Matthew Tyrell, a retailer from Penllergaer, near Swansea, has been named in the Kings’ Birthday Honours in recognition for services to his village.
Tyrell, who is at the heart of his community, will be presented with a British Empire Medal.
Day in, day out Tyrell is constantly finding ways to help people in Penllergaer.
His Premier convenience store and post office remained fully open throughout the pandemic to maintain vital services for the community, without the need for them to travel.
Like many shopkeepers, Tyrell 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. Tyrell wants to continue to support the people who need his help.
He 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. There are no add on fees or inflated prices.
The kind-hearted retailer 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.”
Nick Gillett 