High Bickington postman retires after 42 years of service

A High Bickington postman has retired after 42 years working as a postman for the village. 

Richard Lethbridge has bid farewell to his long career as a postman with a retirement party at the community centre scheduled for Tuesday, March 26, at 2pm.

This celebration marks the end of an era for the 66-year-old retiree, who has dutifully served the community since his early days as a postman.

Richard began his career as a postman after his tenure at Dartington Glass in Torrington, where he spent several years working before the recession prompted a change in his career and he took voluntary redundancy.

It was his mother, already a part-time postwoman, who guided him towards this new path. Nervously, he applied for a part time job and found success, eventually transitioning into a full-time role and selecting High Bickington as his preferred round.

In 2002, Richard was honoured with an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) by Queen Elizabeth II, a recognition bestowed upon him by the villagers for his dedicated service. 

Reflecting on this accolade, he initially hesitated but was encouraged by others to accept the honour.

"It is a real community effort," Richard expressed, describing the preparations for his retirement party. 

Over 200 individuals have responded affirmatively to the invitation. 

Richard envisioned a cream tea affair and sent flyers about the event around. 

The local village shop has generously offered to cater scones for the occasion, with a donor stepping forward to cover the expenses.

The community centre has even offered the centre free of charge for the event. 

Since his retirement last Saturday (March 16) Richard has said: “People have been coming up to me telling me they respect me and how much they miss me since I’ve been gone.”

Richard also fondly reminisced about his time as a postman, recalling memorable moments such as collecting mail delivered by rail, a task that required him to meet the train at quarter to four in the morning alongside his colleagues. 

Amidst the nostalgia, he expressed excitement about his upcoming retirement plans, revealing his passion for ballroom dancing and an upcoming dance cruise with his partner through the Netherlands, Bruges, and Cherbourg.