Contents:
- Editor's welcome
- Dave Richardson: Man of Rochdale 2023
- Best in region for Rochdale BNI
- Wardle’s rare George V post box »
- Access all areas at Hopwood Hall
- BLOKES at Hare Hill House - a safe space for men to socialise
- Hairdressing trend - Wednesday's bangs
- Benches for new Town Hall Square inspired by global fabric designs
- 11 years of bespoke slow fashion at Violet Flamingo
- Triple layer Easter traybake
- Rochdale Riverside Brick Show
- Nature’s Elements: discover your inner magic
- Historical follies photographed from unique aerial perspective
- Lamb shanks with mashed potatoes and roasted root vegetables
- Springhill’s Volunteer Appeal 2023
- 10 years of comedy with ACE LIPS
- Seasonal small business markets at Hare Hill House
- The financial habits to make 2023 less taxing
- Ian Henderson becomes Dale’s all-time record goalscorer
- Gardening tips for spring
- Legal changes ahead for businesses
- Dani Burke: mental wellness through art
- Why spring can still get up your nose
Spring 2023Wardle’s rare George V post box
Wardle village residents are being asked for their memories of the post box at the post office on Birch Road for a video to send to the BBC’s Repair Shop.
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.”
Please get in touch with Vicky Hilton via if you can help with memories of the post box.