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When Denis Kidd of York, a Teesdale Mercury subscriber, saw our Roll of Honour in the paper he contributed the archive of his grandfather John William Walker. In his quest for more information, Denis came across the following Teesdale Mercury articles on John Blenkinsop. From his stance in the photograph Denis likened John Blenkinsop to our mystery postman (as photographed by Francis Frith). If only we could confirm his identity!
As the text of the newspaper clippings isn't very clear here's a transcript.
The Teesdale Mercury October 19, 1927.
Mr ‘Jack’ Blenkinsop in his chair
Mr Hall said they were met to do honour to their old postman, Mr John Blenkinsop. Many of them would remember a still older and respected postman, in the person of the late Mr Richard Pearson - (applause) - who often quoted a very familiar passage, “A few more years shall roll.” A few more years had rolled since Mr Blenkinsop first joined the postal service. He believed 40 years had passed since Mr Blenkinsop became town postman, and during these years he had earned the respect of all with whom he came in contact. A postman’s lot was, perhaps, rather more difficult than one was sometimes led to believe. A man with a kindly disposition was liable to do things which he ought not to do, but there was such a thing as doing a kind action without disobeying the rules laid down. And that was true of John Blenkinsop. The time had now come when he would no longer serve the people of Barnard Castle in that capacity, and a committee had been formed to gather subscriptions from any who felt that they would like to show in that way their appreciation of his services. That testimonial was not given on account of his work, but on account of his worth. He could only say now that he had retired from work, that when his day’s gardening was done he hoped that he would have many happy hours in that armchair which he was about to receive. (Applause.)
Mr J. Ingram Dawson, in presenting Mr Blenkinsop with an armchair and a cheque for £23, said he had no hesitation in acceding to the request of the committee. He did not say he was the oldest inhabitant in Barnard Castle, but he had had the pleasure of knowing Mr Blenkinsop for about 47 years, which was the large part of the lifetime of a man. It was only fitting that the town should show its appreciation of long service honourably rendered. He came of a very worthy family, and the name of Blenkinsop in this town had always been associated with honour and integrity. Their friend embodied two great qualities. All his life he had tried - and had succeeded - to do his duty. He (Mr Dawson) did not want to be pessimistic, but he was afraid the present generation did not realise as fully as they might the meaning of the word “Duty.” Another word which was not too popular to-day with the younger people was “Service” but that was an ideal that Mr Blenkinsop always held. He had never known him to be downhearted, but he had a cheerful smile under all circumstances, even in the worst kind of weather which Barnard Castle could produce. He had been an ideal postman, and after having travelled so many miles in the discharge of his duties it was most fitting that he should be given something in which he could rest comfortably in his advancing years. And so they had bought him one of the most comfortable chairs it had been his (Mr Dawson’s) privilege to sit in. After the purchase of the chair there remained a surplus of £23, which, he said, would probably be put into war loan, and thus ensure at least tobacco for Mr Blenkinsop to smoke while he rested comfortably in the chair. On behalf of the inhabitants of Barnard Castle he asked Mr Blenkinsop’s acceptance of the armchair and the cheque. (Applause.)
Mr Blenkinsop, who was received with cheers and the singing of “For he’s a jolly good fellow,” said: “To make a speech publicly requires a little nerve, and seeing that this is not a habit of mine I hope you will pardon my mistakes. To thank you adequately for your kindness in presenting me with these gifts is quite beyond me. I hardly know whether I deserve them or not; never the less I can express my gratitude. During one’s life there are many things we do from the motive of kindness – which things are often interpreted with a different meaning – but I shall always remember with gratitude these gifts. It has been said that the place of duty is the place of safety, and I think I can say that in this I have endeavoured to be throughout my life. Duty always has its own reward, irrespective of any other reward, in that you have a clear conscience of having done things well. During the long period it has been my duty to call at your homes or business premises, bringing maybe good news or bad, I assure you “Jack the Postman” ever received a welcome smile. The cosy chair, whether used by myself or my wife in our declining years, will always remind us of the days gone by. It is needless to say your great goodness will never fade from my memory as long as God spares me. I should conclude by again thanking all those kind people who have interested themselves in the presenting of these gifts to me, to whom I owe my constant gratitude and thankfulness, as they express to me the appreciation of the townspeople for services rendered.” (Loud applause.)
[The Chairman also expressed thanks to Mr Arrowsmith and all the subscribers and collectors.]
