RESIDENTS of Kings Langley celebrated the loyalty and support of one of the area's longest standing postmasters in August, as he was presented with the Royal Mail certificate for long service following 20 years in the job.

Mr Jack Weston undertook the managerial position at the village post office alongside his late wife, Anne, in 1982, following the retirement of the former postmaster, his golfing companion Mr Ron Kil- patrick.

The move marked an entire career change for Mr Weston, who had been a financial and commercial insurance broker based in London and Europe after marrying his wife at St Paul's Church in The Common, Chipperfield in 1959.

The couple decided to return to Feldon, where Anne was born in 1975, and where Mr Weston became a regular member of Chipperfield Cricket Club and Kings Langley postmaster in 1982.

Mr Weston recalls a number of changes to the service he and his wife have provided during the past two decades, the most noticable being its expansion to provide key banking services, following the closure of a number of sub branches of High Street banks in the village.

Foreign exchange and travel insurance are just two of the popular services for which residents have grown to rely on the local branch.

Home insurance is now available from the branch, following the installation of the latest computer technolgy which makes light work of administrative duties while reducing the amount of paperwork.

Mr Weston said: "Things have undoubtedly changed over the last 20 years, with one of the most noticeable changes being the advancement in IT.

"I wasn't brought up with computers, so it has been real learning curve for me."

The post office in High Street, Kings Langley currently provides banking facilities for four major banks, with plans to extend its service during the next 12 months.

Mr Weston said of the award: "I am delighted to have received this award, as it is always nice to have one's efforts and working achievements acknowledged in this way.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my years managing the branch, during which time we have achieved so much, none of which would have been possible without the help and support of the team of staff I work with.

"Royal Mail has received a considerable amount of bad press over the past few years, with a growing number of post offices being closed, but I think things are looking promising and getting much better on the whole."

August 23, 2002 14:30