Post script

A former chef from Northampton is enjoying a burst of creativity after switching careers to become a postman.

Andy Kelly, of Crow Lane Delivery Office, spent 20 years cooking over a hot stove in the catering trade before switching to delivering mail in 2018.

The improved work-life balance he’s discovered has allowed him to follow his dream of writing and illustrating children’s stories.

‘I’d been a chef all my life, but it was very hard work,’ he said. ‘We got our restaurant, Sophia’s, to number one on Trip Advisor for Northampton, and we made headlines around the world when we created a range of Star Wars-themed dishes.

‘However, I felt it was time to stop and do something for myself. Postman was one of the jobs I had always fancied doing. It’s great to be outside in the fresh air, clear my head and walk around. I wish I’d done it sooner.’

Andy’s first book, Bumpkin the Goblin, written in his new-found spare time, has sold very well. It even scored him an invitation to read it aloud on the Duchess of York’s YouTube channel, ‘Story Time with Fergie and Friends’, this summer.

The former art student is now working on his next book, Ghost Overtime on Loop Number Nine, which is due out next year. It is heavily inspired by his job at Royal Mail.

‘It’s about a postwoman who delivers to a street of scary houses where vampires, ghosts and ghouls live,’ he said. ‘I’d heard a colleague talking about some spooky things and it went from there.

‘The next one I’m working on is about a chef. They say write about what you know!’

Bumpkin the Goblin can be purchased on Amazon and at www.austinmacauley.com.