Five great post offices

Can oak trees grow from off-licences? They certainly can in the case of Sam’s, at top of Rycroft Avenue, Deeping St James. Forty-one years ago the proverbial acorn was planted there, and hasn’t it grown? From humble beginnings, Sam’s now services most of the ‘bottom’ half of Deepings, in a fairly recently refurbished shop and Post Office. In a time when dedicated High Street Post Offices are closing, it’s a welcome relief to have one at such a heart of the community. Sending parcels or paying in money to your account is as easy and painless as it should be, but with the additional bonus of being able buy something for your tea at the same time! Si Fox

For over 60 years there has been a Post Office and store on the corner of East Street in Northborough, providing a hub for the village. With its landmark Christmas tree, scarecrow in the recent trail and very well-attended Macmillan Coffee mornings and cake sales there is no difference now that it has become a One Stop Store in a bold move for family owners (of 30 years) Yogi, Sharon and son Dev six years ago. Service with a smile at the Post Office is provided by AnneMarie and Katie whose counter behind the vases of fresh flowers is a welcome for all. Newspaper deliveries are provided in Maxey and Northborough and grocery deliveries can be made for those unable to get to the shop.

There has been a PO in Langtoft for many years, maybe almost 100! The PO has had many Postmaster/ Mistresses but is now managed by the lovely Harjinder Kaur, Harj for short. Harj has two daughters and previously worked as a Special Constable. After a short closure of the shop and PO, Harj opened up for general groceries in 2019. After some difficulties the PO opened for business in June 2020. Then came COVID lockdown! During this time the PO remained open and Harj and her wonderful staff and volunteers delivered groceries and collected parcels, providing a very much appreciated service for those unable to leave their homes. Many services have been put in place like a coffee machine, hot food, FWIP Gelato and Sorbet dispenser, and newspapers and magazines. Local produce is also stocked wherever possible – Nelson and Grasmere meat, and Askers of Stamford bread. You can even collect your prescriptions from Hereward Medical Centre in Bourne from the shop. All in all, a brilliant local PO and shop right on our doorstep! Long may it continue; thank you Harj and staff! Liz Jarman

Hitesh and Bharti have added a touch of magic to the store in the centre of the residential area of Market Deeping. The store we have all known as the Spar has become a Londis store and has added a Post Office counter to increase the facilities available for customers. There was a hue and cry from locals when the last Post Office close to the Market Place closed down before Christmas but now this alternative is able to offer so much more! Food to go, extensive chill cabinets, hot coffee and the lottery as well as an extensive range of groceries. Opening times are generous too - from 7.00am-9.00 pm Mon-Sat and 9.00 am-9.00pm on Sundays. Harking back to a previous age when customer was king, the Post Office and General Stores in Baston were filling a cardboard box with provisions from a customer had called through when I visited the shop to find out why they had had won Retailer of the Year in the Deeping Business Awards. The shop delivers to Baston, Langtoft, Greatford, Braceborough and Wilsthorpe, putting the convenience into the convenience store! Cooked meats from Alec Day Butchers in Bourne are delivered W to the shop daily along with fresh fruit and veg. Sausages and burgers are from Grasmere. French sticks and a variety of pastries are baked on the premises. There is a dry cleaning service and coffee, and tango ice blast to go. There are innovative ideas aplenty! Parking space is generous and just outside the store – perfect access for the elderly! The shop is open 5.30-6.30pm M-Sat & 9.00-4.00 pm on Sunday.