Latest news with #Specials
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Yahoo
Special Supt retires after 41 years with police
A Special Supt who joined the police after making a citizen's arrest during a night out is retiring as a volunteer after 41 years. Back in 1983, Howard Rayner's potential was spotted by the attending PC who suggested he joined the Special Constabulary in Essex. Since then, the 68-year-old's "exceptional public service" in Chelmsford and Braintree has seen him receive a British Empire Medal in 2019, among other accolades, the force said. Looking back on the incident that sparked it all, he said: "Somebody rather drunk decided to kick a shop window in, right in front of me, so I grabbed him, made a citizen's arrest, and it led from there." "Back when I joined, the Specials were referred to as the 'Hobby Bobby', but we've moved on from that now with the professionalism and the training we get," he told BBC Essex. "It's been challenging, with lots of different opportunities that you would not have as a civilian, or even as a full-time officer. "I'll miss the camaraderie and friendship, but I'll still see many of my former colleagues." Supt Rayner juggled policing with his full-time job as the managing director of Anglia Tile Centre in Colchester, which he is not retiring from. He served under seven chief constables and was responsible for more than 60 officers, and became and remained friends with the officer who spotted his skills. "It's time to allow other people to step up as we have some enthusiastic younger officers who are ready to progress," he said. He added that society had "changed dramatically" over the course of his policing career, with the advances in technology the most noticeable difference. "I'll miss it and not having a warrant card in my pocket will take a bit of getting used to, but I've got five grandchildren with another on the way." Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington paid tribute to Howard's service. "To commit more than 40 years to helping people and keeping the county safe, while balancing his business and family responsibilities, is extraordinary," he said. Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. Police chief 'may have to cut 200 officers' Special constables to get tax breaks for 'keeping city safe' Essex Police
BBC News
19-03-2025
- BBC News
Special Supt retires after 41 years with Essex Police
A Special Supt who joined the police after making a citizen's arrest during a night out is retiring as a volunteer after 41 in 1983, Howard Rayner's potential was spotted by the attending PC who suggested he joined the Special Constabulary in Essex. Since then, the 68-year-old's "exceptional public service" in Chelmsford and Braintree has seen him receive a British Empire Medal in 2019, among other accolades, the force said. Looking back on the incident that sparked it all, he said: "Somebody rather drunk decided to kick a shop window in, right in front of me, so I grabbed him, made a citizen's arrest, and it led from there." "Back when I joined, the Specials were referred to as the 'Hobby Bobby', but we've moved on from that now with the professionalism and the training we get," he told BBC Essex."It's been challenging, with lots of different opportunities that you would not have as a civilian, or even as a full-time officer."I'll miss the camaraderie and friendship, but I'll still see many of my former colleagues."Supt Rayner juggled policing with his full-time job as the managing director of Anglia Tile Centre in Colchester, which he is not retiring served under seven chief constables and was responsible for more than 60 officers, and became and remained friends with the officer who spotted his skills. "It's time to allow other people to step up as we have some enthusiastic younger officers who are ready to progress," he added that society had "changed dramatically" over the course of his policing career, with the advances in technology the most noticeable difference."I'll miss it and not having a warrant card in my pocket will take a bit of getting used to, but I've got five grandchildren with another on the way."Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington paid tribute to Howard's service."To commit more than 40 years to helping people and keeping the county safe, while balancing his business and family responsibilities, is extraordinary," he said. Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
BBC News
02-03-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Signed Ozzy Osbourne guitar raises £15k for Acorns hospice
An electric guitar signed by rock legend Ozzy Osbourne has fetched £15,000 in an auction at a dinner for 2024 Gibson SG went under the hammer at the event, which raised £179,570 on the night for Acorns Children's Specials singer Neville Staple headlined an evening of entertainment at the ICC in Birmingham, inspired by BBC drama This electric guitar donated by Osbourne was also signed by artists who performed at the Black Sabbath frontman's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, including Jack Black, Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Billy Idol. Osbourne and Black Sabbath are reuniting to play a one-off fundraising concert in the city on 5 is set to benefit, alongside fellow charities Cure Parkinson's and the Birmingham Children's hospice, with bases in Birmingham, Walsall and Worcester, is supported by Aston Villa, and Osbourne has been a lifelong fan of the the past year, the charity has cared for more than 780 children across the West Midlands and supported over 1,000 dinner event on Friday featured recreated sets from the drama by Steven Knight, which was set in the West Midlands during the evening included special appearances from Knight and some of the show's cast, including Levi Brown, Ben Rose and Eve said money raised in its This Town Gala Dinner would help it to continue its "life-changing care for children with life limiting and life-threatening conditions across the West Midlands and support for their families". Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
BBC News
29-01-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Neville Staple to perform one-off charity gig in Birmingham
The Specials singer Neville Staple is returning to the stage for a one-off performance at a charity gala in Birmingham next year the Coventry frontman was diagnosed with a serious heart defect, for which he was advised to take a complete rest from live gala will raise funds for Acorn Children's Hospice, which has sites in Birmingham, Walsall and Worcester, and provides palliative care for families with children with life-limiting will celebrate the drama series This Town, which focuses on the music scene in the 70s and 80s in Birmingham and Coventry. The evening will see guests experience a journey through 1980s Birmingham, the hospice said, with entertainment, live music and fine will round off the gala dinner with a headline the event is Steven Knight, creator and writer of Peaky Blinders, who also created and wrote This Town, and grew up in Birmingham. Knight is a patron of the hospice, and the gala will also be supported by Kudos, the production company behind the local guests include Birmingham-born comedian, actress, and writer Shazia Mirza, who will host the event, and the city's Poet Laureate 2020-2022, Casey Bailey."We are thrilled to have such an extraordinary line-up of local talent, led by none other than ska legend Neville Staple," said Trevor Johnson, chief executive of the hospice charity."But amidst the style and glamour, it is important to remember that at the heart of this truly special event are the children and families we support. "This night is for them and will enable us to continue to provide the care and support they can't get anywhere else."It will be held at Birmingham's International Convention Centre on 28 February. Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
