Oldest postman in Britain is forced to retire

[Geezer]

http://www.countytimes.co.uk/news/79199 ... etire.aspx


Published date: 25 September 2009 | Published by: Chris Corfield



THE oldest postman in Britain has hung up his mailbag for the final time.


Michael Pugh, 66, from Rhayader, delivered his final round on Tuesday, September 22, bringing to an end a 26-year career delivering post to the Rhayader area.


Pip Morgan, Royal Mail manager, said: “Postmen as dedicated and hard working as Michael are worth their weight in gold. I wish he could stay on and I am really sorry to see him go.”


Due to a Royal Mail policy of not employing anyone over the age of 65, Mr Pugh was forced to leave his post, but said he would have carried on if he could: “I halved my hours so I was able to continue but because of this Royal Mail policy I have had to leave the job I loved so much.


“My manager tried to delay the inevitable for as long as possible, hence why I ended up as the oldest working postman in the UK, if only for a few days!”


Mr Pugh said he had seen some things in his job, including saving someone’s life, but said his first day didn’t get off to the best start: “It was in the old days when we had the hard hats, and I was all geared up starting my new job when I felt this huge thump on my head. I took my hat off and found a pigeon had been kind enough to ‘drop its load’ on my head.


“Then there was the time when I knocked on a door to deliver a parcel which needed signing for. An old retired major answered the door, but when he was unable to sign the card it became clear he had suffered a stroke.

"I ran to get help at a neighbouring farm, and I like to think we helped save that man’s life.


“There have been a lot of changes over the years.


“When I started we worked from the old Crown Post Office in West Street. When that was closed we moved to the current location in East Street. All of the mail arrives by road now whereas we used to collect it from the train at Llandrindod.”


Mr Pugh particularly liked the social aspect of the job – enjoying a cup of tea at a farm or sharing lunch with the shearers.


He added: “I shall miss the job but I intend to enjoy the extra leisure time.”

[Lounge Lizard]

"Michael Pugh, 66, from Rhayader, delivered his final round on Tuesday, September 22, bringing to an end a 26-year career delivering post to the Rhayader area."
And, with the weight of mail in recent years, he would never have carried on till 66 if he had started in his youth.
26 years is about all anyone can manage now.

[mandelsons_toenail]

theres a guy in my office who is 70 in 4 months? so this guy isnt the oldest

[Stormproof]

theres a guy in my office who is 70 in 4 months? so this guy isnt the oldest

He's probably 40 but looks 70, being out in the mid day sun has taken its toll

[pickaname]

Mr Pugh particularly liked the social aspect of the job – enjoying a cup of tea at a farm or sharing lunch with the shearers.

Georoute obviously hasnt arrived in bandit country yet then...