Proud Coventarians threw a party in honour of one of their city’s longest-serving sub-postmasters to mark his retirement.
Babubhai Garala officially retired from Hillfields Post Office in Coventry earlier this month after 43 years’ service. He had hoped to leave quietly but the local community were adamant not to allow this. Over 150 well-wishers attended the party at St Peter’s Centre last Tuesday, including the city’s Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress.
A line-up of over a dozen guests, including our senior news editor Dhiren Katwa, spoke briefly about their acquaintance with Mr Garala. Dhiren described Mr Garala “an outstanding citizen, a role model community leader” and saluted him for his remarkable contributions to society, particularly British and Indian. Guests, of all ages and race, religious and cultural backgrounds, exchanged hugs and handshakes with Mr Garala, an impeccably modest gentleman, who spoke last. Other speakers included Professor Robert Jackson from the University of Warwick, Sabir Zazai, Director, Coventry Refugee and Migrant Centre and Ranchodbhai Chauhan, President of Shri Krishna Temple.
Professor Eleanor Nesbitt, from the University of Warwick Religions and Education Research Unit, said: “Each of us knows something of his enormous contribution to regeneration of the Hillfields community. This event celebrated his combination of strategic activity for community uplift with faithful service to each individual who came to the post office for help over a period of nearly 43 years”.
Joan Haywood, Manager at St Peter’s Centre, was master of ceremonies. Joan, who read out a list of apologies, said the community “would not be the same without Babu” and wished him the very best. Also in attendance were volunteers, including Patrick Walsh, of Working Actively to Change Hillfields, or WATCH, a charity, of which Mr Garala is also a longstanding member, as well as Paul Odera from Citizens Advice Bureau, Julian Cartlidge, former Post Office Field Change Advisor and Caroline Wright from Hills FM, a community radio station.
A slide show featuring photographs, letters from world dignitaries and press cuttings was projected in the background. At the sides of the hall display boards featured the same. His 95-year-old mother, Savitaben Govind Garala, to whom he remains a devoted carer, sat quietly in the front row, smiling proudly. Mr Garala’s siblings were also present, as was the priest from the local temple who recited a prayer. The event included a cake-cutting ceremony.
Mr Garala, one of five brothers and three sisters, came to England from the Tanzanian capital Daresalaam in 1966. He has twice served, selflessly, as President at the Shri Krishna Temple, where he is still actively involved. In 2002, he was awarded an MBE for serving the community in Coventry.
A few eagle-eyed guests noticed there was nobody present from the local press, describing this as “appalling”, adding, ‘they haven’t got time for a man who has served this city for 43 years is shameful. Yet they’re quick to cover negative stories’. Professor Nesbitt said: “When so much in the media is depressing or trivial, Coventry people need to hear about Babu’s inspirational contribute and we urge The Coventry Telegraph, as a responsible newspaper, to play it’s part”. Paula Vennells, the Post Office’s Chief Executive, said in a statement: “We want to congratulate Mr Babu Garala on his outstanding service to the Post Office and the local community for over 40 years. It’s a remarkable achievement and we wish him all the best in his retirement.”
Mr Garala, when asked if he has any plans for his retirement,smiled and said: “I look forward to continuing to support the good work of the local community, looking after my mother and spending more quality time with my family and friends”.
