Hughenden Valley pub holds retirement party for postie (From Bucks Free Press)

Hughenden Valley pub holds retirement party for postie

11:13am Monday 23rd August 2010 in

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HUNDREDS of residents packed into a pub in Hughenden Valley to say goodbye to their friendly postman, Mick Druce, who is retiring after ten years of serving the parish.

The Harrow in Warrendene Road was packed on Friday night and after a BBQ, Hughenden Parish Councillor Tony Konieczny presented Mr Druce with a cheque and flowers for his wife, Pauline.

The 65-year-old is retiring after 23 years working for Royal Mail and ten years working in the village.

In his speech Cllr Konieczny said: “So, multi-faceted Mick, with the heart of gold. We will miss you. We will miss your cheerful demeanour. We will miss your news publishing capability. We will miss your care and love that you seem to have for all your customers.”

Carole Palmer from Warrendene Road said Cllr Konieczny's speech “brought down the house” with “a highly amusing speech.”

She added: “If someone won with a premium bond Mick knew it first. House for sale in the Valley? Mick knew the asking price. Whatever it was Mick knew it first and usually broadcast information whilst halfway up the drive.

“Mick will be greatly missed by all of us on his round. He was unfailingly cheerful, helpful and always ready to keep an eye on the elderly on his round. We all held him in great affection and will miss him.”

Mr Druce finished his last round on Thursday and said he still woke up at the weekend at 5.30am while today he had a “lie in” and got up at 7am.

He said: “I did enjoy Friday night. It was brilliant. I was trying to get around to see people. If I went from outside to inside to get a drink it took half an hour.

“I just couldn't believe it. I was shocked at how many people were there.”

He was presented with a cake made by Mrs Palmer which he said was “brilliant”.