UK’s oldest postmaster marks 60th anniversary

Kay White, the 92-years-old postmaster at Claverley Post Office in Shropshire, has completed 60 years at the helm of her post office.

The milestone, however, will be subdued for the country’s oldest postmaster as the branch is now temporarily closed because of her age.

“Claverley is a beautiful village. I have loved my life here and have never wanted to move anywhere else. It is such a shame that the coronavirus pandemic stopped me from working on my 60th anniversary and doing what I thoroughly enjoy doing – serving the community and keeping in touch with the villagers,” she said.

White, who still serves the customers alongside her septuagenarian niece, Ann Madeley, is keen to return to the shop and hopes to re-open the branch in June.

Nick Read, chief executive of Post Office, said: “I want to congratulate 92-year-old Kay White, our oldest Postmaster for achieving 60 years as Postmaster for Claverley. What a remarkable achievement.

“Kay and her niece, Ann, who run the post office are much loved and appreciated by the village and by myself and colleagues in our area team, who are amazed and impressed by Kay who is still enjoying serving customers.”

White has been working at Claverley Post Office for a total of 78 years, joining at the age of 14 just after leaving Claverley Church of England School.

She was awarded an MBE in the 2010 New Year Honours for her services to the community.

Besides serving as the village Postmaster, White spent 38 years on the Parish Council, ran the Sunday school at All Saints Church for more than 20 years and founded the local Women’s Institute.