Toby Webbern paints the Town Hill postbox gold in honour of Tom James' gold medal at the Olympics
Julie Own, from Caego, turned up to see the gold postbox after hearing about it on the TV news and took the opportunity to show off the new stamps featuring Tom James and his gold medal-winning Team GB crewmates
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THE outstanding success of Olympic Games rower Tom James has proved to be a gold-letter occasion for Wrexham.
As a tribute to Tom’s part in Team GB’s victorious men’s coxless four triumph on Saturday, Royal Mail has painted a postbox in Town Hill bright gold.
The prestigious paint job was meticulously applied yesterday by Toby Webbern of Royal Mail Engineering and Construction.
Mr Webbern, from Old Colwyn, said yesterday afternoon: “I started at about 8am and there has been plenty of interest shown. People have been asking about the new colouring.”
And Royal Mail’s plaudits for Tom – from Coedpoeth – do not end there.
He and his team-mates have been immortalised on a stamp brought out to celebrate the men’s victory, which went on sale yesterday.
It is a special piece of history as Royal Mail says it is the first time it has issued stamps on a Sunday.
A fleet of 90 vehicles was organised to deliver the stamps across the UK to over 500 Post Offices – including the Henblas Street branch in Wrexham.
People throughout the community and further afield have been sending their congratulations to Tom, a former pupil of The King’s School in Chester, for his outstanding achievement.
He won his first Olympic gold medal in the same rowing event in 2008, held at the Beijing Games.
A former mayor of Wrexham, George James of Stockwell Grove, was so enthusiastic about the victory he phoned up the Leader office shortly after the race, commenting: “My message to Tom is ‘well done’.
“You have made Wrexham proud. There are lots of good things in Wrexham.”
Cllr David Griffiths, Wrexham Council’s lead member for health, said: “We are all absolutely delighted.
“I think the whole of Wrexham is as pleased as punch that Tom has won gold again.
His success can help inspire the younger generation and show just what can be achieved.”
Cllr Gareth Griffiths, who represents Coedpoeth ward on Wrexham Council, said:
“We are all very proud of Tom. To win two Olympic gold medals is pretty special.
“Coedpoeth and all of Wrexham is very excited about his victory. Tom has put us on the map and is an inspiration.”
Cllr Krista Childs, who also represents Coedpoeth ward on Wrexham Council, said: “Special congratulations to Tom from all of us.
“We are very proud of him and all of his endeavours. We would very much like to shake his hand on his return. Every success to Tom for the future.
“We hope his victories can be a motivation for young people throughout the community.”
Cllr Ian Roberts, Mayor of Wrexham, said: “This was a fantastic achievement and we are all delighted.
“Well done to him and the team. It is a showcase for Wrexham as well.”
Cllr Neil Rogers, leader of Wrexham Council, said: “To win two gold medals is obviously an outstanding accomplishment.
“Tom has shown what a world class athlete he is, Wrexham is very proud of him.”
Welsh Government First Minister Carwyn Jones was hugely impressed, saying:
“Many congratulations to Tom James on winning Wales’ second gold medal at London 2012 and his second gold in consecutive Olympic Games.
“It is an outstanding achievement. Team GB put in a huge performance in an extremely tight race.
“Wales is very proud of what Tom has accomplished.”