Our Story
Dryslwyn Post Office and General Store opened for business in 1852. It was run by the Bryer family as H.G. Bryer and Sons for nearly a century: from around 1914 until 2009, but in recent years barely broke even due to the rise of supermarkets and home delivery services from nearby towns.
In the summer of 2008, P.O. Ltd announced that the post office would be closed as part of the national closure programme, and the withdrawal of the P.O. salary meant that the shop would no longer be viable and must also close. Local residents formed an action group to oppose the closure, since the shop served an area of over 150 square miles with no other alternative.
Despite a well-reasoned 30 page dossier (copy available if required), petitions, letters and the very active support of politicians at every level (from the local community councils right up to MP and MEP level), the anti-closure campaign failed. The post office would be replaced by a van calling to the area for an hour or so for people to wait for, regardless of the Welsh weather!
However, at the “wake” which was held to wind-up the action group in November 2008, a suggestion emerged that maybe the shop could remain open if run by volunteers. A questionnaire was sent out to see what support existed for this idea, and we also asked P.O. Ltd: if the shop did actually survive in this way, would they consider setting up a “partner outreach” service instead of the van? This would mean that although their salary would still disappear, the post office equipment could remain in the shop and be operated by our volunteers.
It was important in two respects: first it would bring people through the door of the shop, secondly it would mean old, young and disabled people would not have to stand in the rain waiting for a van that might not arrive on time. To our amazement, they said yes!
A steering group was formed, an absolute “dream team” with a fantastic range of skills and the time and energy to tackle the myriad problems in taking over the shop. We became a “not for profit” limited company, run by an elected committee whose meetings are open to all members. Anyone who supports the shop in any way is invited to become a member, and now there are over 200 who have signed-up. Any trading surpluses will be used for the benefit of the community.
We received an interest-free loan from the Carmarthenshire lottery, and a grant from Carmarthenshire County Council’s rural regeneration programme to create our vision. This vision was not just of a local shop selling the basics (which we will never lose sight of), but has us extending the range and quality of products and services, for example to include ready meals, an off licence, local farm produce, organic fruit and veg, a café/internet café/wi-fi hotspot for the locals and the tourists, book swap, community scanning/photocopying/printing service, and anything else we think will continue to build up the shop as a hub for the area.
We took over the existing business on April 3rd 2009. Within 8 months trading our sales reached the annual target we set, and the extensive refurbishment and extension of the shop was achieved, together with most of the items in our vision. The rest will follow shortly!
There is every evidence that despite the occasional mistakes made by our team of dedicated volunteers, our customers are well satisfied with what has been done by them and for them in Dryslwyn: strengthening community spirit and lessening isolation.
“Sometimes I can’t get into the shop because of the number of people standing and chatting. I can do most of my parochial visits just by coming here! That’s what it’s all about.” Canon Roger Hughes, Rural Dean.