Last weekend saw a special ceremony to unveil Chilton’s Letterbox to Heaven at the town cemetery.
Letterboxes to Heaven began in the Midlands when Matilda Handy, aged 9, was missing her late grandparents.
So, she decided to write to them expressing her feelings and her love for them. From this letter the scheme began.
Matilda’s local crematorium provided a white letter box and today there are numerous boxes across the country.
Last year, Matilda visited 10 Downing Street to receive the Special Point of Light Award from the Prime Minster.
Letterboxes to Heaven allow grieving families to write a letter, birthday or Christmas card, or a simple note to their loved ones letting them know no matter where we are, or how long ago they left us, they are still loved.
This box in Chilton came about as a result of a request from a resident, and it took off. Others loved the idea, and within hours it was agreed to provide the facility.
Town Mayor Cllr Pearl Malpas said: “We are so grateful to Tegan Chapman, Chilton Junior Football and Emma and Peter of Elite Consultant Group Ltd, and numerous members of the public, all of whom provided funds for the box. Thank you everyone.
“We hope you, like us, feel how special this box is and our friends and neighbours feel able to use it in a totally confidential way.”
Ferryhill & Chilton's local community newspaper.
