By Rosie Watson
AFTER 45 years pounding the streets of Bishopston, a much-loved postman has finally hung up his bag and dropped his last letters through the letterboxes of Berkeley Road and its surrounding area.
Malcolm Beedle, 65, grew up in Horfield and moved to Downend 33 years ago, but loved the BS7 area so much that he continued to cover the same route (or ‘walk’) as he had always done.
A street party was held on the evening of his final day (June 21) in Berkeley Road to mark the occasion and celebrate Malcolm’s long service. Diane Lockhart, one of those who organised the party, said: “He is the friendliest and most positive person you could hope to meet and we are all going to miss him very much.”
Asked what he will miss most about the job, Malcolm was quite clear: “Talking to people. I know everyone by their first names and it’s the type of area where people move in and stay.”
A common question is whether he will miss the early — 4.30am — starts, but Malcolm just says he has got so used to them, he will probably still wake up then, although admits that his wife probably won’t miss the alarm.
He described how the schedule has changed over the years – he originally finished by 8.30am with a clear day ahead, his shifts now finish around 2.30pm with far fewer hours left in his day.
Now with all the hours he could need, Malcolm has no qualms about how he will spend his new-found free time. A keen DJ, he even DJed at his own street party and hopes to do more of the same. DJing has been a passion ever since he got into the R&B and Northern Soul scene many years ago. But describing himself as a very “motivated” person, Malcolm says he will also have more time to spend with his elderly mum and the grandchildren, as well as the many friends he intends to keep up with.
He said: “I can do the school run now, while they are still young enough to appreciate it.”
There is little doubt that Malcolm will be missed by the many residents who have got to know him over the years, but they can also be sure that any time there is a street party, Malcolm will be straight back there to provide the music and chat.