Buckie postmaster heads for Australia
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BUCKIE'S postmaster, Paul Munch, is to sign off after four decades in the industry.
Mr Munch (62) has been a familiar and friendly face at Buckie Post Office for the last 42 years.
"The time is basically right to go," Mr Munch said.
"Myself and my wife, Faye, were out in Australia last year for our son’s wedding and we decided that we want to be there for our grandchildren growing up.
"We speak to them regularly on Skype but it’s not the same as actually being there for them. Our daughter, who’s a dual Australian-British citizen, is due to go back later this year, which just added to the feeling that we should go."
New owner Srinivar Badam takes over on March 8.
After an initial period as a postman – which included providing holiday relief cover to offices across the north – Mr Munch took on a role behind the counter, becoming Buckie’s postmaster in 1986.
He said: "The biggest change over the years has been the technology; before everything was done on paper and in triplicate on carbon paper.
Mr Munch said he would miss the customers and his team of stalwart staff.
He added: "One of the most satisfying parts of the job was being able to help people out, particularly our older customers who weren’t sure what they should do. At the end of the day, post offices, especially in rural areas, are very much part of the community."
In addition to Buckie Post Office, Mr Munch’s role as postmaster involved bringing an outreach postal service for a few hours a week to communities as far apart as Dufftown and St Fergus.
These will be retained by the new owner.
