Young P.C. Cyril Plant shortly after arrival in Bermuda
We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our good friend, retired Sergeant Cyril Plant who died early today. Cyril had been suffering from Alzheimers and had been in a nursing home just outside Manchester since last September.
Cyril came to Bermuda in July 1967 and attended Basic Training Course #9. Following his training course Cyril served for several years in Central Division at Hamilton Police Station before being transferred to Prosecutions. He also served for 3 years in Operations (Traffic), but spent most of his Police career in Prosecutions Department where he was promoted to Sergeant in December 1985.
Basic Training Course #9
P.C. Cyril Plant is 2nd from right on the middle row.
How many can you recognize and how many are no longer with us?
Cyril was always a very popular officer and a great asset to Prosecutions. He was a keen member of the Police Boxing Committee and often travelled abroad with the team as timekeeper, along with Kenny Simmons. After he'd had a couple of drinks Cyril could do a very creditable imitation of George Formby singing, "Leaning on a lamppost at the corner of the street" (especially with his teeth out)! And he loved nothing more than being out at Paradise Lake with his wife Pauleen in their boat "Pot Pot".
Cyril served in the Bermuda Police for 29 years, and was awarded the Colonial Police Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct in 1985.
After retiring from the Service Cyril and Pauline, settled back in Worsley just outside Manchester in the UK.
We extend our sincere condolences to Pauline,their daughter Julie, grandson Sam, and family.
UPDATE
18th May 2016
We have just been advised that a ‘Humanitarian Service’ will be held for Cyril at Agecroft Cemetery, Langley Rd, Pendlebury, Salford. M27 8SS, phone 0161-6867290; on Monday 23rd May 2016 at 10am.
Cyril had expressed his sincere wish to be near his friends in Bermuda, so his ashes will be flown to Bermuda for burial in the Police Cemetery. Details will be announced in due course.
Deputy Commissioner Paul Wright has been in touch with Pauline to offer sincere condolences on behalf of the Bermuda Police Service, and we understand that Chief Inspector Sean Field-Lament who is presently on a course in Ireland, was making every effort to attend the Humanitarian Service as a representative of the BPS, but we have just heard that unfortunately, he will not be able to leave the course on Monday.
We are sincerely hoping that some former colleagues will be able to attend. and we note there have now been over 2,000 'hits' on our Facebook regarding the sad news about Cyril.
UPDATE
24th May 2016
We just had an update on the funeral service held in Salford for Cyril “Sidge” on Monday 23rd May.
By all accounts Cyril was given an excellent send off with seven very smartly dressed ex-Bermuda Police lads present to show their respects and lend their support to Pauline and her family.
Pauline Plant with Seven of Bermuda's Finest!
(l-r) Stuart Donaldson, Barry Higham, Pauline, Derek Smith,
Peter Moore, Coco Eve, Davie Kerr, and Bob Allen
Davie Kerr and Bob Allen travelled down from Scotland, and according to ‘Coco’ Eve it was a miracle to find the venue even with the aid of his Sat Nav. due to the fact there were no signs or directions. Nevertheless, on arrival he found a motely crew of ex-Bermuda residents including Davie Kerr, Barry Higham, Derek and Joey Smith, Stuart Donaldson, Bob “Fuzzy Wuzzy” Allen and Peter Moore. Coco also reports that Pauline and family were very touched to see so many of Cyril’s old mates arrive for the service which dwelt throughout on the many happy memories of Sidge’s life before his illness.
"Constable" George Formby - with teeth!
Happy memories of Sidge would have flooded back during the funeral when Pauline arranged to have a recording of George Formby playing "Leaning on a lampost at the Corner of the Street" - a song Sidge loved to perform after a few drinks, and always without his teeth!
Never one to miss a pub gathering, Coco was given instructions that after the funeral everyone had to follow a white van to a nearby pub, but Coco had quite a long walk to get to his car and asked Davie to wait on till he joined the group. Coco saw some folks driving away and he followed a white van – all the way to builder’s yard in Bolton. I can’t quote all of Coco’s comments about Davie but he does make mention of a “claymore wielding, haggis bashing kilt wearing cretin!”
We also heard from Peter Moore who lived for a while with Cyril and Les Tomlinson at Hoadley Cottage at the junction of Middle Road and Montpelier Road as young single policemen (see entry in our Keeping in Touch column).
We understand that Pauline is planning to have Cyril’s ashes brought to Bermuda for burial in the Police Cemetery at Prospect at which time we are sure there will be a gathering of friends and colleagues. We will announce details as soon as they are received.
