News, Bits & Bobs

Hi All,

received the below message from Lorraine Trueman, the daughter of Vic Birch:
Hi
I don’t know if anyone will remember Dennis Birch everyone knew him as Vic from Croydon TDZ who retired back in 1984, but sadly he died this morning after catching the Corona virus. Regards Lorraine Trueman.

Dennis Raymond Birch (Vic) born 14.10.31 in Croydon. Served in the RAF 28.2.50-22.3.52. Joined the Met Police 11.1.54 Wt No 139877 and served at Croydon ZD. Joined Traffic B12 28.12.65. Transferred to TDZ 28.6.70 as PS35TD where he served until retirement 29.1.84. He passed away today 5 Apr 2020 aged 88 years. He was a real gent as I always remember that he always kept his handkerchief tucked in his cuff. Condolences on behalf of all members have been sent to his Daughter Lorraine.
Regards Dickie (Keep Safe)

Dear Dickie
Following on from my sister, Louise’s, email to you last year, I have to let you know that our mother, Nancy Bennett, widow of Sgt Derek Bennett TDZ, passed away in early January this year. She was 94. She had a short illness and died peacefully at home. Her funeral has taken place - thankfully before Coronavirus restrictions were in place.
Thank you for keeping information flowing for everyone- I recognised a few names myself from your newsletters! Best wishes Siân

Hi All,
Have received some sad news that Denzil Stevens Ex Ch Insp Wt No 137562 TDZ/TDM born 23.5.1030 in Devon joined the Met Police 21.1.1952. died 29.2020.

I have received the following information from Terry Stoddart who is in contact with the family regarding Denzil’s funeral arrangements. The cremation and spreading of the ashes (which might have a naval connection as he was an ex naval man) will all be family only. Arrangements will be made for a gathering at a future date to raise a glass in Denziel’s memory which Russell, his son, will pass on to us as soon as they are confirmed. Following on the sad news re Denzil Stevens that I received from Terry Stoddart he now informs us that the widow, Pook, says that there will be a Memorial Service at Beckenham Crematorium at 10.15am on the 5th March followed by a wake at the Warren. If it is your intention to attend could you please let me know so that I can forward the information on to the family for catering purposes.

Dickie,I remember from conversations with Denzil. He was in fact a petty officer in the RN and part of the crew that brought HMS Amethyst back from the Yangste Incident So naval connection would be correct. Dave Thorne

Hi All, (5th Jan 2020)
Just received information that Gorge Jalfon Ex PC213TD/ Wt No 147230 Born 8.7.39 ExTDZ has passed away. George was member of the club but contact was lost a number of years ago. He did not attend any functions. His funeral is on Tuesday 21st January 2020 at 1.45pm at Croydon Crem.

Hi All,
Below is a message from Jackie regarding Roland Lambert Ex PC 689 Wt No 138443 TDZ who retired 31.12.74, passed away 1st Sept 2018 aged 94 years DOB 7.11.24.
Before joining the job was Fireman, Surrey Fire Service and on 6.10.52 joined the Met Police. He served at ZD, DT4, CTB, ZTU and TDZ. He was also involved in the Scout Movement.
I Spoke to his Daughter Pauline and passed on condolences from all members. A Letter of condolence was also sent.

"Just had a call from the daughter (Pauline) of retired PC 689TDZ Roland Lambert regrettable he died on Saturday 1st September near his home. Believed to be heart attack (awaits Coroner). Although 94 he was in good health and I had a lunch date with him on Tuesday. I will let everyone know funeral details in due course. Funeral will be in Wallington, Surrey area. Jackie"

Funeral arrangements for late Roland Lambert 689 TDZ.
The funeral will be held on Tuesday 2nd October 2018 Holy Trinity Church, Malden Road, Wallington, SM6 8BL at 12.30pm. Afterwards burial at Bandon Hill Cemetery, Plough Lane, Wallington at 2pm. Refreshments will provided at the cricket club which is directly across the road to Bandon Hill.
Roland’s daughter Pauline has asked me to collate names of those who wish to attend.
I appreciate many of our members did not know Roland as he retired in 1974.
Jackie Lover

Hi All,
I am sorry to inform you all that Harry Waterson Ex PC 384TD/Wt No 18/140862, aged 86 years passed away at his home address on Tuesday 20th June 2017. Harry had a kidney condition for a number of years and had been in Hospital in Brighton but was allowed home in the end. Harry served in the RAF 1050-1952 before joining the Met. Born in Lambeth 24.1.31. Served at TDB from 1.4.68 until 29.7.68 then he arrived at TDZ. Retired 16.12.1984.
I spoke to Kim this morning and passed on condolences from all. FUNERAL Friday 30th June - at 12.30pm.

Jack enjoying some down-time at Epsom Races

Message received regarding the passing on of Alexander John (Jack) Frost Ex TDZ 575TD, Wt No34/141945, DOB 11.4.1935 aged 82 years. Served at TDZ from 1975 until retiring 31.8.1987. Served at ED/CB/TDB/TDZ. Also in the RAF 25.5.53/19.6.55.
I worked with Jack occasionally and it my memory serves me right he did not have a lot of time for the clergy!!!
The funeral is on 4th April 2017 at 3.30pm, at Randalls Park Crematorium, Leatherhead. Family flowers only but donations if desired to St Catherine's Hospice, Macmillan or the Dogs' Trust.
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The funeral of Janet Knott Ex Ch Insp TDZ was on Friday 3rd March 2017 and the turn out was good with many retired officers from other garages.
Our garage (TDZ) was represented by myself, Tony and Mary Larlham, Jackie Lover, Carol Baker, Barry and Mary Turner, Bob Grady, Mick Ashbrook,
Dave Whitehead and Stuart Care. The Met Police Traffic Div carried out the escort and Traffic Officers lined the route around the Crematorium.
They did the Funeral proud. The three Motor cycle outriders were all Traffic Sgts a site to behold and in our day would have been worth an entry in the Guinness Book of records!!!
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