Tag: Aberdeenshire

Rita and Stan Cordiner have loyally served Boddam community, near Peterhead, for nearly 49 years
Boddam Post Office in the family for over 60 years
Couple to retire

Popular couple Rita and Stan Cordiner have today sadly announced their retirement from Boddam Post Office after nearly 49 years of loyal service.

Stan, whose extended family have run Boddam Post Office for over 60 years said: “Both Rita and I have passed retirement age, and the business is due to close on March 18 as we feel that it is the right time to step down.

“Rita and I really didn’t want to leave our village without an essential Post Office and shop, but we have been looking for a suitable buyer for some time and sadly we have unable to find one.

“We managed to stay open throughout the pandemic and people were very grateful. Our community will really miss the business when it closes and they will be sad to hear the news. We are obviously disappointed that there is no solution.”

Rita took on the shop at 3 Rocksley Drive, Boddam, Peterhead, AB423BA, in 1975. Less than a year later, the Post Office was added to the shop and Rita became sub-postmistress in September 1976.

Previously, Boddam Post Office had been operated by Stan’s relatives elsewhere in the village. The building itself was constructed in the 1930’s when it was opened as a tea room, confectioner and ice cream shop.

Rita and Stan’s business was rebranded a few years ago when they adopted the quirky name of the “Red Shed” as it is covered in bright red corrugated metal.

The shop also provided an essential foodbank facility for village people until the Boddam Hub was in a position to take it over.

Postmistress, Rita Cordiner, said: “The best thing about being Postmistress and running a shop is all the local people you meet. We really care about the community and we like to help people. We have very fond memories of this shop. All three of our children worked here.

“We want to take this opportunity to thank all of our staff, suppliers and shelfers (past and present) who have faithfully served us over the years – not forgetting our loyal customers without whom there would have been no Red Shed or Post Office.”

Post Office Area Change Manager, David Duff, said “Rita and Stan are a lovely couple and they have been very loyal and committed to this community for nearly five decades. They have really enjoyed serving this village and they tried really hard to find new owners. It is a lovely part of Scotland.”