How this tiny Sheffield post office saved Christmas!

A tiny post office in Sheffield has saved Christmas for dozens of independent makers, left without a place to sell their products this festive season.
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When postmistress Heather Tingle heard that several Sheffield makers were without a place to display their items, following the closure of John Lewis Sheffield due to lockdown restrictions, she got on the phone and offered them a home.

And Curated Makers was only too happy to take her up on her offer, flocking to Flask End Village Shop & Bradfield Post Office to fill their shelves with beautiful handmade Christmas gifts.

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“We’ve brought a bit of John Lewis to Bradfield – that’s a first for us!” laughed Heather, who has been running the store in the peaceful village for eight years.

Heather Tingle and her colleague at Flask End Village Shop & Bradfield Post Office, where it's beginning to look a lot like ChristmasHeather Tingle and her colleague at Flask End Village Shop & Bradfield Post Office, where it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas
Heather Tingle and her colleague at Flask End Village Shop & Bradfield Post Office, where it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

"We have products from 27 independents, which is amazing for a tiny little shop like us, and more on their way.

"’Shop local’ has been our ethos at Flask End for many years, with our produce supplied from local companies such as Moss Valley Fine Meats and Our Cow Molly, so it’s a delight to expand our suppliers.

"Now people can take a walk around the dam for some exercise, call in for their essentials, and then do some Christmas shopping!”

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Curated Makers products were due to be sold in John Lewis at a seven-week pop-up in the run-up to Christmas, but was forced to close after just three days last week, due to the latest national lockdown.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Flask End Village Shop & Bradfield Post OfficeIt's beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Flask End Village Shop & Bradfield Post Office
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Flask End Village Shop & Bradfield Post Office

The post office, which is classed as an essential service, has been able to stay open all year, and Heather says the pandemic has highlighted the importance of using independents.

“We were fulfilling orders for necessities when people were unable to access supermarket deliveries, and big supply chains were failing,” said Heather.

“We were able to step in so that local customers could get fresh produce in a stress-free, and socially distanced manner.

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"We’ve never been short of anything, and with the post services and bank services, we’ve been a lifeline to many around here.

27 independent makers have showcased their Christmas gift items at Flask End Village Shop & Bradfield Post Office27 independent makers have showcased their Christmas gift items at Flask End Village Shop & Bradfield Post Office
27 independent makers have showcased their Christmas gift items at Flask End Village Shop & Bradfield Post Office

“Now, with our Christmas gifts section, we’re offering a lifeline to smaller businesses too, as well as giving our customers an alternative to shopping online with big companies.

"It just goes to show, your little village shop can do a lot more than you think.”

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