A picture that tells a story.
In the ‘About’ page I suggest that the mobile phone, and its ability to send emails, pictures and texts, must accept some responsibility for the demise of the postcard. If that is so, then it must be even more accountable for the gradual disappearance of the good old phone box. These bright red icons of Britain are disappearing in large numbers. In my childhood these were the only way to make a phone call. Few families had a phone at home but one of these boxes was never far away. Now, and understandably, people prefer to carry a mobile, complete with all the contact numbers and a whole range of other information and capabilities they could ever wish for.
Many people in picturesque villages have been saddened by threats to remove their phone box, even though they probably didn’t use it. The phone box was part of the overall scene. However, rather than the boxes being removed, some people and parish councils are now ‘adopting’ an old red phone box and they are now being used to house ATM machines or defibrillators, mini art galleries, libraries or book exchange stations.
The good thing about digital photography is that it gives a record of exactly when the photo was taken and I was surprised to see that I took the one above at Sandringham Estate way back in July 2005. This must have been the time when more and more people were owning mobile phones and consequently turning their backs (as in the photograph) on the traditional phone box. You can imagine this couple had just purchased their first mobile and were enjoying the novelty of ringing family and friends from a holiday or day out.
John's Postcards 
I like that picture, it makes a great modern social comment. I can’t remember the last time I received a postcard through the letterbox but I always buy them as holiday souvenirs. We will miss them of course because they provide a valuable record of the time and place, no one remembers a phone call or writes down a note of the conversation.
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Thank you Andrew, by coincidence we had a postcard through the letter box this morning. Our son is visiting our daughter in the states and he sent us one he did on-line.
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I forgot to add it was one he did online so wins all round – use of technology, quick delivery (printed and posted in UK) and a physical card landing on our mat!
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Our nearest phone box is a book-exchange now and used regularly, which is more than can be said of the poor phone-box in latter years. I enjoyed my visit to Sandringham a few years ago with my elder daughter.
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I love when I come across ones that have been repurposed. Great storytelling image here 🙂
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The good old red phone box is certainly iconic. I’m so glad that they are finally seeing that they can be used for other things. I think it’s marvellous that they are doing this now. Sadly we had one removed and I miss it. Enjoyed your post – thank you. You have a lovely blog.
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I’m going to enjoy this blog
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Thank you Derrick. I hope you do – you are very welcome.
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