A TOWN has waved goodbye to the post office that has been its hub for so many years.
More than 200 residents gathered outside the post office on Market End in Coggeshall on Thursday to pay tribute to the employees of the branch who have meant so much to residents.
Hugh Thompson joined the branch as soon as he left school 48 years ago and Christine Hilder has worked there for 23 years - a combined 71 years.
Coggeshall residents Sarah Phillips and Sarah Glossop took it upon themselves to organise a fitting send-off for two of the town’s most recognisable faces as the shop shut its doors for the final time.
Mrs Phillips said: “I got a tear jerk moment when I saw the door open for the last time.
“Tonight is about celebrating all Hugh and Chris have done for us for all these years.
“Nothing is ever too much trouble for them, they do not complain when we make mistakes.
“There has been such an out pouring of emotion for Hugh and Chris, the messages we have had have been so rewarding and I hope that Hugh and Chris are going to recognise how much we will miss them.”
The duo were given gifts from the town’s residents, including specially-made framed certificate thanking them for all their hard work.
Mrs Hilder said: “It is a huge part of my life that is gone.
“The post office has been a hub for the town for all these years.
“The village and the people of the village have been amazing.”
The post office will now relocate to the nearby McColls shop on Church Street.
Mr Thompson, who has been likened to an encyclopaedia, due to his wealth of knowledge, said: “I am overcome with emotion, everybody has been so kind.
“It is very sad to be leaving after all these years - it has been my life for so long.
“A lot has changed but the people are still the same, they are so wonderful.”