Postmaster to retire and close Arlecdon Post Office and shop

Arlecdon Post Office and shop will close on September 1 when postmaster Derek Gilpin retires.

The 76-year-old is looking forward to enjoying breaks in his caravan at Allonby and spending time with his family.

Mr Gilpin worked alongside his wife, Muriel for many years and has been working with his daughter-in-law, Carol Gilpin, for the last seven years.

Derek previously worked alongside his wife, Muriel (Image: Submitted)

Originally from Frizington, Mr Gilpin worked at the Kangol Factory before working for his father-in-law’s mobile shop, Pip’s.

He took over running the mobile shop when his father-in-law died and he and his wife later bought the Post Office and shop in Arlecdon, which is next to their house.

A change in people’s shopping habits has led to the facility being used less often.

Carol Gilpin said: “It’s unfortunate most post can be done online now so it’s quietened the Post Office down a lot. We are not getting the same sort of business. Unfortunately, I think corner shops are becoming a thing of the past.”

During lockdown the Post Office and shop provided a vital service to elderly residents in the village.

Mrs Gilpin said: “We took on a role for the elderly in the village who were too frightened to come out. They used to ring and I’d get everything they needed and pop round with it.”

Mrs Gilpin said it had been ‘fantastic’ to work alongside her father-in-law.

She said: “He’s getting lots of people coming in to wish him well on his retirement. They are really happy to see him retiring although they are losing the shop and Post Office.

“He’s definitely earned it. He’s ready for it now.”