LONG-SERVING FARNDON POSTMASTER RETIRES

Postmaster Graham Rigby has retired after more than 31 years loyal service to the Farndon community.

Starting his Pharmacy career with Boots, Graham was approached by the previous owner of Farndon Pharmacy and Post Office to see if he would be interested in taking it over as a local pharmacist in the area. Graham accepted and for the last 30 years has had an incredibly short commute to work, living above the branch at Churton Road, Farndon, Chester, and delivering an essential service to the Farndon and Holt communities.

Graham said being a Postmaster and a pharmacist had never been in his plan, but the two businesses lend themselves to each other nicely. He recalled patients dropping in a prescription and, while they waited for it to be ready, collecting their pension from the Post Office counter.

Having owned the Pharmacy and the attached Post Office for over three decades it is no surprise Graham has built strong relationships with the community. He said: “It’s a small rural village, and over the long period of time we have got to know everybody on first name terms, even as the village has gown.”

Graham is so fond of the village and surrounding areas that he has decided to remain living in his current home above the Pharmacy and Post Office and will continue to enjoy the community during his retirement.

Post Office and Pharmacy services will continue to be provided in Farndon as a new owner, Mr Ashwini Abhi, has taken over. Graham said the new owner has similar values and will continue to strengthen the community spirit and services in the village.

Graham extended his gratitude to the local community for their support throughout the years, as well as thanking his wonderful staff. He said: “The staff have been a fantastic support and have enabled both businesses to be a success. I owe my thanks to each of them, including Elsie, who is no longer with us, but helped to run the Post Office until she was 79 and was loved by all in the village.”

Adam Shillcock, Area Manager, said: “We thank Postmaster Graham for his loyal and devoted service to Farndon and we wish him a happy, well-earned retirement.”

• With over 11,500 branches, Post Office has the biggest retail network in the UK, with more branches than all the banks and building societies combined.
• Post Office is helping anyone who wants cash to get it whichever way is most convenient. Partnership with over 30 banks, building societies and credit unions means that 99% of UK bank customers can access their accounts at their Post Office.
• Cash withdrawals, deposits and balance enquiries can be made securely and conveniently over the counter at any Post Office; and the biggest investment by any organisation or company in the last decade is being made to safeguard 1,400 free-to-use ATMs across the UK.
• Post Office is simplifying its proposition for Postmasters with a focus on its cash and banking; mails and parcels; foreign exchange; and bill payments services.
• Research has found that visits to the Post Office help drive another 400 million visitors to other shops, restaurants and local businesses equating to an estimated £1.1 billion in additional revenue for High Street businesses.
• 99.7% of the population live within three miles of a Post Office; and 4,000 branches are open seven days a week.