Special delivery delight for Frances

[TrueBlueTerrier]

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A DEDICATED Ross-shire postie got a big surprise at the end of her very last round when grateful residents threw her a party to wish her a very happy retirement.

Frances Milligan was "tricked" into attending Tore Hall on Saturday, where 100 residents had turned up at a surprise tea party which was held in honour of the popular postwoman. Frances has delivered mail to more than 200 homes in the Tore and Killearnan area for over 17 years and is a well-known member of the community.

Killearnan Community Council chairman John Mackintosh told the lively gathering that Frances always completed her post-round even in times of adversity — snow drifts, the post van going on fire and an encounter with the naked rambler.

He thanked Frances for all the ways she had helped residents over the years, and spoke of everyone's high regard for a resourceful and ever-cheerful postie who will be much missed on the daily round.

Frances, who lives in Muir of Ord and worked out of the Beauly post office, was presented with a gift of money which households on the round had contributed to.

Local children also gave her a bouquet and a card made at Tore Primary School.

Frances told the Journal she was overwhelmed by the generosity of the Tore community.

"Saturday was really something else. It was wonderful," said Frances.

"So many people turned up. I think there was around 160 there. They told me to go to the hall as the children had made a card for me and when I turned up the world and his wife was there. It was just so kind of them, I never expected anything like that."

Frances said she was grateful for the "roomful" of presents.

She started as a relief postie nearly 19 years ago and two years later began her permanent five-hour round which took in Redcastle, Kilcoy, Wellhouse and a large area around Tore.

"It is a lovely community with a lot of wonderful people who I got to know quite well," said Frances.

[Lounge Lizard]

Not as good a way to finish as "...... and the breakfast was my idea"