Who We Are - Terry

Clevedon postman Terry Barnes has produced a 2021 calendar of himself in his fancy dress costumes in aid of our charity partner, Action for Children.

Terry has worked in the same area of West End for the past 10 years and was already a well-known figure in the area. But his fancy dress exploits during the first lockdown made him an internet sensation, as a result of his exploits being widely shared on social media.

Who We Are celebrates our key workers – connecting communities, before and during the Covid-19 pandemic – and beyond as well. We’re recognising people at the heart of our business, across the pipeline, as they describe who they are in their own words.

After Terry was seen walking the streets of Clevedon with his mailbag dressed in various outfits including a zebra, Snow White, a Scotsman, and a clown, customers in the seaside resort said it was ‘just what they needed’ to brighten the gloom.

‘When a friend suggested I dressed up in fancy dress, I thought it was a great idea,’ said Terry. ‘I wanted to make people smile or laugh.’

Terry came up with the idea after spotting a zebra onesie at the back of his wardrobe.

‘I thought “you know what, I'm going to wear that to work, just to get a smile,"’ he said. ‘I obtained permission from my manager and wore the onesie for a giggle. The response was amazing, from the very young, to the very old. People started waiting for me to arrive, cheering and clapping while I delivered their post. Even drivers tooted their horns as they passed in their cars.

‘Social media went into a frenzy with people taking photos and sharing. I was told I was popular in many countries around the world, including Europe, China and Canada - even down under in Australia. I've made some amazing friends, built fantastic relationships and feel a real part of the community.’

It was after the veteran postie of 33 years became a big hit on social media, that it was suggested he should make a calendar with the pictures of him in the costumes.

‘Several weeks ago, customer Pam Soper suggested making a calendar, and organised it – and here we are today,’ he said.

Clevedon events organiser, Pam Soper, told the Bristol Post: ‘Terry cheered us all up by wearing different costumes when delivering our post. It brightened our day and brought a smile to our faces. Although the calendar was not my original idea, I mulled over the possibility, then approached Terry to see if he was willing to go ahead with the it.

‘With his and the Royal Mail's consent, we now have a 2021 calendar, using pictures of Terry in his various costumes; in aid of Action for Children…I hope we can do Terry justice for all the effort he has made to keep our spirits up. If anyone would like to thank Terry for putting a smile on our faces, please buy it now.’ 

Terry’s calendar cost £5 plus postage, and can be purchased by emailing RoyalMail@actionforchildren.org.uk