English reading practice - Britain's Longest-Serving Postmistress Retires (C1/C2 Advanced learners)

Esther Brauer was one of the most beloved figures in the small village of Brayton, North Yorkshire. For over 50 years, she served as the postmistress of the local post office, which she ran out of her own home. On this day 19th May 2014, at the age of 84, Esther retired from her post, marking the end of an era for the village and for the British postal service, as at the time she was Britain's longest-serving postmistress.

Esther's story began in 1957 when she and her husband, George, moved to Brayton and took over the post office. At the time, the post office was housed in a small shed in the village, and it was only open for a few hours each week. Esther and George worked tirelessly to expand the business, eventually moving it into their own home and expanding the range of services they offered.

Over the years, Esther became a fixture in the village. She was not just a postmistress, but also a friend and confidante to many of the villagers. She was known for going above and beyond for her customers, often delivering parcels and packages directly to their homes and providing a listening ear and a warm cup of tea to those in need.

Esther's commitment to her work and her customers did not go unnoticed. In 2013, she was awarded the British Empire Medal in recognition of her services to the community. The award was a testament to Esther's hard work and dedication over the years.

When Esther announced her retirement in 2014, the news was met with sadness and nostalgia in the village. Villagers and customers alike praised Esther for her service and expressed their gratitude for all she had done for the community. Esther, for her part, was humble in the face of the attention, saying that she had simply done what she loved and that she would miss her customers and the village greatly. When asked what she would do with her spare time after retiring she said "I think my husband and I will go away more often."

Esther's retirement marked the end of an era in Brayton. Her departure left a void in the village, and many wondered who could possibly fill her shoes. However, Esther's legacy lives on in the memories of those she touched over the years and in the example she set for others in the postal service. She will always be remembered as a kind, dedicated, and hardworking postmistress. She died in April 2017 but her legacy lives on.