Sylvia Marshall talking to Peter Mann

I became postmaster (I prefer it to ‘postmistress’) of Hatley St George post office on 1st May 1994.

Of course, quite a lot has changed over the last 30 years, not least the layout of the post office within the shop – originally I was in a square box, now it’s open, very modern and with WiFi.

There have been some other good changes on the post office side, too.

As well as doing most of the things you’d expect at a post office – without the queues! – we also do basic banking for personal and business banking accounts.

There’s no need to go to Gamlingay, Biggleswade or Royston if you want to pay in cheques or cash – or take out cash… all you need is your bank or debit card.

Parcels, too – if you know you’re going to be out, they can be delivered here so you can collect at your convenience, or you can bring them in for returning.

Customers, the shop, opening hours

During the week, the shop’s usually open by seven – and while nine to eleven are the core hours for the post office [Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday], it seems silly not to offer post office services when I’m here anyway. If the sign is out, expect us to be open.

Our flow of customers has changed over the years – a lot of people in the village worked on the estate back then, now there are the offices at the end of the road and far more people working from home.

We’re also quite a popular stop for walkers wanting an ice cream and cold drink.

We more or less still sell the same stuff as we always have done: eggs, fresh from the farm shop in Gamlingay, bread, milk (in glass bottles as well as plastic bottles), greetings cards and most basic groceries.

And if it helps, Mick delivers milk and whatever else we supply on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings.

Final ’30 year’ thoughts? It’s always been wonderful meeting so many people, getting to know many of them and watching their children grow up.

We are so lucky the two Hatleys are such nice villages.

Everything you need to know about our shop and post office.

_{Post created 26th April 2024. Photography: Peter Mann}