An emotional postmistress who has watched her customers grow from children into adults has retired after nearly 40 years in the job. Liz James, 71, from Merthyr Tydfil started at her local Post Office in Pentrebach around 1985.
Her last day was on Tuesday, May 24 and speaking before the big day Liz said her "stomach is churning at the thought". She said: "I think I'm going to be very emotional when I leave, it's very upsetting."
Recalling her first few years in service, Liz said her role was very different and a lot busier than it is now. "It was very busy back in those days, everyone used to come to the Post Office," she said. "There was the Post Office credit account, everyone used to come in for that. They still can but they have a choice to go to the bank and if they do, they don't usually come back. When I first started, everything was done on paper but now it's all online. It's much quieter these days."
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Liz said in the early days she would cycle in each morning. She said: "It's the same building as when I first started. When I first started, I lived in Troedyrhiw and I used to ride my bike back and fourth. I had a spaniel who used to run by the side of me."
Passionate about her role, Liz said she would never take sick days until she injured her hip just before the coronavirus pandemic. She said she loved socialising with her customers who she formed strong friendships with over the decades.
"I have seen many children grow up into adults and many of the elderly customers pass away," she said. "There are only a few [original] customers left in the village who are very elderly. A few died very recently who were in their 90s. They were all really lovely customers.
"I was brought up in the village and when I first came here I already knew many of them personally. They would tell me to call them by their Christian names rather than [Mrs and Mr...] and I thought 'I can't possibly do that'.
"It's the socialising aspect that I love the most. The customers are my friends because I have known them so many years. I will miss all of them. They have told me they will miss me."
Liz said at times, she feels as though she is an agony aunt rather than a postmistress, but that's what she loves most about it. She said speaking to her customers has gotten her through difficult parts of her own life.
She said: "I feel like I'm more of an agony aunt. They tell you all their personal details - but you don't divulge any of them. My husband died five years ago and it's kept me going. That's why I didn't retire when I should have.
"It's something to get up for in the morning. You learn that there's always someone worse off than you. You speak to some people who are having really bad problems and it makes you appreciate what you have."
Liz said she's leaving now as her branch is closing down and moving to the Premier Stores down the road. However, aged 71 she said she feels it's the right time to enjoy her retirement. You can get more stories from Merthyr Tydfil by signing up to our WalesOnline newsletter here.
She said: "I have got a dog and I love walking so I will go walking a lot with the dog. Hopefully we will have a nice summer so I can spend time doing up my garden. I've also got some holidays planned and I'll be able to go without worrying about work. I'll mainly spend my time socialising - I'll still see my customers."
Liz said her daughter is organising a party at the labour club a few yards away with some friends and customers. "I will be so sad to leave, I enjoyed every minute of it." she said.
Although Liz said she feels very emotional, she said her area manager Ceri James had been a "wonderful support". Ceri said: "I’ve known Liz for over 30 years - I used to work as a support clerk on a postmaster helpline, and Liz would ring in with questions and queries. It’s been a pleasure to work alongside her for such a long time. I also know how much Liz’s customers have enjoyed being served by her, and she will be really missed behind the counter.
“Liz is a genuinely warm and caring person who I really admire. She’s been an amazing postmistress, and on behalf of Post Office, I wish her all the best for her retirement.”
