Like father, like son(s)

Postman Tony Reading and his two sons Darren and Jonathan have been delivering Leamington Spa’s mail for nearly 40 years between them. 

Working for Royal Mail is often a family affair, as Tony Reading and his two sons will testify.

Tony (63) has been delivering mail to Leamington Spa in Warwickshire for 30 years, and his two sons Darren and Jonathan (27 and 34) donned their red jackets and joined their dad’s profession in 2014 and 2016 respectively. 

Tony was also encouraged to become a postman by his brother, who was in the role for 28 years until he retired in the 1990’s.

The vibrant family trio each occupy different postal rounds in the Leamington Spa area, and are widely known throughout their respective communities.

‘The flexibility that comes with being a postman is what has attracted all of us to the role, and we also love that we play such active, visible parts in the communities we deliver to,’ said Tony.

‘As people who recognise how important family is, we particularly love getting Father’s Day and Mother’s Day cards out to the people on our rounds.’

Leamington Spa delivery office manager, James Maudlin, said: ‘Father and child postperson pairings are fairly common, but it’s unusual to have so many members of the same family in the role!’

Meanwhile, at Havant delivery office, line manager Jo Stannard has twin boys, Josh and Jack (McPhillimey) who both work for Royal Mail, in Chichester and Portsmouth respectively. 

‘It’s just as well they are at different offices as they are identical!’ said Jo.

Jack has just become a dad and Josh has two little ones. Jo’s husband Nick is also a postman in Portsmouth.