This section of our website is intended for you to keep in touch with all of your fellow colleagues who have served in the Bermuda Police. We started this column by putting all entries on one post but soon realized that it would stretch for far too long so we are doing it by each year- and this one is for 2024.

We welcome news, however brief, and would also encourage you to send us recent photos. Sadly we sometimes have to report "bad" news such as illnesses - or worse - but we are always delighted to receive positive news! We can be contacted through our email address at info@expobermuda.com or through the comments column at the bottom of each article, including this one.

We are starting this year's "Keeping in Touch" column with an entry about  those 30 men and women, many of whom will hopefully be celebrating their 50th Anniversary Year since joining the Bermuda Police back in 1974. Scroll down to our first entry of the year on 1st January regarding the  50th Anniversary. 

17th October

Get Together in Bermuda for Dave and Sar Walker
(l-r) Standing -  Mike Shaw, Keith Cassidy, Iain Morrison, Barbara McCreight,
Anne Marie and Charlie Mooney
Seated -  Jennifer Morrison, Dave Walker, Jan Shaw, Sar Walker,
Pam and Peter Borland, and Joan Cassidy
 

Get Together for Dave and Orasa "Sar" Walker in Bermuda  -  We just received this great photo of a recent reunion of a  group of “footballers” and their wives  who had a get-together at Peter and Pam Borland’s home on the occasion of a visit to the Island by Dave Walker and his lovely wife, "Sar".  Dave  was a regular member of our Bermuda Police Football team from 1972-1979, and all the guys in the photo also played for the Police team.

While in Bermuda Dave worked for the Bermuda Press and the old Castle Harbour Hotel where he handled all their printing needs.  He played both football and cricket for our Police teams while on Island.  Dave moved to Thailand 23 years ago, and he and Orasa live in Chaing Mai in Northern Thailand, and they have two teenage children. 

The happy group all enjoyed a delicious Thai meal prepared by Sar,  and had a fabulous time reminiscing about the good old days! We understand that Dave and Sar have thoroughly enjoyed catching up with old friends and acquaintances.  Dave also says  he would welcome visitors from Bermuda to Chaing Mai.

For the information of those of our readers who no longer live here,  everyone other than Dave and  Sar are still residing on Island although Iain and Jennifer Morrison tend to spend much of their time in Scotland.  

Ernie McCreight was keeping himself busy recently after kindly volunteering to take the photos for a new series of those Police Sports Superstar cards we produced in 1986 and 1987. The latest series are of Sports “Superstars” and “Legends”,  and Ernie has again done a superb job with the photos.  CLICK HERE to read all about this latest project, and Ernie’s involvement  in it,  on our ExPo website.

As you can see from the group photo,  those “footballers” seem to keeping in good shape  - no doubt due to their  wonderful wives.

CLICK HERE for an article about Dave in our "Then and Now" column 10 years ago at which time Dave vowed to return to Bermuda some time in the future. He finally made it!

28th September

Clive and Jenny Owen strolling
through the grounds of  Upton Court
 

We wonder how many of our readers can recognize this couple who bumped into John Price on 29th July 2024 while John and his wife Ann were walking through the grounds of Upton Court, a National Trust property near Banbury.  John happened to be wearing a Bermuda T-shirt, and as they passed by the lady in the photo exclaimed, “Oh Bermuda, we used to live there.”

The couple turned out to be Clive and Jenny Owen. Clive served here in the Bermuda Police from 1971-1978 and he met and married his wife Jenny while they were living here.  Although John had never met the Owens they mentioned they had been great friends of Davie Kerr and several other policemen who John didn’t know. Clive was first posted to Central Division (Hamilton} and went on to serve on Mobile Reserve, in MCPS and in Eastern Division.  Clive and Jenny married here in 1972 and their daughter Christie was born here in 1975.

Clive and Jenny at our Summer BBQ in 2015
 

Clive and Jenny returned to Bermuda on a vacation in 2015 and attended our annual Summer BBQ at the PRC. It’s good to see they are still getting out and about.

 

1st September

Paul and Angela in the Algarve

 

Paul and Angela Wright  -  We just had occasion to write to Paul Wright at which time Paul was asked how he’s doing these days, and he kindly sent this reply:- 

My wife Angela and I are very much enjoying our retirement to Portugal where we have been for five years now. We also divide our time between England and Bermuda where our son and daughter live. We lived for three years in Porto which is in the north of the country. A lovely city and beautiful part of the country. 

Two years ago we relocated to the Algarve in the south of the country. The Algarve is famed for its beaches which are lovely but not so lovely as in Bermuda! The landscape is not as lush and mountainous as in the north but the weather is much drier and warmer and the social life is quite vibrant. 

The region attracts retirees and vacationers from all over the world. We spend our time trying to stay active, visiting and learning about historical places - mainly by car in Portugal and Spain. We also enjoy day trips out on the motorcycle, hiking and cycling. The Portuguese community are very friendly and welcoming in spite of our limited language skills. They listen patiently as we mangle their language horribly and then they usually smile and reply to us in English!

All our best to everyone back home in Bermuda
Paul & Angela

 

22nd August

Anthony "Tony" Smith
 

Sad Passing of retired Inspector Anthony "Tony" Smith -  We were deeply saddened to hear the news of the passing of our good friend and colleague, retired Inspector Anthony “Tony” Smith, here in Bermuda on 11th August after recently undergoing treatment abroad for a serious illness.  CLICK HERE for our report on Tony's passing.

We have been advised by Liz Smith that "A Celebration of Life" for her husband, and our good friend and colleague, Anthony “Tony” Smith will be held at the Police Recreation Club on Thursday, August 29th from 3-5pm.  Attire: Casual and Colorful.

 

6th August

Dave Inwood and Tony Diggins
cooling out in Bali 
 
Dave Inwood wished Happy 80th 
Birthday to Dave Hodgkins
 

David Inwood, Tony Diggins and Dave Hodgkins  -   It’s always a pleasure hearing from our old friends and colleagues, no matter where in the world they are, and our latest news comes all the way from Australia, where Dave Inwood and his wife Elaine have settled.  As Dave explains, “I recently caught up with Tony Diggins in Bali for a week!  We joined the BPS together in December 1968 and have been close friends since then. I was escaping the Oz Winter and Tony was escaping the English Summer!"

Both had served in UK Police Forces prior to coming to Bermuda, Dave in the Oxford City Police and Tony in the Essex Police. Dave served here in Central Division (Hamilton) in Eastern Division and in Administration at Police HQ prior to leaving for fresh pastures.

Young P.C. Dave Inwood 
Young P.C. Tony Diggins
 

Tony also started his time in Bermuda on the beat in Hamilton, and went on to postings in “E” Department (Special Branch), in Admistration at Police Headquarters, and in “F” Department where he played an important role is the setting up of the Police Outward Bound programme at Paget Island.  Attached is a report from Mr. A.R. Johnson, Director of the Outward Bound Trust, who I believe was P.C. Richard “Dick” Johnson father,  paying tribute to Tony Diggins and Lynn Hall for their hard work in setting up the Bermuda OB programme.

A few days after his visit to Bali, Dave was on the move again, this time flying to Queensland to surprise Dave Hodgkins on his 80th birthday.  Dave, who was an active member of our PRC football team during his time here, recalls that Dave Hodgkins was an integral part of the PRC football team who won promotion to the first division back in 1970.   He later went on to play for Hotels and will no doubt be fondly remembered by many of the police footballers.

As Dave says, it’s always great to catch up and reminisce about those Bermuda memories. We always enjoy hearing from our former colleagues and are happy to let our members know where you are and what you’re doing these days. So don’t hesitate to write to us.

Police Football Team 1972-1973 Season
Back from L:- Graham Blackshaw*, John Headey, Eric Robinson*
Keith Cassidy, Dave Hodgkins*, Frank Dowie, Bill Jordan*
Kevin Brennan, Steve Taylor.
Front from L:- Bob Porritt, Brian McManus*, Bob Durman,
Ernie McCreight, Alan MacLeod* , Dave Walker*, Bryan Parkin. 

7th July

Iain Morrison and Ian Ganson -   It sure is a small world when it comes to bumping into unexpected people!  A prime example occurred last Wednesday when our good friend, Iain Morrison, was walking through a B & Q store in Edinburgh, Scotland, wuth his wife and bumped into someone from the distant past.  As Iain described it, “As we walked in, I saw a guy coming towards us who looked very familiar. We crossed and looked at each other without saying anything. I immediately thought it looked like Ian Ganson, ex-Bda Police officer who was my uniform sergeant for a while in St. George's around 1976/77 era.

 
Iain Morrison
 
Ian Ganson
 

“Moments later, I went back and asked if he was Ian Ganson .........and lo and behold, it was Ian with his wife, Claudia. We chatted for a few minutes, exchanged phone numbers & will hopefully meet up again before we return to Bermuda in September.

“Ian left Bermuda in 1978 and joined the Peel Regional Police in Canada. He returned to live in Edinburgh about 5 years ago. Quite amazingly, I hadn't seen Ian since he left Bermuda 46 years ago. What are the chances of that???  It was one of those days when I thought ........ wow, I should have bought a lottery ticket!!!!”

Editors note - Unfortunately, neither Ian or Iain thought to take a photo of their encounter.

Ian Ganson joined the Bermuda Police in July 1967 and was an outstanding detective who was involved in the arrest of Buck Burrows on the night Burrows was spotted, and despite being heavily armed was pounced on and arrested without any injury to himself or anyone else.  D/Insp Clive Donald and D/Sgt Larry Smith had tackled Burrows as he was riding his motor cycle. D/Sgt Ganson was at the scene  and on realizing that Burrows still had a rifle strapped around him during the struggle, Ian took out a knife and quickly slashed the leather strap so he could take possession of the rifle.

 Group Gathering in Glasgow -  April 2023
(l-r)  Dick Coulthard, Ian Graham, Barry Higham, Andy Lavery and Ian Ganson
 

We were made aware that Ian Ganson attended a small ExPo group gathering in Glasgow in April 2023 after we received the above photo of their group but had no idea that he moved from Canada to Scotland until we just heard from Iain.   We would be delighted to hear from Ian who can contact us through our website at info@expo.com

Our good friend Iain Morrison keeps in touch with us from time to time, and after retiring from the BPS in March 200, he and his wife Jennifer have spent most of their time living in Scotland (Banchory, Aberdeenshire and Edinburgh) with annual visits to Bermuda, but more recently they have been spending more time back in Bermuda and less in Scotland  -  they love Bermuda during our warm winters, but escape to Scotland during our hot humid summer season. Sounds like the perfect combination!

 

3rd June

 Sad Passing of Graham Alderson  -  We are deeply saddened to report that we have heard from Graham Alderson’s daughter, Sarah Robinson, that her father passed away in the UK two days ago after a long illness.

Graham joined the Bermuda Police on 4th February 1975 and moved quite quickly into SOCO. an area where he had previous experience.  

Scenes of Crime Department
 Back row -  Ashmead Ali, Howard Cutts, Paul Farrell. Graham Alderson, 
Cal Christopher, Aideen Fletcher and Theo Providence
Front row - Rod Barclay, Dave Chew, Ernie McCreight and Keith Cassidy
 

He later transferred to Western Division where he was promoted to Sergeant. Graham served there both as a Watch Sergeant and as Western Division Club Manager.  Following his retirement in 2003 Graham and his wife Jean moved to the UK.

We send our sincere condolences to Jean, Sarah and her husband Dana Robinson Jnr, and their two children Kaliq and Ashton.

We will also publish more details including funeral arrangements as soon as we receive them.

 

Gathering at Waterloo Inn
(l-r) Kathy and “Coco” Eve, Beverley and Peter Shaw,
Christine and Richard Pett, Debbie, and “Moby’ Pett
 

Gathering in Derbyshire -   There was a ‘Meeting of the Minds’ in Biggin, Buxton, Derbyshire, when the trio of John “Coco” Eve, Peter Shaw, and Maurice “Moby” Pett and family members gathered at the Waterloo Inn, run by Alan Pugh’s widow, Debbie and son Steve.  We hear they had a lovely lunch and shared many fond memories.  There was no mention in our communique about beers!   

Peter was accompanied by his wife Beverley, Coco by his wife Kathy, and Moby by his brother Richard and Richard’s wife Christine. 

Their gathering was held on 2nd June (Coronation Day for the Late Queen Elizabeth 11) and it was clearly a hot sunny day because Pete is wearing his Bermuda shorts!

 

27th May

Alf Hagar and Steve Taylor
at Liverpool Cty Police Cadets reunion
 

Liverpudlian Cadets Get Together -  We just heard from our good friend and former President of ExPo, retired Sergeant Steve Taylor ,  about  a very special function he recently attended in Liverpool celebrating the 75thAnniversary of the formation of the Liverpool City Police Cadets, which was held at The Liner Hotel in Liverpool  City Centre. 

Steve was surprised when he bumped into another former Bermuda Police officer, Alf Hagar, who he remembered seeing for a short time after Steve’s arrival in Bermuda in 1971 although at that time neither realized that they had both been Cadets in the Liverpool Police.  

Young P.C. Alf Hagar

Alf served here in the Bermuda Police from November 1965 – November 1972 during which time he was initially posted to Central Division (Hamilton) for about a year, and was then transferred into Dog Section where he  remained until he left the Island in late 1972.  

Alf was a popular member of the BPS who had joined our Police Drama Group and acted in the classic First World War play, Journey’s End, performed at City Hall Theatre.  CLICK HERE to view an excellent article about the History of our Police Drama Group

Cast Members of Journey's End

Alf also played some squash at the Prospect Court. It’s great to hear from Alf after all these years.

Steve wrote to us while at home celebrating his beloved Manchester United beating Manchester City in the FA Cup Final this last weekend.  Steve had attended that VERY stressful semi-final against Coventry City at Wembley but wasn’t sure his heart could handle the stress again! For those who didn’t follow the FA Cup, Man United were coasting with a 3-0 lead in the semi-final until Coventry made a tremendous comeback to level the score at 3-3 after 90 minutes. The match was settled when Man United won the penalty shootout.  Having scraped home against Coventrywho play in the Championship, they were up against the newly crowned Premiership League Champions, Manchester City and against all odds, United went on to defeat City 2-1. 

Steve sends his best regard to all his old mates in Bermuda.

 

14th May

Gathering at The Corn Exchange, Manchester
(l-r)  Graham Blackshaw, John Headey, Dave Walker and Bob Porritt
 
GET TOGETHER IN MANCHESTER  -  John Headey sent us this photo of the recent get together for a few beers and a little food at The Corn Exchange in Manchester,  on May 2nd which has become an almost annual event for former members of our PRC football team.  Dave Walker was visiting again from his home in Chiang Mai in Thailand (doing his best to use up his air miles before they expire) and he met up with Graham Blackshaw, John Headey and Bob Porritt.  Messrs Steve Taylor, John Riordan and Bob Kinnen usually attend but they were unable to be there this time for various reasons.  We understand that the guys spent a pleasant few hours talking about old times, and otherwise putting the world to right!

And here are some of the old stars of the PRC Team from way back in 1972 – over 50 years ago.

PRC  Football Team Tour to New York and New Jersey - 1972
(photo taken on lawn outside Police Club)
Top row (l-r) - Iain Morrison, John Headey, Steve Taylor, Frank Dowie,
Eric Robinson (C), Brian McManus (C), Bob Porritt.
Front row (l-r) Dave Parsons (Manager), Dave Walker (C), 
John Walsh, Roger Brydon, Mike Rickards,
Les Pearson, Stuart Donaldson, Davie Kerr, Graham Blackshaw (C), 
Dave Inwood. (C) - Civilians.
 

ExPo Football Fans on Tenterhooks  -    And while on the subject of football the past few weeks have been fraught with tension and “soccer stress” amongst a small group of ExPo football fans who stay in touch with each other through the football season, and who always hope for the best but can be treated cruelly by fate as the 2023-2024 season rapidly draws to a close.

Our group consists of Bob Kinnen, an avid Leeds fan, John Headey for whom hope almost always springs eternal as a strong supporter of Huddersfield Town’s “Terriers”, and Iain Morrison and myself as die-hard fans of the Potters, Stoke City.  There’s a paucity of Stoke City fans here in Bermuda with the notable exception of our good friend Frankie Foggo who was converted to the Potters cause many years ago through his friendship with Iain.  Frankie’s loyalty to his team is without question!

Roger flies the Stoke City colours with his
Bermuda kite (the kite flies higher than the Potters!
 

Our three teams started the season in the Championship and I believe it’s fair to say Bob was optimistic that Leeds had a good chance of regaining promotion to the Premiership, while John was somewhat pessimistic about the “Terriers” staying put, and Iain and myself had much the same feelings about the Potters surviving another season in the Championship.  

As the season rapidly draws to a close the fate of John’s “Terriers” has already been decided and they’ll be dropping down to League One.  We’ve even heard rumours that John’s grandson, Wylie, might have already transferred his loyalty to Arsenal!   In fairness to John I should point out that my two grandson’s have long since abandoned the Potters, and one now supports Liverpool and the other Manchester City.  Club loyalties are rare amongst the young who seem to have a penchant for switching their support to whoever happens to be top of the Premiership.

John Headey with grandson Wylie

Iain and myself are much relieved after Stoke City’s end of season form hit top gear with 3 wins in their last 3 matches to keep them in the Championship, and finishing slightly better than they did last season.  

However, still on tenterhooks is Bob Kinnen.  With Leeds failing to security automatic promotion by finishing in the top two, they are now battling it out in their play offs for the third promotion spot.  Bob, if it’s any consolation,  John, Iain and myself are all rooting for Leeds to make their return to the Premiership!

Of all our ExPo football supporters I reckon Keith Cassidy has had the most stressful season as Everton have been in all sorts of trouble having a poor run of form, and having points deducted for “irregularities”, but Keith must be feeling ecstatic as, despite points deductions, the Toffees have enjoyed a brilliant run of form in their last 5 matches, winning 4 and drawing one, to keep them well clear of the drop.

We’d be happy to hear from any of our ExPo members about ups and downs of your teams, whatever Division they play in, even if it’s in Scotland as is the case with Ernie McCreight, a lifelong Rangers fan who must surely have been hoping that his team  might win the Scottish Premiership this season in one of the closest contests for years, only to finish second to traditional rivals Celtic.  And our former ExPo President, Steve Taylor, must be tearing his hair out at the form of his beloved Man United.

 

10th April

Members of the  Burke Family visit Bermuda  -  I’d recently been meaning to make contact with our old friend and colleague, retired Inspector Mike Burke and his wife Carolyn “Cam” who left Bermuda in 1982 after Mike retired and they settled in Jersey, in the Channel Islands, where Mike was born and raised.

 Roger with Mark and Joanne on their moped

So, it was a very pleasant surprise to receive a call completely out of the blue from Mike’s son, Mark,  who had arrived here on vacation with his lovely wife Joanne.  Mark was born in Bermuda in 1968 and his sister, Sally was born 2 years later.  The Burke family lived on Alexandra Road, Prospect, at a time when lots of the young married policemen and their wives were living at Prospect and raising children. 

Sgt Mike Burke with Cam and their children
Mark and Sally when Mike received his 
18 years Long Service medal in 1976
 

Mark bumped into Michael Sheehy, John Joe Sheehey’s son, at Divots Restaurant while doing something he could only have dreamed of doing when living here!  Mark was 15 when his family moved to Jersey so he never had the opportunity to own and ride a Moby!  He more than made up for it on this trip when he rented a moped and toured from one end of the Island to the other with Joanne as his pillion passenger. Bermuda traffic is infinitely more congested these days than it was in the 1960’s and 1970’s,  but Mark and Joanne thoroughly enjoyed doing their sightseeing on two wheels although I should mention that Mark is an experienced motor cyclist on bikes far more powerful than those seen in Bermuda, such as his  Kawasaki GPS 600 Ninga! 

Acting Supt Arthur Glasford

Mark and Joanne also had a chance meeting with Acting Supt Arthur Glasford when they visited the Police Rec Club. Arthur introduced himself and then went on to give them a tour of the officer's club and museum. He then took them to the Police Memorial in the Prospect Cemetery, all in his own time. This was very emotional for Mark, seeing his old homes, Camp Lodge and 16 Alexandra Rd. and then visiting John Joe Sheehy's final resting place and seeing the names of others who he knew commemorated there. Mark says a better example of Bermuda hospitality would be hard to find and he is very grateful to Arthur for his time.

Mark and Joanne ready to hit the road

Mark had followed his father into the police profession and served in the Jersey Police for some 28 years before retiring as a Sergeant 6 years ago and becoming a funeral director.  His sister Sally works in the Governor's Office as their Admin and Engagements Officer.

Mark and Joanne visited my wife and I at our home in Flatts Village and it was great to catch up on how the Burke family is doing in Jersey.  Mike has really slowed down these days, but Cam keeps busy, and both are actively involved with their lovely grandchildren. 

'The Burke Jersey Clan'
Back (l-r)  Carolyn, Sally, Joanne, George and Leah
(Mark and Joanne’s 2 children), Mark and Mike,
Front -  Lucy, Aimee and Megan (Sally’s 3 girls)
 

Mark has been back to the Island several times over the years, and we understand that his sister Sally will probably be the next family member to pay us a visit.

You can read more about Mike and Cam in an excellent  article in the “Then and Now” column of our website. CLICK HERE to view it. 

 

20th March

Spotted at Belmont
(l-r)  "Moby" Pett, Keith Cassidy, Billy Butterworth and Paul Field

Hanging Out at Divots -  This group of "oldies" was spotted last week having lunch together at Divots restaurant located at Belmont Hills Golf Club.  Bill Butterworth, Keith Cassidy and Moby Pett are all regular golfers and play together every week. They might also be found on Thursday afternoons getting together in the bar at the Police Club with some of our other old colleagues. The odd man out in the photo is Paul Field who has never been seen on a golf course although he used to be handy with bat and ball on the cricket field in the 1960's.  

Keith is a member of the Senior Golfer's who plays at Belmont on Tuesdays and I seem to recall that he and a partner won a recent tournamen with the Seniors.  Keith probably knows the course better than anyone as a Past President of Belmont who still patrols the course on a regular basis and still works tirelessly to make sure it's kept in good shape.  And on the same subject, all four of these old colleagues are in generally good shape and are all staying active.  Great to see them out and about.

4th March

A pensive John McQuaid

John McQuaid returning “Home”!  We hear that our good friend and former colleague, John McQuaid, is returning to his second “home” here in Bermuda for a 2 week holiday, arriving on Sunday 10th March, and he’ll be staying with his friend Edward Harris.  

John has been yearning for a visit to Bermuda for some time and is hoping to meet up with as many of his old friends as possible, especially his Somerset crew and also members of the Police Drama Group. Sadly, he isn’t able to bring his wife, Lynn, due to the fact that she’s very ill and not able to travel.  In fact their children have urged John to take a well-earned break and visit the Island he fell in love with over half a century ago.

Young P.C. John McQuaid
 

John served here in the Bermuda Police from  September 1963 – September 1969,  serving first in St. George’s and then in Somerset where he met his lovely wife Lynn in Somerset.  

CLICK HERE to read the story of John McQuaid taken from his article ‘THE SIXTIES’ in which he wrote "My stay in Bermuda left an indelible mark, a love of the island and its way of life, which I have retained ever since."

 

Young P..C. Dennis Gordon

 
Dannis Gordon -  I happened to meet up with our old friend and colleague retired Sgt. Dennis Gordon a few days ago in our doctors waiting room and Dennis told me he had a nasty road accident on Keith Hall Road last November when someone ran into him and caused several injuries for which he’s still receiving treatment.  I understand that the driver of the offending vehicle had no licence so he also had no insurance which means  Dennis is having problems claiming off the vehicle owners insurance.
 
Dennis came to Bermuda from St. Vincent to join the BPS in March 1972 and celebrated 50 years in Bermuda in 2002.  After his initial posting to Central Division (Hamilton), Dennis served in Murder Room, Central CID, Operations (Traffic), and spent most of his service in CID and in Narcotics. He retired in 2005 after over 30 years service in the BPS.
 
Dennis Gordon and Roger Kendall at one of our ExPo functions
 
Dennis regularly attends our ExPo functions and still keeps himself fit, apart from his  most unfortunate accident.  We wish him a speedy and complete recovery.
 

20th January

DO WE HAVE YOUR PHOTO? -  Last week was ran an article on our Facebook page asking the question -  DO WE HAVE YOUR PHOTO? -  After  publishing this group photo  of members of Traffic Department taken in 1979, on the 100th Anniversary of the founding of the Bermuda Police, we had a request from Becky Durie for a photo of her father, John Wild. We also had a comment from Theresa Pedro (Pratt) who was delighted to see that her father Sgt Keith Pratt was one of the men and women in the group photo.  We promptly checked our records and were quickly able to post portrait photos of both John Wild and Keith Pratt under the Facebook article.
 
Operations Division in front of City Hall - 1989
CLICK HERE to view this photo enlarged with complete with caption
 
Some of our ExPo members may not be aware  that we have access to literally hundreds of head and shoulders photos of most of the police officers who served here in the Bermuda Police from the late 1950's to the early 1990's in the old police register at Prospect. These were usually taken when the officer first joined the Police so they are usually of our "young" men and women although some were taken when officers had been promoted. They were taken for their warrrant card ID's and are only passport size, but some are rather nice portraits. Our Police photographers were the best!
We invited our ExPo members to contact us at info@expobermuda.com if they would be interested in obtaining a copy of their photo and we'd be happy to search our files to see if we can find one for you. But there is a price to pay!!!!
The "PRICE" is that you write a few lines and let us know where you are and what you're doing these days so we can mention you here in our "Keeping in Touch" column. 
 
FIRST REPLY FROM NEAL RICHARDSON -   Well, we've now received our first request from, Neal Richardson, who served here from 1984-1993.  CLICK HERE for an excellent article Neal had already written to us for our "Then and Now" column which we published without his portrait because we couldn't find it when we first published the article. After an extensive search we found Neal's old warrant card photo which we immedately sent to him, and here is Neal's reply honouring his part of the bargain! 
 Young P.C. Neal Richardson
I got in touch following your piece in ExpoBermuda regarding requests to obtain our initial joining (warrant card) photo from the Police Admin records.  I asked for mine and this was met with an initial response of no success.  I gather that our Sept 1984 Localisation Couse (there were 20 of us) weren't stored well.  I was delighted last night to find out that you went on a subsequent deep-dive and sure enough, found mine.  Many thanks for that.  My wife and I had a good laugh at it.
Neal and Ingrid
enjoying the sunshine in Guatemala
"I last left off with an account I put together that's in the Then and Now section (CLICK HERE to view it Since then, I continued with my private sector employment in the NYC area, working for several major financial institutions in the field of AML.  There was one particular Bermuda Police interaction with this, and that was when my boss at one of these financial institutions, was on a conference somewhere in the States, and she began a conversation with the gentlemen in the next seat on a private bus that was ferrying the attendees around.  The gentleman said he was from Bermuda and of course, my boss said one of her team was once based in Bermuda.  The gentleman was Dave Cart, another of my former bosses.  What are the chances of that happening?
Bermuda gave me, and many of my colleagues, a love and the ability to travel.  One of these travels included a visit to Lake Atitlan in Guatemala in 1991.  I was blown away at the beauty of the place and despite seeing a lot of the rest of the world, this particular spot parked itself in my head.
I made the decision to go for retirement at 61.  It's not easy walking out of a good job voluntarily, but I did.  In my final working years, we built a beautiful house on the shores of the Lake, and it was probably having this house down here that I could only enjoy for short work vacations that fueled my desire to retire.  Retirement was three years ago and I spend almost all of my time now here in Guatemala.  I have a car and a motorcycle here that's great for explorations.  However, there are no roads where our house is and it's only accessible by boat.  We still maintain a place in the NYC area, but I only tend to go when family events occur. I haven't been back to the UK since 2008 when my brother passed away unexpectedly.  With no close family to visit there anymore, I just haven't felt any draw to return.  
I am in regular video call contact with the likes of Eddie Davies (living in Georgia, USA), John Jones (living in Hong Kong), Ian Matthews (living in Leeds), Gary Wilson (living in Bangkok).
Happily married to New Yorker, Ingrid, with our three (now) adult kids. " 
 
Editors note -  By coincidence the next photo below includes Dave Cart.
 

8th January

"Celebration of Life" for Steve Dunleavy  -   The family of the Late retired Sgt. Steve Dunleavy held a “Celebration of Life” reception for Steve at the RHADC in Paget on Sunday afternoon 7th January 2024.  CLICK HERE to review our Hall of Fame article about Steve which was written with the assistance of his family who also kindly supplied some of the photos.

Here in Bermuda, and elsewhere, it‘s been traditional to hold a funeral service, usually at a church or chapel, or occasionally at the Police cemetery at Prospect, but the times they are a’changing.   I have to say from the outset that not only was Steve’s “Celebration of Life” reception packed with his family, friends and former colleagues in attendance, but it also felt like an actual “celebration” of his life. There were touching moments when his children, Christian, Sean and  Katherine shared some of their highly personal reminiscences of good times and amusing times with their dad,  as did grandson Jay and nephew John.  It should also be mentioned that Steve's snooker partner for many years, fellow policeman, Andy Wright, flew in specially for the reception and also gave a personal tribute to his good friend. 

Please note that in accordance with his family’s wishes, wearing bright colours were the order of the day – except for the colour red!  But why?  Typical of curmudgeonly Steve, it was explained that he wouldn’t have wanted anyone turning up in anything even remotely resembling Manchester United’s colours!   

(l-r) Betty and John Dale. Bill Butterworth
Andy Wright and Dave Cart
 
Sue Dunleavy amd Gertie Barker
 
Hiram Edwards, Carlton Adams and Louis Griffith

Ty Smith, Wayne Perinchief and Cal Smith

 If you check out the photo of items on display in memory of Steve, you will see that not only was he proud of his time in the Bermuda Police, he was also a Bolton Wanderers fan all the way.  Judging by the unanimous comments of our ExPo members present – Steve had a great send off! 

Tributes to Steve
Bolton Wanderers Forever. The Heineken was empty!
 
Steve sings along with the Rolling Stones' Mick Jagger!
You know you've hit the heights in Bermuda when you're the subject of a
Peter Woolcock cartoon! Steve was a lifelong Rolling Stones fan and an
Atlanta Braves supporter along with his family, and Gizmo was his much loved cat.  
This cartoon was a gift to the family from Peter Woolcock for Steve's 50th birthday

 

1st January

HAPPY 50th ANNIVERSARY -  For anyone who joined the Bermuda Police during the year 1974 and is still chugging along, we salute you and congratulate you on this the 50th anniversary year since you first joined the Bermuda Police.   

It appears from our Police records, that 1974 was a rather lean year for new recruits.  In all, we have found 30 names in the old police registers at Prospect, and looking through our Training School Course photos we could only find one Basic Training Course held during the year, and that was Course No. 18 held from May – July 1974. 

Basic Training Course #18

Top Row (l-r)  Kendrick Shillingford, Cumlal Rampersad, John Lynch-Wade, 
Charles Mooney, Herwood Griffiths, Ian Sanders, Robin Stuart
Middle Row - John Kenyon, John Kandziorka, Reginald Ramjohn, Catharine Dorrington, 
Coralie Trott, Sharonmae "Tracy" Armstrong, Eric Ingemann, Wilton "Terry" Lee, Matthew Lindo
Seated -  Peter Borland, Sgt Pat McBride, Supt. Syke Smith, DCOP Alf Morris, 
Insp. Dave Parsons, Sgt Barrie Meade, P.C. John McConnie (Instructor), Franklyn Foggo/Bagley
 

Looking at the above photo we're aware that a few of these recruits either failed to make it through training school or left shortly after the course, while others stayed on, some for several years and some who made their careers as police officers.  Those who stayed in the Police include Eddie Edwards, Kendrick Shillingford, John Lynch-Wade, Charlie Mooney, Cathy Dorrington, Charlie Dorrington, Coralie Trott, Tracy Armstrong, Peter Borland, and Frankie Foggo.  The only Training School instructor still with us is retired Inspector John McConnie.  Those we have lost include John Kandjiorka, Eric Ingemann, Terry Lee, and Matthew Lindo. 

CLICK HERE for our article about the 30 men and women recruited during 1974 and listing all of their names.