A WARM WELCOME TO TONY PATEL, OUR NEW HUB MANAGER!

After a full and thorough search, we are very pleased to announce that Tony
Patel will be joining us as the new full time, HUB manager on Tuesday 7 th
May. From a strong list of applicants, the interview panel unanimously agreed
that Tony was the standout candidate and without hesitation, offered him the
job which he accepted with great enthusiasm.
Tony has lived in Salisbury for many years and has a rare combination of
more than 30 years of successful hands-on retail experience, mainly
developing and running small village shops – some of which have won
awards. He demonstrated an obvious and heart-felt charitable instinct and a
wish to contribute to the benefit of the local community. We are very fortunate
to have found someone with Tony’s skills, experience and empathy to take on
Ellen’s legacy.
Ellen’s last day will be Friday 10 th May so she and Tony will overlap for a week
to ensure a smooth handover.
Tony is looking forward to meeting you all, so please introduce yourselves at
the earliest opportunity.
A more detailed biography on Tony is available on the HUB website which
highlights his many achievements and interests.

A final thank you to  Ellen
It is hard to believe that Ellen is actually leaving the HUB on Monday 13 th May.
This is both a sad and a joyful occasion. Sad because we have become so
familiar with Ellen’s cheery presence in an around the HUB all these years.
And joyful because you will be pleased to hear Ellen has accepted a local
part-time job at the Famous Hedgehog Bakery which suits her personal life
perfectly. She has worked under considerable pressure at times over the
years but always managed to maintain the friendly, welcoming culture for
which the HUB has become so well known. There will always be a part of
Ellen at the HUB, her legacy is there for all to see. Her contribution to
managing the HUB since the beginning in the way she has is an outstanding
achievement in itself and deserves the highest praise and appreciation from
us all. She will leave the HUB knowing that she has made a huge contribution
to the Chalke Valley community

PLEASE NOTE – A LEAVING PARTY FOR ELLEN THIS WILL TAKE PLACE ON FRIDAY 10 TH MAY FROM 6.30 TO 8.30 IN THE BROAD CHALKE VILLAGE HALL. THIS IS A REAL OPPORTUNITY TO THANK ELLEN PUBLICLY SO WE HOPE AS MANY OF YOU AS POSSIBLE WILL BE ABLE TO ATTEND.

THE POST OFFICE
Things have got off to a good start now that our Post Office facility is being
managed and run as an outreach office from the Tisbury PO by Ed Rigg and
his team.
Please use the Post Office facilities for both private and business
purposes whenever you can. The more it is used the better.
Reminder: the Post Office is open on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from
9.30am –1.30pm.

A tribute to Richard James
The Post Office at the Hub has recently lost a familiar face.
Sue Fry, who worked with Richard James for many years writes:.
“Richard James first appeared in the Chalke Valley in 2009 when the sub-
Post Office at the Robert Fry’s Butcher’s Shop became an outreach satellite
office under Fordingbridge Post Office. Whilst I continued to man Robert’s
until he retired in 2013, Richard would cover for holidays etc and got to know
the regular customers. When the Hub opened in May 2013 the tables were
turned in that a new Post Office counter was run by Richard, occasionally
assisted by myself and Ian. We all knew Richard was keen to retire and not
likely to be there forever, and so we are lucky to have had his cheerful service
for almost six years.   He has enjoyed the varying counter staff and customers
and we shall miss his bearded presence the other side of the glass! At the
impromptu leaving presentation he revealed that he would miss the work in
many ways and is therefore going to help at Sandleheath. His efficiency and
vast Post Office knowledge has benefited the HUB enormously over the
years. We are lucky that he was able to be with us for so long”.
And a message from us all:
Everyone associated with the HUB thanks Richard most sincerely for his
loyal and dedicated service. We wish him well in the next chapter of his
life and hope he will return as a customer to the HUB on a regular basis
where he can be sure of a warm welcome by all those whom he served
so professionally and who got to know him so well over the years.

A CALL FOR MORE CAKE!
Is there anyone out there willing to provide cakes to the HUB on a regular
basis? We are in need of more cake makers as we are keen to maintain the
“locally made” tradition that has been long-established and is so popular with
our customers. Ideally we need anything between two and five cakes a week
per supplier and the more variety of flavours the better. Anyone supplying
food to the HUB has to be registered as a “food business” with the Wiltshire
Council which is much less onerous than it sounds. All you have to do is
download and fill in the form from the Wiltshire Council website
( http://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/env-health-food-business ). There is no cost
involved and authorisation is automatic and immediate. Given our small size
none of our food suppliers have ever been contacted or inspected by the
council so there is very little interference once you are registered. If you feel
you might be able to help please have a word with Ellen or Sharon.

REMINDERS
CAFE CARER – As featured in the April newsletter, the first meeting was a
great success. These take place every second Wednesday and are
organised by Hazel who can be contacted on 01722 780282
BANK HOLIDAY CLOSURES – the HUB will be closed on Monday 6 th and 27 th
May.

Quotes from the visitor’s book:
“Been here before, always happy to return”
“Yay .. this is an amazing place”.