Memorial bench in memory of borough postmaster

A memorial bench has been dedicated to a postmaster described as a “true gentleman” who served a town for 30 years.
Frank Aspinall died of a short illnessFrank Aspinall died of a short illness
Frank Aspinall died of a short illness

Councillors, Joanne Marshall, Stephen Hellier and Nazia Rehman, have contributed to install the bench on on Tyldesley square for Frank Aspinall.

Frank, who used to run the post office in Tyldesley with his wife, Valerie, died in May this year of a short illness.

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It came as a shock to family who couldn’t see him properly in his last days due to coronavirus.

Coun Nazia Rehman (pictured back left) and Coun Joanne Marshall (back right) with Valerie Aspinall sitting on the benchCoun Nazia Rehman (pictured back left) and Coun Joanne Marshall (back right) with Valerie Aspinall sitting on the bench
Coun Nazia Rehman (pictured back left) and Coun Joanne Marshall (back right) with Valerie Aspinall sitting on the bench

The public response to Frank’s death was heart warming and overwhelming for the family and outpouring of respect and affection hasn’t stopped.

In view of the overwhelming response from the public and on social media, Paul Taylor, who lives in Tyldesley had an idea to commemorate Frank’s work and contacted one of the councillors with the suggestion of a memorial bench.

The bench would ensure that Frank’s dedication and compassion can be cherised for decades to come.

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Paul said: “Frank was an amazing man, kind, helpful, happy, had lots of energy at work, nothing was too much trouble for Frank.

“He’d help everyone with things that they didn’t know how to do, from renewing passports to sorting car tax and bills and forms for different things. He filled the forms in with people and explained everything clearly so they understood.

“He was just so helpful and always did it with a smile.

“People enjoyed going into the post office because Frank lit the place up with his character, he also had a great team bonding with his workers.”

Frank’s family has been touched by this great gesture by the community and the councillors.

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His wife, Valerie said: “The whole family were overwhelmed by the response to Frank’s death. We received so many cards, flowers and messages of condolence all with the same words to describe him; a true gentleman with a lovely smile who made time for everyone.

“Losing him so unexpectedly has shattered our world but the outpouring of love for him from everyone who knew him has brought indescribable comfort to us in our grief.

“Messages came from people who knew him through work at the Post Office, golf and of course his beloved Bolton Wanderers. His family and friends miss him dreadfully but the pride we feel knowing how well thought of he was by so many is beyond anything we could have imagined.

She added: “Paul’s suggestion of this lovely tribute will keep his memory alive in Tyldesley for many years to come and we will be forever grateful to him for taking the time to set the wheels in motion.

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The memorial bench was unveiled in a socially distanced small ceremony last week.

Coun Rehman said: “I feel honoured and privileged to be celebrating and cherishing the life of someone, who was described by any as a true gentleman.

“I want to say thanks to the family on behalf of everyone in Tyldesley and I am sure if it wasn’t for this pandemic the square would have been full of people paying their respects to a man who served this community with passion and care.”

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