The Winchester MP popped into the depot on Friday 7th December and met Manager Simon Saint as well as all the postmen and women who are working so hard doing their bit to sort and deliver all the cards and parcels in the Winchester area in the run-up to Christmas.
Steve said; "I've been doing this for many years now and it was lovely to see some old friends, as well as new members of the team, and thank them all for what they do locally to deliver our mail come rain or shine. It is always fascinating to see the Royal Mail depot from the inside and the boom in the number of people buying online, and the knock on effect that has for the large packages out postmen and women have to deliver was striking this year. The mince pies I took along have become a bit of tradition and seemed to go down well again this year."
Simon Saint, Royal Mail Delivery Office Manager at Winchester said: "Christmas is the busiest time of year for Royal Mail. Our people really do pull out all the stops throughout the year to ensure mail is delivered quickly, but even more so over the busy festive period. We are grateful that Steve Brine came along to see the hard work that goes on behind the scenes."
Mr Saint added: "Our people do a fantastic job at this time of year to ensure that friends and families stay in touch through their Christmas greetings and gifts. And as usual, we'd like to remind our customers to post early so that friends and family have longer to enjoy their Christmas greetings!"
The recommended last posting dates for mail are:
Thursday 20 December for 1st Class items
Tuesday 18 December for 2nd Class items
Saturday 22 December for Special Delivery items
The last recommended posting dates for international mail are:
Wednesday 5 December for airmail to Asia, Far East, Australia and New Zealand
Friday 7 December for airmail to South & Central America, the Caribbean, Africa and the Middle East
Monday 10 December for airmail to Eastern Europe, the USA, Canada and Japan
Wednesday 12 December for airmail items to Western Europe
Customers can help Royal Mail ensure that all their letters, cards and parcels are delivered as quickly and efficiently as possible by taking a few easy steps:
Use a 1st Class stamp – Post 1st Class for just 60p and have your Christmas card delivered the next day – anywhere in the UK.
Post early – Avoid disappointment by posting your cards and parcels early. The last posting dates this Christmas are: December 18 for 2nd Class mail; December 20 for 1st Class mail; December 22 for Special Delivery.
Use a postcode – A clearly addressed card or parcel, with a postcode, and return address on the back of the envelope, will ensure quick and efficient delivery.
Use Special Delivery– For valuable packages and parcels guarantee delivery with Royal Mail's Special Delivery, which means your gift is tracked, traced and insured against loss.
More information...
For more information about Christmas with Royal Mail visit www.royalmail.com or call 08457 740 740.