Castle Cary post office relocates to The Market Garden, Fore Street

Castle Cary's new branch within Fore Street greengrocers and florist, The Market Garden, opened on August 16 following the closure of the previous branch in Bailey Hill on Thursday, August 12.

The move came after postmaster Jonathan Thomas took the decision to return to Switzerland after more than 25 years of loyal service.

The relocation is also part of an ongoing "modernisation" of the Post Office branch network. The new branch has two Post Office serving points at the retail counter of the store with new opening hours covering Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm.

Post Office Network Provision Manager, Jason Collins, said: “We thank Postmaster Jonathan Thomas for his loyal and devoted service to Castle Cary and we wish him well in his move to Switzerland.

"We are delighted that we have been able to relocate Castle Cary Post Office and the branch is now open much longer than before.”

Jonathan, his wife Nathalie and their three children, moved from Switzerland to Castle Cary in March 1996 to run the Post Office as they were after a new challenge.

Jonathan said: “We were looking for a change of scene. Castle Cary was a lovely building in a great town. Our children were educated in the local school. I have enjoyed being Postmaster at Castle Cary, and we have gladly served the community for over 25 years.”

Reflecting on his time in the town in Somerset, Jonathan said he had enjoyed being part of the community, including being a coach at Castle Cary Rugby Club for seven years.

The dedicated Postmaster said he would miss the town especially the locals who have been loyal customers to Castle Cary Post Office.

He said: “I would like to thank all the community for their support over the years. It’s time to go back to Switzerland, but I will miss Castle Cary.”