You will doubtless be aware of the plans for the Post Office and Shop to close for business on the 29^th March and 31^st March, next respectively. This news precipitated a public meeting to be held at the Village Hall on Sunday 27^th January, which was chaired by Rodney Howlett, Parish Councillor.

As you can imagine the meeting was well attended and opportunity was given to Mr. & Mrs. Munnock to explain the reasons behind their decision, which mainly seemed to stem from inadequate levels of sales, which lead to a lack of profitability. Much sympathy was expressed for their position after their hard work, but nevertheless the closure of the Post Office and Shop was considered to be a very serious threat to the life of our village. After serious debate in which various suggestions were made including

Operating the Post Office from other existing premises

Establishing a Shop in a temporary building on a site yet to be identified

Forming a Village Co-operative to own, manage and run the Shop

Entering further discussions with Mr. & Mrs. Munnock with a view to a modest extension of time to their present plans

It was resolved to form a small working party urgently to examine the feasibility and viability of various alternatives.

The purpose of this letter is to appraise you of these developments and to invite your whole-hearted co-operation in saving our village Post Office and Shop.

What can I do about it?

Please complete the questionnaire below and return to the undersigned as a matter of urgency.

If you are anxious about the threatened closures, please consider whether you can sensibly increase your spending in the Post Office and Shop. Consider whether the costs of travelling to Amersham or Chesham on every occasion are really offset by the perceived lower costs of the goods purchased there. Increased sales at the Shop, especially during the next few months may make some difference to the outcome of the work and recommendations of the Working Party.

The very concept of village life, which no doubt was a very important factor in your decision to live in Hyde Heath, is now under threat. I do not know how you will decide to react but please be aware that doing nothing will not help to preserve our present way of life in Hyde Heath. Please treat this matter as very urgent.

Yours sincerely