Patsie Ford, a dedicated postmistress, has bid farewell to her role after an incredible 43 years of service at the Nayland Post Office. She first started serving the village of Nayland in 1981 when she moved there to run the post office.
Before becoming a postmistress, Ms. Ford had emigrated to Australia as one of the last £10 Poms. However, she returned to the UK when her mother fell ill and eventually passed away. In search of a new home and business opportunity, she decided to take on the challenge of running a post office.
Ms. Ford fell in love with the Nayland post office and shop, which she described as having a Dickensian charm with its wooden beams. Over the years, she decorated the shop with Victorian items, creating a unique and museum-like atmosphere that impressed many customers.
Despite her hopes of finding a successor to take over the shop and continue operating the post office, two deals fell through. Ms. Ford expressed her desire to see the post office continue serving the village, especially for essential services like banking and parcel sending. However, with no sale in sight, she felt it was time to retire at the age of 70.
Reflecting on her years as a postmistress, Ms. Ford highlighted the joy she found in serving the community and building relationships with customers. She cherished the role as it allowed her to get to know the people of Nayland and be at the heart of the village.
Shervorne Page, the area manager at Post Office, commended Patsie Ford for her dedication and long service to the people of Nayland. With 44 years at the helm, Ms. Ford’s retirement marks the end of an era, and her presence will surely be missed in the village.
As Nayland bids farewell to its beloved postmistress, the community will always remember Patsie Ford’s commitment to serving others and her contributions to the village over the past four decades. Her legacy will live on in the memories of those she touched and the unique charm she brought to the Nayland Post Office.