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By Julie Waters
DONAGHADEE postman Ian Stubbs, known for his ‘big smile whatever the weather’, has made his final delivery after 40 years dedicated service.
The local postie, who began delivering the mail around the picturesque seaside town in 1983, has hung up his post bag for the last time.
As a special thank you, former Ards and North Down Mayor Mark Brooks presented Ian with beautiful retirement artwork created by talented Sharron Watts of Pebbles.
Ian spoke fondly of the career that he ‘loved’ over the past four decades, the ‘camaraderie’ amongst his fellow posties and the warmth of the local community.
Looking back on his career, Ian said: “I started working in 1983 and I was on the same duty for 37 years. I would have been around the town centre, down to the bottom of the town and up to Beechfield and Ashfield.
“You got to know everybody by their name and you would have been in and out of the shops speaking with people.”
Delivering letters, packages and parcels come hail, rain or shine, Ian had no problem reaching his step count each day. “You were working six days a week, I did that for about 16 years. You started at about 5am and you would have finished earlier.”
He also recalled the days of the second morning post saying: “After we delivered the first post I was able to get my breakfast and then come back down and about 9.40am do the bottom of the town. Then you were back for the second post at around 10.30am.”
In 1987 the posties welcomed a move to new premises and more modern facilities. “We moved to new premises at 39 High Street. We thought we were in the land of luxury as it had a toilet, we didn’t have a toilet in our previous premises,” said Ian.
Of course, no profession is without its hazards and Ian considers himself fortunate not to have had too many encounters with four legged friends who were not too fond of the postman.
“It didn’t happen very often,” said Ian. “I got bit in the last seven years but I hadn’t had a tetanus injection for 30 years.”
Looking back on his career with fondness Ian said: “I loved it and I loved the camaraderie between us.”
With his retirement stretching in front of him, Ian is looking forward to spending his free time in warmer climes. “I like a bit of sunshine, both in the summer and the winter. I will have to do a bit of decorating as well.”
Alderman Brooks wished Ian a happy retirement saying: “When I first arrived in Donaghadee, Ian was one of the first people I met as he came in with the post. I was told that if I wanted to know anything about Donaghadee to speak to Ian.
“Donaghadee is a community orientated place, it is one of the most successful towns and from a community point of view Ian is one of the very best.”
Sharon Watts, was delighted to create Ian’s retirement gift saying: “Every time you met Ian he had a big smile on his face no matter the weather. My mother said the same, he is very popular.”
