'Popular postie' given a first class send off

A surprise party was held in Speen last week for Michael Pearce, who has retired after 43 years as a postman

AFTER delivering a first class service for over 43 years, a Speen postman has retired.

Labelled “the most popular postie in the country” by those on his rounds, Michael Pearce, aged 65, of Lambourn Road, Speen, was honoured by the community at a surprise party at the Hare and Hounds in the parish last Wednesday.

Organised by Croft Lane resident Karen Barlow, with the help of landlord Jonathan Nelsey, the party saw Mr Pearce presented with a book of memories signed by almost everyone on his round.

Mrs Barlow said he had been more than just a postman to many of the elderly people, and was deserving of great recognition.

Around 30 were expected at the bash, but around 150 turned up.

“I didn't think there were that many people on the round,” he said.

“I've been in tears all week with the emotions. I've enjoyed every minute of it. All the people have been brilliant, absolutely wonderful. I don't think I've done anything special, I've just done my job.”

Speen resident Anne Styles said Mr Pearce had befriended many elderly people while on his rounds, and for one couple, had brought them a newspaper and sat with them every day, even when they didn't have mail.

“He is absolutely a glass half full person. Always laughing, you don't see that so much these days,” said another local resident, Sally Waterford.

Of his 43 years with the Newbury delivering office, Mr Pearce's first deliveries took place in Hermitage, before he spent 20 years delivering in Cold Ash, and 20 years at Speen.

Jennifer and Miles Henry were on Mr Pearce's round in Hermitage in 1968, they said his manner set him apart and he never changed.

“He took time to bring around the person replacing him on the round to introduce them to people. How many others would do that?” Mrs Henry said.

Majendie Close resident Olive Archibald praised Mr Pearce's courtesy

“He had an old fashioned style and old fashioned standards,” she said.

Delivery manager at Newbury sorting office David Emmons said everyone had enjoyed working with Mr Pearce over the years.

“He has been an excellent postman and a fantastic role model to the many trainees that he has looked after. The whole delivery office will miss him and we all wish him a long and happy retirement.”