A popular postmaster Jaswant Johal, better known as Jesse by customers, has retired after 34 years at the helm of Upper Vale Road Post Office in Windsor.

Mr Johal bought the Post Office in 1990 as part of an “ambitious project” for a Dale Carnegie self-development course.

Since then, Mr Johal has extended the branch three times and improved its layout. Today it is six times the initial size, a thriving Post Office, successful grocery store, bakery, off licence, and newsagent.

Mr Johal said: “We have always taken pride in our local community. We have really loved running this branch. Our customers are our friends and we have got to know them so well over the years.

"It was a family store before we bought it. In keeping with tradition, we have passed it on to another family. We hope the local community will continue to support them and help them thrive!

“We stayed open throughout the pandemic. People wanted to stay local and needed our services, but they also needed to see a friendly, reassuring face. Our customers were very grateful."

Mr Johal lived and studied in Slough since 1962 at Montem primary school, then Slough and Eton secondary school.

Mr Johal's parents helped in the shop and with raising his and his wife's children. They were affectionately known to the local community as Grandma and Grandad. 

All six of their children worked there before starting their own careers. It was a big effort from the whole family to expand the business over the years.

Post Office Area Manager Mary Chong said: “Jesse has been the pillar of this community for 34 years and he has greatly transformed this Post Office and shop with the great help of his wife, Deep and their family.

"It is now a much bigger and more impressive business than when they took it on. They really have gone above and beyond for his community and they are very popular. I really want to thank Jesse and Deep for their long and loyal service and I wish them a happy, well-earned retirement.”

Mr Johal and his wife have lots of holidays planned and will spend more time with their children and grandchildren. Jesse is a keen golfer and hopes to play a lot more.

Taranjeet Malhotra and his family have taken over Upper Vale Post Office and Mr and Mrs Johal had a community celebration outside the branch on Saturday March 9 2024.