A sack of cards for ex-postman

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http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales ... -27758156/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

EX-POSTMASTER James Collins could barely move for mail when he celebrated his 100th birthday earlier this week.

James had congratulatory cards from the Queen, First Minister Carwyn Jones, Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith and Welsh Secretary Cheryl Gillan on his landmark day.

And he enjoyed himself with a celebration that included a specially baked cake and entertainer who sang all James’ favourites. James, originally from Wandsworth, London, joined the postal service aged 14 as a telegraph boy.

He later progressed through his exams to become a postman, and was on the travelling post office during World War II, a dangerous assignment which at one point saw the train blown up.

After the war he moved with wife Ethel and daughters Beryl, Celia and Christine to Hereford, and then in the early 1950s onwards to South Wales. It was there that he was postmaster of Cowbridge, the Vale of Glamorgan – a position he held for more than 10 years, before taking early retirement.

Outside work, James enjoyed gardening, reading and was a lay-reader in the Anglican church in Herefordshire. Wife Ethel sadly died in 2000 and James has since moved to the Ty Enfys Care Home, Pentwyn, Cardiff, where he celebrated turning 100 this week.

Daughter Beryl Hurt said: “He had a lovely day. The chef made a lovely cake.

“They brought in a school choir from St David’s Anglican school.

“They had arranged that anyway for the residents, but they then said: ‘Let’s sing Happy Birthday for James.’ And the children were astonished and said they had never seen a 100-year-old man before.”

James even managed to deliver a speech to children about his experiences in the postal service.

Beryl said her dad was a “brilliant parent” who always made sure his children were provided for.

“He’s a very good father and was a brilliant parent,” she said. “He always provided and always made sure we were never without and worked very hard throughout.”

James has proudly pinned his cards from the Queen and politicians on the noticeboard in his room.

And his family – including seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren – will be visiting him this weekend to say many happy returns too.


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See we didn't forget DVB

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See we didn't forget DVB

B*stard! I only look a 100 I'm not really 100...................49 is not old