RESIDENTS in Abergavenny say they have been overwhelmed by the reaction on social media after images of the colourfully-decorated community phone box were shared online.
The phone box opposite The Bryn Post Office has garnered some attention since residents started decorating it 10 years ago - but this Christmas has seen it gather significant fanfare.
Community councillor Alison Denton, 59, who also volunteers at the post office, explained how the decorations started.
Villagers from The Bryn who decorate the phone box. Picture: www.christinsleyphotography.co.uk
The decorated phone box in The Bryn. Picture: www.christinsleyphotography.co.uk
“It was ten years ago and if I remember correctly a resident threw a toy chicken in the phone box as a bit of a joke,” Ms Denton said. “Not long afterwards another person put some egg boxes in there. Then suddenly it started to catch on.”
The phone box has rarely been seen empty ever since - and the decorations have become more impressive down the years. Each special occasion is marked with a tailored decoration, and residents have been particularly proud of their efforts for Remembrance Day and Christmas in 2019.
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Denise Lewis, who has been primary phone box decorator for the past five years, said: “It’s nice because people tend to notice it – perhaps that is because you can’t really miss it on your way to the post office. Even though I tend to decorate it, it belongs to the whole community really, and I try to get them involved as much as possible.”
The decorated phone box in The Bryn on St David's Day. Picture: www.christinsleyphotography.co.uk
The community has become even more involved this Christmas, when passers-by were invited to place stars above the nativity in the phone box to commemorate their loved ones.
Ms Lewis thanked members of the Bryn Stitch and Chat Group, who helped to make the nativity this Christmas, saying: “They have done an excellent job and it shows with the unbelievable reaction we’ve received. It’s been touching to say the least.”
After Ms Denton shared images of the phone box on Facebook just before Christmas, the post received hundreds of likes and lots of shares, and she said that many people have been in touch since to praise the decorations.
The decorated phone box in The Bryn during the Royal Wedding. Picture: www.christinsleyphotography.co.uk
“We’ve had some people even call to say they can’t get to the phone box but would like us to stick a star on for them to help commemorate their loved ones who have passed away,” she said. “It’s been amazing and totally unexpected.”
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