A POSTMAN is set to be honoured after Caversham residents decided to rename Amersham Road Youth and Community Centre following his death.
Martin Weller, a familiar face on the streets of Lower Caversham, sadly died of a heart attack last year, with The Weller Centre set to reopen later this year.
The centre was closed in March for a £540,000 refurbishment and Reading Borough Council offered the chance to rename the facility.
Carol, his widow, said: “We are touched and so pleased that the community thought so much of Martin that they would want to use his name for the centre.
“It’s truly an honour for Martin, our family and friends. Thank you all for doing this in his memory.”
Martin was an active volunteer with Caversham Children's Fund, helping children and their families in his spare time before his death.
He loved music, especially reggae and could often be found DJ'ing in bars and at family discos held at the community centre.
Councillor Liz Terry, lead member for Neighbourhoods, added: “It is fitting that the new community centre will carry the name of someone who was so special to the people in the area. He will be remembered for years to come.”
Martin attended The Hill Primary School and Highdown School and joined Royal Mail when he was 18.
He was renowned for his friendly nature and would often be seen smiling and waving as he delivered the post in all sorts of weather.
The new and improved Weller Centre will have a spacious lobby area, a café, free wifi and space to host private events, such as birthday parties.
Deborah Jenkins, chair of the Earley Charity’s community development committee, said: “We have high expectations that the Weller Centre will be all about looking out and caring for neighbours and providing a safe place for people to meet, learn and have fun together - things that were important to Mr Weller.
“In choosing to remember Martin in this way, the people of Amersham Road have also set down their hopes for the centre in an evocative way.”