Last post sounds in stylish fashion (From Penarth Times)

Last post sounds in stylish fashion

A PENARTH post office closed down with a bang as staff hired a limousine to mark the occasion.

The 120-year-old post office on Queen's Road shut as part of a national reorgansisation on Monday April 7.

And although disappointed by the closure, staff decided to celebrate the end in style. They hired a limousine to drive postmistress Ann Lampert around Cardiff as part of a thank you from employees and friends.

Ann told the Times: "I can retire now and catch up with some reading.

"Of course I am sorry to be closing but I was surprised to receive so many presents and the trip.

"We went into Cardiff and drove around and then went to the Hawaii bar but I didn't drink too much. I wanted to enjoy the moment."

The 63 year old added: "So many bunches of flowers have been delivered here and given to me I have run out of vases to put them in.

I was very surprised that everyone appreciated me so much.

We could have filled two limousines with the amount of people who wanted to enjoy the party."

The post office was in the hands of the Hartley family before Ann bought it. They were thought to have been there from around 1879.

It is also thought that the post office was Penarth's first.

Tennyson Road and Sully Terrace also closed to the paying public as this story goes to press.

The shop at Queen's Road will also close and the building will become residential.

Former post mistress Ann will still live at the premises and said: "I have worked all my life and have been here for 16 years so I think now it is time to rest.

"I have no definite plans as my husband will be working for another year.

"It has been an enjoyable time to be in the shop."

She added: "I am very grateful to the customers who have shown how much they appreciated my staff and I."