Did you know that there are branches of several major banks in Coltishall? Somewhere you can draw cash and pay money into your account, with a friendly cheerful (well most of the time!) face to help you? With no charges? Where? At the Post Office.

The Post Office has been working hard to bring banking into the Post Office branch network. For some time now we have been able to cash cheques and accept deposits for several banks, but from April we have been able to carry out online banking for all current accounts with Barclays and Alliance and Leicester. That means you can draw cash out using your cash card and pin number or, if you prefer, by writing out a cheque.

We can also carry out online banking for certain basic accounts with a number of other banks and offer cheque cashing and deposit facilities for Lloyds TSB, Co-op Bank, Smile and Cahoot.

So if you want banking services in Coltishall, come and see us!

Travel Services

Many of you are getting ready to go away on foreign holidays ahead of the summer rush. Have your remembered everything? Here’s a few things we can help you with:

• Foreign currency: you can get your foreign currency and travellers cheques from the Post Office in Coltishall commission free. You need to order the money a minimum of two working days before you travel (four if possible). You can pay by cash, credit card or cheque up to your cheque card limit.

• Travel Insurance: You probably have this all arranged by now, but for an impromptu trip or weekend break, don’t forget the Post Office offers travel insurance at very competitive prices – much cheaper than most travel agents and tour operators.

• E-111 form: If you are travelling in Europe this is essential to get reciprocal health services. Get a form from us, complete the details and bring it in to be stamped and authorised. There is no charge for this.

• Holiday Phonecard: This is a new type of phonecard which you can use from most countries to phone home – much cheaper than using mobiles or hotel phones and easier than using public phones. Cards cost £10 each.

• Want us to hold your mail for you while you are away? Use the Keepsafe service to have us hold your mail at the Post Office until you get home.

For more information on any of the above, ask any of us at the Post Office or call us on 737277. Finally, don’t forget to cancel your papers – have a great holiday!

Steve Haines Subpostmaster
Email: steve@unilake.co.uk