A popular Northern Ireland postmaster, who goes above and beyond for his community and local church, is stepping down after 43 years at the helm.
Cecil Kettyle has been running Comber Post Office in Co Down since February 1982 and down the years his easy-going and mischievous nature have endeared him to many.
Originally from Co Cavan, he moved to Comber in 1976 to manage the town’s VG supermarket. He quickly immersed himself in the community and they got to know him with his soft Irish brogue, caring ways and kindness.
In February 1982 Cecil took over Comber Post Office at new premises in 28 Castle Street upon the retirement of the previous long-serving postmaster. He subsequently modernised the branch in 2016.
Cecil’s wife Pauline, who has worked at the branch for many years, said: “Cecil isn’t one to blow his own trumpet, but he really goes out of the way for people. He’s a true gentleman and a kingpin of this community.
“When someone’s had a bereavement, he’s always kind and supportive, visiting their home and attending funerals. On Christmas Day he’ll phone customers he knows are lonely to check they’re OK. He makes regular visits to see customers in hospital and care homes.
“However, Cecil’s greatest attribute is his love and care for people. No one will ever know the financial and practical help and care he has proffered to those who really have no claim on him. From taking people with no transportation to hospitals etc to leaving the comfort of his home when a need arises, his generosity of spirit is boundless.
“It only takes a matter of minutes in a queue in the Post Office to listen to him address each customer by name and enquire after their family etc, to realise his genuine interest in and concern for people. We have a very low turnover of staff as people like working with Cecil as he is a good boss.
"He’s given good opportunities to people, and they're loyal and hardworking. Andrew has been here for 29 years, Julie for 15 years and Alison for almost five years.”
To thank Cecil for his work serving his community he has been invited to a Buckingham Palace Garden Party, which he and Pauline will be attending next month.
Cecil said the best thing about being a postmaster is the interaction with customers: “When people come in you have a little chat. I know their names and each time they come in you build up that rapport. I know two or three generations of the same family.
“We stayed open through the pandemic, and we were really busy as people wanted to stay local. We also sell cards, so people were sending cards to people that they could not see as well as sending parcels and home shopping returns.
“I’m going to really miss my customers, but I don’t live too far, so I will be back. I’m really pleased that a local retailer is taking the branch on, so I now feel that this is the right time to retire. I wanted the right person to take over.”
Existing staff will be transferring over to the new owner, Gareth Graham, who is a local retailer and businessman and takes over on April 24.
Cecil and Pauline are looking forward to having more time to spend with the grandchildren and gardening. In nearby Newtownards, Cecil is also involved with his church’s home visitations and pastoral care, and he will be able to spare more time for this work.
Post Office Area Manager, Karen Munn, paid tribute to Cecil saying: “I want to congratulate Cecil for running a 1st class Post Office and to wish Cecil and Pauline a very well-earned retirement. They were waiting for the right person to take over their business and now they have found that person they feel happy to retire as Cecil really cares about his community.
“Cecil is a very humble man, but I have heard from other people what a big difference that Cecil has made to people’s lives. They will be sorely missed.”
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