2020

2020

Please note late entry for Ted Sutton ex Reading who died on 6th August 2019

Syd Creed Sadly we report the death of Syd Creed ex Coventry on 30th October 2020 at the age of 92 years, after a short illness in a Care Home. A memorial service is planned. Syd joined the GPO at the age of 14 as a Boy Messenger in Colchester following in his Grandfather’s footsteps.  David Brownfield writes that he first met Syd in the 1960s, when he was on the Home Counties Region travelling staff as a Temporary PTS. He moved to HCR(N) where he soon became Head Postmaster Bedford. Ultimately he was Head Postmaster Coventry. It was not a good time at that office and he was a brave man. It is hoped that further information of Syd’s career will be available later.

Alan Richards ex British Postal Consultancy Service Teri Richards reported with great sadness the passing of her husband, Alan Richards aged 85 years.  He died on 24th July 2020 of renal failure.  Alan was always immensely proud of his years as Head Postmaster Kingston and often looked back at his time there with great affection. Alan’s father had mapped out a successful career in the old GPO Telephones organisation.  It was probably this that led him to join Telecoms as a TTS.  We have little information on his family life, schooling etc, but we do know that he gained a commission as a National Serviceman – a rare event! After his move to the Postal Business, he later in his career took on secondment to one of the old British Empire African locations; we believe this was a three year stint, but one where it was possible to enjoy a colonial life and make some money. Later in his career in The Royal Mail he took over the responsibility for British Postal Consultancy Service within the Royal Mail.  After his retirement in 1993.he went on to establish Postplan Systems Consultancy with ex BPCS colleague, Don Holmes until 2001. Many of his Royal Mail colleagues shared their wealth of experience with him helping the Eastern European countries wanting to join the European Union.  The key thing with such occasions was to have the per dieum fees available for the Europeans.  Since it usually amounted to more than their living wage you could imagine the scrabble when they arrived.  but Alan, treasury notes in hand, calmly and unemotionally handed out their sought-after gains. His natural patience made him a godsend in the EU consultancy roles, and he could talk the talk with many of the mandarins. Indeed, he could communicate in French.  His connections too in Epsom led to several conferences in the racecourse premises, always appreciated by our visitors. Alan and TeriI moved back to Wales in 2001, back to his roots in the Gower Peninsular. Never able to retire completely he volunteered for the National Coastwatch Institution charity.  He was Station Manager of Worm’s Head Watch Station for several years before becoming a charity trustee on the national board.  He was appointed as National Chairman, a post that he held until early 2016.  Using all the years of Post Office experience, he helped a young charity become one with a firm foundation and able to grow. It is also worth noting that one other ex BPCS guy and Fellowship member, Dave Roberts, was influenced by Alan’s efforts and instrumental in launching PLCWW which has been of direct benefit to our organisation. Our thanks to Teri Richards and Keith Webb for the information in this obituary. A view of Alan provided by the National Coastwatch Institution (NCI) follows:ALAN RICHARDS 1935–2020 It is with great sadness that we announce that our great friend Alan Richards passed away on Friday.  As many of you will know, Alan was one of the founders of NCI Worms Head, then Station Manager; he later joined the national team on the Advisory Board, became a Trustee and served as NCI Chairman for five years Alan had been poorly for a while but had rallied and was home from hospital for a few weeks.  Unfortunately, he suffered a relapse and slipped away peacefully – still at home as he preferred.  Alan had NCI in his blood, he was an astute, unflappable leader and an excellent ambassador for the Charity.  We will miss him very much. Alan was a hugely active and influential member of NCI throughout his time with the Charity, beginning as a watchkeeper at NCI Worms Head, quickly progressing to management roles locally then nationally, culminating in his leading the whole Charity as Chairman during a critical stage of its development between 2011 and 2016. His introduction to the Institution was in 2006. Driving to his initial meeting to discuss the setting up of the new station at Worms Head he had decided not to get overly involved. He had retired from a successful career with Royal Mail and was looking for a new but not compelling interest. By the end of the evening he was installed as Station Manager. Together with Dai Morgan, the initiator of the Worms Head project, Alan was faced with the task of renovating the old Coastguard Lookout at Worms Head and the moulding of a competent team of watchkeepers to man it. The Lookout’s assets were a stunning view of the tidal island – the reason for the new station – and a landline phone. Everything else had to be provided, from the refurbishment of the old building to obtaining the necessary watchkeeping equipment. And the watchkeepers – volunteers from all different careers and backgrounds from farmers to seafarers – had to be trained to the exacting standards required by NCI. Over the winter everything got done. The first watches were held over Easter 2007 and the station was opened officially by the Lord Lieutenant the following June. Alan continued to direct and support the local station during its eventful first five years before moving up to the national team, from there on to become National Chairman. During his time as Chairman, Alan devoted thousands of hours and untold energy to the voluntary but undoubtedly full-time role of leading and managing the Charity. Highly professional and with great experience ‘at the sharp end’ of NCI, Alan’s knowledge and supportive approach, endeared him to the membership. He impressed and inspired watchkeepers by his dedication to the purposes of NCI and his unstinting support for the all-volunteer workforce. He took every opportunity to visit stations, meet volunteers and ensure recognition for their time and commitment. In so doing he travelled the length and breadth of the country spending time at every station in the course of his Chairmanship. Alan oversaw significant expansion of the Charity to some 50 individual lookouts with over 2000 volunteers around the coastline of England and Wales, adding ‘eyes’ to watch potentially hazardous areas of coastline. Operationally, Alan personally led a raft of initiatives to enhance the operational capability of NCI including promotion of Declared Facility Standards through the organisation, acquisition of a dedicated NCI VHF radio channel – 65 and establishment of NCI as an RYA training school to deliver VHF radio qualifications to watchkeepers. At the same time, Alan introduced structural, cultural and financial change to the Charity improving administrative standards by establishing a new, efficient national office, developing the cohesion of geographically dispersed stations, and streamlining the Charity’s financial model. He also strongly promoted the profile of the Charity with a wide range of external stakeholders including MCA, RNLI, and other maritime bodies to achieve widespread support as well as significant financial sponsorship. During Alan’s tenure, NCI was awarded the Royal Cruising Club’s prestigious Medal for Services to Cruising in recognition of their contribution to sea safety, and in 2016 received an award for excellence from British Marine as their Charity of the Year. The challenges involved in these activities cannot be overstated, but Alan’s vision, enthusiasm and sheer tenacity enabled NCI to become firmly established as a well-recognised, highly respected part of the Search and Rescue organisation. Alan stepped down as NCI Chairman in 2016 at the age of 81 but continued to keep watch at Worms Head and assist with national projects. Alan was a gentleman who had NCI at his heart and made an outstanding contribution to the Charity. He will be greatly missed and remembered with true fondness and respect.

Brian Raftery ex Controller Operations South West This tribute to Brian, who died 31st May 2020 aged 91, has been produced by Keith Smith, his son in law, for which we are most grateful.  In addition, we are pleased to also add a personal tribute from Alan Wiltshire, who had been a close colleague and friend of Brian over the years. Brian was born in Willesden Green, London in 1928 and died on 31st May 2020 aged 91. He left school at the age of 14 and started work in a local armaments firm.  He was making holes for Wellington bombers (i.e. the housing where the wheels were mounted).  He used to say he was not sure if, in doing the job, he was punched, bored or riveted!  But his true calling was to be the Post Office and at the age of 16.  He followed in the family tradition of his father and brother by joining the GPO in 1943. Brian’s national service between 1947-49 was a real success.  He joined the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers and they gave him a great technical education as well as helping him to learn to drive.  He was quickly promoted to sergeant and his captain tried hard to convince him that he could have a great military career.  However, his heart was set on a life in the Post Office. At the start of his GPO career, he was a telecoms man working at Hampstead Telephone Exchange as part of the ‘poles and holes’ external team.  He also worked in the telecoms training college and the contracts office – before seeing the light by joining the postal side of the business.  He saw an advertisement for an Assistant Postal Controller (APC2) in Leeds in 1963.  A colleague discouraged him from applying, dismissing Brian’s chances of getting the job.  In true character this made Brian even more determined and (once he found out where Leeds was!) he successfully secured the post. In the intervening period he had found the love of his life.  Brian met Val, a nurse, in 1950 as part of a blind date – although it must be said her judgement might have been blurred because she had just come off the night shift!  They married in 1955, moved to Thornton Heath and over the next 7 years – with the arrival of the girls Helen, Judith and Moira – Brian and Val established a strong family unit.  The family loved Leeds making a welcoming home at 9 St Chads Rise – securing many life-long friendships in the process.  He was active in the local church and he became Churchwarden of St Chads.  Brian’s career maintained its upward trajectory and in 1976 he made the tough decision to uproot and move to Liverpool as Assistant Head Postmaster. Promotion again beckoned for Brian and he relocated for the third and final time in 1980 to Bristol to take up the role as Regional Operations Controller.  They put down their roots in Westbury-on-Trym and stayed there for almost 40 years.  They extended their network of long-term friendships amongst both neighbours and Post Office colleagues.  In fact, they probably hold some sort of record for the longest Christmas card list. Brian’s retirement in 1988 heralded a range of activities that revealed a hinterland of admirable proportions.  He was able to indulge his passion for wood by taking a course in furniture making/restoration at Brunel College.  He was almost lost to Val as he spent many an hour in his well kitted workshop in the garage.  His secretaire was a marvel of craftsmanship. Numerous other interests included; being active members of the National Trust; acting as a leading light in Bristol’s twinning with Hanover; becoming an active member of Probus leading to the role of President of the Clifton Down Branch 2003 to 2004 and  being a sides man at St Mary Magdeline Church, Stoke Bishop.  Then there were holiday years ….. Brian and Val got to know the UK well by taking up caravanning.  They also explored the wider world with many memorable trips including a visit to Canada and a tour of Russia, in their late 70s. Helen, Judith and Moira did their duty and delivered 6 grandchildren – each of them symmetrically producing a boy and a girl.  Brian and Val were massively supportive of the progress of each one as they have moved through life.  Hannah, Sam, Jenny, Patrick, Rowan and Josie will now face a huge Grandpa shaped hole in their lives. After 40 years in Bristol, Brian and Val took the decision to make their home in Royston, Herts to be near Judith and Helen.  Unfortunately, due to Brian’s failing health they were not able to fully seize this opportunity.  His last days were spent at Cambridgeshire Care Home where he received wonderful and loving care.  He passed away on 31st May 2020. Brian was a self made man.  From humble beginnings he achieved much.  His career in the Post Office was part of this – but much more important was the man himself.  He was warm, loving, approachable, dependable, witty, fun, creative, kind, generous …… the adjectives just flow. Finally looking back on the adventures of his life what would Brian say? – something like – “What a Caper eh!”This is a tribute by Alan Wiltshire. Brian Raftery. His son in law, Keith Smith, and other family members have pipped me at the post with a super write up about Brian.  I would just like to add Diane and my appreciation of a very special friendship with Brian and Val.  Those of us who were travelling officers, APCs, in the provinces probably spent more time with our colleagues than we did with our families, often living in hotels for several days a week auditing Head offices in a variety of areas or undertaking sorting office staffing inspections.  We had a good social life together when not working and made a lifetime of good friendships.  Brian and I worked together in Leeds for many years  We had an annual get together, plus our respective children, when the 3 Raftery girls would take our younger 3 by the hand for a walk on New Years Day.  During our working years it was nigh impossible to keep in regular touch but we did manage to enjoy the weddings of each other’s children and got to know their respective grandchildren.  The highlight of our retirements was annual holidays, cruises and weekends together always making time for a game of Canasta.  A very special friend. Brian had a second career when he retired, and Keith mentioned his furniture making and restoration course at Brunel College.  Brian took 7 subjects in his end of course exam and gained 7 distinctions.  Family and friends will for ever be reminded about Brian’s creative ability because many of us have wonderful examples of his work in our homes, both new and repaired antiques.  Brian won’t mind now if I embarrass him because this technical skill and attention to detail and sheer professionalism is the Brian we know well in the Post Office and Royal Mail.  It must have stood him in good stead as an engineer.  He had some of the toughest jobs in the business in the North East Region and in Leeds and Liverpool Head Offices, difficult problems and decisions.  Whatever the problem or challenge he would find the answer.  Yet always the perfect gentleman.  We will long remember him.

Frank A Wood It is with great sadness we report that Frank Wood, ex Delivery Area Manager for Manchester South, passed away on 22nd April 2020 at the age of 84 years due to Covid-19.

Phil Hillier It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Phil some 4 months after his 100th birthday.  We provided a celebratory entry in the March Newsletter extracted here. Sue Hillier said that her father had died peacefully (not through contracting the Coronavirus) on April 19th.  Our thoughts are with the family.

Charlie Pratt We have been informed by John Polglass that Charlie Pratt, ex Thanet, and a long standing member of the Fellowship passed away on 26 February aged 86 years.  The funeral took place on Friday 20 March.

Tom Steven We have been advised by his daughter Anne that Tom Steven, formerly Head Postmaster of Wick, Dundee and Edinburgh died, peacefully, on 1st January 2020, he was 94. He began working in the Post Office as a telegram boy at the age of 14 in Stranraer.   Hopefully more information will be available later.