Popular postie calls it a day
VILLAGERS have given a wonderful send-off to their favourite postman, who has retired after 37 years’ service.
The national miners’ strike was beginning and Ronald Reagan was president of the United States when Ivor Regan began his first postal round in 1984.
On Saturday, March 27, wellwishers gathered outside The Wheatsheaf pub in Chilton Foliat to surprise him on his last round, greeting him with a round of applause, cards and gifts.
The big party they had originally intended unfortunately had to be postponed due to coronavirus restrictions.
Meanwhile, a working party organised a collection, with residents from Chilton Foliat, Leverton, East Soley and West Soley all contributing.
On Saturday they presented Mr Regan with a sizeable cheque, champagne, two framed photographs and a memorabilia book in which they had all written.
One resident, Rita Colcough, described Mr Regan as “a very popular character who, whatever the weather, always has a smile and time to chat”.
Another said: “He doesn’t stop at delivering post – he makes sure everything is as it should be when people are away and keeps a special eye on the older residents.”
The Chilton Foliat village website said: “Ivor is known by just about everyone and they have all enjoyed seeing his smiling face every day while he was on his rounds for the past 37 years.”
In 1998 there was uproar when a Post Office route reorganisation meant Mr Regan was temporarily reassigned to
Inkpen.
But he was soon back on his old route by popular demand.
Villagers are planning a party for Mr Regan when coronavirus restrictions are finally lifted.
Mr Regan said this week: “I was gobsmacked by the send off you all so kindly gave me.
“I was truly overwhelmed by it all and I will genuinely miss delivering to you all; you have given me so much kindness and it was an absolute pleasure getting to know you all over the years.
“It has taken me until now to process all of the events on my final day as I was so moved by it all and I can’t thank you enough.
“I wish you all the very best for the future.”