Suffolk: Hoxne Shop and Post Office postmistress to retire

Joan Retallack has been at the helm of the Hoxne Shop and Post Office for half a decade but now says her time there is coming to an end.

The 63-year-old has lived in Hoxne for more than 28 years and hopes to retire in the village.

Joan Retallack said: "I run it on my own. I haul cases of drinks too and from the bookers. I also have another grandchild on the way. I have retired to be a very active granny. I am needed for grandmummy duties."

With her plans for retirement, the service is threatened with closure, but the villagers have set up a Hoxne Community Post Office Group to try and keep it open.

Ms Retallack agrees the post office is a vital service.

She said: "It is very, very important. If someone doesn't come in when they always do, it can be a sign that things are not going well.

"It's about taking care of people. If something is happening in the village, I know to spread the word. 

"It can't be replaced anywhere else. We are not a pub. Everybody comes in at once and they queue, and while they are there they talk, and that's very important to keeping the village spirit together. It's that kind of village.

"It would leave me with warm fuzzy feelings if I knew it was carrying on."

A Post Office spokesperson said: “Hoxne Post Office is currently open as normal.

"The postmistress is looking to retire at some point in the future and conversations are already being held with the community to see how service can be provided going forward.

"We are still keen to also restore service to Eye and we would welcome interest from retailers.”