WESTCOTES postmaster, Hemandra Hindocha, has been recognised by the King for services to his Leicester community and other postmasters.
Better known as “H” by customers, he has been at the heart of his Westcotes community for nearly 38 years after initially starting his postmaster career in Northampton, for five years.
The long-serving postmaster, who has served people in the Midlands for 43 years, has been awarded a British Empire Medal for the important difference he has made, including starting a support group for postmasters in the Midlands.
“H” was born in Uganda and had gone to university in India when his family had to flee Uganda in 1972 under Idi Amin’s rule. When he gained his degree in accountancy, he joined his family in the UK in 1973. His first postmaster role was at Northampton’s Regent Square Post Office until he moved to a bigger branch at Westcotes in 1988.
Soon after he set up a support group for postmasters in Midlands to help new or less experienced postmaster or those needing help to share knowledge and advice. It was also a social group for business people running Post Offices. Hemandra then also went on to Executive Office for Midlands for the National Federation of Subpostmasters.
“H” and his wife, Kirti, along with staff managed to keep Westcotes Post Office open throughout the pandemic to maintain vital services to the community.
Hemandra Hindocha and wife Kirti
He notched up 40 years’ service in 2021, and as soon as pandemic restrictions allowed he celebrate his achievement with a special Indian meal with 45 local postmasters and Post Office colleagues.
The 73-year-old has always considered the role of a being a postmaster as a “prestigious position” and maintains that it has been an honour to work for the Post Office.
“I was surprised and delighted to find out I had been named in the New Years’ Honour list. I still love coming to work every day, even on my days off,” Hindocha, said.
“I especially enjoy the rapport with my customers and understand the importance of building good relationships with them – they are like extended family. I have got to know several generations of the same family. People I served in my early days, many now have children and grandchildren.
Post Office area manager Ezra Nadasen said: “We want to sincerely thank “H” for running Westcotes Post Office for nearly 38 years and a branch in Northampton before that. He is a first-class postmaster who really cares about the community that he serves and also goes above and beyond for other postmasters, especially those who are new to the role or need advice. He is also held in high regards by other postmasters.”
