A new manager has been appointed to take over the running of Hambledon’s community shop and post office.

She is Jo Jazeel, and she may be familiar to villagers because she has been running the farm shop operating at the Winterton Arms in neighbouring Chiddingfold since April of last year.

Jo will start on Monday (Feb 17) and will work a 26-hour week, continuing to operate the farm shop as well.

She has useful experience in the retail trade.  In addition to her successful venture at the Winterton Arms, she worked as a temporary sales assistant at Kirdford Community Stores between September 2012 and March 2013. Before that she was an account manager for a retail and supply company and a general manager for a book store. Her various roles included staff management, buying, marketing and distribution.

She also worked as a self-employed dog walker for 30 local clients when her daughter Annie-May, who is now 10, was younger. They live in Chiddingfold.

Her appointment, which has been made in consultation with exisiting part-time shop managers and staff, results from a decision by Hambledon Village Shop Ltd, the company which operates the business, to appoint a single manager.

Of the previous managers, known as the “Three A’s”, Amanda Wright is reducing her hours to two mornings a week, Alison Wilson will continue with the same hours as before, and Alan Brien will leave after a gradual hand-over of his Post Office duties. Jo will have all managerial responsibility.

Of the part-time staff, Michelle, Cyril Netley and Helena Hockridge will continue as before, subject to any reorganisation of working arrangements that Jo may deem appropriate.

Volunteers will continue to be an integral part of the shop operation and have been informed of the changes.