Kay White began working in Claverley Post Office, in Shropshire, in 1941 when she was just 14
The UK’s oldest postmistress is reluctantly preparing to retire after spending nearly 80 years serving her local community.
Kay White, 93, has notched up 60 years’ service as a postmistress at her branch in the village of Claverley, in east Shropshire, but began working in the shop and Post Office there nearly 20 years earlier, in 1941, when she was just 14.
More recently, she has worked there alongside her niece, Ann Madeley, aged 74. In just a few weeks, however, the pair will retire, following one final December behind the counter.
Claverley Post Office temporarily closed during the national lockdown that came into effect in March, and it was during this time that Ms White marked her diamond anniversary as postmistress.
Now that the veteran postmistress and her niece are retiring, the Post Office will be closing its doors once more, perhaps for good, meaning locals will have to travel to several miles to visit alternative branches after 31 December.
‘The end of an era’
“We are very sad to be closing,” said Ms White.
“I never made plans to retire, but we have discussed this as a family and we have decided that the time is now right.”
The postmistress added: “Our customers are incredibly sad too, as this is the end of an era – but equally are very grateful for us keeping open for so long.
“We will really miss the people and they will miss us.”
‘Remarkable’
Ms White, who in 2010 was awarded an MBE for her services to the community, also spoke fondly of Claverley, describing it as a “beautiful” village:.
“I have lived my life here and have never wanted to move anywhere else,” she said.
Nick Read, chief executive at the Post Office, said: “I want to sincerely thank Kay…for her amazing long service.”
He added: “Kay has been very loyal, and dedicated to serving the community of Claverley for nearly 80 years. What a truly remarkable achievement.
“[Ms White and Ms Madeley] are much loved and appreciated by the village and they will be sorely missed. We wish them both well-earned retirements.”