Popular Derbyshire village postmistress retires after 25 years
A popular postmistress who has run Hartington Post Office for 25 years has retired with the village organising a picnic to thank Sue Bruce for all that she has done for her Derbyshire community.
In 1987 Sue opened The Beresford Tea Rooms in Hartington, Buxton. The opportunity came in 2001 to take on Hartington Post Office and the two have worked well alongside each other ever since.
Customers have been full of praise for Sue’s branch, frequently taken the time to nominate her for awards, followed by mystery shopper visits for independent feedback. Three times she has won regional awards, and she was absolutely thrilled at a special awards event in London’s Covent Garden to win Great Britain’s Best Rural Post Office in 2003. This was not long after taking on the branch.
Sue, now aged 72 has decided that now is the right time to retire and she is delighted that a local person has taken on the tea rooms and Post Office.
She said: “I had been sceptical when someone from Post Office said that my tea rooms would be a good place for a Post Office, but they were absolutely right. It’s a really sociable place. People arrange with family and friends to meet for a drink and food after visiting the Post Office and the local walking group always ends up here twice a week.
“I have absolutely loved being a postmistress. People are friendly, kind and appreciative. One pensioner, who sadly is no longer with us, used to comment that I wasn’t a postmistress, but a supermistress. I really like helping people.
“It was so lovely for people to organise a picnic for my retirement and the sun shone for the occasion. I am so lucky I have been given lots of flowers, other gifts and cards.”
For the next few weeks Sue is going to help the new owner, Alison Clifford, to settle in.
Sue and her husband, Dave, will remain living in Hartington. They are looking forward to having more time to spend with their family including grandchildren and a great grandchild. They will also have more time to enjoy stays at their static caravan and walks with their two dogs.