The post between oceans

Barry Sanderson is a vital point of communication for one couple as they keep an ultra-long distance relationship alight.

Barry is a postman at Ruislip Delivery Office – a position he’s held for 17 years. ‘We liaise between customers, deliveries and logistics,’ he said. ‘We see all sides of the operation.’

The importance of Barry’s role was underlined recently when a customer came in looking to post some bubble bath. ‘This young lady came in and asked if I could post this to the Falklands. I told her “of course”, but I asked her why. It turns out she’s serving in the Armed Forces down there, and home comforts like that are about four times the price!’

Since then, her husband has become a regular at Ruislip posting treats and goodies down to his wife in the southern Atlantic while she serves out her six-month tour. ‘I assume she sends him a shopping list over Skype,’ Barry chuckled.

Barry did some research on the BFPO (British Forces Post Office) set-up in Port Stanley, the capital of the Falklands. He said: ‘It looks like a post office from sixty years ago – like something from the 1950s. I guess things move at a slower pace down there.’

The couple said in their ops compliment: ‘My husband and I are always dropping off and picking items up. It’s not easy being 8,000 miles from home and a decent supermarket. But the Ruislip team always take time to ask how things are going. Many thanks for a great, professional and friendly service.’

Barry modestly downplayed his role in keeping this couple in touch: ‘Of course, we connect people all over the world anyway,’ he said. ‘But it’s great to be part of it, you really feel like you’re having an impact on people’s lives.’