Dinas Powys community bids farewell to Murch Post Office stalwarts

Colleagues organised a farewell party and presented her with presents, a bouquet of flowers and a book filled with heartfelt messages from customers and friends.

After the leaving party the post office closed for the last time on Thursday, March 26.

The post office service is set to move across the road to McColl’s newsagent on Castle Drive, where it will enjoy longer opening hours as it becomes a modern open-plan local style branch.

But the move has led to the Murch Post Office closing down and the retirement of Shirley after 26 years in the branch. Post-mistress Noreen Davies, who has been at the helm for the last five years, is also moving on to another job, along with fellow colleague Mary Lovering.

Shirley, who has served generations of families from the post office, said that all good things must come to an end and she would miss working there.

“The people have been my favourite part of the job,” she said.

“I know most of the people in Dinas Powys and am good friends with them.

“Coming over the hill I wave to people I know every day.”

She added: “It’s been lovely working here.

“I know I’m going to miss it.”

Noreen Davies, who was post-mistress during an armed robbery at the branch in 2012, said it had been an eventful few years at the helm and she was sad it was coming to an end.

She also thanked everyone for attending the party to mark the closing of the Murch Post Office.

“Over the years the whole community have been really supportive,” she said.

“After the robbery they supported me in every way possible.”

She added: “I would like to thank everyone for all their presents and cards.

“I feel sad that this part of community life is coming to an end.”

The whole post office was packed out with local residents as they wished three pillars of the community all the best for the future. They enjoyed cakes, sandwiches and drinks as they thanked Shirley, Noreen and Mary for all their work over the years.