No3 District Police Training Centre Pannal Ash, Harrogate

Built as a private home in the last quarter of the 18th century Pannal Ash was many things including a convalescent home for RAF Officers during the second World War.

It was purchased by the West Riding County Council in 1945 to train police recruits from the northern constabularies and became the No3 District Police Training Centre, a Home Office establishment.

In 1974 it became the police Regional Central Planning Unit.

2003 saw a major revamp across its 23 acres with accommodation for 423 students. 72 Training officers and, 70 residential staff.

In 2011 the National Planning Improvement Agency announced that it would close the following year as part of a governmental cost-cutting exercise. At the time there were between 176 – 184 teaching and training staff.

Entrance gates.

Entrance Gates

No3 District Police Training Centre Pannal Ash, Harrogate

Built as a private home in the last quarter of the 18th century Pannal Ash was many things including a convalescent home for RAF Officers during the second World War.

It was purchased by the West Riding County Council in 1945 to train police recruits from the northern constabularies and became the No3 District Police Training Centre, a Home Office establishment.

In 1974 it became the police Regional Central Planning Unit.

2003 saw a major revamp across its 23 acres with accommodation for 423 students. 72 Training officers and, 70 residential staff.

In 2011 the National Planning Improvement Agency announced that it would close the following year as part of a governmental cost-cutting exercise. At the time there were between 176 – 184 teaching and training staff.

Entrance gates.

Entrance Gates

Sadly, it has been empty ever since and is now derelict. Planning permission has been granted for the demolition of many of the buildings leaving the main building intact. It is planned to erect 232 detached houses.

Scroll down to #16 Harrogate Police Training Centre and click. Scroll to the bottom.

However, in 1965 there were approximately 150 students on three courses, one course passing out every month. There were 11 training sergeants, a scattering of inspectors, plus Commandant and his Deputy. And, of course domestic, catering and other civilian staff.

The photographs below were taken in the autumn of 1965 by Ian Walker, and displayed with his permission.

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The House

Commandant’s office is to the left of the doorway. Sick Bay to the right. Upper floors and the right-wing are offices and Instructors’ accommodation.

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The Library

The Library with its walkway. Classrooms and dormitories to the right. Sports Hall in the background.

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Course 234 Class 4

Photographer: Come on, gentlemen. You had your final exams. Big Cheesy grins

Students listed in no particular order: Names based on signature. The author. D. Baily (592). Wilson (565). C. Kirkham (637). W. Jaques (100). M. Parsons. O. McBride (240). R. Thorpe (408). N. Dixon (471). B. Turner (615). T. Bryer (699). P. Taylor. J. Fort (2240). B. Nicols (374). D. Cocker (77). A. Barwell (558). I. Walker (968)

Instructors Left to right: Sergeant Roy Foster – Drill Instructor. Sergeant Yarnall – Class Instructor – Kent Constabulary. Course Inspector – ? Sergeant Edwards – PTI.

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Course 234

Students listed in no particular order with names based on signature!

The author. N. Dixon (471). A. Barwell (558). P. Jack (599). T. Gerrard  (828). R. Whittaker (1686). W. Jaques (100). J. Liversedge (197). B. Turner (615). A. Foster (488). M. Chippendale (89). F. Rutter (1929). D. Baily (392). W. Haverdine. H. Matthews (106), G. Paterson (212). B. Nicols (374). D. Fazackerley (726). Wilson (346). J. Fletcher (511). T. Colls (28). M. Hunt (596). A. Morley (614). Rippon (623). T. Bryer (699). O. McBride (240). A. Copewell (616). R. Mason (304). W. Blackburn (1787). C. Kirkham (637). J. Fort (2240). R. Thorpe (408). P. Wallington (640). D. Cocker (77). J. Hodgkinson (775). R. Preston. Wilson (565). Barry (618). T. Coats (196). R. Whittaker (1686). I. Walker (968). J. Childs (629).

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Sgt Roy Foster, Drill Instructor, Leeds City Police

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