Yattendon Village Stores and Post Office recognised for 10 years of community service

A village post office and shop has been recognised for the work it has done to serve the community over the last decade.

Yattendon Village Stores and Post Office was presented with an official community service award from Post Office representatives on Thursday, January 30.

The shop has been active in the village since the 1600s but the Yattendon Estate took over operation of the business in 2014 and added the post office when Edward Iliffe, son of Lord Iliffe, was appointed postmaster.

Ten years on, Yattendon Village Stores and Post Office is still a beloved and stalwart local enterprise.

Manager Eugene Smit has worked at the shop since he migrated to the UK from South Africa in 2017 and he said he was “extremely proud” of his small team for receiving the award.

Mr Smit works alongside Teri Muggeridge and Gloria Davis to carry out the day-to-day running of the business.

He said: “We base all our work around building a community around the Village Stores.

“It is the lifeline of the village and the post office has complemented it really well.

“With good customer service and care, we have managed to get this award of community service, which is great.”

Mr Smit also said that it was a “complete surprise” to receive the community service award.

“I did not expect an award like that for a little village store like this,” he said.

“It was nice to do the family the proud. Lord Iliffe was absolutely delighted.”

During the pandemic, Yattendon Village Stores and Post Office also received an award for the excellent customer service it carried out during lockdown from the High Sheriff of Berkshire.