Retirees clock-up 93 years with the Post Office

Three Isle of Man Post Office employees who have clocked-up 93 years of service between them have decided to call it a day.

Personal Secretary Barbara McNicholl and south-based postmen Willy Hansen and Carl Hadfield all retired in the same week after many years of dedication and commitment to the Post Office.

Barbara started her career in the Clerk of Tynwald’s Office in September 1972 where she was responsible for dealing with the correspondence with the Home Office for the takeover of postal services, from the British Post Office to what became known as the Isle of Man Postal Authority on 5th July 1973. She was the very first employee and once the first Chief Executive of the Post Office, Sam Thomas, was appointed, Barbara was interviewed and became his Personal Secretary.

This is the position she has held ever since albeit with secondments to various departments throughout the years including Sales & Marketing, TV Licensing and Philatelic.

Commenting on her 38 years with Isle of Man Post Office Barbara said:

“I have been fortunate to have worked with so many wonderful Chief Executives and colleagues who have made my job a happy one and, in fact, have all been like an extended family to me. This has made it a pleasure to come to work and, for me, enjoying work was worth more than money.”

Postman Willy Hansen joined the business in January 1989 based in Port St Mary, a job he admits he stumbled across by accident. Speaking at his retirement presentation Geoff Corkish MBE MHK, Chairman of Isle of Man Post Office, said:

“Willy has been an extremely exemplary employee who has always looked after the business’ customers. He will be greatly missed by his friends and customers and I hope you have a long and enjoyable retirement. You have had a fantastic career - renowned for helping customers and we thank you for everything you have done for Isle of Man Post Office.”

Willy said:

“I’d like to thank my colleagues for the incredible camaraderie over the last 23 years and I have to thank each and every one of them for the enjoyment I have had at the Southern Postal Delivery Office (SPDO). I have got out of bed every morning looking forward to enjoying the longest running comedy act never to appear on television!”

Willy’s colleague Carl Hadfield, also based at SPDO, retired on the same day after 32 years of service. His presentation was made by Mike Kelly, Chief Executive, who said:

“Carl has been an excellent employee and we are sorry to see him go. From satisfaction surveys we often conduct, our customers always rate our postal workers very highly and it’s because of people like him, a great ambassador for the Post Office, that we receive such positive feedback. We wish him a very happy retirement.”

Reflecting on his career with Isle of Man Post Office Carl said:

“It’s been the best job ever. It was my wife’s idea to come and work here back in 1980 and it’s the best things she’s ever done! I have met so many lovely people over the years on my rounds and my colleagues have been like an extended family.”