Postman retires after 32 years of service

[TrueBlueTerrier]

http://www.henleystandard.co.uk/news/news.php?id=39301" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

POSTMAN Paul Clegg has retired after serving Checkendon for more than 32 years.

The 65-year-old, who lives in the village with his wife Anne, began his career with Royal Mail in January 1981.

He worked five days a week, getting up at 4.30am to start his rounds and finishing in the early afternoon.

He was based at the post office in the village stores in Whitehall Lane, which has a small sorting office.

In the early years, Mr Clegg also served the area around Checkendon, including parts of Woodcote, and used to deliver on a bicycle until this was replaced by a van.

He said he enjoyed working outdoors and the villagers were always friendly. “The thing I’ll miss most is the customers,” said Mr Clegg.

“I’ve known them for years, in some cases before I even started as a postman. People have said they’re sad to see me go. What I won’t miss is having to get up in all weathers. I still wake up early now because my body’s so used to it.”

Mr Clegg was born in Pangbourne and grew up in Goring Heath before moving to Checkendon in the Eighties. Before becoming a postman he worked as a dustman and a beer delivery driver for an independent brewer in Goring.

He said: “I loved the job in the beginning but I’m glad to be gone because it has changed so much. They use a lot of technology but I much prefer pen and paper.”

Bal Budesha, who owns the village shop, said: “Paul has been 100 per cent reliable and the regular customers really miss him.

“If someone was out when he was delivering a parcel he would come back and try again in the afternoon. He always went above and beyond to help people.”

[OnAFlyer]

Good on him, he's one of the lucky ones who has seen the best years of RM. I'm not sure why 32 years is such a newsworthy achievement though, half a dozen people in my office have done more than that.

[silly suffolk]

his badge isn't dry yet.

[TrueBlueTerrier]

his badge isn't dry yet.

Its never dry when you are on deliveries

[Lounge Lizard]

"Before becoming a postman he worked as a dustman and a beer delivery driver for an independent brewer in Goring." The last brewery in Goring was Gundry & Co which, with its eighteen tied houses, was acquired by Brakspear & Sons Ltd. in 1940 and closed in 1949 - so if Mr Clegg did work for them as a drayman his working life must have spanned well over well over sixty years yet he's only a "65-year-old".