New postbox for mourners’ messages to lost loved ones at New Forest Crematorium

A NINE-YEAR-OLD inspired a special postbox at the New Forest Crematorium in New Milton for mourners to leave letters to their departed loved ones.

The site off Stem Lane recently had the fixture added after the idea proved popular at another location owned by the Westerleigh Group.

It was thought up by Matilda, daughter of memorial advisor Leanne Handy at Gedling crematorium in Nottinghamshire, who wanted to send messages to her late grandparents.

Graeme Horobin, site manager at New Forest Crematorium, said: “Having seen the response to the first memorial post box at Gedling crematorium, I am pleased to have installed something similar here at New Forest, enabling our bereaved communities to have access to this wonderful asset too.

“Feedback has shown that the process of writing a letter, or perhaps a birthday card, to a lost loved one has already brought therapeutic comfort to many people.

“Now the communities in and around our crematorium can do the same thing.

“No address or stamps are required on any of the letters or cards.

“This is just another way in which we can provide emotional support to local families and is part of the uniquely personal, exceptional care that all Westerleigh Group’s crematoria are committed to deliver.”

After her postbox was installed in Gedling, Matilda appeared on the BBC’s One Show and Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway.

She even went to 10 Downing Street where she was presented with a Point of Light Award by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

Mum Leanne said: “She was four when my mum died, and never met my dad.

“We were thrilled by the positive response to the box, and I feel very proud.”

Anyone can use the postboxes, including people who have not held a service at the crematorium.