A first-class postmaster who goes “above and beyond” for the residents of the North Lincolnshire village he lives said he cried “tears of joy” when he learned he has received royal recognition for his selfless services to the community.
Richard Haley, 59, who was a postmaster in Doncaster for 15 years, began working as the manager of Epworth Post Office in 2008. Four years later, an opportunity arose for him to purchase the branch, and he has served as postmaster there ever since.
He was reduced to happy tears to receive a letter from the Cabinet Office to state he will be listed on the New Years’ Honour List 2025, receiving a British Empire Medal for his services to the Post Office and the community.
Over the years, Richard has received outstanding reviews by customers, including an incredible 330 Facebook ‘thank you’ messages. He has even been known to travel to the sorting office 25 miles away to collect a customer’s special delivery item that has been delayed, including currency for a customer’s holiday the next day.
Richard said: “I have always said that being a postmaster is not a job, it is a vocation. I can’t imagine doing any other role as I enjoy doing it so much.
Richard was delighted to be recognised on the New Years’ Honours List 2025
(Image: The Post Office)
“My wife, Stephanie, knows how important my role is to me and she accepts that I want to do the job well and work longer hours than other people do in other jobs. I also have the support of a hard-working, close-knit team.
“When I received the letter from the Cabinet Office at work, I opened the letter after the branch had closed. I cried when I read that I was to receive an honour – they were tears of joy. It was unexpected news. I just do what I do for my customers as it is so important to have good customer service.
“Epworth Post Office has become even more important to this area since the last bank closed in Epworth 14 months ago, but people can do their personal and business banking here.
“We managed to stay open throughout the pandemic, apart from one day due to people contracting Covid, but I pulled people in to help to maintain vital Post Office services and the shop and people wanted to see friendly familiar faces. Every day was really busy, like Christmas every day, as people wanted to stay local and many people were working from home instead of commuting.”
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Post Office Area Manager, Joanne Fryatt, said: “I am delighted that Richard has received this New Years’ Honour for all that he does for his village and his outreach communities. This kind and caring postmaster is always chatting to customers, learning customers by name, which makes them feel special.
“Richard gives them that extra care during the customer service. He emphasises to his team about the importance of being customer focused.”