Traditional train station postbox offers a first class service

Glossop's oldest postbox is back in business at the Norfolk Street station and ready for a rush of Christmas mail. 

Neil Williams, chairman of the station’s friends’ group, had thought the days of the familiar red box were over after discovering the front was missing. 

But it’s back where it belongs – set in the wall near the waiting room where it had been for more than 170 years and Neil is delighted. 

He said: “It’s part of Glossop’s heritage and is in a conservation area so it had to stay and, apart from that, people are using it.” 

Neil called the Chronicle last month following fears that Royal Mail might be considering removing the box – and contacted several people to make sure it didn’t happen. 

He said: “I am delighted to report that the damaged Victorian postbox has been repaired and restored to working order by Royal Mail. 

“Mike Brown of Glossop Heritage Trust confirmed that it is an original feature of the station. 

“A number of people have, in recent weeks, helped persuade Royal Mail to repair the box, these have included local councillors, Northern and Gillian Bayliss, the conservation officer at High Peak Borough Council. 

“We have been very grateful for their support and hope that now the postbox is back in use it will be busy with Christmas mail.” 

With the festive season well and truly started, the friends’ group has been busy putting up the Christmas decorations, although the annual train by Father Christmas has had to be cancelled due to the Covid-19 situation. 

Added Neil: “Northern gave us permission to put up the decorations and a star attraction is the Christmas tree, which has been kindly donated by Glossop Garden Centre. 

“The flower boxes and baskets under the platform canopy now have seasonal flower arrangements created and organised by the group’s Bunty Gibson and from Glossop Gardeners, Christine Harris and Pat Barlow-Ralls. 

“We are very appreciative of this collaborative volunteer effort to make the station look attractive, especially after such a difficult year. 

“We hope the decorations will bring a little cheer to all travellers using the station during the Christmas period.”