Postal staff start early for tribute to colleague found dead

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Postal staff start early for tribute to colleague found dead in woods

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MUMBLES postal workers will start their deliveries early on Wednesday so they can attend the funeral of colleague Clive Blandford, who was discovered dead in Swansea woodlands last week.

Royal Mail staff at Mumbles sorting office will be among many mourners paying their final respects to the popular Bishopston postman.

Mr Blandford's funeral will take place at Swansea Crematorium at 12.30pm.

The 56-year-old father-of-two was found dead in the Bishopston Valley area, close to his St Teilos Court home on Tuesday, November 10.

A Royal Mail worker from the Mumbles office described Mr Blandford as a popular, respected and much liked man.

He said: "He was a very likeable person and he was a very nice guy.

"Everyone knew Clive in Bishopston. He was a character, very bubbly and one of the lads.

"He liked to be involved in cricket at his local pub.

"He had a number of friends and the whole office was very shocked when they heard the news of his death.

"He will be greatly missed and his death has left a sombre mood in our tight-knit office.

"We plan to go out earlier than usual on Wednesday to do our deliveries so that we can attend his funeral."

An inquest into his death was opened and adjourned last week.

Mr Blandford was known in the community through his role as the secretary of the Joiners Arms cricket team.

A friend, who did not want to be named, said: "Clive was a really nice guy.

"He was often raising money for the cricket team, I bought raffle tickets off him a few times.

"He was often in the Joiners Arms — there for the social life more than anything.

"He was just a really friendly guy."

Leave your Lasting Tribute to Clive Blandford

South Wales Police said there were no suspicious circumstances and the force was not looking for anyone in connection with the incident.

Mr Blandford leaves wife Linda and daughters Michelle and Joanne.

Donations can be made in lieu to Wales Air Ambulance Appeal c/o St James Funeral Home, 31 St James Gardens, Uplands, Swansea, SA1 6DT.