Service with a smile
Today, Wednesday 20 March, is International Day of Happiness, a global celebration to recognise that 'progress should be about increasing human happiness and wellbeing’.
In 2011, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution which recognised happiness as a ‘fundamental human goal’ and called for ‘a more inclusive, equitable and balanced approach to economic growth that promotes the happiness and well-being of all peoples’.
Appropriately, one of our very own postmen - Curtis Wyse, from Thame delivery office – has shown us all how easy it is to spread a little joy after being honoured with a ‘Service with a Smile’ award at the eleventh Thame Town Awards.
Thame has an annual ‘unsung heroes’ awards ceremony celebrating local people who have made a significant contribution to the town. There are six awards for Sporting Achievement, Volunteer of the Year, Employer of the Year, Lifetime Achievement, Creative Arts Achievement and Service with a Smile.
It was in this final category that Curtis was nominated and won. He was presented with his award by the Mayor of Thame, Cllr Ann Midwinter (pictured). His full citation, which can be found on the Thame town council website, states: ‘Curtis is a postman in Thame who delivers a professional, helpful and excellent service. His customers described his as the best postman in town!
‘He delivers Thame’s post with a spring in his step, no matter what the weather and is always smiling bringing joy to all he meets. His politeness was described as a credit to young people.’
Curtis said he was really ‘chuffed’ when he heard about his success in the award.
‘I was pleased to be nominated, but didn’t think I’d win,’ he said. ‘I’m really proud, it’s a great result to be recognised along with all the other service champions.
‘I smile all the time when I’m on delivery, I always think it’s good to smile at people as it may be the only smile they see that day’.
Thame delivery office manager, David Gurney, said: ‘The really nice thing about these awards are that they’re based on nominations made by local people – and Curtis received more nominations than the winner in any other category! A worthy winner indeed!’
