Sheffield suburb gets new look post office

Lodge Moor Post Office on Rochester Road is now a modern-style customer service, with a Post Office counter running alongside the retail counter of the new hand-crafted gift shop.

The new postmaster is Alison De Lara, who runs Mamma Duck Company, which produces hand-crafted wooden ducks which can be custom designed for all occasions.

Alison’s company website is at https://www.mammaduckcompany.co.uk/ and her business can also be found also on Facebook.

The new Post Office opening hours are Monday 8am to 5.30pm, Tuesday to Friday 9am to 5.30pm and Saturday 9am to 4pm.

This is an extra 17 hours of service than previously offered, including earlier opening and later closing for the convenience of customers, say the Post Office.

Previous postmaster Rita Anderson has retired after 25 years’ service and she was presented with flowers to thank her for her loyal service.

Reflecting on achieving her silver anniversary, Rita said that the changes she had seen were enormous but the sense of community had stayed the same.

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She said: “After 25 years as postmaster at Lodge Moor I know the customers by their first names, it’s as if I have had another family in them – there aren’t many strangers here now.”

Rita had been running the branch single-handedly over the past year and is keen to start a relaxing new life. She said: “I am looking forward to having more time to enjoy the sunshine.”

Rita thanked the community for supporting the Post Office.

Danny Dockerty, Post Office area manager, said: “We want to thank Rita for her long service and her commitment to the community and we wish her a well-earned retirement.

"The new-look branch looks great and it is open longer hours than before.”

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