Tina May, postmistress who serves six Wiltshire communities, recognised in New Year Honours

Christian Malford postmistress Tina May has received a British Empire Medal in the New Year Honours List for providing services to her community, plus Post Office services to five other Wiltshire communities.

Tina, who runs the Post Office and village shop with husband Kevin, is at the heart of the Christian Malford village for everything that she has done over a number of years and especially during the two years of the pandemic.

In addition, she runs the five outreach Post Offices at set days and times each week in Bromham, Foxham, Brinkworth, Broad Hinton and Avebury.

The couple has gone above and beyond throughout the pandemic, providing free home shopping delivery for the elderly and the vulnerable. They also keep an eye out for those in the village who live alone.

Despite both getting Covid, they managed to call in help from family and friends to keep Christian Malford Post Office, the village shop, plus all the outreach Post Offices open as they wanted to keep these essential services for their six communities.

It does not stop there. When the Bromham Village Hall Social Club sadly burnt to the ground earlier this year, Tina quickly organised for Bromham outreach Post Office to move to a new premises to maintain service.

“We were very honoured to receive recognition from the Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire last year, so I was very surprised to be on the list for the British Empire Medal,” Tina said.

“I am just doing what I do naturally. It has been tough for the past two years, but my automatic reaction is to rally round. I want to help people. I care about the communities that I serve.”

Tina is also the former president of The Christian Malford & Foxham Women’s Institute and still serves on the committee. She regularly cares for one pensioner and organised a cream team for the village to really celebrate his 80th birthday.

As a well-known face in Christian Malford, she also serves the Church on the Vicar’s welcoming team.

Amanda Jones, Post Office retail and franchise network director, commented: “Tina is one of our great examples of Postmasters who are kind and caring and really look out for their customers and the communities that they serve. Tina provides vital Post Office services to six communities, but she still makes time to be actively involved with other community groups and volunteering. Tina is a great organiser and listener and she is at the heart of the Christian Malford community.”