Related Articles
A postmistress from the Ribble Valley has been invited to a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace, just after the Coronation.
The Royal invitation from the Lord Lieutentant of Lancashire is in recognition of Megan’s “continued contribution to the communities of Lancashire”. Megan and her Mum, Clare Hardcastle, took over Slaidburn Central Stores and Post Office in March 2017.
Megan had just finished university and wanted to stay local, and Clare was looking for a fresh start after 26 years in education. They were the North West regional winner of the Countryside Alliance 2021 awards, dubbed the ‘rural Oscars’, which celebrates the businesses who go the extra mile to support their local economy and are the unsung heroes in the community.
Read More:
Now 28-year-old Megan and her partner, James Boyd, are off to London for a mini break with the highlight being the Royal Garden party. Megan and Clare have been busy decorating their shop with flags and bunting to mark King Charles III’s Coronation. They really enjoy getting involved with Royal occasions.
(Image: PA)
The remote village loves community get togethers. On Coronation Day there is a hog roast and firework display. On the Sunday the Slaidburn Silver Band will perform and there will be a cream tea. Businesses and homes will also be judged for the best Coronation displays.
Postmistress Megan Hardcastle said: “I was so shocked but delighted to be invited to Buckingham Palace. I will miss the Coronation celebrations here on the Sunday as I don’t want to risk any travel delays as I am so looking forward to going to the Royal Garden party and I will get to enjoy London too.”
Since 2017 Clare and Megan have transformed their shop and there is a bigger emphasis on selling local produce. This really ramped up during the pandemic when there was a shortage of supplies nationally and it was also a great way to support local producers.
The pandemic really helped to bring the isolated community together, with volunteers organising a delivery service across the valley. Clare and Megan allowed people to place their orders with the store, and a village coordinator would arrange for a driver to pick up the shopping and deliver it to their home – a lifeline for those self-isolating.
That sense of togetherness continued with the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee last June and again for the King’s Coronation.
Read Next:
