DURING a recent holiday touring Devon my husband and I had cause to visit Sampford Courtenay — a most quaint village — and how we remember Devon villages from our more than 50 years holidaying in the area.

The Post Office there is an absolute delight, just a single counter with space for no more than two customers. In this instance my visit was shared with an enormous 'hearty' local called Jim who entertained me with tales of a bygone era.

Postmaster Stan encouraged the banter, filling in blanks with his own unique style and wit and it saddened me to complete my business and then leave.

I felt as though I was leaving old friends.

When next in the area we will make a point of conducting some Post Office business — even delaying collection of our pension if necessary — simply to give reason to enjoy an atmosphere that must never be allowed to die.

By contrast our local Post Office is staffed by people too busy to share their time and we really are just part of the numbers game.

We look forward to early spring when we can again visit our 'friends' in Sampford Courtenay.

With fond memories,

Hilda and Frank Hall

26 Elizabeth Court

London Road

St Ives

Cambridgeshire