So, today the 12th March 2024 the London Group met as usual at the Spaghetti House, W1, for a fabulous 3-course lunch at £29.95.
We had planned to be be 13 but, NHS appointments & last minute illness, reduced our numbers to a still healthy 9 attendees. Who were: Peter and Daphne Forrest, David Burn, Ron Clatworthy, Derek Reeves, Roger Baynes, Carolyn Nield, Alan Hunt and Terry Dougan.
Our next meeting will be 22nd October 2024, same venue. Details to follow in due course. Otherwise contact Peter Forrest to go on mailing list. Contact detail at Diary Click link.
The South East Group are holding a lunch at Cote, 57 Whitecross St, London, EC1Y 8AA on Wednesday 17th April at 12:30. The restaurant is 350 yards from Barbican station.
For further information please contact David Brownfield dbofmk@gmail.com
Reports 2023
South Wales: Peter Walters
As a precursor to the festive season, the South Wales group met for lunch on 30 November at Cardiff City Centre’s convenient and excellent Portuguese restaurant, Ty Madeira.
Nine members (Howell Isaac, Gary Williams, Neil Foulkes, Peter Hall, Paul and Rose Kirk, Steve, Hannon, Paul Farrow and the author of this piece attended with apologies received from Diane Tew who sadly was suffering from a vertebra fracture; Maurice Collis who was not visiting the country until nearer Christmas and Martin Sharples who had transport problems.
The gathering commenced on a sombre note as the recently departed Mike Healings was remembered for his friendship and witticisms. It seemed like such a short time since he had been with us saying how much he was looking forward to this very occasion!
Steve Hannon then updated us on the view of other Groups as to the probable prospects for the Fellowship which coincided with ours, too. Managed decline, although sad, was probably the inevitable and only outcome. We, in South Wales would bash on as long as possible.
Attention was then addressed to our lunch plates and before long it was time for Steve to dash back for his 7 hour train and car journey home which, as it turned out was only slightly less irksome than my bus ride to the Cardiff suburbs to pick up my wife and car, which normally takes 40 minutes but this time was to take a whole hour longer. At least his ran to time! Thank you, Steve for your continued loyal support. All agreed that two meetings a year was best for us and with no alternative offers on the day, another event would be arranged at Ty Madeira in late April / early May. Visitors will be welcome as usual, and details will be posted via the Fellowship website nearer the date.
Scotland: Cathy Way
Despite the distraction of blistering weather in Glasgow, 9 Scottish Fellowship stalwarts met on June 14th, with a photo to prove it!
It was great to be together again after a very long break. The stories and laughs were all still there, with fond reminiscences of colleagues who have passed away in recent years.
There were several apologies due to holidays, travel difficulties and even WORK commitments. We are hoping to get together again in autumn time, although I suspect there may be a few rounds of golf arranged before then!
The folk who made it on the day were: Ewart Shields and his daughter Val, Jim King, Tom Melvin, Carol and Nigel Millar, David Shakeshaft and Cathy and Rab Way.
Fingers crossed, 7 of our Group hope to have met by the time you have read this, at Ty Madeira, Cardiff’s premier Portuguese Restaurant.
Those attending will hopefully have included Mike Healings who for some while has preferred Cruising to dining with his former colleagues, but this time he can make it.
Alongside him will be another intrepid traveller: Steve Hannon, who chooses his trains so carefully that he has two hours only (hence the early lunch) before his return marathon journey to the SE coast.
More difficult to accommodate is Maurice Collis who now lives in Africa and won’t be visiting until August, probably because he still retains some faith in Wales rugby playing abilities. Ever the optimist but then victory against those over the border is always worth celebrating, if and when!
Neil Brewer had hoped to travel from northern parts, but this is deferred until his health is stronger; maybe next Summer when the nights will again be lighter.
Locals present are expected to be Neil Foulkes, Paul and Rose Kirk, Gary Williams and Me.
Not as many as we had hoped, but at least sufficient are still able to access emails to send their apologies: Peter Hall, Diane Tew, Dave Barrett, Howell Isaac and Ruth, Martin Sharples, Gerard & Margaret Nosowski and last, but not least, Paul Farrow who has joined us relatively recently but now has a hospital appointment clash which would be stupid to postpone given the size of waiting lists.
We shall meet again in the Autumn unless some of us can meet up with Maurice later in the Summer, possibly for a pub lunch this time, so until then, I hope the months in between go slowly but enjoyably for everyone!
Because of the uncertainty, at our age, of firmly establishing advance numbers of people able to attend we decided to dispense with our usual formal lunch arrangement and try out a pub lunch instead.
Our chosen venue for our get-together on Thursday 25th May was the Old Post Office at Haigh near Barnsley. It had indeed been a Post Office, opened in 1881 and closed in 1980. From my early days in Barnsley, I remembered it as a non cash account Sub Office where the long serving Subpostmistress,
Jenny Morrison, also did the local rural delivery. Jenny was awarded the BEM for her service to the community of Haigh.
It is now a thriving country pub on which ten of us, Pat & Tony Clifton, Julie & Bryan Orange, Pam & John Adam, Margaret & Gerard Nosowski nd Geraldine & Dave Wilcock descended in warm Spring Yorkshire sunshine. Illness, holidays, and hospital appointments reduced our numbers on the day with our esteemed Secretary, Stuart Scoffins and his wife Ruth, amongst those unable to make it. Hence me being called off the substitutes bench to produce this report.
Wide ranging and irreverent banter provided enjoyable lunchtime entertainment. After we had set the world to rights, we concluded that the Old Post Office was a convenient location with a convivial atmosphere and good choice of food. Fish & Chips, Bangers & Mash and Pie of the Day satisfied the majority although the more discerning Tony opted for Catch of the Day – Hake. Both he and I were amazed about what they now seemed able to catch in the river Dearne which flows nearby through Bretton Park and the Yorkshire Sculpture Park.
All in all, our change of format was a great success. So much so that we booked the venue again for our next planned get-together on Thursday 30th of November.
South East: John Polglass
For the second time within three months members of the Group met for lunch on Wednesday 12th July. The venue was once again the Withies Inn at Compton near Guildford where we had a lunch last year. On this occasion there were six of us ;Dennis Hurkett who helped to organise the event, Carolyn Nield, Alan and Diane Wiltshire, John Tolley and John Polglass. Because of a slight mix up in communications Jim and Joyce Anderson who had intended to be there were unable to attend. This was a shame because Jim had done all of the organising apart from setting up the arrangements with the Inn. Also one or two others
would have been there but for holidays.
The arrangements at the Inn were very good with a table for six having been reserved in the garden in a covered booth, so although it did rain we were fully protected. The food and service were excellent as was the company. There is a lot to be said for meeting in small groups because there is full involvement by everyone in lively conversations. I have no doubt that this venue will be used again.
South East: John Polglass
On 20th April 12 members of the South East Group including partners met at Denbies Wine Estate near Dorking for lunch. The party was due to be 13 strong but unfortunately David Brownfield had to withdraw because of ill health.
Those attending were:-
Jim and Joyce Anderson, Don and Nella Burnside, Derek and Jill Reeves, Alan and Diane Wiltshire, Dennis Hurkett, Ron Clatworthy, John Tolley, and John Polglass.
The Group had been on the brink of going to Denbies before the pandemic put a stop to it, so it was good to have this second attempt and a vote of thanks was made to Jim Anderson for organising it and to Joyce for her support.
The occasion was enjoyed by all with superb views over the surrounding countryside from the very pleasant restaurant on the top floor of a three-storey tower. Very good food and service and of course the companionship of old friends and colleagues not seen for a while so lots of catching up was done.
London: Peter Forrest
The London Group of the Fellowship held its postponed lunch at 1pm on Monday 24 April at Spaghetti House W1. Nine members were in attendance: Karl Ahlborn, Roger Baynes, Ron Clatworthy, Daphne Forrest, Peter Forrest, Douglas Hill, Carolyn Nield, Derek Reeves and Drew Robertson…with apologies received from Judith Hill.
The meal was very successful and it was agreed that the venue would be used again for the next Group lunch, probably in October, exact date to be advised in due course.
Reports – 2022
London: Peter Forrest
The London Group of the Fellowship met for a convivial lunch on Monday 31 October, again in the Civil Service Club, SW1. There were 10 in attendance:
Peter & Daphne Forrest, Alan Hunt, Douglas & Judith Hill, Derek Reeves, Carolyn Nield, Richard Adams, Bryan Roberts and Susan Akroyd.
Numbers were again affected by continuing fears about COVID but also Halloween commitments. It is to be hoped that such fears will have been allayed by the time of the next lunch, hopefully to be held in March 2023 again at the Civil Service Club (exact date to be confirmed in due course).
The lunch was held in a charge-free private dining room (the Trafalgar room) and was a considerable improvement over 10 March 2022, especially with speedier service, no doubt facilitated by the decision to require meal choices to be pre-notified in order to allow the Club advance preparation time. It is anticipated that this system will be the new paradigm for our lunches going forward.
South Wales: Peter Walters
After such a long while, the South Wales Group met for lunch at Cardiff’s Portuguese Restaurant on 11 July and it proved a welcome and enjoyable event for those able to attend, who included Gary Williams, Diane Tew, Martin Sharples, Paul and Rose Kirk, Neil Foulkes, Pete Walters and our visitor from overseas (currently Dubai), Maurice Collis.
Sadly, partly due to Covid concerns still resonating with some, and travel to the Big (in the Welsh context) City there were many apologies in advance, together with perhaps simply being out of the habit of going places? National President, Gerard was also unable to join us but hoped to for our next event.
The venue was new to some of us but the venue itself, the service and the food were all sufficiently good that our next event probably in November will be located there again with availability of Members to be determined later in September.
Additionally, in the 24 hours prior to going there, Derek and Margaret Day needed to drop out because he had not sufficiently recovered from a hospital stay, and Howard and Ruth Isaac were having to self-isolate because of Covid contact with a family member who had tested positive.
Given the length of the Group’s failure to meet, there was much to discuss by way of catching up and, amazingly, little to reminiscence about with regard to our times working together, possibly because it was so long ago. And long may that continue!
South East: Jim Anderson
Tuesday 14th June 2022
On a hot sunny day in June seven members of the South East Group met at The Withies Inn near to Guildford. It was inevitable that some would be doing that thing we were all trying to remember called going on holiday but present on the day were Jim and Joyce Anderson, Dennis Hurkett, John Polglass, Derek Reeves, and Alan and Diane Wiltshire. Apologies had been received from Andy Downes, Chris Tullett, David Brownfield, John Tolley, Mike Ede, Roger Baynes, Selwyn Veater, and Gerard Nosowski.
The venue had been found by Dennis who seemed to be on Christian name terms with some of the staff (doesn’t that tell us something!) which perhaps also explains why, in the extensive outside seating area, we were able to commandeer a secluded spot in the shade. Dennis had previously shown superb judgment by rejecting the offer of meeting on the quarter deck at Chichester Yacht Club for which the room charge would have been £300.00. After the food, liquid refreshment, and the usual banter all agreed that we must get back to regular meetings. We shall accordingly aim to meet again in November when, unless anyone has a change of mind, there will be at least seven present, and hopefully a few more.
North East: Stuart Scoffins
27th October 2022
Ruth and I set off on our journey across the Pennines from Cheshire to Wetherby at, what is now the unearthly hour to us, of 8.30 am, in a miserable cocktail of drizzle and mist. Whilst the weather conditions had changed very little by the time we arrived at our destination our mood was lifted by the arrival of the 13 members and guests who were to share fellowship with us.
A number of our party share careers that go back to our early days in the Post Office, from formative times in HPOs and later in NE RHQ; some even progressed to heady days in PHQ. Later our careers
branched out into the Businesses and we now have an eclectic mix of ex Royal Mail, ex Parcelforce and a smattering of PO Counters managers ( none who can be associated with the disastrous
computing system, I hasten to add). It was abundantly clear from conversation throughout the day that none of us have a clue as to what is happening in any of these Businesses now.
We exchanged the customary updates, on individual medical conditions as a number of us seek to traverse the Septuagenarian Vortex. However, It was not long before talk turned to times of yore. I
had managed to come up with a list of North East Fellowship Members circa 1995. As the list was passed around, memories of characters ( some respected, others less so ) were resurrected.
Lunch was taken at 1 pm in our own private and well appointed dining room. The proceedings commenced with the symbolic transfer of the venerable Rural Postman’s Whistle, dated 1906. Dave
Wilcock had been the custodian since our last gathering having had it passed on to him by our current President Gerard . Dave had decreed that the new custodian would be Tony Clifton.
Following Grace the customary quiz was distributed, to be completed between courses, for yet another fabulous prize. Conversation continued through the meal on matters Post Office but not solely North East focused. From my privileged position I heard references to various noteworthy characters from across The Business including Terry Dougan, Karl Albhorn, Chris Tullet, Ken Mabbett.
I am sure that if they read this they will be delighted, if not somewhat surprised, to know that they are fondly remembered across The Fellowship.
As a sumptuous meal, delivered by a pleasant and efficient group of servers, came to a close the answers to the quiz were announced, accompanied by the usual challenges. Dave Wilcock, again
came out victor but magnanimously shared the luxury box of chocolates with his friends and ex-colleagues round the table.
The first item of business was an excellent presentation by our regular guest Pam Little. Pam has developed a second career as a Children’s writer based on the experience she has gained
entertaining firstly her own children and latterly, her grand children, all of whom had dwelt on every word she had used in the stories and poems she has created. Her successes entertaining her own
family had reached the ears of some local primary schools in her area who had invited her along to share them with their pupils. Matters had rolled on from there and her first book is shortly due for
release. Orders were taken for signed copies.
John Adam led on the second item of business which was a review of the recent exchanges of correspondence between the Groups and Members of the Executive Committee. Concern has been growing over a number of years at the amount of life left in the unique but failing association that is our Fellowship. As we are all aware its future is threatened by inevitable demographic issues, its lack
of relevance to the present day organisations that formed our once successful parent businesses, cutting off potential recruitment and the unexpected pressures brought about by Covid.
No one would wish to denigrate the efforts of our EC members as they wrestle with all of these issues and of course the question of what to do with the resulting “ war chest “ that sits within the
Fellowship Bank Account. On the contrary their voluntary efforts are to be applauded even if we in the NE cannot bring ourselves to support ideas that rely on Zoom or mergers with other Groups. Our
mini debate failed to identify any helpful “silver bullets “. It was our general view that we would soldier on in our present mode of bi-annual lunches until falling numbers prevented events like
today’s being viable. We would then assess how we managed the future in the light of information available at the time. I guess that means managed decline. In the meantime there was a general
warmth towards an ongoing Newsletter though it was acknowledged that it may be increasingly difficult to source meaningful contents.
Bills paid, we bade farewell to our friends and ex colleagues, and were delighted to see that the drizzle and mist has been replaced by autumn sunshine. The change of weather, good food and
excellent Fellowship lifted our mood for our return journey to Cheshire and left us looking forward to the Spring ‘23 event.
Atendees: John Adam and Pam Little, Pat and Tony Clifton, Mike Horlor, Denise and Terry Healey, Anne and Peter Lamb, Ruth and Stuart Scoffins, Chris and Alan Shires, Geraldine and Dave
Wilcock.
21st April 2022
15 members and guests met up at The Wetherby Bridge Hotel and Spa on 21 April for their second lunch after Lockdown. All achieved the scheduled “sit down” time of 12.45pm despite an accident causing tail backs on the North bound carriage way which had occurred at 1130 ish. a couple of miles further up the A1. It did, however, restrict the pre-meal period of Fellowship which is always a popular start to our event.
This was our first meeting at The Bridge and the second one following the demise of our customary venue, The Ripon Spa Hotel, as a result of Lockdown. It was clear on arrival that our forward scouts ( Wilcock & Shires ) had done an excellent reconnaissance job in advance of the main gathering.
Attendees had chosen from a varied menu well in advance. The standard of service was exceptionally professional and food was of a very acceptable standard.
The mandatory quiz papers were passed round after the Grace, which meant that diners were kept busy focusing on conversation, food and quiz which could account for the need for our waitresses to brush down the tables before the arrival of the dessert course. Dave Wilcock, the usual victor, finished well down the field with the new President, Gerard Nosowski, taking the valuable first prize.
John Adam formally invited the new President to address the meeting and members were delighted to see Gerard, first, don his golden Chain of Office , before updating us with news from the centre. Gerard’s address also covered the recent death and illustrious career of our NE member John Denham. From humble beginnings John’s career had excelled as confirmed by his obituary and the testimonies from ex-colleagues, that appear on the web site.
Three NE members (Bruce McNivan, Tony Clifton and your correspondent) had attended John’s funeral service. Both John and wife Ann had been leading lights in the Arts and Culture activities in and around Huddersfield and had worked tirelessly supporting their local hospice. This was reflected in the membership of the congregation. It was fitting that John’s final appointment as Regional Director Counters had taken him back to his home town of Huddersfield.
Reference was also made of our senior man’s ( Jim Waterhouse ) 90th birthday. Jim had been delighted with the cards and E Mails he had received from members and we all looked forward to him going on to record his century.
Some time ago it had been suggested that it would be of interest to the group for individual members to take on the role of Guest Speaker informing us about the activities they are ( legitimately) engaged on now that their lives are no longer dictated by their careers. Since then we have learnt about such matters as Classic Jaguar Cars, The North Yorkshire Moors Railway and The Witness Advisory Service. The guest speaker on this occasion was none other than your correspondent who entertained the group with his exploits as a Badminton England Level 2 Coach, a position held since 2008.
The Guest Speaker for our October 2022 event was appointed and I am delighted to report that our next contributor will be John’s partner Pam who will be telling us of her newly emerging career as a children’s poet. Pam will be breaking the mould as she will be our first lady guest speaker and hopefully not the last as the NE Group gladly embrace diversity. Your correspondent is already plotting the appointment of the next female speaker !
The group spent a few minutes reflecting on the merits of the new venue and concluded that a second visit was a must given the meal’s excellent value for money, superb service and comfortable surrounds. A second booking was made for 27 October 2022, COVID and Putin permitting.
Attendees – Margaret and Gerard Nosowski, Pam Little and John Adam, Denise and Terry Healey, Pat and Tony Clifton, Mike Horlor, Julie and Bryan Orange, Geraldine and Dave Wilcock, Ruth and Stuart Scoffins.
Reports – 2021
North East: Stuart Scoffins
Seventeen members and guests attended the North East Group Fellowship Lunch on Thursday 14 October 2021, the first since the pandemic had wreaked havoc on the Group’s activities.
As a result of the Lockdown our customary and much valued venue, the Ripon Spa Hotel, had been forced into closure. Recent news from North Yorkshire indicated that the fine old building was to be demolished and the site redeveloped, sad for the friends who we had come to know there and who had gone out of the way to make our past visits so successful. However, the building had begun to look somewhat tired and was clearly in need of what would have been, a costly facelift.
The new choice of venue was the Milford Hotel, located to the South of Leeds, just off the A1. A preliminary skirmish had been made by our scouts on the ground and, given its excellent location for local members and competitive prices (this is Yorkshire were talking here!) a group decision had been taken to give it a try.
Upon arrival, the first thing attendees were confronted with was a postman’s whistle of circa 1906 engraved “Metropolitan Patent, manufactured by Hudson & Co of Barr St., Birmingham” and in clear lettering GPO. Accompanying literature showed that identical items were available on E Bay at the princely sum of £65. The whistle had been discovered in an ancient biscuit tin in a cupboard at the home of my recently deceased mother-in-law. The origins of the whistle had been a mystery as no previous family connections with the GPO were known (other than me of course).
Attendees were charged with explaining away what the purpose of the whistle had been all of those years ago. Various speculative reasons were offered as to how a postman might use the said item in the first decade of the Twentieth Century. I too had been at a loss to explain why early postmen had deployed whistles in their daily duties, let alone how it had come into my mother-in-law’s possession. My research prior to the lunch had educated me in these matters and I was able to pass on my newly acquired knowledge to attendees (an explanation can be found in the annals of the Postal Museum for those interested).
We sat down for lunch at 1pm after the customary hour or so of Fellowship when many a fond memory of bygone days was exchanged along with further thoughts on the postman’s whistle. The second task now confronted members and guests; that of the quiz. I thought I had pitched it at the right level. Everyone got the question ; “whose home phone number, Berlin 116191, was listed in Who’s Who for several years until 1945” but struggled with the surname of which current cabinet minister is also a verb of obscure and probably northern origin meaning to stare stupidly. As is often the case Dave Wilcock went home with the tin of M&S biscuits for achieving the top score.
After the meal and continuing with the past theme of “unusual second careers“ of members post retirement, Pete Lamb delivered an excellent presentation on his years of public service working as a volunteer in Witness Services. Margaret Nosowski provided a perfect complement to Peter’s presentation by explaining the valuable service the role provides based on her years of experience as a Magistrate. Peter’s round of applause reflected both the interest stimulated in his audience during the presentation and the valuable contribution he and others in the role provides for the nation’s legal services.
As far as the Hotel’s potential to host future Fellowship events, suffice it to say that the search for a replacement for The Ripon Spa Hotel continues.
Best wishes were received from absentees Mike Pupious, Jim Waterhouse (90 in April ), Bob McGill, Denis Ferry and Tony Fawcett.
Attendees – Pat and Tony Clifton, Denise and Terry Healy, Mike Horlor, Ann and Peter Lamb Margaret and Gerard Nosowski, Julie and Bryan Orange, Ruth and Stuart Scoffins, Christine and Alan Shires, Geraldine and David Wilcock.
Date and Location of Next Meeting: yet to be decided!
Earlier Reports
Reports – 2019
Wales: Pete Walters
On 15 November, 11 members of the South Wales Group including their very welcome partners met for a ‘meat feast’ at Viva Brazil in Cardiff for their (pre)Christmas lunch.
Unfortunately, despite their continued support of our Group, National President Alan Goddard and his driver, Steve Hannon, both had to apologise, but, given their particular circumstances their absence although regretted was understandable.
The Daintons, Sue Phillips, Mike Healings, Peter Hall, Maurice Collis and Len Clifford were also necessary apologists for reasons varying from holidays in warmer climes, important celebrations to family responsibilities, and, for younger colleagues – work?
Gathered together, though, were Gary Williams, Neil Foulkes, Paul and Rose Kirk, Dave Barrett, Pete Walters, Howell and Ruth Isaac, Diane Tew, Martin Sharples and Derek Day, all of whom seemed to thoroughly enjoy their day out in the City.
Pleasant enough, that is, to agree to meet again in the late Spring / early Summer. Quite where was yet to be decided but a venue in Swansea was a possibility to be explored – some considerable distance from where the majority lived but swung on where the majority had been born! Politicians – a lesson on how to achieve compromise?
Definitely something to be looked forward to given the current (November) cold and floods!
South East: John Polglass
Once again little to report but I am happy to say that 18 members will be at the Xmas Lunch on 27th November at Reigate Manor Hotel, which has become our favoured location for lunches since it is reasonably easy to access, the food is good and it is good value for money.
The annual dinner took place at the Holiday Inn Kenilworth and South East Group was represented by Derek Reeves and John Polglass accompanied by wife Joan. This was somewhat less than normally expected due to holidays and unfortunately some illness. However the event was enjoyable and a report appears elsewhere in this Newsletter.
The funeral of Mike Holmes took place on Friday 8th November at St. Wulfram’s Church, Ovingdean near Brighton. It was attended by Jim and Joyce Anderson, John Tolley and John Polglass representing the South East Group and Tom Clay and wife, Simon Ellis and wife and Nick Nelson from other groups. A reception was held in the Malmaison Hotel on the waterfront in the Brighton Marina.
Scotland: Cathy Way
The Scotland Group got together for a lunchtime meeting at the Philatelic Bureau in Edinburgh on 1 October. With many thanks to Gerry Teggart, the unit manager, we had a fascinating presentation and discussion about the important contribution philately continues to make to the Royal Mail Group. We were all impressed to hear about the ideas to draw in new collectors, for example the Star Wars launches.
We were 13 on the day; Alex Gibb, Barbara Duffner, David Shakeshaft, Ewart Shields, Bob Allan, John Wright, Wendy Goldstraw, Bob Scott, Ian Bett, Bill Fenton, Jim Ferns, Rab and Cathy Way.
Apologies were received from Jim and Ann Anderson, Stuart Wilson, Steve Cameron, Gerry McAuley, Alan Dobie, John Manson, Dick Brown, Jim King, Ian Haxton, Jim Lowrie, Drew Wightman, John Mackay.
South West: Ray Stockall
The South West Group lunch is organised for the 13th November (next week as I write this.) As ever it will be a small select group who meet at Tortworth Court Hotel Wooton under Edge.
My wife and I attended the Annual Fellowship dinner at Kenilworth in October, this was our first time at the Annual Dinner and was most enjoyable.
This may be of interest to some members, you may have noticed that as a Royal Mail Pensioner you are no longer receiving a monthly copy of the “Courier’. A friend in Birmingham contacted the RM Pension Dept and asked why this was. This is the answer he was given: –
I’m sorry you haven’t received a copy of Courier – this is because your pension is now provided by Capita, not Royal Mail’s Pension Services Centre
Following this change, Royal Mail no longer has access to personal information for former colleagues whose pension is managed by Capita
From now on, if you’ve a question about your pension or associated communications you’ll need to call Capita on their contact helpline
The contact details you need are:Royal Mail Statutory Pension Scheme
PO Box 551
Darlington
DL1 9TX
United Kingdom
This was news to me as I’m sure it will be to some of you
LONDON: Roger Baynes
The London Group of the Fellowship met for lunch on Thursday 10th October 2019 at the Phoenix Centre, Mount Pleasant.
Those attending were:
Richard Adams, Karl Ahlborn, Alan Brown, Barbara Calderbank, Bob Dart, Terry Dougan, Peter Forrest, Alan Hunt, Mick Kett, Alan Lynch, Alec McBlain, Pat and Carolyn Nield, Derek Reeves, Bryan Roberts, Drew Robertson, Ray Sparks, Doug Swanson, Chris Tullett, Derek Woodward and myself.
Apologies were received from:
Rab Way, Len Clifford, Alan Wasdell, Don Burnside, Dick Woodward, Tom Clay, Douglas Hill, David Burn, Richard Osmond, Alan Goddard, Dennis Andrews and Ron Clatworthy.