Fond farewell for running postman after four decades of deli

Post by **TrueBlueTerrier** » 30 Sep 2011, 14:51

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AN ENERGETIC Towcester postman, well-known for running up residents’ garden paths, has hung up his trainers after 39 years.

John Lawrence, aged 60, delivered mail to the rural villages of Lois Weedon, Weston, Abthorpe, Slapton and Wappenham, where he was famous among villagers for running on his rounds.

Mr Lawrence said: “I always used to run. I used to park my van up and run up garden paths, right from when I started. It just became a habit.

“When I first started if you got back early and they were short of postmen you could do another half a round.

“I played sport at weekends so it kept me fit.”

Following his retirement last week, dozens of residents who will miss his quirky delivery style clubbed together to express their thanks.

In Abthorpe, residents thanked Mr Lawrence for nearly four decades of service by presenting him with a cheque and retirement card.

Bob Carter said: “He used to run everywhere. It was high speed post for us.

“He has been phenomenal, delivering the mail in Abthorpe in all weathers. He was very well known in the village.”

In an article to appear in local newsletter Abtalk next month one resident said: “He was a very special postman and will be hard to replace.”

Residents in Lois Weedon, Weston and Slapton also held events to thank Mr Lawrence, who said: “It’s a bit overwhelming really and a bit of a shock. I wasn’t expecting it. It’s a bit humbling.”

Apart from being in the open air, one of the highlights of the job for Mr Lawrence was meeting people: “When you live in a village it’s different because everybody gets to know you. It’s a different way of life and you’re part of the community.”

Mr Lawrence now hopes to adopt a more leisurely pace, spending time with his family, including two children and three grandchildren, and helping his father in the garden.

arnold cheshire · Post by **arnold cheshire** » 30 Sep 2011, 14:54

you cant beat a runner

fishtank · Post by **fishtank** » 30 Sep 2011, 15:27

I'm surprised RM have let him go.
He's an inspiration to all of us.

not me · Post by **not me** » 30 Sep 2011, 15:30

should have spent more time in

John Lawrence, aged 60, delivered mail to the rural villages of Lois Weedon, Weston, Abthorpe, Slapton and Wappenham, where he was famous among villagers for running on his rounds.

appears he needed it

Post by **Straight4ward** » 30 Sep 2011, 16:02

Merry Christmas, Mr Lawrence.

pinstripe · Post by **pinstripe** » 30 Sep 2011, 18:43

“When I first started if you got back early and they were short of postmen you could do another half a round."

My, how times have changed.

meako · Post by **meako** » 30 Sep 2011, 19:57

Bet he wasn't on park and loop.

DirtyHarry · Post by **DirtyHarry** » 30 Sep 2011, 20:14

Doubled as the village idiot too, no doubt.

Stormproof · Post by **Stormproof** » 30 Sep 2011, 21:10

Surprised he did'nt want to stay on for another 5 years

Post by **Wessex** » 30 Sep 2011, 21:24

Forest Gump ?

Post by **protect us** » 30 Sep 2011, 21:35

Will he put his collection chq towards hip and KNEE op perhaps ? Oh and yes obviously no Park and poop yet as he couldn't run a 6hr delivery 6 days a week !!!

macetheace · Post by **macetheace** » 30 Sep 2011, 22:27

i pity the new postie taking over

RTP · Post by **RTP** » 30 Sep 2011, 22:46

Sad twat

Post by **Judgee** » 30 Sep 2011, 22:47

"if you got back early"

No idea what he means? Do vaguely recall finishing before time a long long time ago I think?

Postman Plodd · Post by **Postman Plodd** » 30 Sep 2011, 22:47

You can just hear the lino now...

'The last guy could do that walk in HALF the time'

and for a change he wouldnt be talking utter balls.

ROYALMAILCHAT

Fond farewell for running postman after four decades of deli

Fond farewell for running postman after four decades of deli

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