Rochdale News | News Headlines | Memories wanted of Wardle post office post box for BBC’s Repair Shop

Wardle village residents are being asked for their memories of the post box at the post office for a video to send to the BBC Repair Shop show.

In 2021, local residents noticed the oval directional sign was in a bad way and needed some TLC as it was badly rusted and barely attached to the post box.

The post box itself dates to the reign of George V between 1910 and 1936, embossed with GR. Boxes from this era account for around 15%, with more than 60% of current British post boxes carrying the EIIR mark of Queen Elizabeth II or a Scottish crown.

After speaking with members of Wardle Society and local councillors, it was decided the sign would be removed and the BBC’s Repair Shop – which restores antique and much-loved items to their former glory – would be contacted.

Ward councillor Rina Paolucci got in touch with the show’s producers who are interested in the project and would like a video sent in about the sign.

A joint statement from Royal Mail and Historic England says such enamel signs are “increasingly rare” and should be “restored rather than removed.”

The statement adds: “Surviving oval enamel Post Office directions signs and Airmail signs on the caps of some pillar boxes are increasingly rare and normally should be repaired and, where practically possible, restored rather than removed.

“If a specimen is no longer fit for operational use, it should be offered to a local museum or other appropriate local institution, exhibited at local Royal Mail premises, or offered to The Postal Museum.”

If you can help with memories of the post box, please get in touch with Vicky Hilton via vicky@artfulonline.org.