Residents in a south Norfolk village have thrown their favourite postman a surprise retirement party to say thank you for his service.
Peter Barrie, also known as ‘postman Pete’ from Tasburgh, near Long Stratton, has been the village postman for more than 20 years and was pleasantly surprised and humbled by the surprise party last night in the village hall, as he thought he was being treated to a meal in Norwich.
Mel Goodall and Rachel Simmons organised the night to say thank you to someone who has become friends to many of them over the time he has been delivering the mail.
Richard Cousens, friend and resident said: “Pete has probably chalked up more than 20,000 miles over this time and several pairs of shoes.
“He has made many friends, both human and canine, with his ever cheerful smile and kind words, not to forget the biscuits for the dogs who will I’m sure, miss him greatly, but be much slimmer in the future.”
Mr Barrie became a postman back in 1994 delivering to Saxlingham and Hempnall Greens. This lasted for a couple of months until the Tasburgh position became vacant.
During the evening the village postman was presented with hand crafted gifts and a cake featuring the cartoon postman- postman Pat.
Mr Cousens said: “Peter was clearly moved and thanked everyone present for their kind words and gifts. He added that he thought of everyone as his extended family and was going to miss everyone.
“Good luck Pete, we will miss you but all wish you a long and happy retirement. You have earned it.”
Mr Barrie’s last delivery round is on Tuesday, April 14, and his retirement plans start with a lay in on Wednesday, April 16.
Postman Pete will now be replaced by the new postman - ‘postman Paul’ and residents are hoping he will become part of the village family too.
