THE transformation of an Exmoor Post Office and shop has been completed in time to bring some Christmas cheer for village families and other customers.

Management of Wootton Courtenay Post Office and Villagers’ Stores was taken over last May by Sarah Fox and Mark Burgess.

The business has since undergone a massive transformation and has rounded off the year with the premises acting as a charity collection point.

The Post Office and shop was a central point for villagers to donate gifts to Home-Start West Somerset to brighten up the lives of local young children this Christmas.

Post Office area manager Lewis Bright (left) with Wootton Courtenay's PO and shop managers Sarah Fox and Mark Burgess.
Post Office area manager Lewis Bright (left) with Wootton Courtenay's PO and shop managers Sarah Fox and Mark Burgess. ( )

The donations were handed over this week to the charity, which offers support, friendship, and practical help to families at home with children under seven years from Minehead to Watchet and from Porlock to Dulverton.

Home-Start will arrange for the gifts to go to local West Somerset children.

The charity’s manager, Clare Pound, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to accept the kindly donated Christmas presents from the villagers on behalf of the families we have supported.

“We know that this wonderful gesture will be highly appreciated and give huge pleasure to these families during difficult times.”

Under Ms Fox and Mr Burgess the Villagers’ Stores has seen essential repairs, redecoration of the shop frontage, and a refit of the shop.

A refurbished Post Office counter, alongside the retail counter, makes it easier for the couple to serve both Post Office and retail customers.

The refurbishment has also made better use of space in the shop to increase its retail range.

Ms Fox is a jeweller, and jewellery, ceramics, and artwork by local artists have been added to the new-look village shop.

The couple support the local economy by using local suppliers for bread, milk, cheeses, cold meats, pies, quiches, pasties, cakes, and pastries.

They also have a licensed micro bar Skye’s Bar and café, which provides a meeting point for villagers.

Sarah Fox and Mark Burgess, who have transformed Wootton Courtenay Post Office and Villagers' Stores.
Sarah Fox and Mark Burgess, who have transformed Wootton Courtenay Post Office and Villagers' Stores. ( )

Postmaster and Villagers’ Stores board of directors chairman Barbara O’Keefe said: “The refurbishment of the shop and Post Office has built on the work carried by previous directors and tenants to further improve and develop the business and facilities.

“Skye’s Bar is currently open on Friday evenings, it provides a great opportunity for our village community to get together, and for villagers to meet up with friends old and new.

“It also provides a venue for some of this busy village’s local groups to meet up.

“It is a cosy space, but in the warmer months, villagers can sit outside in the garden area.

“The village community has supported Home-Start West Somerset over a number of years, acting as a collection point for gifts for this wonderful charity.

“The shop is an ideal collection point as villagers are already coming in to post their Christmas cards and parcels, return home shopping items, pay bills, do their banking, withdraw cash, buy everyday food and groceries, and look at new gift ideas.

“Customers have been very kind and supportive as they are keen to support local families.”

Post Office business support manager Zoe Sprackling said: “It has been great to see all the improvements made in the past six months at Wootton Courtenay Post Office and Villagers’ Stores.

“The residents should be very proud of their village shop.

“It really is at the heart of this community.”