How brave they are, the people who take on our small village post office and general stores and what a great asset the facilities they provide. Because of the continuing possible changes by the Post Office and government many, if we don't help, could become unviable and be forced to close.
Some people in villages are less mobile than myself and really do need the services the shop and P.O. provides and indeed the social side being a meeting place often at the centre of the village. We can all in our own small way help to keep this life line alive and save ourselves some money at the same time.
Does everyone realise that their is NO charge at the counter for your business with National Savings, Premium Bonds, Giro Bank, Alliance & Leicester, Lloyds T.S.B., Co-Op Bank or to pay your phone bill, water with card, Gas, Electricity, T.V. Licence, Council Tax by arrangement or indeed to buy postage stamps, fishing licences, travel insurance, savings stamps for vehicle licences and telephone payments. There is a small charge for postal orders, foreign currency and home shopping catalogue payments. You can even order flowers by post.
At some of the large village P.O.s you can also get your car taxed and arrange passports. Using the facilities in the village saves us the hassle and expense of travelling, parking and postage.
The post masters allowed opening hours are based on points for transactions, the more the letter. This will also effect his salary and therefore the viability of the attached general shop. Please support the village Post Office and Store in any small way you can for the benefit of all. Do if possible continue to collect your Pensions and Allowances (also free of charge). If you are not clear about the free payments of bills etc., have a talk to the postmaster who will always be pleased to help and advise.
SID BROWN
Lanreath.