George Verney, postman, retired 1910

The retirement of George Verney as postman after 34 years service was honoured with the gift of an easy chair and an elaborate testimonial (does anyone still have the original? - we've scanned a black and white photo for the image on the right). The hut shown twice seems to have been near Shipton Bridge. There are also photos of some of the buildings on his round, presumably provided by the Winslow photographer Harry Turnham. The round was Winslow to Fulbrook, near Hogshaw, for which he was equipped with a tricycle.

George Verney was born at Great Horwood in 1850. His father Richard, an agricultural labourer, was born in Winslow in 1797 (son of William and Elizabeth). The family was living in Sheep Street in 1861. In 1871 George, now an agricultural labourer, and his father (d.1880) were living in Back Lane.

George became a postman in 1876. He got married in 1873 to Sarah Ann Verney, previously a cook at Selby Lodge. In 1881 they had two children (Florence and Henry) and were living in Station Road. In 1891 they also had a daughter Gertrude. In 1901 and 1911 they were at 148 High Street.

George Verney died in 1929 aged 78 (or 83 according to the Buckingham Advertiser). Sarah was 94 when she died at her daughter's home in London in 1940.

There is a close-up of George Verney on the left from a photo taken in 1908. The photo below seems to have been taken on the occasion of his retirement. The Post Office was then at 66 High Street (it moved across the road soon afterwards). The people who signed his testimonial were: D. Bimrose, B.S. Hutt, M.G. Dent, M.S. Cade, ? Street, Fred Lomas, John Verney, William Stonell, H. Alderman, W.J. Knight, C. Watson, E.J. Kirby, R.G. Stonell C.D. Francis, F.R. Roads, A.E. Cheshire. Most of them seem to be in the photo. George Whichello (in the photo) had already retired. B.S. Hutt was Bessie, who was a "postal & telegraph clerk". Daniel Bimrose was the sub-postmaster of Winslow and Alfred Cheshire was sub-postmaster of North Marston. Harry Alderman was a telegraph boy.

Buckingham Advertiser, 26th May 1910
  On Saturday evening Mr. Geo. Verney, who has for many years taken the Grandborough, North Marston and Hogshaw district postal round, but who has now retired on a pension, was presented by his colleagues of the Winslow Post Office, with an illuminated address and an easy chair, while some of the inhabitants of Hogshaw gave him an enlarged photograph of himself in an oak frame.  The address had on it views of North Marston and Grandborough Churches and Upper and Lower Hogshaw Farms, and his own house, also photos of himself riding his tricycle, and of his shelter hut.  The address was as follows:- “Presented by the staff of the Winslow Post Office to Mr. George Verney on the occasion of his retirement after completing 34 years of service as the Winslow and Fulbrook postman.  His punctuality, civility, and regularity always stood as an example to his fellows, and his consistency was of great advantage to those in authority over him.  He leaves his post with the very best wishes and regrets of both his superior officers and colleagues, who trust that his years of retirement may be long and happy.  It is further desired that the easy chair accompanying this address may assist to his ease and comfort.”  Mr. Verney and his wife were entertained to tea, after which the presentation was made by the Postmaster, Mr. D. Bimrose, and was feelingly acknowledged by Mr. Verney, who carries with him in his retirement the good wishes of the village to whom he has carried letters for many years, as well as of many Winslow friends.  The execution of the address was left in the capable hands of Mr. Rich, of Great Horwood, whose ingenuity of design, draughtsmanship, and excellence of work was very much admired.

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