BOB BRIDGESTOCK

Bob was born in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire in 1952. He left Grammar School at the age of 15, served an apprenticeship as a Butcher then spent two years in a dye works before joining the police force on the 28th January 1974. In 1981 he was awarded the much acclaimed ‘Denis Hoban Trophy’ for outstanding detective work. On retirement he received a Certificate of Loyal Service from West Yorkshire Police in appreciation and recognition of 30years ‘Loyal and Devoted Service to the Community’.

During the last 3 years of  Bob’s 30 year CID led police career he took charge of 26 murders, (including the largest multiple murder investigation carried out by W.Y.P in 40 years), 23 major incidents, including drive by shootings, over 50 suspicious deaths and numerous sexual assaults. He was also a trained hostage negotiator dealing with suicide interventions, kidnap and extortion.

During his time at the internationally acclaimed West Yorkshire Police Force Training School he taught future CID officers at every rank, from all over the world.

Bob was seconded, at Superintendent level, to a protracted high profile investigation of police corruption in another police force, being the most senior officer on site.

As a young detective he worked on the Yorkshire Ripper enquiry and the Sarah Harper murder.

For his work he received over 25 commendations from high court judges and chief constables, who credit him with personal commitment and professionalism, expertise and diligence, as well as competence with skilful leadership in sensitive, complex, high profile cases with the subsequent presentation of compelling evidence.

With his wife Carol he can be seen regularly on the speakers’ circuit doing after dinner speeches, talks for groups, clubs, schools, Literary/Art/Crime Festivals. He also holds crime writing seminars and workshops.

CAROL BRIDGESTOCK

Carol was born in Halifax, West Yorkshire in 1961. She left Grammar School at the age of 16 and went on to study hairdressing at college. At the age of twenty she was running her own successful salon as well as teaching at the college. In 1988 Carol commenced working for the Police as a member of the support staff in the administration department. As a supervisor she received a Chief Constable’s commendation for outstanding work for her determination and drive creating a poster competition for an Autumn Fall Crime Initiative involving local schools. Carol was Chair of the Wight Fair Writers’ Circle for five years and during that time along with Bob she created a community writing competition to inspire others of all ages, and the proceeds of this go to charity. This competition is now an annual event and has raised over £7,000 – see more @ www.iowwritingcircle.co.uk

Bob and Carol became patrons for the Society in June 2016.