Feel-good Friday

When the festive season came around, the Collection Programme Team, led by Collections Programme Manager, Nick Hemmings, reflected on their Trust Agenda and decided to create a Christmas team challenge to strengthen the team and create a great place to work.

With the Collection Programme Team having lived and breathed postboxes for a number of years they felt that a relative challenge would be fitting. The challenge? Locate postboxes which fall under four different categories.

The four categories were chosen to give the team a chance to explore, discover, and – most importantly – have some fun.

• Most unusual– this one went to a post box in West Lulworth that could only be accessed on horseback! While the box is now closed due to its height, it was still a memorable adventure. Pictured are Midge McGee and Stuart Turner, who took on this challenge.
• Most scenic– Paul Birleson and his son Sam took the prize for finding a postbox at Bovisand Bay. With views like that, the journey to the box was just as rewarding as finding it!
• Most types of postboxes – with 32 in total, Midge McGee, Stuart Turner, Howard White, Patrick McDonnell, and Nigel Walton made it their mission to find as many different post boxes as possible. They managed to locate 21 in the PO/DT and BH areas, claiming this category as their own.
• Best postbox topper – we often see many creative toppers out there, but the one that stood out the most was in Hitchin. Alan Kelsey, James Smith, Tas Anastasis, David Mills, and James Odiari were the team behind this find.

What started as a creative idea turned into a fantastic team-building experience, giving colleagues a chance to connect, have some laughs, and enjoy a much-needed break from the usual routine.

When asked about the experience of the challenge, Nigel Walton, Lead Planner of Post Box Strategy said: ‘It’s is great for everyone’s health and wellbeing, and makes people feel included.’

‘The challenge promoted discussion among the team whether this be work related or on a personal level.’

We know there are lots of amazing stories out there. Please share on Workplace or email your news to rmcommunications@royalmail.com.

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