Matthew, who is very community-focussed, was named in the Kings’ Birthday Honours in June in recognition for services to his village. Now the royal honour has today been presented by the Lord lieutenant of West Glamorgan Mrs Louise Fleet. Vice Lieutenant Philip Hunkin and The Lord Mayor of Swansea Cllr Paxton Hood-Williams were also in attendance.
Rather than a small ceremony for Matthew’s closest family, the Lord Lieutenant gave Matthew the opportunity to choose the venue for the presentation. He chose Llewellyn Hall, close to Penllergaer Post Office. This allowed him space to invite his customers, community groups that helps, staff and Post Office representatives, as well as his family.
Penllergaer Postmaster, Matthew Tyrrell said: “The hall was booked so that I could share this special day with my village. It was an open invitation. We turned it into a social occasion too. Everyone was welcome and we all enjoyed tea and cake afterwards and took the opportunity to chat and to enjoy each other’s company. It was such a lovely afternoon.
“My Post Office Area Manager, Sue Morris, was also there, which was also very important for me as for the 10 years that I have been running this Post Office she’s been brilliant. Sue has always been there for me and with her help I have been able to grow my Post Office business with banking and additional courier services. I am also really delighted that Pete Marsh, Director of Retail Operations for Post Office, attended my presentation event today and came to visit my Post Office and some other branches in Swansea too.”
Matthew, who is 39-years-old, has old-school values. He really cares about the people of Penllergaer where he has run his Premier convenience store at 60 Gorseinon Road, for 15 years and Penllergaer Post Office for 10 years.
Pete Marsh, Director of Retail Operations for Post Office, said: “Matthew, the Postmaster at Penllergaer branch, truly is at the heart of this great village community and such a worthy recipient of the prestigious British Empire Medal. He is a real community hero.
“Matthew wasn’t born in the village but absolutely loves it here. He’s supported by a great team in branch, who are like extended family to him, and they all pride themselves on delivering great service to their customers knowing many by their first name and always making the time for friendly conversation. Matthew wanted it known that he feels without their support he wouldn’t be here today, and he wanted to share today with the people who have supported him.”
The kind-hearted postmaster looks for ways to put back into his community of all ages. He 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.
Matthew started a foodbank for those who are struggling by giving away items approaching its best before date instead of reducing it. He’s also liaised with his local Cash & Carry who are donating stock to help his customers in need.
Matthew is grateful to his loyal staff including manager Darlene Williams, Shani Morris, Katie Anthony and Natalie Wilson. The Post Office is open daily whenever the convenience store is open Monday to Saturday: 6am – 9pm; Sunday: 7am – 7pm.
Day in, day out Matthew is constantly finding ways to help people in Penllergaer. His team helped to keep his Post Office and store remained fully open throughout the pandemic to maintain vital services for the community, without the need for them to travel. He was even doing free deliveries to people until 10pm to support those who could not go out.
For delivery requests, Matthew does not ask customers to use an app or to go online, 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 and there are no add on fees or inflated prices.
Post Office Area Manager, Sue Morris, said: “Postmaster Matthew Tyrrell at Penllergaer Post Office is amazing. He 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 from the young to the elderly.
“On Christmas Eve, instead of being at home with his family, ever supportive wife Lauren and children Bobby and Hudson, Matthew was out delivering selection boxes to residents at the nearby sheltered residential community. Matthew and his staff also provide 1st class customer service.”
