There were a good number of Members at our last Meeting owing to a break in the wet weather, we exchanged news and discussed our forthcoming Christmas tea and future dates for 2007.

It was then time for our talk, not Postman Pat but Post lady Madge. A vast treasure of experiences in those days to what it is like now. A Post lady for 22 years with very early morning starting, she had just three days introduction to her round, before it was all up to her. In her early days the post used to come out from Godalming, and was sorted here at the Post Office which was then at The Green Forge Cottage. This was done in a very cold garage, and in the winter she & Pam tried to keep out the draught with Mail Bags, (not always successful). They were sworn to secrecy at all times which was essential in that kind of job. Their uniforms were originally navy, but then were changed to grey. Ladies were issued with footware. but they always had to be soaked before breaking them in, being of the W.R.A.C type and were most uncomfortable. Her round took her up to Woolfords Lane including all roads off the Thursley Rd.

Nothing was allowed to be left on the doorstep, had to be left in a shed if open and a note left. Phone Directories had to be delivered and if no one was in they, had to be taken back. One of the worst things which had to be delivered were The Readers Digest Books, then of course were the Electricity bills, not many Gas Bills as many people had gas slot meters. She did not mind battling against all types of weather, but really lost her nerve when it came to black ice, when she came off her bike a lot, and then it was a no no, bike went back to the Sorting Office.

At Christmas , students would come in to help on the rounds, and on Sundays before Christmas , parcels and packets would get sorted. She did a Christmas Day delivery the first year she was on, and was home by 9.a.m. !

Some dogs were a bit of a hazard, Jack Russell's being the worst culprits. One bit right through her Wellington, and another time she had a very nasty injury which led to a number of stitches, the dog's owner conveying her to the Doctors.

She and Pam joined the Social Club for Post Office employees and they used to go to various venues for a social evening and won several prizes for darts.

On her retirement her photos were in the local press, and she received a Certificate.
All her walking put her in good stead, for she still walks a lot, and still rises early in the morning. l suppose old habits die hard.

There is so much more which could related, but there is not time or space, but we all had a most interesting afternoon, (with laughs) and for a lady who really was so nervous, by the time she got half way through, lost her nerves and quite enjoyed it !!!

There was time for a few questions, and the time for tea, and then the raffle before we went home.

Next meeting 4^th Thursday this month 2.30 pm 'Soldiering & Chaplaincy'!