Perranporth will lose its post office after long-serving Perranporth Postmistress, Jenny Callan, announced she is retiring after nearly 22 years at the helm.

A buyer has been found for the two adjoining shops, however, the new retailer has decided not to provide Post Office services.

Perranporth Post Office closes on Wednesday, August 30 at 5pm. The nearest Post Offices will be at Goonhavern and St Agnes.

In 2001 Jenny and her husband Michael were living and working in the Manchester area. They decided that instead of working for other people, that they wanted to run their own business – a Post Office.

They had relatives in Cornwall and visited Perranporth and they fell in love with the picturesque seaside village.

They took on Perranporth Post Office at 46 St Pirans Road, Perranporth, TR6 0LG in November 2001. Then a few years later there was the opportunity to expand the business when the shop next door became available. Their retail offering trebled.

Perranporth Postmistress, Jenny Callan, said: “Customers are coming in to see us ahead of stepping down. They are happy that we both get the chance to retire, but they are really sad that we are going.

“This is more than just running a Post Office. It is a way of life. We are at the hub of the village and we have gone above and beyond for them. We have really enjoyed serving the residents all year round and in summer there are lots of tourists too. We managed to stay open throughout the pandemic and the community was very grateful that they could stay local. We were really busy.

“The best thing about the Postmistress is the people that come into the Post Office and shop that you really get to know. Michael and I also loved running our own business and deciding upon what retail to have alongside our Post Office and for choosing which stock to sell. We are well-known for our cards and when we took on the adjoining shop we were really able to expand our card range and gifts.

“The time is now right time for me to take early retirement as we have a buyer for the shop. Michael is already of retirement age and he is looking forward to having a well-earned rest. Michael’s not really had a chance to enjoy retirement as I’ve still been working full-time. He’s also recently finished serving as a local councillor for 12 years, so it is now time for us both to relax, maybe travel, and to keep fit.”

Falmouth Packet:

Jenny also wanted to thank Nicola Treweek for her dedicated service at the Post Office and shop for the past 18 years. Nicola has also decided to retire.

Post Office Area Manager, Cathryn Gee, said: “Perranporth Post Office was the very first Post Office that I worked in and I have very fond memories of my time there and of the village. Later on I became her area manager and it has always been a joy dealing with Jenny. The couple are highly regarded by their community – they have always gone the extra mile.

"I know this couple and the Post Office will be sorely missed, but they have worked very hard and they deserve to be able to enjoy retirement together. I wish them all the very best.”