Barham Postoffice

8.15.00am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 8th Oct 2009

Officially opened in August, the Nailbourne Community Store is a real triumph.

When the idea of restoring Post Office services in Barham was first mooted, the problems seemed endless. But the dynamic committee refused to be daunted. Help came from Action with Communities in Rural Kent, and the Village Hall Committee.

KCC provided a proportion of the initial outlay. Crucially, though, villagers acted rather than complain, and bought shares in the venture. There were many hurdles on the way, including the bureaucratic requirements of the Post Office, and BT.

However it is there, and up and running, and it is up to us to make sure it thrives. It just goes to show what small communities can do if they have the determination.