The re-opening of Cardigan Post Office this week after being closed for five weeks due to what was said to be “unforeseen circumstances” is overshadowed by the sudden death of St Dogmaels sub-postmistress Yvonne Wiltshire who provided a service for Cardigan residents during the closure.

Family, friends and neighbours were shocked and saddened to hear of Ms Wiltshire’s death which occurred at her home on Thursday afternoon.

Hugely popular with people from all walks of life, the sub-postmistress, who was in her 60’s, was actively involved in the life of the village as a community councillor and served on various committees,

A Post Office spokesman said “Yvonne was a much-respected, hard-working sub-postmistress and we are all shocked and saddened by the news.

“Our thoughts at this sad time are with Yvonne’s family and friends,” he said.

Confirming the re-opening of the High Street branch in Cardigan the spokesman said “A temporary sub-postmaster will be in charge.

“We know how people rely on the post office service and we are really sorry for inconvenience caused due to the closure. We would like to thank customers for their understanding and we are pleased to re-open their branch,” he said.

Welcoming the news Ceredigion County Councillor and immediate past mayor of the town Cllr. Catrin Miles said “Many thanks to all post offices in the area who provided excellent service over these last weeks and to Richards Bros for their bus service.

“Particular tribute goes to Yvonne who went beyond the call of duty. Her passing is an enormous loss to her family, many friends and the close community of which she was an invaluable member.”

St Dogmaels County Councillor Mike James said:  “Yvonne was one of the leading figures in the life of St Dogmaels and her untimely death has shocked and saddened everyone who knew her.

“She was at the centre of village life by virtue of being the local postmistress and former chairman of St Dogmaels Community Council.

“She will be much missed. She had a kind word for everyone and all who came into contact with her, liked and respected her.

“I know those who knew her, not only in the village but beyond, will want to extend their deepest sympathies to her family and this very sad time.”

Community councillor Ian Gollop paid tribute to Ms Wiltshire and said the village was in a state of shock.
He said: “As postmistress, she was superb. Everybody was made to feel important. She had time for everyone and would go the extra mile to help. She was selfless in the way she ran her business. She also made the PO the hub of the village, doing extra.
“As a councillor, she worked extremely hard on behalf of the village. Residents would always seek her advice if in doubt where to look for help. She will leave a gap on the community council. She was a great support to me and I shall miss her greatly.”
Cllr Gollop added that Ms Wilshire had worked tirelessly for the village’s Jubilee celebrations.

Fraser Coates, St Dogmaels Community Council chairman, added: “Yvonne served on the Community Council for many years She was a very valuable asset to the Council and the whole Community,  Yvonne was involved with so many events and  organisations within the village. 
Yvonne made The Post Office the hub of village life.

“Yvonne will be greatly missed by us all.  Our thoughts are with Her family at this difficult time.”