A PATRIOTIC postmistress, aptly-named Elizabeth, who pulled out all the stops to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee last year, has now decorated her picturesque Powys post office to mark the King’s Coronation this weekend.

Back in 1977, when Queen Elizabeth II was a mere 25 years into her reign and celebrating her Silver Jubilee, Elizabeth Edwards and her husband, Trevor, arrived in Powys from Surrey, with their young family in tow, to take on Beguildy Post Office and shop.

Now, almost half a century later, Elizabeth, who still runs the post office and shop in the village near the Shropshire border, aged 84, is busy preparing for another royal milestone.

“I was very sad when the Queen passed away in September,” said Elizabeth.

“I’m really pleased that we marked her 70 years as monarch, which was a remarkable achievement.

“I remember watching the news as a child about her becoming the Queen and then watching her coronation. She was a great example to the people of the UK and the commonwealth.

“Now it is time to mark the Coronation of King Charles III and I have decorated my branch for this historic occasion. I am really looking forward to the day.”

County Times: Beguildy Post Office and shop is a vital hub for the local community and is renowned for its vintage signs Beguildy Post Office and shop is a vital hub for the local community and is renowned for its vintage signs (Image: None)

Elizabeth’s eye-catching post office – a vital hub as it is the only one located between Newtown and Knighton – is well-known by locals and tourists for her vintage advertising signs.

And the signs have been joined by masses of bunting and a flurry of Union Jack flags ahead of the coronation this Saturday.

“It’s an important event to recognise and I hope what I’ve done at the shop might inspire others and help to make people realise how important an occasion it is,” added Elizabeth, who is known as Ann to her customers and friends.

“I think we’re lucky to have a royal family and King Charles’ Coronation is about continuity, really.

“We had terrific celebrations for the 25th anniversary. I remember it well; it was great fun, with lots of children running around.”

The shop is the only one within an eight-mile radius, so will be at the heart of the community’s celebrations this weekend – although an actual party is being held just up the road at Felindre Village Hall.

“When we had a hall in Beguildy and the school we had a lot of celebrations there, but with the school closing the village has lost a bit of life,” added Elizabeth.

“I’ve put a lot of decorations up, but the celebrations will be held in Felindre Village Hall. I hope it will be a great day and I hope people will go to Felindre.”

Christened Elizabeth by her parents, she was born in Surrey in March 1939 – just six months before World War II broke out.

She married Trevor in 1962 and they had five children before moving to Wales in 1977.

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Elizabeth has cherished her role as postmistress, one she has always loved because of the interaction with customers and being an essential part of the community.

Now in her mid-80s, she admits she might have to retire one day, but don’t expect that to be any time soon.

“When you live here and it’s your home you keep doing it, it’s been such a big part of my life,” said Elizabeth.

“All our children went to school here. It’s our home, even though it’s just me now.

“I’m a glutton for punishment, I think, but I want to be here.

“It’s good to have a post office and I hope people appreciate me. We’re the only one between Knighton and Newtown so it’s a vital service.”