Sandra marks 50 years of first-class service
Bannockburn‘legend’celebrates post office milestone
A public-spirited Bannockburn woman is today celebrating 50 years of service at the post office there.
Sandra Grant (65) joined the Main Street branch as a junior clerk in February 1967 – just days after she finished her studies at Stirling High School .
She has remained behind the counter, serving and interacting with members of the public ever since and will on Saturday meet up with colleagues, past and present, and friends for a special celebration meal at the Tartan Arms.
There have been many changes during her time in the shop – part of her duties used to be delivering telegrams while the price of a stamp when she started was 4d, or 2p.
Sandra has risen through the ranks – progressing from junior clerk to senior clerk and is now responsible for the day-to-day running of the office when subpostmaster Ian Carmichael – one of six she’s worked under – isn’t around. Her employers even selected her as a ‘Post Office Hero’ last year to recognise her dedicated service.
However she says it’s her love of her local community that has kept her in the role for so long.
She told the Observer: “Over the years I’ve gotten to know people quite well as you end up serving much of the same people on a weekly basis. A lot of our customers come in with questions or for advice so it’s nice to be able to help.
“You do become attached to the customers and there are many laughs and tears along the way. It’s always heartbreaking when you learn that someone has passed away. I’ve served four generations of one family so you see people grow up too which is nice.”
Sandra, who is married to John and has a daughter Fiona, currently works in the branch with colleague Lynn Speed. And she admits it’s still slightly strange hearing people congratulate her on five decades of service in the office.
She added: “People are always very nice and they always say they can’t believe I’ve been here for that length of time – it is such a long time. I finished school on the Friday and started here on the Monday and it really has flown by.
“Somebody asked me if I’ll be here for another 50-years and, while that would be nice, I think they’d be propping me up by then. On the whole it has been great and I’d like to thank everyone who has visited – it’s been nice meeting everyone.”
Sub-postmaster Ian paid tribute to hard-working Sandra and spoke highly of the way she deals with the local community.
He said: “She is a legend in Bannockburn.
“She knows everybody and has literally served generations of the same families – young mothers when she started are now collecting their pensions.
“Sandra is marvellous with customers and goes the extra mile to assist and advise. Fifty years is a remarkable achievement and extremely unlikely to be repeated.
“As well as working in the Post Office she has helped raise thousands for charities such as Strathcarron Hospice and Macmillan Cancer Support.”