Cultureshock

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Video transcript

An old pair of scales, to bring back memories of my father the local Post Master in Shotley Bridge. Also my sister who was the Counter Clerk. Getting up at 5:45am to sort the post for the postmen coming to deliver to Edmundbyers, Blanchland and to all the surrounding farms.

Even in bad weather the post was still delivered. The Post Office was kept very busy because of Shotley Bridge Hospital. We supplied insurance stamps for the nurses. Petrol for the post van was delivered to the Post Office in cans, where the postmen filled the van. In severe winter weather I delivered the post on foot, trudging through the snow. I was paid sixteen shillings a week.

The Post Office was very busy with postal orders, money orders, pensions and stamps. Also telegrams were frequently delivered; good and bad news was given. The Post Office also had a payphone kiosk as very few people had their own phones.

Life in the Post Office has changed, but although it was hard work, I have plenty of happy memories.