Subpostmistress at Steeple Bumpstead Post Office, near Haverhill, retires after more than 30 years in the job

After more than 30 years running a village post office, its postmistress has retired less than 12 months shy of her 80th birthday.

Jess Bruce retired today from Steeple Bumpstead Post Office, in North Street, at the age of 79.

Jess, who has run the branch for nearly 32 years, has been ‘overwhelmed’ with cards and gifts from thankful customers at her branch, just a few miles from Haverhill.

“I have absolutely amazing customers, who are so kind and generous.

“I have had so many chocolates, that I could open a shop.” she laughed.

The popular postmistress, who raised here children in the village, said: “My customers have been so understanding. I caught Covid a few years ago and I have never been the same since, so I have decided to retire.

“It’s the right time for me to step down now. I will now have more time to spend with family and friends.

“I’ve been so lucky with my customers – they are wonderful and really caring.

“I am staying in the village, so I will still be able to see these customers who have become friends.”

Jess was originally from Scotland, but her husband’s job took them to Luxembourg, then Essex, where she then started working at Steeple Bumpstead Post Office in 1992, just before the postmaster decided to retire.

She became the postmistress in September 1993.

Post Office area manager, Thakoor Maraj, who presented Jess with a Post Office 30 Years’ Long Service Award in 2023, said: “I want to sincerely thank Jess for all that she has done for her community for more than three decades and I wish her a very well-earned retirement.”

Steeple Bumpstead Post Office has been in a dedicated area within her friend’s village shop and petrol station and although the post office is closing, the shop is remaining open.

Alternative post office branches are available nearby in Haverhill and Finchingfield.