Community Event

Today Friday 29th May 2026 PCSO DUFFIELD attended a community event held at ST Hilda’s church on the headland and met these two characters.    

Fish Annie – A famous historical alter ego of Annie Simpson (nee) an iconic and spirited fishwife who became a local legend on the headland during the 1930s.  today her legacy lives on through the arts , community projects, and immersive local trails. 

The clown of the North – Billy Purvis was a 19th century British entertainer ad showman born in Auchendinny Scotland in 1784. He started out as an apprentice carpenter and even though he became a skilled cabinet maker was also well known for his clowning antics. During his time, he visited a number of northeast villages and towns to perform. He continued to tour and performing the northeast until he died on 16th December 1853, his body is buried in St Hildas church Cemetery.  

Thank you for having me.  

PCSO Pauline Duffield

Neighbourhood Policing

Hartlepool

Hartlepool Police Station