Life as a postman

A lifelong love of storytelling led postman, Liam Mulvin to write about his career with Royal Mail.

His debut – Don’t Worry, He Doesn’t Bite – was published in 2017 and recounts some of his most memorable experiences from his rounds in rural Cornwall.

Liam is now working on his second book, which will tell stories solely about life as a postman. ‘It will cover from my start date in October 1972 and go right up to continued postal work today,’ he said.

His favourite book is Cider with Rosie by Laurie Lee, a memoir of childhood in a Cotswold village. ‘I love the simple history of it, the descriptions of things he saw, the glimpse into lives that show ordinary people going about their everyday existence,’ he said.

The online postal market for books is thriving with shoppers still choosing to read physical copies, opposed to using an e-reader. Royal Mail works with thousands of online book sellers to keep the nation reading.

‘I will read most things and will read from an e-reader as well as a book,’ said Liam. ‘The e-reader is so convenient, but I love the touch and smell of a good book’.

Having more than 45 years’ experience working as a postman, Liam shares his top tips for surviving life on the round:

• Being happy in your work is the most important thing
• I've always been a great believer in putting the customer first. I come from a time when a postman or woman was part of a huge service industry, not a business. Going the extra mile for the community I serve is instinctive. They are my customers, I look after them
• Working with a good team is important. I've been lucky to be part of teams that insisted on best behaviour
• When I first started, senior colleagues kept an eye on you. They set a high standard and expected you to do the same. I still follow that practice
• I try to keep my head down, but will stand up for myself and others if needed. It’s the way I've stayed happy over the years
• Finally, never stick your fingers through a letterbox; keep your eyes and ears open when on duty.

Follow @myroyalmailuk on Twitter and Instagram to enter our World Book Day competition and be in with a chance of winning a top prize. Keep an eye out tomorrow.