Red letter day for posties

Posties from around the Midlands have been given an official stamp of approval for notching up a total of 3,700 years service between them.

Many of the postmen and women have braved all weathers, as well as vicious dogs and occupational hazards, such as falling off their bike, to ensure letters are always delivered on time.

And some found love at the sorting offices, with workers bagging themselves a partner as well as the mail.

They all gathered for a special celebration meal at the Copthorne Hotel, in Brierley Hill on Saturday, to mark their milestones ranging from 20 years to 40.

Robert Hall, from Aldridge, is the longest serving, having worked as a postman and driver for 40 years also becoming a well known Good Samaritan. On his Aldridge round, he often helps out the elderly with jobs as he drops off the post.

The 62-year-old said: "I started off delivering telegrams. It was a lot more laid back in those days.

"I enjoy the job as I like meeting people. I often get asked if I can open tins by old ladies.

"If people are having problems they often ask the postman. I end up being the general dogsbody."

Denise Bedrock, aged 60, from Blossom Hill, Bewdley, has delivered letters on foot and in a van for 30 years, retiring recently.

She said: "I remember the winter of 1981. It was so cold we had to wear a big thick overcoat and four or five layers underneath. There was so much snow we had to all get in a lorry to get into work."

Steve and Joy Prince both met at work and have notched up 39 years service between them.

The 39-year-old and 36-year-old respectively, from Hilderic Crescent in Dudley, also became friends with Lee Tuft, aged 38, who also met his wife Lucy, 36, at the same sorting office in Trinity Road, Dudley.

Mrs Prince said: "We all started around the same time and got together as couples at a similar time as well. it's as though we are following each other." Linda Howells, aged 57, from Coven, near Wolverhampton, said she had been accident prone during her 21 years as a postwoman.

She said: "I have had three accidents which includes breaking both wrists and I was also knocked over by a car.

"I love the job but it can have its moments."

Also obtaining long service awards awards were Ray and Tracey Yarsley, of Kidderminster, who have each put in 20 years.

Ray had been with the business for six months when Tracey joined in January 1988. They got together 14 years ago when Ray, aged 44, asked her out to the cinema.

Ray, who is chairman of Kidderminster Hospital Radio, said: "Throughout all our time at Royal Mail we always seemed to get thrown together."