Postmistress near Machynlleth set to retire after 50 years
Lilwen Humphreys has been a pillar of the community at Cemmaes Road Post Office since May 1, 1975, and has decided to retire after her 80th birthday.
A celebratory afternoon tea will be held in her honour, where family, friends, and loyal customers are invited to share fond memories with her.
Mrs Humphreys said: "Running Cemmaes Road Post Office has been my way of life for 50 years, and it is my life.
"I know I and my family have done our best for the community,y and I also know that they appreciate it."
She added: "Running a Post Office is not only about selling stamps, sending parcels, etc, it's being part of a village and its community, making it home."
Mrs Humphreys took on the role of postmistress in 1975 while raising her children.
She and her husband, Arwel, who were milk retailers, saw the potential in running the post office and eventually bought the property, moving their family and the post office into a unit.
For many years, they also ran a village shop and did milk and newspaper deliveries.
During the Covid pandemic, Mrs Humphreys utilised her old contacts to get supplies for elderly customers who did not want to leave the village.
Reflecting on the changes she has seen over the years, Mrs Humphreys said: "I've seen massive changes from the job I took on originally.
"Gone are the days of pension books, savings stamps and books.
"It's now mostly banking money in, money out, cheques in, it's still interesting but a definite change of work."
However, the time has come for Mrs Humphreys to retire.
She said: "I can't work forever.
"I know it is now time to retire before technology beats me as I know that a new computer system will be introduced at some time in the future."
She had hoped to find someone to take on the branch, even willing to sell her home to someone wanting to take on the Post Office.
However, this has not happened.
She expressed her regret, saying: "I'm truly sorry that I've let my customers down by closing and am very sad about that."
Post Office regional manager, Rachel Lawler, said: "It's incredible that Lilwen has served her beloved community for 50 years and that she's carried on well past the time that most people retire.
"It's a close-knit community, and Lilwen has been at the heart of the village for five decades.
"It's only now, on the eve of her 80th birthday, that Lilwen is now ready to step down as postmistress.
"I wish her a very well-earned retirement and I hope that she has a great celebration to mark these three major milestones that she is achieving this month."
The Cemmaes Road Post Office will close on May 1.
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