July 17, 2022 12.00 pm This story is over 20 months old

Lincolnshire postmaster retires after 31 years behind the counter

Happy retirement Andy!
Andy Blagojevitch ran the Post Office in Middle Rasen for 31 years. | Photo: Post Office

A postmaster from Middle Rasen in Lincolnshire has decided to retire after serving the local community for more than three decades.

Andy Blagojevitch bought the shop in 1991, which was a small grocery store and newsagent alongside being a Post Office.

The Post Office recognised Andy’s long service with an award last year and he is now ready to start a new chapter, but the shop will remain open with new owners.

Andy and his wife are moving to Lincoln, but have not ruled out a return to Middle Rasen in the future.

He said: “I would like to thank my customers for supporting our business. They have made life very enjoyable, but now it’s time to go.

“As a Postmaster you provide a community service, which people are really grateful for. “I know the customers very well and I’ll definitely miss them.

“The Post Office draws people in. You can’t have the shop without the Post Office, and people use our Post Office because they can buy their newspaper and basic groceries at the same time.

“We’ve got friends here so we’ll be visiting but it’s different from being around the corner.”

Andy said the importance of his Post Office was highlighted during the pandemic, adding: “We were a godsend to a lot of people. We had loads of customers who took advantage of our free delivery service. It was exhausting – but we helped.

“Being a good Postmaster requires pride in what you do; making sure everyone’s served correctly, not cutting any corners, and advising people as best you can.”
Andy said he had no plans for his retirement yet.

“We’ll probably just settle into new environment and take stock. Visit friends and relatives and try get a holiday for ourselves.

“I want to thank all the staff who’ve worked with us over the years, who have always taken their duties seriously and done a great job. I’ll miss all of them – past and present.”

Post Office Area Manager Joanne Fryatt said: “31 years as Postmaster is a huge achievement. Post Office recognised Andy’s long service with an award last year, and as sad as we are to see him go, we wish him all the best for retirement. I know he’ll be missed behind the counter.”