The Henshaws arrived in Cocking a year ago to take over the Post Office and village shop, saving it from possible closure.  A year later the Post Office is even more firmly established as a vital part of village life and offers a much wider range of products than before.

The couple's enterprising approach to the shop has been a revelation to the village.  A vegetable stall for local produce, Linda's home made scones, hot soup and sandwiches for hikers - are just a few examples of their innovative approach.  They really are willing to try  out fresh ideas.

Canon Colin Bradley paid tribute to Paul & Linda's contribution to Cocking and thanked them on behalf of the packed Church and residents generally.  Paul replied with some funny tales about his early struggles with Post Office book-keeping and his exposure to 'southerners' and Linda wiped away a tear or two, which wasn't only due to the quality of Paul's jokes.

The assembled crowd then ate and drank the delicious refreshments, while the church was filled with the sound of conversation well into the evening.  A really good party was had by all.