Big send off for retired postman

Residents gathered to say a big thanks to their popular postman at a special village breakfast last week.
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Edd Hunt, who was based at the Arundel sorting office, delivered mail to Amberley, North Stoke, Houghton and Houghton Bridge for more than 30 years.

More than 50 local residents turned out to thank him at a village breakfast on Saturday, August 31, at the Riverside Tea Rooms at Houghton Bridge.

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Amberley Village Stores postmistress Tina Bishop presented Edd with a specially-commissioned commemorative plate made by Caroline Seaton, of Amberley Village Pottery, two tickets for the Goodwood Revival and £600 towards a holiday.

There was also a bouquet for his wife, Ann, who accompanied him to the breakfast event.

“It’s been a sociable job and one I have loved,” said Edd.

Resident Mike Toynbee said Edd would keep an eye on people’s houses when they were away, and frequently checked in on some of the housebound residents during his rounds.

“To many, he has become a good friend,” said Mike.

With a wealth of stories to tell from his long career as a postman, Edd spoke of the time a farm collie took the seat out of his trousers; climbing a ladder for a resident who had locked themselves out; and being confronted on the doorstep by another who asked him to remove a large spider from their bath.

“No two days have ever been the same,” said Edd.

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“After all these years, I know where I can leave items for people and not have to post a docket asking them to come to Arundel to pick something up.

“I suppose it is a bit of a throwback to the days when it was a service and you looked after your customers. Today, it’s a knock on the door, a ‘no answer’ docket goes in and you are gone.

“Knowing personally your customers gives a lot of satisfaction.”

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