'Letters to Loved Ones' Memorial Post-Box unveiled at Preston Cemetery
Post-box offering grieving families a unique way to honour their loved ones.
A new post-box offering grieving families a unique way to honour their loved ones has been unveiled at Preston Cemetery in North Shields.
Located in the cemetery’s Book of Remembrance Room, the Letters to Loved Ones post-box encourages people to write personal letters or cards to those they have lost.
The idea was introduced by E Turnbull & Son Funeral Directors, inspired by a young girl from Nottinghamshire who wanted to write to her late grandparents. Since then, the concept has been adopted in other parts of the country.
Messages can be written on special paper embedded with wildflower seeds, which are later planted in the Garden of Remembrance, blossoming into flowers as a lasting tribute. Those who need more time can take the paper home or collect it from the funeral director.
Ben Broadhead, a seventh-generation director of the 235-year-old family business, approached North Tyneside Council to offer the post-box and paper for the Book of Remembrance Room.
He said: “We hope the post-box brings comfort to those grieving a loved one. Grief can be difficult to express, and this offers a personal way to feel connected to those they miss. We’re honoured to work with North Tyneside Council’s Bereavement Services to support the community through each stage of remembrance.”
The post-box was unveiled on Monday by North Tyneside’s Elected Mayor, Dame Norma Redfearn DBE, who said:
“This is a lovely way to help people cope with grief and feel close to those they’ve lost. Grief is never easy, and finding the right words can be hard. Writing a letter, even a simple one, can bring comfort and peace. I’m so glad we can offer this to people of all faiths.”
Councillor Hannah Johnson, Cabinet Member for the Environment, said: “Writing a letter to a loved one who has passed away offers a deeply personal way to process emotions, honour their memory, and feel a continued connection. This initiative provides a gentle and meaningful way for people to do just that, and I hope it brings them comfort.”
The Book of Remembrance Room, a peaceful space for reflection and writing, is open seven days a week until 4.30pm from November to March, and until 6.30pm from April to October.