Longest long server

On a cold December morning in 1964, a young 15-year-old Robert Hudson put on his Royal Mail uniform for the first time and headed to Whitechapel Mail Centre to begin his role of a Messenger Boy.

Robert, more commonly known as Rocky, hopped on his ‘clever Mike’ – a BSA Bantam 125 - to deliver telegrams across the city streets of Poplar, east London.  

Upon turning 18, Rocky became a postie, working morning, noon and night as he rotated shifts across three-week periods. While on a night shift in 1979, he was offered a permanent position and has been part of our twilight team supporting our 24-hour operation ever since.

‘One of my first rounds in Poplar took me onto the Docks, where I’d deliver to boats from all over the world. There were big timber ships from Russia and steamers and battleships from Norway and Germany. I used to go up the gang plank and have to shout for the chief petty officer. I’d meet marines and all sorts – it was fascinating,’ said Rocky.

After a solid 60-years of service, Rocky and his son, Robert were both invited to our head office in Farringdon for some special treatment befitting of his service to the company and to celebrate the contribution he’s made to Royal Mail. There, he met with Royal Mail CEO, Emma Gilthorpe, Chief Operating Officer, Alistair Cochrane and Chief People Officer, Paula Stannett. And, to pass on the Royal Mail baton. Rocky met with former Postal Apprentice, Ethan Tyler for Cheltenham Delivery Office for a sit-down interview.

And at his home office of Docklands Delivery Office, his colleagues put on an event to give him a fitting send off.

‘It’s wonderful to hear your words of wisdom!’ Emma told him, when meeting Rocky and hearing of his Royal Mail story.

‘Your team is going to really miss you, you’re so dedicated to doing a brilliant job every day, you set a high bar. We just wanted to say a huge thank you for everything and send our best wishes for your well-deserved break.’

Rocky is what his teammates would describe as a grafter - not shy of getting stuck in and always delivering with a can-do attitude. He has made a long-lasting impact on Royal Mail and his efforts will be missed within his team.

Looking forward to his retirement, Rocky is keen to keep active by continuing gardening with his son and helping others keep their gardens looking top notch.