Last orders at the post office
Raise a glass to the good people of Greenodd in the spectacular scenery of the Lake District in Cumbria. Facing the closure of their much-loved post office the villagers have called on the local Ulverston Brewing Company to concoct a battling beer to publicise their plight and keep the branch alive.
Bridie's Brew is named after the 12-year-old golden retriever who spends most of the day lying on a stone slab by the post office door. Bridie is owned by the subpostmistress Janet Willis, 46, and her husband Lloyd, 50, who also looks after the attached shop.
Bridie is welcomed with a big hug and pat by many of the visitors - a poignant symbol of just what the post office means to this idyllic rural retreat. Her brew may not knock socks off with an alcoholic content of 3.9 per cent but still has a highly intoxicating appeal.
Gifted a bottle on a recent visit for Our Post Office campaign I can attest to its an refreshing appeal. I am not alone. The first batch of eight barrels distributed to local pubs were sold out by lunchtime on the first day and bottles of 'Save Greenodd Post Office' branded brew are now as rare as a Chateau Lafite.
But the aftertaste having finished this classic beer is not so pleasant. Despite having a seemingly water-tight reason to stay open - the usual list such as essential role within the community, seeming to turn over a decent profit and being miles away from other branches - the Post Office top brass are unmoved.
A good honest pint of bitter is obviously not to their taste and doesn't fit in with their champagne parties prefered by the overpaid bureaucrats in London. The hangover of letting this post office branch close is far more long-term than just a next morning headache.
It spells permanent destruction to a vital part of community life.
Toby Walne
toby@walne.co.uk
Totally agree.The PO are ripping the heart out of hundreds of communities like this one, this country's character is being eroded away.
Im 42, with 2 beautiful children, and i am often left wondering what Britain will be like in 20 years. At this rate, we are going down the pan.
Give me a political party who want to say enough is enough, and i will vote for them.
Posted by: Kevin Bourne | July 20, 2008 at 12:55 AM