Eastbourne Post Office worker wins Local Hero award

As part of the Post Office’s We’re Stronger Together awards, Rodmill’s postmaster Joshua Groves won the Local Hero accolade for the south east.

The award, which recognises the efforts made by postmasters to keep branches open and communities served during the pandemic, was presented to Joshua virtually by Post Office chief executive Nick Read on Tuesday (July 14).

Joshua said, “I am delighted and honoured to be accepting this award. It’s been a challenging time for myself and Hannah Thomson, trying to help the community wherever we can.

“I would like to say a massive thank you to all of our customers who supported us during this time, without you we would not be here today.”

Post Office area manager Graeme Bower praised Josh for being proactive and supportive.

He said, “Josh at Rodmill Post Office won in this category for his support to customers and other local branches during the pandemic.

“As my youngest postmaster, he was very proactive in ensuring both his own team and others received and used the early guidance and personal protective equipment, including being the first in my area to build his own additional Perspex screen in branch.

“He has also been supporting customers in the area with additional deliveries, he was active on social media in the early days helping to reassure staff and donating large amounts of drinks and other items to NHS workers.”

Chief executive Nick Read welcomed the news and said he has heard many inspiring stories about postmasters ‘going the extra mile’ during the pandemic.

He said, “I have welcomed the opportunity to hear first-hand how postmasters in the south east have fared during the pandemic including Rodmill.

“All retailers have been affected and Post Office was no exception. The next few weeks and months will be a critical period as we try and return to a sense of normality.

“Post Office branches have a vital role to play in supporting their customers and communities, as well as helping small businesses and independent retailers get back on their feet.”

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