Popular Murton postmaster retires after 39 years of service

Third generation to serve the community

David Jenkins has retired after running Murton Post Office since 1986. He is the third generation of his family to serve as postmaster, following in the footsteps of his grandmother Annie Mary Jenkins, who first took on the role in 1936, and his aunt Lilly, who succeeded her in 1957.

The branch, on Manselfield Road, has been in the same location throughout that time. Originally a laundry house in the 1880s, the building later became a shop, tearoom and living accommodation before evolving into the Post Office and store that remains today.

Local roots and community service

Born and raised in neighbouring Bishopston, David has deep roots in the area, tracing his family history back to the 1600s in Bishopston and Pwll Du. Alongside his wife Helen, who managed the shop, he has been a familiar face to generations of customers.

During the pandemic, the couple kept the Post Office open by serving customers at the front door, ensuring the community could continue to access essential services safely.

“Time is now right to retire”

Reflecting on his retirement, David said:

“I have been the postmaster for more than 39 years, but I have had links to Murton Post Office and shop my entire life, helping my aunt from the age of eight.

People are very grateful that there is a Post Office here to send parcels and do their banking. The time is now right for Helen and I to retire. People are sad that we are stepping down, but pleased that there are new owners.”

Warm tributes

Post Office Area Manager Ryan Leonard praised David’s “long and loyal service,” adding:

“He really is at the heart of the community. Not many postmasters can say they are the third generation running a branch for nearly 87 years. David and Helen will be sorely missed, but they will continue to live locally.”

New chapter for Murton

The branch has now been taken over by new postmaster Rajmohan Puvanethiran, who assumed the role on 6 October. David and Helen will remain involved for a short time to support the handover.

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Gower volunteers’ success in winter-water testing to fight sewage in the sea

Volunteers have taken more than 275 samples across 16 sites on 13 beaches from Loughor, Rhossili, Horton, Pobbles, Pwll Du, as well as a few around Swansea Bay.  The samples are tested for bacteria found in sewage, particularly intestinal enterococci, E. coli and coliforms, which can be harmful to health.

The majority – 94.6% – of the samples provided excellent results. However 5.4% of the tests showed high levels of bacteria – most were associated with wet weather.

Nature Days scientist Dawn Thomas, who has been overseeing the project, says: ‘We are very lucky and proud to say that the majority of beaches around Gower have excellent water quality.’

All of the samples were sent to a pathology lab in Manchester used by Surfers Against Sewage. The Gower Society says the data is needed to help agencies including Natural Resources Wales, Welsh Water, Swansea Council and Welsh Government to target their resources at the worst affected beaches.

The project was started last year by Gower MP Tonia Antoniazzi to address a critical gap in testing, as regular water quality measurements are not typically done during winter. Natural Resources Wales only has the budget to measure between May to October. It has now taken over the testing.

Tonia Antoniazzi MP praised the volunteer team who’ve made it all possible: “I think the community involvement has been magic. Seeing the enthusiasm of our volunteers – especially the school children from Penyrheol and Knelston, the generosity of local businesses and the hard work done by the Gower Society. It’s fantastic. I think this project is a blueprint for the future. I shall be sharing the idea with other coastal MPs.”

The organisers are keen to restart again this winter.

Sarah Samuel from the Gower Society said: “There’s a need to carry this on. We need to keep collecting this data so we can keep our seawater clean.  We have the support of the volunteers we just need more businesses to come forward to help us fund the testing kits.”

The 275 testing kits used so far have been bought for £22 each. They were funded by local organisations including the Gower Society, Nature Days, Surfside Cafe, Penguin Recruitment, Bay Studios, St Mary’s Square Developments, The Morgans Collection and Burrows Caravan Park.

#GowerSociety #Horton #Loughor #PobblesBay #PwllDu #Rhossili #sewage #ToniaAntoniazziMP #waterQuality