Retirement beckons for Johnstone's 'Postman Pete' as he delivers final letters

[TrueBlueTerrier]

https://www.the-gazette.co.uk/news/1722 ... l-letters/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

A MUCH-LOVED Johnstone postie has hung up his mailbag after delivering decades of first-class service to the local community.

Peter Murphy, 60, joined Royal Mail back in 1995 and went on to become a well-known face as he arrived with letters and parcels for countless residents.

And, in the first few days of his retirement, there has still been plenty of mail for him to sift through, thanks to the many cards he has received from those who are keen to wish him well.

Dad-of-three Peter, a former worker at the Chrysler car plant, in Linwood, told

The Gazette: “The amount of letters and cards I have received has been unbelievable.

“It has really brought a tear to my eye and shows just how generous people are.

“That’s really been the highlight for me. The people here are just really good people.”

Peter’s career as a postie began when a friend at Kilbarchan Bowling Club suggested he should join Royal Mail.

It proved to be a good way to stay fit, with Peter having to walk up to 60 miles per day as he completed his rounds, but he said the appreciation shown by the public always got him through.

He added: “People appreciate you being out in all types of weather to deliver their mail.

“There was one man, 90-year-old Andy Adams, who made me pancakes every day.

“Then there were the ladies who would offer you cups of tea to keep you going.

“That’s what I’ll miss the most.”

On social media, one post revealing Peter’s retirement gained more than 180 likes in a just a matter of hours.

Peter, of Greenend Avenue, insists he has been lucky to have two ‘families’ to count on over the years – his wife Sophia and their children being first and foremost, backed by all of his colleagues at Royal Mail.

“Working there is really just like being part of one big family,” said Peter. “I’ve been really fortunate with the colleagues and bosses I’ve had over the years.

“That’s another thing I’ll miss about it all but I’m looking forward to putting my feet up, although I still play bowls.

“I’ve also been given a list of jobs to do by Sophia, so I won’t really get much of a break!”

[gerrys]

"Peter walking 60 miles a day'.....I no we all think our round is the biggest in the office but,doing daily mileage like that id have tears rolling down my cheeks crying for my mam !Best of luck & happy retirement

[maisymoo04]

tea and pancakes every day ??? time did he finish

[Glp28357]

No way in the world does he walk 60 miles in a day! That would leave no time for cups of tea or pancakes.

[Navalron]

6 miles per day of maybe 60 miles per week..