Wakes Colne postmaster Chris Eaton receives New Year Honour

Chris Eaton has been awarded a BEM for services to the community in Wakes Colne.

Mr Eaton, who celebrated his 80th birthday earlier this year, took on the shop and post office in the village in 1974.

The much-loved postmaster finally got to put his feet up, retiring at the beginning of this year, aged 79, after an incredible 48 years in the role.

After joining Wakes Colne post office, Mr Eaton had help from his entire family.

Back in 2018, he was presented with the annual Wakes Colne Council Parish Award for his “continuing service and cheerful disposition to his customers”.

Speaking about his time as a postmaster, Mr Eaton said: “It has been a fantastic experience, particularly engaging with my regulars every morning and forming great relationships over the years.

“It was a happy shop and post office in a lovely community.

“Becoming postmaster has also been a great way to meet new people within the community.

“Football was often the topic of conversation with customers as I would get quite a bit of teasing from customers for supporting Luton Town.”

Retired Wakes Colne postmaster Chris Eaton (Image: N/A)

Mr Eaton also spoke about his time working through the Covid-19 pandemic.

“During the pandemic, we managed to keep our shop and post office open and in turn, takings went up by 30 per cent,” he said.

“They needed us for shopping, fresh produce, to send mail and parcels, home shopping returns, bill payments and of course the post office.

“However, I couldn’t have made it through Covid without all my wonderful staff and my partner Jinny.

“They were all extremely hands-on and helped navigate the stressful period.”

Post Office area manager Thakoor Maraj described Mr Eaton as the “pillar of his society” and “first-class postmaster” following his retirement.

“I commend his great work for looking after the Post Office for almost five decades and going above and beyond to help the community”, he added.