The white post boxes, found at every Westerleigh Group crematorium in the UK, have become the focus of a new children’s book called This Letter Says I Love You.
Published by Scholastic Books, the book shows how people can stay connected to deceased loved ones by writing them letters.
Visitors to Westerleigh Crematorium can view the book.
The story behind the book began with 10-year-old Matilda Handy, who wanted to write to her grandmother after she passed away.
This wish led to the installation of the first white memorial post box at Gedling Crematorium in Nottinghamshire, where Matilda’s mother, Leanne, works.
Within weeks, more than 100 cards and messages were placed in the box, with people saying it brought them comfort and a feeling of connection with their departed loved ones.
The positive response to the first Letters to Heaven box encouraged the Westerleigh Group to install one at each of its sites’ gardens of remembrance.
Westerleigh Group is one of the UK’s largest independent owners and operators of crematoria and cemeteries, with 41 sites across England, Scotland, and Wales.
Other companies worldwide have also adopted the memorial post box idea since the first one opened at Gedling in December 2022.
Now, the memorial post boxes have been captured in print, with words by Lucy Rowland and illustrations by Sharon Rentta.
The book also includes Matilda Handy’s original letter to her grandmother, the first item placed in the pioneering post box at Gedling Crematorium.
Every Westerleigh Group crematorium now has a copy of the book, which visitors can see whenever they visit their nearest site.
Copies are also available for purchase from major book retailers.
Westerleigh Cemetery and Crematorium is hosting a community open day, on Saturday, September 13
The public is invited to explore the memorial gardens, cemetery and chapel, between 10am and 2pm.
Tours of the crematory will be available for those interested.
Attendees will have the opportunity to meet the crematorium’s team and various professionals involved in funeral services.
For more information, visit the Westerleigh Crematorium website.