A postmaster in Ryedale is celebrating 40 years of service.  

York-born Stan Bough has reached the milestone following a career starting in Wales and ending in Kirkbymoorside.

Stan and his wife, Maris, took on their first Post Office in a village near Newport in April 1983.

They then moved back to York and took on Heworth before settling in Kirkbymoorside.

The pair continued to run both branches for a period of time, but later focused on Kirkbymoorside.

Later they welcomed their daughters, Alison and Rhona, to work with them in the town and take the business further.

Having Alison and Rhona on board allowed Stan to remain as postmaster, but to semi-retire.

He now has more time to play bridge, but still pops into the Post Office with Maris to see their daughters and the customers.

Two years ago, they moved to a new shop further along Market Place, which they now own.

This move provided more space to widen the retail range.

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The shop now sell cards, stationery, party goods, and offers balloon displays.

Currently, the Post Office is busy with customers shopping for coronation decorations.

Looking back over the years

Over the years, Stan explained how the Post Office has taken on personal and business banking services after the banks in the town closed.

He said: “When we first moved to Kirkbymoorside there were five banks and for the past few years, there have been none.

“We have picked up lots of personal and business banking.

“We are really pleased that we can serve customers on behalf of all the high street banks, otherwise it is a long way for people to travel.”

Looking back at his career, Stan said: “The thing that I have enjoyed most about being a postmaster is all the people that I have served.

"I have been lucky to serve some wonderful communities over my time.

“Before I took on Kirkbymoorside Post Office I did relief work at the branch on a few occasions.

“I fell in love with the place.

“I got Maris to do some temporary work here too and she was smitten too, so when the chance came up to be the postmaster, I leapt at the chance.”

Stan also started the Kirkbymoorside Mobile Post Office, which allowed the service to be delivered to outlying communities.

Post Office area manager, Martin Wyer, visited Stan to present him with his Post Office 40 Years’ Long Service Award.

He said: “Stan and family have served the Kirkbymoorside community so well for over two decades. We want to thank Stan for his 40 years as a postmaster.

“He is very knowledgeable about Post Office services, and he really cares about the communities that he has served.”