BRADING BASH - DAY TWO. Talk.

WALK THROUGH A FACTUAL CRIME ENQUIRY WITH A REAL SENIOR INVESTIGATING OFFICER BOB AND CAROL BRIDGESTOCK.

Free - Donations to Bash please. To book Tel: 07771305841.

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’. As a career detective he worked in the CID at every rank. For over half of his service he was a senior detective, retiring at the rank of Detective Superintendent. As a Senior Investigative Officer (SIO) in charge of homicide cases he took command of some twenty-six murder investigations, twenty- three major incidents including shootings and attempted murders and over fifty suspicious deaths and numerous sexual assaults, some of which were extremely high profile in his last three years alone. He received numerous 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. He was a Force Hostage Negotiator and was also commended for his work into the investigation of a protracted, high profile investigation of police corruption in another police force.

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.

She always knew Bob could tell a good story because of the experiences he had had in his life but her nagging fell on deaf ears until in 2008 when out of the blue he enrolled them on a college course to 'Write Your First Novel’. Carol is the Chairperson of Wight Fair Writers' Circle which developed from that course and involves the community in writing competitions for all ages.

Their first novel, Deadly Focus, was self published in 2009. In June 2011 this was re published by Caffeine Nights Publisher when they gave the couple a contract for at least five books in a 'DI Dylan' crime fiction series. 'Consequences' was launched in April 2012. The third book is with the publisher, the fourth under going a re-write before submission and the fifth being written at this time - April 2012.