Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire Assembly Member Angela Burns joined Royal Mail Sorting Office staff in Tenby last week to pass on her thanks for the work they do at this busy time of year and gain a greater understanding of some of the challenges facing the industry in the age of ever-increasing technology.

Angela was welcomed by Charmaine Thomas, the Tenby and Narberth Sorting Office manager, who demonstrated to her the processes used to sort the mail and introduced her to three of her female colleagues who were on shift that morning.

Charmaine took the opportunity to discuss how the issue of dog bites was still a problem within the industry. The old adage of dogs disliking postal workers obviously still rings true and the Royal Mail are investing time in speaking to school children about how important it is to keep their pet dogs under control.

Speaking following her visit, Angela said: “I was really pleased to visit the sorting office and very grateful to Charmaine and her team for giving up their time at such a busy time of year.

“I was delighted when I walked in to meet four postwomen in an industry where everyone always refers to ‘postmen’ and where the impression is that it’s an unlikely job for a woman. Charmaine told me that she has worked hard to ensure that more women are attracted to the role and I think that is great news for all of us. She also spoke of how the team at the sorting offices have been supporting one of our amazing local charities.

“I would like to offer my thanks to Charmaine and her team, as well as all other postal workers working so hard around our country at the moment. With technology changing, the role of a postal worker has changed a lot over the years, but much of what these guys deliver at this time of the year is always welcome and I hope that they are able to continue to deliver happiness to households over a festive period throughout our country for many years to come.

Mrs. Thomas added: “I spoke about how Tenby and Narberth had decided to nominate the charity Patch and that this entailed buying gifts for children to enable these to be donated to this very worthy charity. I have got to say I feel proud and humble in equal measures. Everyone in the team has contributed and had displayed how our people in Royal Mail, despite being very busy at this time of year, had taken the time and effort to do this.”