Independent retailers, Stuart and Jackie Rogers, owner of Devon-based Ashburton Post Office and Cards & Stationery Emporium are marking the 7th anniversary since taking over the shop by doing what it does best – putting their community first and fundraising for the town.
Seven years ago yesterday (April 30), Stuart and Jackie took over Ashburton Post Office. Showing their true mettle, within two years they had fully refurbished the premises, added a community library and become a major destination for greeting cards for the town’s residents.
Undeterred by the challenging times, the couple were steadfast in wanting to mark their special anniversary with something that would make a difference.
So to help the community they have launched an on-going promotion which sees the Rogers donate money for each Royal Mail Special Delivery and Signed services, plus Parcelforce AM service to a local coronavirus charity – Emergency Fund Response Ashburton, which is assisting local groups during the pandemic.
Nick Read, chief executive of the Post Office paid tribute: “Congratulations to Stuart and Jackie Rogers on celebrating the 7th anniversary of taking on Ashburton Post Office. It has been a very lucky seven years for Ashburton as this hardworking couple, who are very community-minded, have completely transformed the branch. Ashburton became the first Post Office to add an impressive community library to their shop. They are role models as to how to run a Post Office business. They are always finding innovative ways to serve the residents and businesses of Ashburton and to fundraise to help the Ashburton community.”
To launch the initiative Stuart has created and sent boxes of goodies to the national and local media (which includes a card from Glebe Cottage/The Eco-friendly Card Company, which is based in the vicinity as well as soap, chocolate and other locally produced goods) all presented in wrapping paper he created featuring images of Ashburton.
Paying tribute for their selfless efforts, The Rt Hon Mel Stride, MP for Central Devon & Chair of the Treasury Select Committee, said: “Stuart and Jackie have done a tremendous job turning Ashburton Post Office into a thriving branch that is a real hub of the community. They always go the extra mile to give back to the community who support them and have raised thousands of pounds for good causes.”
