UK’s oldest postmistress calls it quits

Kay White, the 93-years-old postmistress at Claverley Post Office in Shropshire, has made the difficult decision to retire after one last Christmas serving customers.

White, the UK’s oldest postmistress, has completed 60 years at the helm of her post office in May this year.

“We are very sad to be closing, I never made plans to retire, but we have discussed this as a family and we have decided that the time is now right,” White said.

“Our customers are incredibly sad too, as this is the end of an era – but equally are very grateful for us keeping open for so long. We will really miss the people and they will miss us.”

White has worked at the Post Office and shop for nearly 80 years, starting in 1941 when she was just 14-years-old. She is still a regular face at Claverley Post Office serving customers alongside her niece, Ann Madeley, aged 74.

“We know our customers so well as we have been serving them for so long, so we have a good chit chat. Serving people has also kept my brain active,” White added. “Claverley is a beautiful village. I have lived my life here and have never wanted to move anywhere else.”

The post office was closed for the initial COVID-19 lockdown, but was soon to open its door again once the government restrictions were lifted. During this time White notched up her diamond anniversary as postmistress.

Commenting, Nick Read, chief executive at the Post Office, said: “I want to sincerely thank Kay, our oldest Postmistress, for her amazing long-service with 60 years in the role. Kay has been very loyal and dedicated to serving the community of Claverley for nearly 80 years.

“What a truly remarkable achievement. Kay and her niece, Ann, are much loved and appreciated by the village and they will be sorely missed. We wish them both well-earned retirements.”

In 2010 Kay was awarded an MBE in the 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.

Claverley Post Office will be closing on 31 December.