Southampton Branch
Information & History
Southampton is the largest city in the central southern area of the UK. Incorporating The New Forest to our west and the Isle of Wight to the south, and Hampshire all around us.
Our aim is to safeguard the rights of members, in particular their Police Pensions and promote measures for welfare and social activities.
The Southampton Branch of NARPO was the first to form in Hampshire in 1947. We are rooted in The Southampton Borough Force which was the name of our area Police Service at the time which subsequently became the Southampton City Police Force in 1966.
In 1967 amalgamation brought the County, City and Borough Police Forces together. The original County of Southampton covered an extensive area from Basingstoke to the North and Fareham in the East, including Christchurch and the entirety of The New Forest National Park also including The Isle of Wight. We retain this vast area which is now known as Hampshire including Winchester which is the County centre.
Our branch, together with the other three in Hampshire, are legacies of this pre-amalgamation, now over 57yrs ago! It is hoped that one day all Hampshire branches will re-join again moving in to the future. No-one nowadays receives other than a Hampshire Police Pension.
The retiring Police Officers of today do not recognise the historical territorial borders of the last century but they remain in our collective branch member histories. Recent changes and the complexities of I.T. make it even more essential to adopt change & reform to an administrative Super-Branch.
Our full branch name is Hampshire (Southampton) following an accord around 2016. Confusion at HQ administration as to what or where is North Hampshire. Shortened, became North Hants (Northampton) which is an area in Northamptonshire. Our branch is still known as just Southampton as it is easier to remember.
Location is not a constituent of membership.
We are the largest branch in the County and continue to represent our 921 members in all things the National Association of Retired Police Officers stands for. (see home page)
We hold up to 6 Committee Meetings a year and two regular, all member ones. (AGM & Open)
Geography & Area
The International Port of Southampton is famed for its Cruise, Container Port and Trading Docks. It is truly World Class. It benefits, as the only place in the World, to have 4 high tides a day! Renowned for it's University and major Railway Station, which are hubs for Commerce and Industry in this wonderful part of the Country. The city is proud of the fact that it is also known as the Home of the Spitfire due to manufacturing in the many surrounding small industrial areas during WWII. It was first flown from Eastleigh. (now Southampton International Airport.)
Going on a cruise? Likely or not you may leave from here! It's also the home of Carnival UK (parent company of Cunard & P&O). 🛳
There is much history to be proud of !
More about Our Branch
Southampton City Bargate
The Beautiful National Park - The New Forest
The Beautiful National Park - The New Forest
Originally the northern limit of the City. The Bargate is part of the City walls. During it's recent history it has also served as a Police Station! and is currently a museum. In the 1400's this was a place of executions for Henry V. (see Red Lion PH, High St, Southampton) Then, to the North (12.5mls) there is the Capital of England (at the time) - The great city of Winchester! the centre of
The County of Hampshire.
The Beautiful National Park - The New Forest
The Beautiful National Park - The New Forest
The Beautiful National Park - The New Forest
This area of outstanding Natural Beauty is the home of the famous New Forest Ponies that graze widely in a natural landscape.
There are also many other livestock animals to be seen and not touched. As well as a major highway to the West that is the A31.
Our patch copes with tourism and leisure.
(see link)
The wide variety of the Area
The Beautiful National Park - The New Forest
The wide variety of the Area
From Counties' Farms to the north and boat building and a great coastline to the south - A great area for all recreation. F1 at the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu to camping under the stars and the many Great Pubs and walks in Forestry Commission owned land.
Representation for Members
Representation for Members
The wide variety of the Area
We participate in Local, Regional & National Meetings representing our members.
Co-ordinating with our fellow branches and in this case our Chief Constable
What are you doing?
Representation for Members
The Heritage of our Area
Come to our meetings, swing the lamp a bit. Socialise and meet up with friends.
Our Branch Welfare team are here to help and advise when called upon.
Are you able to help others?
The Heritage of our Area
Representation for Members
The Heritage of our Area
A great place to live and work, relax and play. Even retired police officers