Paula and Joyce at Pool Post Office
Let's be honest, Pool Post Office has never been just a Post Office. Thankfully in this current climate for owners Paula and Gary (Husband and wife teams working together Tim and I know something about). Post Offices have changed a lot over recent years as we know and providing a single service like that could be risky in our ever changing world.
Paula wearing the Veronica Sheepskin Mule Slippers
But Pool Post Office is the corner shop, the local grocers, off-license, bakery, bank, social, drop off point, school sweet shop, a hub and the heart of a small, local community that's positioned smack bang in the middle of a throughway on the edge of the Yorkshire Golden Triangle. Sitting either side of the A658 between Leeds Bradford Airport and Harrogate, the Post Office is both on the local school run and the busy commuter and industrial runs and gets an eclectic mix of visitors daily.
Situated outside by the zebra crossing is the tall red post box, always dressed in a crocheted hat to celebrate what is happening in the world. Be it the Royal Jubilee, Christmas, Halloween... I'm not sure who crochets these woolly wonders but they don't half add character to our daily commute to Westmorland HQ. And nestled just by the Post Box, tucked into the hedgerow is the little free library that we regularly dip into.
The Free Little Library at Pool Post Office
Paula and Gary are ever present in their community, along with trusty sidekicks like Joyce. Driving through the village to work during 2020 demonstrated what a huge part of the community they really are. Banners and signs adorned neighbouring fences and lamposts along the busy road, thanking them for their support during Covid.
Joyce on the Fruit and Veg Stand wearing Fingerless Sheepskin Mittens
Speaking of busy roads, we did film Paula outside the Post Office on a summers day in August but weren't able to use the footage because of the roar of articulated lorries, tractors and the hum of locals crossing the street while exchanging daily quips and commentary that you miss sometimes in the anonymity of city life. I don't think she's disappointed about this as she's a modest woman who cares more about her family and community than shouting about herself - she was fantastic though, take our word.
More than simply a Post Office, they offer a great selection of fresh fruit and veg daily, the fish man is outside in his van on a Tuesday, the meat and milk is local and they supply us with milk, coffee and tea and the 'odd' biscuit or two throughout the year. Not to mention the daily delivery of locally made fresh pies and sausage rolls that Tim intentionally delays his drive to work for...
My first job was aged 11 in a local shop very similar to this and it reminds me very much of those moments years ago, learning to weigh out sweets and doing the sums on the brown paper bags before you stuffed the apples in them. Dealing with characters who'd regale you with their ailments, complain about the price of a Hamlet cigar or give your arm a squeeze to say thanks while asking after your nan. Priceless.
Paula runs the store with her husband Gary and her sons help out too when around and needed, they are older now. It's a proper Yorkshire family affair. Joyce has been working with them for a few years now and is part of the fabric and family. They are open every day and don't stop (cups of tea may be made and left on the side or drunk during a chat with a customer). They are in and out taking in deliveries and topping up the veg stand, helping customers to their cars, filling post bags for collection - always on their feet.
In the area? Why not drop in and grab a custard slice. And remember to turn it on its side before you cut it so the custard doesn't all squeeze out of the sides... (a Grampa tip)
Situated on the zebra crossing in Pool-In-Wharfedale.
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