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Villagers pay tribute as postie Rick retires


AYLESFORD postman Rick Hol- lands is hanging up his postbag after 45 years. The 68-year-old, who delivered


daily to 370 addresses on his 30- mile patch each day, has earned a place in the hearts of residents, and a home in the village’s almshouses. He said: “I’ve made so many


good friends. I can’t go anywhere nowwithout people saying ‘hello’, which is lovely. Iwouldn’twant to live anywhere else.” Memories from his decades de-


livering post include a TV appear- ance after a clutch of birds was born in the post box at Kits Coty, forcing him to collect letters for weekswhile asking villagers not to use the mailbox. And his uncom- fortableMorrisMinormail van. He said: “The postie is now the


onlypersonwho calls on everyone. I’ve always done bits of shopping for those who can’t get out, and taken parcels in for those I know


Villagers in Aylesford threw Rick Hollands a surprise party as he retired from his post rounds


are at work. I’ve grown up with this community andwe have been there for each other.” His years of service have not


gone unnoticed, with colleagues, friends and neighbours making sure he had a first-class send-off. They presented him with a


Canon camera and an engraved watch at the Freemason’s Arms, close to hisworkplace in Snodland. The following day, neighbours threw a surprise party at The Vil-


lage Pantry tearooms inAylesford. Villager Philippa Beacher de-


scribed Rick as “a brilliant postie”, saying his replacement (Paul) “has big shoes to fill”. SusanWillmott saidhe hadbeen


“a friendly face, rain or shine”. Despite being a man of leisure,


Ricknowconfesses tofeelingrather bored. But he does hope to take a holiday…his first in two decades. Most importantly,hewants tolearn howto sleep past 2am.


News Skate boost


ECCLES Skateboard Park looks 10 years younger, following a facelift. Urban Ramps drew up the de-


signs afterAylesford Parish Coun- cil agreed the park was “looking very tired” after 10 years. The council chose the design


after a site meeting and talking to users. A parish council spokesman


said: “Feedback has been ex- tremelypositive, including a thank you card from users, which was a lovely gesture.”


WImeeting


THEnextmeeting of theAylesford and Eccles WI takes place at The Brassey Centre in Station Road, Aylesford, at 7.30pmon July 24. If you are curious about joining


the WI, join the members on the night or phone Ann Marie on 01622 756960 formore information.


Church notes


THE parish register at St Peter and St Paul’s Church in Aylesford recorded the baptisms of Lottie Is- abellaO’BrienandHarperDanielle Todd on June 5, and the burial of ashes of Joan Paul on June 7.


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Malling July 2019 3


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