Postie's first class service gets rewarded

[TrueBlueTerrier]

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VILLAGERS have thanked their retiring postie for decades of first class service.

Families living in Llanmorlais, Gower, delivered a shock to Terry Lipscombe when they ambushed him at the top of Station Road this week.

They presented him with a card, messages of thanks and a collection of more than £1,000, sealed in a box.

Terry, who finishes his stint for the Royal Mail on Saturday, said he was "gobsmacked" by their good wishes and generosity.

"It took me back a bit." said the 64-year-old. "It is a large amount of money."

He added: "I would like to thank everybody on my deliveries — there are too many to mention."

Terry first began the Crofty, Llanmorlais, Wernffrwd and Three Crosses delivery round in 1977.

At that time he was one of three postmen on this route, but has done it on his own, barring holidays, for the last 20 years.

He said delivering letters there had become more than just a job.

"It has become a way of life," he said.

In a modern world seemingly evermore fast-paced and chaotic, Terry has witnessed the slow-burning changes that typify rural life.

He has seen the seasons change in one of the most beautiful parts of Wales for 34 years in a row.

His "office" view has been the stunning Loughor Estuary, with its salt marshes and grazing animals.

"The snow used to be a bit of a problem," he said. "And when the tide is in on the marsh, you might have to do your round backwards."

People there have come and gone, families have evolved, newcomers moved in, children grown up to have children of their own.

Terry said always having a ready smile and a friendly wave worked well.

"In a rural area you have got to have time for people," he said. "Sometimes you are the only person they see that day."

Terry said he used to start at 4.30am but that delivery times had got later.

He is celebrating his retirements with colleagues on Saturday, ushering in a new era of lie-ins, should he want them.

A keen sportsman in his youth, Terry said he aimed to resurrect his golfing hobby in the months and years to come. He said he will also spend more time tending his garden in Crwys Terrace, Penlan, where he lives with his partner Christine Harris.

The father of two and grandfather of three, who has had a hip and knee replacement, also hopes to get down the Liberty Stadium for some live Premier League football.

Also retiring on Saturday is Terry's colleague and Gorseinon sorting office manager Mike Evans.

A spokeswoman for the Royal Mail said Terry was a popular postie who would be missed.

"We wish him well in his retirement," she said.

Llanmorlais resident Susan Hughes-Davies, who organised the surprise presentation along with pal Carol Phillips, paid tribute to Terry.

"He is more than a postman — he is everybody's friend," she said.

"He's always got a smile. We've never once seen him down in the dumps.

"We raised around £1,100 for him - that just shows how well he is thought of."

[Lounge Lizard]

Llanmorlais resident Susan Hughes-Davies, who organised the surprise presentation along with pal Carol Phillips, paid tribute to Terry.
"He is more than a postman — he is everybody's friend," she said.
"He's always got a smile. We've never once seen him down in the dumps.
"We raised around £1,100 for him - that just shows how well he is thought of - much more than the fiver and a breakfast some of his colleagues have left with."

[POSTMAN]

Llanmorlais resident Susan Hughes-Davies, who organised the surprise presentation along with pal Carol Phillips, paid tribute to Terry.

Ménage .......ok best to leave this.

[DGP1]

Breakfast anybody