Villagers and traders were determined to make Alan and Wendy Stamford’s last day in Lindfield a real Red Letter Day!
     Customers, friends and fellow traders gathered outside the village post office to give the popular couple a special send off, presenting them with cards, flowers and gifts.
     The gifts included two hampers packed with goodies, membership of the National Trust, rose bushes and a cheque for almost £900 to help pay for the couple’s trip to Australia in September to visit their daughter.
     “It’s been a long time coming,” said Alan. “It’s been a week of so many different emotions as people have been calling in to say goodbye. We’ve had cards, presents and enough plants to fill our little garden which is lovely!”
     Wendy added: “We’ve been totally overwhelmed by the generosity of our customers and fellow traders, and are so thankful for everything they have done for us. It’s lovely to know how much they care.”
     Making the presentation, parish councillor Christopher Snowling said Alan and Wendy had been a huge asset to the local community.
     “This is a very sad day for a lot of people in the village and Alan and Wendy will be greatly missed but we are so delighted that they are able to retire and to visit their daughter in Australia,” he said.
     Alan and Wendy’s retirement also coincides with the decision to move the post office from the corner of the High Street and Lewes Road into Martin’s Newsagents.
     “Without doubt this is the end of an era for the village, as the post office has been on the corner of the High Street for as long as I can remember,” added Cllr Snowling. “It’s going to take a bit of getting used to.”

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