THE former sub-postmistress of Great Somerford, Pamela Bridges, died aged 89 after suffering a stroke on May 4 at Heather House Nursing Home in Batheaston.

Mrs Bridges was the fourth generation of her family to run the Post Office at Great Somerford. She was born in the village, the daughter of Ayliffe and Dorothy Young, and went to the village school, followed by Malmesbury Grammar School.

She married Stanley Bridges at Great Somerford Methodist Chapel in 1943 and moved to Brinkworth, where she took over the post office. They had two children, Sheila and Robert, three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

In 1951 the family returned to Great Somerford, taking over the shop and post office from Mrs Bridges' parents when they retired.

At this time Mrs Bridges played piano for the plays and musicals. In 1964 the couple sold the shop and took the post office with them when they moved around the corner to Dauntsey Road.

They joined Chippenham Golf Club, playing in competitions for mixed pairs and separately as individuals. Mrs Bridges won several trophies.

After her husband died in 1979 Mrs Bridges continued to run the post office until 1992.

She served on the committee of the WI for many years and played WI skittles and Scrabble. She was also a member of a the choral society, an embroidery group and a keep fit group. In 1994 she suffered a stroke which left her disabled, and she later moved to Batheaston.

Her funeral was held on Tuesday at Great Somerford Methodist Chapel.

1:59pm Thursday 15th May 2008

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