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Irene Marchant, left with Lord Clarke of Hampstead and Barbara Dudley |
First-class tribute to postmen pals
A BENCH in memory of two Hampstead postmen was unveiled yesterday (Wednesday) at the sorting office where they worked.
Best mates Peter Dudley and John Abrahams, who both died last year, were honoured by colleagues, friends and family at the Shepherds Walk office in Hampstead.
The bench is at the spot where the pair would share a morning cigarette before departing on their rounds. Two plaques sit side by side – a fitting tribute, according to friends and colleagues, as the postmen not only worked and socialised together, they also travelled abroad on holiday together.
Lord Clarke of Hampstead, a former worker at the sorting office, helped unveil the bench. He said: “Peter Dudley was a staunch trade unionist and worked tirelessly for his colleagues.
“He had seen the change from small branches and chapels into larger north-west London branches of the Communications Workers Union. He stewarded these changes very well.”
Lord Clarke added: “He always thought his Hampstead colleagues and the people they worked for deserved nothing but the best. His determination led him into a series of conflicts and arguments with local management.” The move to a bigger branch did nothing to diminish his commitment to the values of the union he served so well, said Lord Clarke.
“He was a perfect example of those among us who believe we have a responsibility to one another.”
Peter was well known in Kentish Town, where he grew up and spent his life. He did bar shifts in his local, the Malden Arms. Lord Clarke added: “This gave him a unique insight into problems people faced every day and helped his work within the union.”
John Abrahams was born in Cricklewood and then lived in Upper Park Road and Fleet Road, Hampstead.
His daughter, Lynne Warnock, said: “He used to like the fact he could walk to work each morning – he never owned a car because he never felt he needed to.”
Before joining the post office he worked as a milkman. Ms Warnock added: “He was used to getting up in the morning and that meant he was made for the post office. Away from work, he was a big fan of Johnny Cash and made a number of friends who shared his love of music.”
A committed member of the CWU, he was described by Lord Clarke as a great committee man.
“He would always make a point of telling the truth and listening to others’ views before putting his own across,” Lord Clarke said. “They were politically close, and the pair of them would be chuffed to bits with having a bench of their own.” |
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