The husband-and-wife team who’ve run the post office and village shop at Enham Alamein have admitted to feeling overwhelmed by the heartfelt praise from the community as they celebrated 20 years in the business. 

Leslie Francis and her husband Tim took over the post office in 2004 and both admitted they’d seen some changes in their time, but getting to know the locals had been the best part of the job. 

A party planned on the village green on Saturday (November 23) was moved into the village hall as winds and heavy rain swept into the region, but the celebratory mood wasn’t dampened. 

Test Valley mayor, Cllr Ian Jeffrey and his wife Maura, attended the event and told the couple: “It is an honour to congratulate you on 20 years and the shop is obviously a real asset to the local community and highly valued by customers.”

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On Monday 25 November, it was 20 years to the day that Leslie and Tim welcomed their first customers. Debbie Morgan from the Post Office thanked the couple and presented a Community Service Award for 'working in partnership with the Post Office for two decades and being there in person for their customers and community.'

She was joined by Kevin Hodder, the Director of Partnership & Engagement for Asters, who oversee the Enham Trust. He presented Leslie with a special plant, the Enham Star clematis. Leslie admitted to choking up: “That was a very emotional moment, the Enham clematis is a very special flower and being given that was incredible, it means a lot to me.”

Leslie was awarded an MBE in 2023 for her ‘contribution and difference made to the community of Enham Alamein’ and said getting to know her customers had been an honour: “The reason we’re here isn’t just the long hours and dedication, we’re committed to the community and we’ve had the privilege to meet so many people.”