Penllergaer Postmaster is at the heart of his Swansea village

Penllergaer Postmaster, Matthew Tyrell, who is very community-focused, has been named in the Kings’ Birthday Honours in recognition for services to his village, near Swansea.

Matthew, who is at the heart of his community, will be presented with a British Empire Medal as he is always looking at ways to put back into his community.

Day in, day out Matthew is constantly finding ways to help people in Penllergaer.

His Post Office and Premier Convenience store remained fully open throughout the pandemic to maintain vital services for the community, without the need for them to travel.

Like many shopkeepers, Matthew introduced initiatives to help people who needed to self-isolate or the less mobile. However, since Covid he has carried on delivering free to local residence who struggle to get out, whereas most retailers have now stopped this assistance. Matthew wants to continue to support the people who need his help.

Matthew doesn’t ask customers to use an app, which is impossible for those who are not tech-savvy or do not have a computer or mobile phone. Instead, customers just call him, give him their list and he delivers it, free. So, customers get to speak to a friendly person, rather than using app or website. There are no add on fees or inflated prices.

The kind-hearted Postmaster has started a sort of foodbank which has proved a real lifeline. He gives away all his best before food items to local people that are struggling as he knows his customers well. Instead of reducing these goods as most shops do, anything best before the next day, he puts in a basket and offers it to those he knows need it, free! Bakery items, fresh goods, milk, tins, confectionery, whatever is available.

The generous Postmaster supports all the local sports clubs for football, rugby, kick boxing as well as all the community organisations including the local community centre/social club and local schools. He pays for books, sports kit and equipment as well as raffle prizes.

Post Office Area Manager, Sue Morris, said: “Postmaster Matthew Tyrrell at Penllergaer, is a real local hero. He is at the heart of his community and Matthew really goes above and beyond. Whilst Matthew is young – he’s in his 30’s he has a real sense of community that’s just incredible. He really wants to give back to his community that support him. Matthew and his staff also provide great customer service.”