REDDITCH Postmaster Alan Beasley is retiring after 25 years at the helm Crabbs Cross Post Office.
Alan had reduced his opening hours ahead of his retirement to spend more time with his elderly father.
Sadly, his Dad died very recently, just 8 days before his 100th birthday.
Tipton-born Alan spent his whole working life in retail – he first ran a newsagents in Bromsgrove for 10 years, then he took on his first Post Office in Worcester before moving to Redditch to be closer to his sister.
Alan has run Crabbs Cross Post Office since April 1998, and has had a hand in developing the retail side of the shop.
In 2014 he modernised the Post Office and it became a mains branch with extra Post Office products and services.
He said “I took to the role of Postmaster, like a duck to water. I have really loved being a Postmaster.
“I have only taken one day off sick in the past 35 years, when I had a migraine, as I didn’t want to let my customers down.
“I managed to stay open during the pandemic – it was bonkers busy as people wanted to stay local, send parcels galore and to do their banking.
“I think that people also wanted to come in to see a friendly face.”
Alan is staying local and looking to do voluntary work at the Salvation Army charity next door.
He’s just bought himself a motorbike and he’s looking forward to having time to explore the area.
Post Office Area Manager, Mat Wilkes, said: “Alan has been the pillar of this community for 35 years.
“He really has gone above and beyond for his community and he is very popular.
“I really want to thank for his long and loyal service to the people of Crabbs Cross since 1988.
“I want to thank him for all that he has done for their community and I wish him a happy, well-earned retirement.”
The Crabbs Cross branch closed at the end of February, with work underway to reopen under new management on April 4.
