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Post by Matt James on Apr 16, 2009 15:04:15 GMT
Recently a close friend passed on to me an article from the ‘ Evening Gazette 'Blackpool dated 2/02/08 which you avertised your web site , which concerned the ' Telegram Service ', and the ' Messenger Boys ' who delivered them. This I found very interesting as I myself was one at ' Abingdon Street Post Office ' in the years 1963-65. The motorcycles we used at that time were ' B.S.A. 125cc Bantams which unfortunately were fitted with a governer, making it very hard work against any strong winds. We were allocated our own machines and were responsible for keeping them looking reasonably clean, mine being no.5970. Most of the ' Messenger Boys ' were keen motorcyclists, and owned their own much larger machines which were used for both transportation to and from work, and for pleasure. These like the bikes used for delivering the telegrams were mainly british bikes which _sadly like the service have disappeared, my own being a 500cc Velocette Venom. I donft tend to go into Blackpool Town Centre very much now, but on my last visit it brought back memories passing the front large door on Abingdon St. now permenently shut, where we used to drive our bikes back through after delivering our telgrams. The rear of the Post Office also looks neglected on Edward Street where we used to start our journeys. Its sad to see such a beautiful building now like the service we provided just a memory, and they say this is progress.
Mr Stan Underwood.
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Post by lykenn on Jun 12, 2012 21:14:15 GMT
Hi Stan, I was also a messenger at Blackpooll a couple of years before you. My memories are of the winters of 1961 and 1962 which were particularly severe even on the coast. I recall we were only taken off the road for one day when the roads were totally impossible. I still have a road rash scar having lost my bike on the hill at Norbreck. I also had a bike catch fire whilst I was riding iit. I first noticed flames coming up between my thighs! I jumped off the bike whilst it was still moving. By the time the fire brigade arrived the bike was burnt out. I had a great two years it was the perfect job for a teenager and it enabled me to get my bike and car licence cheaply and quickly! Twelve months of starting work at 5 am as an 18 year old postman was quite enough for me and I seeked my fortune elsewhere. Happy days!
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