Sub postmaster of Laxey Post Office, Stephen Emms, will be retiring on Saturday 21st January 2017 after 30 years of service. Mary Palmer has been appointed by Isle of Man Post Office as the new Sub postmistress and will operate post office services from new premises located at Unit 2, White House Close, close to the existing site. The post office will open ready for business at 9am on Monday 23rd January 2017 from the new premises.
Over the years Stephen has provided the Laxey community with a wide range of postal services all of which have been delivered to a very high standard. Stephen and his wife Jenny have also built a strong rapport with customers and have provided a reliable and friendly service.
Asked how he first became involved with postal services here on the Island, Stephen said: "The previous owner sold up in 1986 and the proposition of running a post office looked like an interesting opportunity. When we first opened the post office it was completely refitted and since then, we've put in a lot of hard work to get it to where it is now, which has paid off."
When asked what Stephen enjoyed most and would miss about working in Laxey Post Office he said: "I enjoy seeing the customers, after 30 years you get in to a routine, it's not just passing trade here. I'll also miss being part of Laxey's local community."
As time has moved on Stephen has noticed many changes in the postal services industry: "There have been a lot of changes, everywhere is changing. For instance more is moving online and that obviously affects us small retailers with footfall into the post office."
Commenting on Mary Palmer taking over the postal services at Laxey, Stephen said: "I am confident that Mary will offer Laxey Post Office customers a good service from the new premises".
Stephen continues: "Both Mary and I are currently working together to ensure a seamless transition for customers of Laxey Post Office for when the changeover takes place."
Mary looks forward to continuing Stephen's high service standards. Commenting on her new appointment, Mary Palmer said: "I am really looking forward to taking over Laxey Post Office. The new building is modern, bright and centrally located so it should make a great post office for the village. We aim to provide a friendly and efficient service for local residents, businesses and visitors to the town."
When asked what she was looking forward to most Mary said: "I am looking forward to getting the new shop fitted out and stocked up. Also, having run Peel Post Office for three years now, I have become close to many of our customers and thoroughly enjoy my role within the community. I am very much looking forward to doing the same in Laxey and getting to know the residents and having the opportunity to get involved in community events."
The new post office is conveniently situated with easy access for customers and will also be offering extended hours which are all day Monday - Friday 9-5:30pm and Saturday 9-12:30pm. It will be providing all of the existing post office services and in addition will be introducing a currency bureau early in 2017. Mary aims to build on both the personal and business banking for Barclays and HSBC customers as well as vehicle licensing work with local businesses and residents alike.
Mary is the current Sub Postmistress of Peel Post Office and intends to split her time between both Offices but Laxey will be her focus in the coming months. Mary and her reliable team will continue to provide high levels of service to both Peel and Laxey customers.
Mary Gaffney, customer services manager of Isle of Man Post Office said: "We are grateful for all the work that Stephen Emms has contributed at Laxey Post Office and the high level of service he has delivered to his valued customers over the last 30 years and we wish him a very happy retirement. We are delighted that Mary Palmer has been appointed as the new Sub postmistress at Laxey Post Office. Mary is an established Postmistress within the Peel community and along with her team will continue to deliver high levels of service at both Laxey and Peel Post Offices. Isle of Man Post Office are committed to delivering services within the community and are confident that Mary will continue to build on all the great work that Stephen has done. Both Stephen and Mary have worked closely with Isle of Man Post Office to ensure the transition is seamless for the Laxey community. I would like to wish Mary every success with Laxey Post Office."
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