Postal Museum visit Peterborough Mail Centre

On Wednesday the 15th of April, Andrea Dumbrell from the Postal Museum visited Peterborough Mail Centre. The visit was organised by Eastern No5 Branch Lead ULR Terry Henderson. Terry attended last year’s CWU ULR Networking Event in Brighton where he met Andrea, who was there to do a presentation about the Postal Museum and its exhibits.

Andrea also had a stall with some small items on display that looked at the history of the postal industry and Royal Mail in particular. Terry and Andrea started to talk about the possibility of Andrea coming to Peterborough and contact details were exchanged. Initial contact was made by email a few weeks later and a decision was made to host the event in the New Year when Christmas pressure was over.

In February Terry emailed Andrea, which soon lead to a phone call that helped make things quicker and simpler, and soon some suitable dates where found. Terry then approached the Peterborough Mail Centre Manager Sarah O’Shaughnessy and the visit and best location was agreed. Sarah also agreed that the visit would be shared with staff during the weekly Work Time & Listening Sessions (WTLL). Andrea was contacted again and the visit details were finalised, and Andrea offered to create some posters and flyers to help with getting the word out. She sent Terry some digital examples to use on social media and arranged for the printing, which was posted directly to the Mail Centre. Posters were displayed on noticeboards and the flyers placed all around the Mail Centre in vending areas, rest areas, the canteen and near to where people signed in.

On the morning of the visit, Terry picked up Andrea from the train station and she was soon setting up the table display and putting up photos of some of the old Royal Mail buildings that have been knocked down. It was not long before people were visiting and asking questions. Many of our long serving colleagues were soon reminiscing about the photos of old workplaces and vehicles they used, and old badges and armbands, caps, hats, jacket buttons and other uniform items been of particular interest. The people visiting, ranged from having worked for Royal Mail for a few months right up to John and Steve who both have worked for the business for almost 49 years (John joined a week before Steve). Both started as messenger boys and recognised many of the uniform items, sharing their experiences and favourites with Andrea. The visit was well received with lots of interest shown and talk of planning visits from many.

Postal workers are at the heart of the stories told by The Postal Museum, and they offer a range of experiences and opportunities which includes a ride on the old underground post train. If you are a current Royal Mail/Parcelforce employee, you can visit the Postal Museum for just £2 at any time. If you are a former or current RM/PF employee, you and get entry for you and a group of visitors on special open days for just £2 each, booking in advance is recommended as the museum can get busy. You can find more information and how to book your visit here Postal Workers – The Postal Museum