Popular sub-postmaster Charlie leaves Hawne Post Office

Charlie Sihota's time at Hawne Post Office has had its fair share of highs and lows - one which saw him threatened with a gun by an armed robber during a terrifying raid.

But serving the community and becoming well-known and loved amongst his many customers has been the highlight of the single dad's time at the Post Office on Stourbridge Road.

Charlie made the difficult decision to leave his post to spend more time with his daughter Lily Sihota, aged 15, who attends Windsor High.

Charlie and his daughter Lily, aged 15, who he is looking forward to spending time with (Image: Handout)

He was working six days a week with the pair only enjoying one holiday since her birth.

Charlie, aged 38, who said goodbye to customers on Monday (August 19) said: "The interaction with the customers is what I have enjoyed most.

"I love helping people and the sense of accomplishment.

"Some of the pensioners are my biggest fans and I'm their biggest fan.

"Leaving has been really emotional - I've seen so many customers - I wasn't going to cry - I opened at 9am and by 9.16am I was in floods of tears.

"I've seen so many kids grow up - one customer I have known since school brought his child in.

"Over the years I have been to many funerals and weddings.

"I love the Post Office it has brought me so much joy."

Charlie with Post Office staff on his leaving drinks (Image: Handout)

Charlie said of the armed raid: "An armed robber came in with a gun and got away with money.

"That was the worst time of my life.

"It changed me as a person- I had to have counselling - you never quite get over that."

The robber was jailed for the raid in 2017.

(Image: Handout)

In another attempted robbery Charlie's dad Rani, aged 61, fended off offenders with his walking stick.

Rani and his wife Jasvir, aged 66, ran the off licence next to the Post Office and are also enjoying their much-deserved retirement after calling it a day a few months ago.

Charlie and his mum Jasvir are popular figures in the community (Image: Handout)

Now Charlie is looking forward to holidays and quality time with Lily and hopes to travel to Brazil to take part in his passion of Brazilian Jujitsu.

He said: "Lily and I have only been on one holiday and she will be 18 in three years - I just want to be a dad again."

He has been moved by messages on social media saying "I didn't realise the impact I had on people.

"A new sub-postmaster has taken over and all the services remain the same."

Charlie getting into the Christmas spirit at Hawne Post Office (Image: Handout)

The messages to Charlie included one which said: "You've been such a warm and welcoming person and Hawne Post Office will not be the same without you. 

"Your kindness and generosity of spirit are an example to us all on how we should treat one another."

Another said: "You and your family are some of the most pleasant, smiling, welcoming people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting.

"Always there ready for a listening ear and giving great advice."