
EMAILS FROM XPS
The below has been received from Mr Allan Crocombe Glamorgan branch secretary and is published here for the benefit of our members and other visitors to the site.
Some members have been receiving an E-mail from XPS Pension Administrators over the last couple of days. Being concerned that this E-mail is yet another SCAM - inquiries were made by a recipient of XPS by telephone to ascertain the authenticity of the E-mail. He was informed that the E-mail was a genuine enquiry from XPS in relation to accessing his pension account - he had not been a regular in checking his monthly pay details and had not previously set-up a link since the paper pay-slips had stopped being delivered. The E-mail offered him the opportunity to now do so.
Whilst this E-mail checked out positively, care should always be taken in opening E-mails from an unusual sender and in this case a quick telephone call to XPS on 0330 0545504 confirmed that this was the case.
Allan Crocombe
NARPO Glamorgan Branch Secretary
01/2024 PB
BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT PAYMENTS
The following item has been received from Wakefield and is published here for the benefit of all our members and other visitors to the website:
Dear Colleague
The following information may be of interest to your Members.
On 9th February 2023, the law changed, extending Bereavement Support Payments to cohabiting partners (provided the claimant has a child or children)
This was in the May 2023 edition of NARPO News.
People who are eligible must apply by 9th February 2024 to get the full amount of backdated payments. They can still apply up until 8 November 2024, but will not get the full amount.
There is more information on the following links- https://www.gov.uk/bereavement-support-payment/eligibility
https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/money-legal/benefits-entitlements/bereavement-benefits/
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/family/bereavement-support-payment/
Regards
Alan
01/2024 PB
SOCIAL EVENT ADVERTISING
BRANCH & OTHER EVENTS
Following a recent message from a member concerning a security issue surrounding the availability of event application forms on the 'Public Area' of our website. With immediate effect, all future event application forms will only be made available via the EVENTS page located within the SECURE MEMBERS ONLY area of the website.
Notification of the event will still be placed on the NEWS HEADLINES page, but members will need to LOGIN to the MEMBERS ONLY area to obtain more details and download any application forms,
The security of our members is paramount and we regret any inconvenience this will involve. If any member has issues regarding accessing the MEMBERS ONLY area please contact Mr. Paul Bryant (Web Administrator) via the email template located in the CONTACT US page.
Members who would prefer to be notified about events via the Royal Mail are requested to contact Mr. Frank Stockham (Branch Social Secretary) via the template on the CONTACT US page in order that their details can be placed on a separate mailing list.
We thank you for your continued support and trust this will not deter you from applying to attend any of these events.
PLEASE NOTE NON-NARPO ORGANISED EVENTS WILL ONLY BE ADVERTISED IN THE SAME MANNER
12/2023
INJURY ON DUTY - AWARD SCHEME
The following has been received from Wakefield and is reproduced here for the benefit of our members:
At the November NEC meeting No5 Region Representative, Ahmed Ramiz, brought a petition regarding an Injury on Duty Award Scheme to the attention of the NEC. The NEC supported the petition being distributed to the Branches, should Branches and members wish to get involved. Information on the petition can be found on the national website here:
https://narpo.org/injury-on-duty-award-scheme/
11/2023
XPS - PENSION NOTIFICATIONS
Many retired officers are commenting on various Facebook groups, including NARPO Cardiff, that they are not receiving paper-based copies of the monthly pension notifications. This is also followed by entries asking how the pensioner can get the information online. In order to assist those who wish to access their pension notifications online the below is a guide on how to set up an account with XPS and how to access the account once it is set up:
1. SETTING UP AN ACCOUNT
FIRSTLY make sure you have the following details:
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National Insurance Number
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Date of birth
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Email address