CHERISHED memories of a well-respected lady were rekindled as Goostrey Post Office finally moved into a new location.
Former owner, the late Margaret Kettle and husband George, served the local community for decades.
Their shop was fondly known as an Aladdin’s Cave because it stocked so many diverse items.
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The vestry at Goostrey Methodist Church on Main Road has been converted to accommodate the post office.
Donations from the community, Methodist Church circuit and parish council helped to fund the building work.
Margaret’s granddaughter Leyla Woodward presented a framed photograph of her grandparents to be displayed on the counter.
Leyla said the opening was a new chapter and it was fantastic there would still be a post office in Goostrey.
She paid tribute to all the work and effort that had been done to make it all possible.
Jonathan Royle, postmaster for Plumley, will run the outreach post office with wife Jill.
Layla said: "I want to thank Jill and Jonathan and the team who worked in the post office who allowed my grandmother to be their chief assistant opening up, closing up, mopping up and everything until she went into hospital.”
The search for a new home for the post office was instigated following Margaret’s death in December 2022, just weeks after her 100th birthday, and the former property was put on the market.
The new post office opened on Monday after building work was completed at the church.
A new ramp and door have been installed at the entrance of the vestry.
Inside there is a hearing loop and space for a wheelchair.
Opening hours will be Monday 12.30pm to 5pm, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 2.30pm to 5pm.
Jonathan said he was pleased to have secured a new location in Goostrey, otherwise it was feared the post office may have had to close.
Jonathan said: "I just hope that now we have been able to open at the Methodist Church, we will be supported by the community.”
A short service of dedication was conducted by Rev Yvonne Pearson, who is retiring shortly and moving Lancashire.
Light refreshments followed the opening in the church hall.
The new post office is only a short distance from Margaret’s former shop, which has recently been sold and set to be turned back into a private dwelling.
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