New Hay-on-Wye Postmaster, Cllr Simon Morris, better known as Syd, has had an unforgettable 12 months as the Mayor of Hay, and taking on the Post Office at his existing Country Supplies store.

Despite it being an incredibly busy time, Syd wanted to be involved in the town’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations as this is such a monumental milestone. His term of office as Mayor and Leader of Hay on Wye Town Council has just ended this month.

Syd and his team have decorated his Post Office and shop at Oxford Road, Hay-on-Wye, with bunting and flags.

He is also participating in the town’s best dressed window competition to mark the Queen’s 70 years’ reign. The town council will also be putting up bunting galore throughout the town centre and two Union Jack flags will proudly fly from the flagpoles.

The annual Hay Festival begins this week on May 26 and ends on June 5. This literary festival, with a worldwide reputation, coincides with the Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

The town’s specific Jubilee celebrations start on Thursday, June 2 with the Town crier’s proclamation in the Market Square and music and entertainment in the evening, culminating in the lighting of the Jubilee beacon.

A Family Fun Day and over 60s afternoon tea is being held in the recreation ground on the Friday. The following day is an historic events walking parade and community picnic lunch in the Market Square.

Cllr Morris added the Post Office to his store when the long-serving Postmaster Steve Like wanted to retire after 34 year of dedicated service. He wanted to ensure that the essential Post Office was available for the community with the help of two experienced Post Office staff, which allowed him to juggle his Mayoral and Town Council duties.

The shop underwent a refit to accommodate two Post Office counters alongside the retail counter of the store, selling souvenirs, gifts, stationery, pet food, kitchenware and hardware.

In the last decade, Hay-on-Wye has lost all three of its banks. This means that the town and the surrounding communities are reliant on Hay-on-Wye Post Office for its everyday banking. A Teller Cash Recycler device helps the Post Office staff at this branch processing deposits and withdrawals. This helps them perform some back-office tasks quicker, which means that customer gets a faster, more efficient, service.

Hay-on-Wye Post Office is open Monday to Saturday: 9am – 5pm and it offers a wide range of Post Office services including free cash withdrawals.