Iconic red telephone box gets a new lease of life
Telephone boxes used to be a thing of the past, but not any more thanks to the hard work of local residents, Lyndhurst Parish Council and the New Forest National Park Authority.
The iconic ‘red’ telephone boxes were being sold-off last year by BT in a UK-wide ‘adopt a kiosk’ scheme for one pound last year.
After much hard-work by the local community and funding from the National Park Authority, the telephone box has now been transformed back to its former glory, but with a twist.
The telephone box is on the Lyndhurst Parish walk, a 13.5km trail that takes in Lyndhurst village centre, Bolton’s Bench and the Forest. Now when walkers get to Silver Street in Emery Down, they can stop at this much-loved historic icon and learn about the area’s history, borrow a book, purchase some vegetables and give their dog some water.
Jim Mitchell, Interpretation Officer at the New Forest National Park Authority, said: ‘This community has worked very hard on this project and should feel proud of what they have achieved. They have dedicated their own time in transforming a telephone booth into something that not only serves the whole community but also passers-by and walkers.
‘It’s been great to have been part of this scheme and we look forward to people using the kiosk and learning about this special area of the National Park.’
Peter Power, a resident of Emery Down and one of the driving forces behind this campaign added: ‘When I heard you could buy a historic piece of the UK’s history for the princely sum of one pound I knew we had to do it. Many people in the village still remember that you had to be connected by the local post mistress in the post office before you could even make a call!
‘Everyone in the community has got behind us and worked incredibly hard, donating their own time; the local pub even donated a dog bowl and all the profits made from selling vegetables will be donated to the local church a few yards away.’
To celebrate the unveiling of this much-loved icon the media is invited to attend a photo call on the 28 April at 10:30am on Silver Street at Emery Down (SO43 7).
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Notes to Editor:
Protect - Enjoy - Prosper
The National Park Authority is here to protect the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the Park; to help people to enjoy and understand its special qualities and to support the prosperity of local communities for a sustainable future.
Our statutory purposes are:
- To conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the Park
- To promote opportunities for understanding and enjoyment of its special qualities
We also have a duty to foster the social and economic well-being of local communities within the Park.
The New Forest National Park was created in March 2005. Its unique landscape has been shaped over the centuries by grazing ponies, cattle and pigs which roam free. Majestic woodlands, rare heathland and a spectacular coastline provide fabulous opportunities for quiet recreation, enjoyment and discovery.
Media Contact:
Karen Evans, Communications Officer, New Forest National Park Authority
Tel: 01590 646650
Email: karen.evans@newforestnpa.gov.uk
