A BOBBY`S JOB: IMAGES OF POLICING IN CHESHIRE

A unique book documenting the history of Cheshire Constabulary will be published and available to purchase from this week.

A Bobby′s Job: Images of Policing in Cheshire, is a collection of black and white photographs from the extensive archives held at the Museum of Policing in Cheshire.

The book delves into the history and development of policing in the Cheshire area − from the formation of the county′s first police forces in the early nineteenth century, through the Victorian and Edwardian period, the interwar years and into the second half of the twentieth century when policing underwent fundamental change. Police buildings, transport, police dogs and many other aspects are dealt with.

A Bobby′s Job has been compiled by Will Brown, a volunteer of the Museum of Policing in Warrington – assisted by fellow Police Support Volunteers – who dedicate their spare time to ensuring Cheshire Constabulary′s history is preserved and promoted through the Museum.

Cheshire Constabulary will formally celebrate the launch of the book with a VIP event at their headquarters in Winsford on Wednesday, 28 May. The event will be opened by Deputy Chief Constable Helen King, Chair of the Museum of Policing in Cheshire, who will be joined by a mix of officers and staff both past and present.

A Bobby′s Job, published by The History Press, will appeal to anyone interested in policing and local history. It features stories about officers and staff from old Cheshire − when the Force area included parts of the current Merseyside and Greater Manchester Forces − as well as from within the current Force boundaries (including stories from Warrington and Widnes, from the days when they were part of the Lancashire Police Force).

As we mark the centenary anniversary of the beginning of First World War, the publication of the book is timely, with content touching on policing during the war and photographs of two of the many Cheshire Constabulary officers that played their part.

The story of the Thelwell family illustrates how policing was often a vocation chosen by families, with fathers and sons committing to the same profession. James and Ernest Thelwell both served as bobbies in Cheshire, with James completing 27 years in the Force and retiring just a few months after his son joined the Force. Tragically James′ son, Ernest James Thelwell, was killed in action on the Somme whilst serving with the Grenadier Guards aged just 25 years, having joined the Constabulary just three years earlier. Ernest′s death is commemorated on the on the War Memorial plaque alongside other police officers who died during the First World War.

A Bobby′s Job: Images of Policing in Cheshire (978-0-7509-5220-0) is available from The History Press (http://www.thehistorypress.co.uk/) and all good local bookshops, priced £13.99 − a percentage of which will go to supporting the work of the Museum of Policing in Cheshire.

Assisting at the Museum of Policing is just one way people can get involved in policing. Police Support Volunteer roles offer people the chance to make a contribution to their community in many different ways. Other projects include working to identify and assist vulnerable people, tackle anti-social behaviour, support engagement activities and Watch Schemes, and promote road safety.

The roles cover a broad range of skills and areas of interest, meaning people can actually choose to volunteer to support the police on the issues that matter most to them.

To find out more about the Police Support Volunteer opportunities available visit Cheshire Constabulary website, www.cheshire.police.uk. The site is regularly updated with the latest volunteering opportunities, so remember to check back frequently.