Popular postmistress, Babs Jassi, who loves to chat to customers, has reached a major milestone running Hill Top Post Office in Nuneaton for 30 years.
In 1995 Babs and her family took on Hill Top Post Office and small shop in Coventry Road. She took over from a long serving couple, Ray and Linda, and is proud to say she has surpassed their length of time.
Babs said they had been looking for a branch in Coventry with no joy, but they then found Hill Top in a residential area of Nuneaton near the George Eliot Hospital.
In 2014, the Jassi family decided to enlarge the store by adding an extension at the back and a big refurbishment throughout to create a convenience store and Hill Top Post Office. They organised a big community celebration to mark the opening of their best-one store.
Postmistress, Babs Jassi, said: “Those 30 years have flown by. The year after I had my daughter and she’s now about to have a child. I already had a five-year-old son and with the help of family I managed to run the Post Office and to raise a family.
“I love talking to people and helping people. I love hearing the stories from customers about their time in the army or navy or down the mines. People who were youngsters when I first started, now come in with children of their own. No two days are the same in this role, which I like.”
With bank branch closures Hill Top is somewhere that people can do their banking.
Hill Top Post Office and best-one store stayed open throughout the pandemic, which allowed customers to stay local for vital Post Office services and groceries.
Post Office Area Manager, Kelli Organ, said: “I want to really thank Babs for being the postmistress for Hill Top for the past three decades. The Jassi family really care about their community and made a big investment to expand their shop, which looks great. There is always a warm welcome at this family-run shop.”
Babs was presented with a Post Office 30 Years’ Long Service Award for her long and loyal service by Post Office Regional Manager Nick Carroll and Post Office Area Manager, Kelli Organ. Also present were Kamaljit Ram and Pam Jassim who have both worked with Babs at Hill Top Post Office for over 20 years.