Published: Friday, 13th December 2024
Oldham Council has installed a special post box at Failsworth Cemetery so relatives can send letters to loved ones who are no longer with us.
This is the borough’s second memorial post box – both of which have been inspired by the touching story of a Nottinghamshire girl who first thought of the idea.
Matilda Handy came up with the suggestion for letters to heaven post boxes after both her grandparents died, five years apart.
Councils across England, Scotland, and Wales have since installed them.
The new white memorial post box is placed just inside the entrance to the graveyard on Cemetery Road.
The post box was funded by Failsworth East ward councillors Brian Hobin and Neil Hindle.
Councillor Arooj Shah, Leader of Oldham Council, said: “The memorial box allows family and friends to remember their loved ones in a special way.
“Any resident can visit and post their special message. It gives people the chance to post a birthday card, Christmas card, or the last card or letter that they may not have had the chance to send.
“I’d like to thank councillors Hobin and Hindle for using their ward budgets to come up with this thoughtful gesture, I’m sure it’ll be appreciated.”
The town’s first memorial post box was opened at Hollinwood Crematorium earlier this year and is in the Book of Remembrance Memorial Room, next to the Crematorium Chapel. It is available to visit every day of year.
Every letter put into our memorial post boxes are treated with complete confidentiality and sensitivity. None of them are opened or read.