A Northamptonshire postmistress who has been at the heart of village life for more than 50 years has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) in the King’s New Year Honours List 2026.
Jenny Fell, postmistress at Daventry Post Office, is being recognised for her exceptional service to the community of Hellidon, near Daventry.
Now aged 82, Fell has run the Post Office since November 1974, after she and her husband Tony adapted their own home to accommodate the branch, building a counter in the hallway when the village needed a new postmaster and premises. The branch has operated on a part-time basis, enabling Fell to combine her Post Office role with decades of voluntary work.
Alongside her duties behind the counter, Fell has served as parish clerk for 13 years, joint editor of the parish magazine for more than two decades, a Meals on Wheels volunteer, a prison visitor and a Brownie group leader. She has also played a central role in maintaining the village church, locking and unlocking it daily for many years, and helping to organise the annual village fete and other community events.
A passionate local historian, Fell studied for a history degree with the Open University and went on to write a book on the history of Hellidon, as well as several guides and tours for residents and visitors.
The village marked her 50th anniversary as postmistress with a celebration in 2024, and further celebrations are planned in 2026, which will also mark her diamond wedding anniversary.
Reacting to the honour, Fell said she was initially taken aback by the official letter.
“I was in shock when I received the news of my New Year’s Honours recognition,” she said. “It was an official looking envelope and my first thought was, ‘What have I done wrong?’ I was most surprised to read it, but I had to keep the news secret, even from a friend visiting from Australia, until the official announcement.”
Post Office regional manager Tony Sanghera said the award was richly deserved. “Jenny really has been at the heart of this community for more than 50 years. This is very well-earned recognition for someone who has devoted herself to the village of Hellidon and who has made such a difference to this community.”