Hopes Green Postbox

Saved by residents and our MP

Hopes Green postbox before being moved
Google Streetview
Close up of the box in November 2016
Phil Coley
Notice of the bad news that the box is to be removed
Phil Coley
Even the postbox is unhappy
Phil Coley
A sad day indeed for the postbox
Phil Coley
The post box after it was moved to its new location in mid-December 2016
Phil Coley
This picture was taken when Hopes Green Post Office had the postbox outside it.  It is thought that the photo may have been taken in the 60s; but if you know differently please let us know by adding a comment below.
Jenny Day
Note the different shops in this November 2016 picture
Phil Coley
Hopes Green Postbox

Hopes Green Postbox

Interest was enlivened locally and through the local press when it was announced that this longstanding piece of street furniture was to be removed.  

It is outside what was Hopes Green Post Office, in Benfleet’s High Road, where it has been for at least the last 60 years or so.

 

Now it is to be moved only a short distance away and not removed altogether as was envisaged at one stage, thanks to the efforts of some residents and our Member of Parliament.

This brings to mind the song by Michael Flanders and Donald Swann which they included in their “Hat” revues of the 1950s and 60s.  It was called “Pillar to Post”.

Two verses seem appropriate.  The words are reproduced here from the Songs of Michael Flanders and Donald Swann. 

 

                But there’s one who’s standing by,
                A lonely little fellow
                Who is trying not to cry;
                While all the rest are happy
                His courageous heart is not,
                And I hear him sadly singing
                As a tear runs down his slot:

                ‘Pity the poor little Pillar-Box
                Standing in the rain all day,
                Tired and weary, weak and shivery,
                Waiting for the next delivery.
                Nobody cares for the Pillar-box
                Or asks him out to play,
                So pity the pretty little Pillar-Box
                Standing in the rain all day.’

 

Comments about this page

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  • I understand that the post box was repositioned next to the railings, I think, on 19th December 2016.

    Has anyone a picture of the post box with the slim stamp machine fixed to its side?   Once it was vandalised it was removed altogether.  This must be at least 30 years ago.

    My thanks, too, to Phil and Jenny for their additional pictures.  They enhance my short piece admirably.

     

    By John Downer (20/12/2016)
  • Thanks to Phil for the excellent photos.

    By Frank Gamble (06/12/2016)
  • For a short time the postbox sported a ‘sad face’. If you have a photo of this we would like to add it to this page. Please send it to info@benfleethistory.org.uk. (Editor)

    By Frank Gamble (28/11/2016)

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