Towards the end of 2006 Mike Collins and Joe Davies, both former members of Wolverhampton Borough Police and West Midlands Constabulary agreed to have a plaque erected to commemorate the final year of the Borough Force in 1966. Members of the succeeding Constabulary were included, combining a dedication of the plaque with a re-union of former members of both Forces.The plaque was placed in “The Beat”, the avenue of the police memorials in the beautiful National Memorial Arboretum near Lichfield. Over ninety former members and family members responded to a letter of invitation to become involved and over sixty were present at the dedication of the plaque on a beautiful day in April 2007. Many had travelled long distances as far away as Sunderland, Essex, Cornwall and West Wales - thus covering the four points of the compass!!
We were very pleased to welcome Mr Keith Goodchild and his wife - the son of the Chief Constable of Wolverhampton and the daughter of Superintendent Tom Marsh. We were also honoured to have the Mayor of Wolverhampton, councillor John Davis and the Mayoress Mrs Davis present o dedicate the plaque. The Mayor included the words “I stand in quiet pride to pay tribute to those who, over many years, were part of both of these Forces”.
Joe Davies, wearing his 1940’s style uniform escorted the Mayor and Mayoress, and Cyril Evans - formerly of the Guards - marshalled the crowd for photographs, using his Guards Senior NCO voice and presence! A walk along “The Beat” to see other memorials was enjoyed by all after the dedication.
A meal in the Arboretum Restaurant with a chance to chat to old friends and colleagues plus a look at Joe and Mike’s extensive collection of Wolverhampton Police photographs were all part of an extremely happy, and moving, occasion.
We were very pleased to welcome Mr Keith Goodchild and his wife - the son of the Chief Constable of Wolverhampton and the daughter of Superintendent Tom Marsh. We were also honoured to have the Mayor of Wolverhampton, councillor John Davis and the Mayoress Mrs Davis present o dedicate the plaque. The Mayor included the words “I stand in quiet pride to pay tribute to those who, over many years, were part of both of these Forces”.
Joe Davies, wearing his 1940’s style uniform escorted the Mayor and Mayoress, and Cyril Evans - formerly of the Guards - marshalled the crowd for photographs, using his Guards Senior NCO voice and presence! A walk along “The Beat” to see other memorials was enjoyed by all after the dedication.
A meal in the Arboretum Restaurant with a chance to chat to old friends and colleagues plus a look at Joe and Mike’s extensive collection of Wolverhampton Police photographs were all part of an extremely happy, and moving, occasion.
The Committee of Wolverhampton Branch of NARPO generously supported this idea from the outset, and in fact it was their help with the logistics that made it all possible.
|
|
|
|
|
