A VILLAGE turned out to say goodbye to a postmaster who has been behind the counter since he was a teenager.

Rowland Hunt’s family took over Bodenham post office and shop in 1965, playing a vital part in village life for decades. But the now 66-year-old has now sold his last stamp after deciding it was time to retire and spend more time with his grandchildren.

But Bodenham was not about to let its much-loved postmaster go quietly, with an outdoor send-off planned to greet him as he locked the door for the final time at 5.30pm on Tuesday, April 20.

Dozens of villagers turned out to present Mr Hunt with a cheque for more than £1,000, all raised by well-wishers.

Among them was Dorothy Pugh, who has lived in the village and known Mr Hunt for decades.

“He’s been very important to the life of the village. I used to do my grocery shopping and all here. He had a lovely shop, as well as the post office.

“Even through the pandemic, he has delivered things for people, and gone and bought things to deliver to people. There’s a big housing estate here and old people’s bungalows, and they can all walk here. They will miss it more than me, as I can jump in a car and go.

“He has been ever so good, and it’s a sad day to see him go.”

Her sentiments were echoed by fellow villager Greta Morvan, who remembered the shop before the Hunt family took over in the 1960s and said Mr Hunt’s retirement would “leave a big hole.”

“Whoever takes on the post office, whereever it is, will have a big job to follow him. He has done so much for so many.”

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Mr Hunt’s contribution to village life did not just end at his shop door, seeing him turn his hand to other pursuits, including putting together quizzes for community events.

“He has done a fair bit for the village,” Mrs Morvan said.

“He’s given a lot of service, what with the milk round as well.”

The Post Office is currently investigating options available which to reinstate a post office service to the local community.

While the post office is closed alternatives are available in Burley Gate and Marden.

Joe Francis, Post Office area manager, said: “We thank Rowland Hunt and his family for their very long service to the community since 1965.

“We wish him well for his well-earned retirement.”