Risinghurst postmaster Hemlata Gandhi, who received an MBE for her services to the Post Office and community of Oxfordshire, has retired.

Hemlata, known locally as Hema, and her husband Mahesh, known as Mr G, have run Risinghurst Post Office and shop for 30 years.

In 2018, Hema was recognised with an MBE for going above and beyond for the community. In 2015 Mahesh was also recognised by the Indian and British Government with the Bharat Gaurav lifetime achievement award for his work, and involvement with the Hindu Mandal group.

Anneliese Dodds MP for Oxford East, and Post Office Group Chief Finance Officer, Al Cameron, visited the branch to sincerely thank this couple who have been so dedicated to serving and helping their neighbourhood.

Anneliese said: “I know how well Hema and Mr G have run Risinghurst Post Office and shop and that they are well respected by the local community for all that they have done. I wish them well for their retirement. It was also great to meet the new Postmaster, Amarjeet Singh, and to hear about his plans for the shop.”

Hema’s Post Office career began at the age of 16 when she worked with her father at his London branch. When she started a family, Hema decided to return to her roots in Oxfordshire and took on Risinghurst Post Office in Downside Road in February 1991.

Hema said: “The people that we meet are the best thing about running a Post Office. Our customers are like one big family to us. People can’t believe that we are going, but it has been very tiring during the pandemic and they accept that we deserve a well-earned retirement.

"They are very relieved that the Post Office and shop are staying open and we will help the new Postmaster to settle in, especially if he needs extra help this Christmas.”

Al Cameron added: “This Post Office is at the heart of the Risinghurst community. Mr and Mrs Gandhi, Hema and Mahesh, have gone the extra mile for their neighbours and customers time and time again. Hema is so highly regarded by her customers and by Post Office. I was delighted to be able to thank her personally, wish her a well-earned retirement and welcome a new Postmaster in Amarjeet Singh.”

The popular couple, who continued to provide vital services throughout the pandemic, have decided that the time is right to retire.

They have sold their business to enthusiastic new Postmaster, Amarjeet Singh, who took over this week and has big plans to improve the shop.

Amarjeet wants to increase the size of the store, including a bigger Post Office area.

As the mail business is booming due to home shopping returns and parcel click and collect services, he wants more storage space for parcels and a planning application for a store extension will soon be submitted.

The Gandhis will continue to live in the same community, but they are looking forward to having more time to travel.