Notable Events In Week Thirtyone

Hertfordshire Police Historical Society

This Week In History

Friday 30 July 1920

POLICE ORPHANAGE. REDHILL. GLOWING TRIBUTES.
With the opening of the Victory Memorial School near at hand, the summer gathering and prize distribution at the Provincial Police Orphanage, Redhill on Thursday last week, was more or less of a formal character. Delegates were present from not a few forces, and, judging from their remarks at the meeting of the Council and the proceedings on the lawn, they were more than pleased with what they saw and heard. That the Institution is run on economic lines, that the children are well fed and clothed and are receiving a training which will fit them to fight the battle of life, was amply demonstrated. The quiet rosy faces of the boys and girl and their light heartedness a true indication that happiness ruled supreme at the Orphanage. Sincere regret was expressed at the absence of Miss Catherine Gurney O.B.E. (the hon. secretary), who is indisposed and staying at Harrogate, and to whom an appropriate message was despatched. There was an alfresco gathering under the shade of a belt of trees, over which the Mayor (Mr. Herbert Crosfield) presided. The proceedings were of an interesting character, the distribution prizes by Mrs. Poulton, the wife of Lieut.-Col. A. F. Ponlton, C.B.E. (chief constable of Berks.), being followed the children giving a capital display of their prowess in-free exercises, jumping and other useful and beneficial health-giving performances. There was also a little surprise for one of the visitors. Mr. W. Wood, late deputy chief constable of the Hertfordshire Constabulary, who has taken a keen interest in the Institution, and during the last ten years has raised £702 19s. Id. on behalf of the funds. He has lately retired on a well-earned pension and, as a mark of appreciation and memento, the committee presented him with an illuminated address, the work of Mr. R. Smithers. an old boy, and a gold pencil case. It is worthy to note that Mr. Wood before he joined the Hertfordshire constabulary was a member the Reigate Borough Police Force for four years, during the time the late Mr. Rogers was head constable. The Ven. Archdeacon R. C. Joynt offered a prayer.

THE MAYORS EULOGY The said the work of the Institution had been growing year upon year, and the accommodation had had to be increased. Now they had given consideration to providing adequate school accommodation, it was pleasing to hear that, the health of the children had been very good during the past year. This was due the fact of the boys and girls being well looked after, and were not sent to outside school, where they were liable to come in contact with infectious illness. No fewer than 83 old boys had been on active service, and they were very grateful to them for what they had done. Some eleven old boys had lost their lives, and the Orphanage had received fifteen children who had become orphans owing to the war. They all highly appreciated the services of Miss Johnson, and anyone who came to the Orphanage could see that the children loved her dearly. She was ably associated by those who had done good work, and their services were highly valued. Archdeacon Joynt frequently visited the institution, and he believed his influence would have lasting effect upon the children.

THE ORPHANAGE. Capt. M. L. Sant (chief constable of Surrey). Spoke upon the general work of the Orphanage, and said he need only to point to the magnificent buildings and the fine grounds, which were the outcome of loving thought and the power of organisation of Miss Gurney, for them to appreciate what was carried on there. He was sure the police felt that they could never attempt to express their gratitude to Miss Gurney for her lifelong work on their behalf. When they looked at the happy faces and rosy cheeks of the children they must realise how much they were indebted to the guardian angel of the police, Miss Johnson. The necessity of the Orphanage was obvious when they remembered what it all meant on a wife losing her husband. Col. C. Moriarity (assistant chief constable of Birmingham), being unable to attend owing a Government inspection, Police Constable Doughty, a delegate, said he was delighted with what he had seen, and should be able, on his return, to give a highly satisfactory report upon the way in which the Institution was managed and the children were cared for by the loving hands and kind hearts.

(Editor; The Gurney Fund still exists, but no longer has an orphanage. It does wonderful work with police orphans and further details can be found at www.gurneyfund.org )

Saturday 31 July 1869

Hertfordshire Express and General Advertiser
Mr Charles Reed has given notice that on Monday next he will ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether Inspector Young of the Hertfordshire Constabulary, was recently removed from his office upon the well-founded charge of exceeding his duty, under circumstances of peculiar aggravation: whether, notwithstanding his dismissal, he has been permitted to discharge his accustomed duties; and whether it is true that he has been reinstated in the office of inspector in the town of Hitchin, where the offence was committed.

Friday 01 August 1947

Biggleswade Chronicle
The death occurred on Thursday week of Mr. Archie Turner, aged 49. of 7 Sunny Hill. Buntingford, Herts., at Barts Hospital, London. He was the youngest son of the late Mr and Mrs. William Turner, of Campton, and was 27 years with the Hertfordshire constabulary before his retirement. The funeral took place on Tuesday at Campton Church, and the interment of Campton Cemetery. The Rev. A. S. P. McGhee, of Campton and the Rev. Banks of Buntingford, officiated. The mourners were: Mrs. Turner (widow), Miss Mildred Turner (daughter), Mrs. Filler, Mrs. Watton, Mrs. Godfrey sisters), Mr. F. Godfrey, Mr. Howard, Mrs. Howard, P. Clements (brothers and sisters-in-law), Mr. B. Turner, Mr. F. Turner (cousins), Mr. B. Filler and Mrs. F. Filler (nephews). J. Lockey (friend). Mr. and Mrs. Cork, Mr. and Mrs. Pledger and Mr. and Mrs. Sayers (friends). Wreathes were received from: Wife and daughter; Lottie and George, Ethel and Dorothy, May, Ted, and Enid (nephews and nieces); Percy, Agnes, Mother and John; Bert, Violet and family; Bob, Bert, and Frank; Mr. and Mrs. Day; Mr. and Mrs. Crooks and little Davie; Mr. and Mrs. Poulton; Mr. and Mrs. Major; Mr. and Mrs. Ives; Mr. and Mrs. Bassinger; Mr. and Mrs, Mole; Mr. and Mrs. Bailey, Mr. and Mrs. Cork and Jennie; Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence and Madge; Miss Davies and Mr. Clarke; Mr. and Mrs. G. Stevens, Mr. and Mrs. Albert and sons and June; J. Skeggs and daughter; Frank and Joan; Mr, and Mrs, Pledger and family, Buntingford; Special Police members; British Legion, and British Legion Club; Herts Police Old Comrades; Assns. Police of England and Wales joint Central Board; Buntingford Fire Station; Buntingford Allotment, Assns.; Bishops Stortford and “A’ Division Police, Herts: Mr. and Mrs. Martin; British – Saya – Prods., Ltd.; Harriet and Ern; Insp and Mrs Stamp.

July 30, 1993

Watford Observer
The milk of human kindness
Employees of Express Dairy will be delivering crime prevention in Watford and Rickmansworth along with the daily pints. They have agreed to work with police and keep a sharp eye out for anything or anyone suspicious while carrying out their early morning rounds. In a unique scheme, milkmen are being trained by Hertfordshire Police to watch over houses and customers. It is hoped they will provide police with information that could help solve crimes and even save lives across the county.