STAVELEY villagers can now pick up ceramics with their stamps, and planters with their pensions, thanks to an enterprising venture at their post office.

A showcase of Made in Cumbria goods has opened at the village PO, as sisters Gill and Adrienne Ford take another step towards trying to secure the future of the rural business.

Staveley PO is the first in the county to house a Made in Cumbria showcase, featuring gifts and crafts such as jewellery, glassware, ceramics, children's kits, figurines and small garden planters, each displayed with information on the craft companies and makers.

Since taking over the post office almost three years ago, the Ford sisters have expanded the products on sale, and they are currently hosting an exhibition of watercolour landscapes by Staveley artist John Braithwaite.

"Keeping rural post offices open is becoming increasingly challenging," Gill Ford told the Gazette.

"We have to look to provide extra services, and this display of local gifts and crafts has certainly been welcomed by our customers."

Miss Ford said the showcase looked very professional, and explained that the post office and Made in Cumbria each took a small percentage from the sale of the products.

Sally Renshaw of Made in Cumbria said: "This is a great cooperative opportunity with benefits all round, and is one which could be extended to other village shops."

Miss Ford told the Gazette that the Government's initiative to pay benefits and pensions directly into bank accounts could result in Staveley PO losing 40 per cent of its income.

With no bank in Staveley, there would be the knock-on effect of people without cars having to pay bus or train fares to get into town and withdraw their money.

"It's possibly not a unique situation, but it's not a very good one for the village. We need all the support we can get to stay open," she added.

April 17, 2003 10:31