First installed at Gedling Crematorium before Christmas, this wholesome idea is from the genius mind of nine-year-old Matilda Handy, who wanted to send letters to her grandparents, who have both passed away. With a little help from her mother, who works at the Nottinghamshire crematorium, an old red postbox was painted white and gold and installed in the grounds, aptly named a ‘postbox to heaven’.
A plaque sits alongside the box that reads: ‘Thank you for taking a moment to stop by our special post box. Whether you wish to write to your loved one on the day of an important anniversary or have no specific reason for doing so, this is a dedicated place for posting your letter.’
Matilda explained that writing letters to her late grandparents eased her grief. So many people were touched by the young girl’s idea, and over 100 letters were posted shortly after it was installed.
The Westerleigh Group, who own Gedling Crematorium, were so impressed by how popular the postbox has been that they have now announced that the idea will be rolled out at all 36 of their sites around the UK—and three new sites due to open later in the year.
Amongst the 36 crematorium sites is Howe Bridge Crematorium, set inside acres of gorgeous gardens in Atherton, where you can find a postbox to heaven. So, like Matilda, Mancunions can now find comfort in writing to loved ones they have lost.