Buxton Post Master says goodbye after 22 ‘lovely’ years

John has been the familiar face in Higher Buxton’s Post Office since 2004 but now aged 68 he says the time is right to step down.

Friday, September 11 was his final shift and the Buxton Advertiser caught up with him before he left.

He said: “The customers have made this job what it is.

“If I could go round and thank them all personally for making my job so wonderful I would - but I might be here a while.”

John and Jenny were talking about owning a business and she suggested running a Post Office.

John said: “Fate intervened then and while we were researching and we saw the Post Office on Higher Buxton was up for sale.

“Jenny’s from Sheffield but for me this was where I went with my mum when I was little, this was in somewhere not only was I familiar with but it was my home and I loved the idea of owning a Post Office here.” The duo bought the shop and the flat above it and started welcoming customers who have now become friends.

John said: “We used to just deal with Royal Mail and Parcel Force but home retail has exploded.

“Now we are getting anywhere between 1,600 and 1,700 Evri parcels a week which when they arrive with us is complete chaos.

“But the whole team works so hard to alphabetise everything and get the parcels ready to be collected - it’s a big job.”

John said that both he and Jenny will be retiring together.

He said: “I’ve got family over seas so I’d like to travel to Australia but that will require a lot of planning but for now I’d like to get back to reading as I haven’t done much of that as I’m always so busy.” Speaking about the leaving he added: “It as been so lovely working here and I’m very grateful for everyone who has been part of my journey, past and present staff and the customers.

“The new owners are great and you will be in good hands with them.”

The new owners started on Monday, September 14.