St Albans Ward Councillor says thank you to couple who retire after 41 years as Romford postmasters.

Councillor Judith Holt called into Victoria Road Post Office to say good-bye and thank-you to Mr. Manharlal and Mrs. Vimla Patel, who are retiring after 41 years as postmasters at the branch in Romford. 

The popular couple are well-known among families and businesses in the area and are true stalwarts of the community. Mr. Patel told the Havering Daily: “I remember mums coming in with their children to collect their Family Allowance and now those children have grown up and they have children of their own. I know everyone in this community after being here so long and you enjoy chats with the customers.”

When the couple arrived in 1982, the ring-road was not yet built and The Royal Oak Pub at 90 Victoria Road on the corner of George Street (next to what is now Tahsin’s) was still standing. Their post office counter is one of the last of its kind left in the country.

Residents will be pleased to hear that the Post Office will be retained, refurbished and the shop extended by the new owners. The Victoria Road Branch is due to reopen on 7th September.

Councillor Holt, the Ward Councillor for St. Alban’s Ward, presented the Patels with flowers and a card. She said: “We will miss Mr. and Mrs. Patel but are very grateful for their loyal and dedicated service to the local community in this part of Romford for so many years. Thank-you to you both and we wish you a happy retirement.”

Councillor Holt with Mr and Mrs Patel.

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