End Of An Era As Village Post Office Closes After 173 Years

The Post Office in North Kilworth has closed after being run by the same family for 173 years.

The branch, which has been in the hands of the Howkins family since 1847, has been closed since the first lockdown last March and will not reopen its doors.

Postmaster Julie Beisner, who is now caring for her elderly father, said the size of the shop makes it impractical for social distancing.

Her mother passed away in October and she has now decided to officially close the business.

Julie’s great-great-grandfather Stephen Howkins opened the first post office in the village at a converted malthouse, next to the White Lion pub.

He retired at the age of 79 and passed the reins on to his daughter Maria, then on to his son, Jamie, followed by Jamie’s widow, Louisa.

In 1953 Julie’s grandparents, Frank and Vera (known as Annie) took on the post office and moved to new premises a few yards away in Lutterworth Road where the branch has been ever since.

The post office passed onto Julie’s uncle Michael Howkins and Julie’s Mother Mavis Beisner (known as Gilly) for a short while.

Julie, who had helped out at the shop even when she was at school became assistant postmaster in 1988.

Then, in 1996, she became postmaster – a role she has had for nearly 25 years.

Julie told Hfm it is the end of an era, but she has many memories of her time as Postmaster, including villagers using the facilities for non-postal matters:

Post Office bosses surprised Julie by delivering a bouquet of flowers to thank her for her years of service.

Postmaster Julie Beisner

A young James Howkins delivering the post ca. 1900

The previous office next to The White Lion coaching Inn late 19th century

Richard Hall from Post Office Ltd presents the flowers to Julie