A POSTMISTRESS in Cheshire has received a Post Office Long Service Award after 40 years at the heart of her community.

Helen Rimmer MBE set up Ashton Hayes Post Office in her home in 1984, and a shop was later added. Helen, 73, still runs her Post Office and the retail side is now a community-run shop in Kensall Road.

She took on the Post Office after her husband was involved in a serious accident and she needed to earn money to feed and clothe her family, whilst still being able to care for her children and husband. Running a business from her home provided that solution.

Helen said: “The best thing about being a postmistress is the socialising with the villagers. This is where people go to talk to other people. I’m 73 but I’m not ready to retire. Being a Postmistress is a fulfilling job. I love it when my customers, who are also my friends, come in and we have a chance to talk and catch up.”

Helen soldiered on during the pandemic as one of the country’s key workers, providing a vital service to those in the village. The community-run shop also stayed open throughout, allowing people to stay local.

A canopy was put up across the shop front to help customers stay dry whilst waiting to be served and following social distancing. At busy times there were also umbrellas for those patiently waiting in line beyond the canopy.

Helen said: “It was really busy during the pandemic. There were so many parcels! People were sending packages to people that they could not see and there was lots of home shopping returns too. People can also do their banking here on behalf of all the major high street banks, which is very important with more banks closing. I think people also wanted to get out to see a friendly, familiar face.”

In 2011 Helen attended Buckingham Palace to receive her MBE for her services to the community. Helen not only runs Ashton Hayes Post Office, but she has been involved with many other community initiatives including the Ashton Hayes Timebank which allow villagers to swap time to help each other, helping at Royal occasions and she goes above and beyond with her customers.

Post Office Area Manager, Sara Bow, presented Helen with her Post Office 40 Years’ Long Service Award.

Sara said: “Helen has loyally served this Ashton Hayes community for 40 years. I truly want to thank her for her committed service. Helen really cares about her community, and she has made a real difference to people’s lives. Helen really is at the heart of her village.”