Bedford Borough Council is proud to announce the installation of a heartwarming initiative at Norse Road Crematorium, a ‘Post box to Heaven.’ Inspired by the touching story of a grieving nine-year-old in Nottingham who first conceived the idea, the council received a number of requests from residents for a similar post box locally. This special post box provides an opportunity for people to send letters or cards to a loved one they’ve lost.
The post box is designed to offer solace and support to those navigating the challenging journey of grief. This initiative acknowledges the diverse ways people express their emotions and seeks to provide a tangible and personal outlet for remembrance.
The ‘Post box to Heaven’ was installed on Tuesday, November 28, 2023, at the Norse Road Crematorium. The post-box can be found located on one of the columns of the porch at the main office as people come in. It is adjacent to a bench that overlooks the crematorium, which provides a serene space for individuals to sit, reflect, and remember their loved ones after they have posted their letter.
Councillor Phillippa Martin-Moran-Bryant, Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, Regulatory Services, and Housing, shared their thoughts on the initiative, "The Post-box to Heaven is a touching and innovative way to help people cope with loss. It provides a physical outlet for emotions, allowing individuals to express their feelings and remember their loved ones in a personal and heartfelt manner.”
There are also opportunities to create a longer lasting memorial for a loved one in Bedford Borough, either at Norse Road Cemetery who offer a range of memorial options, or with a plaque on a park bench or by planting a tree to create an honouring legacy. Through a partnership with Trees for Streets, commemorative and celebration trees are available to sponsor, providing a lasting memorial and a haven for wildlife.
Dedicated benches can be located in parks and green spaces, such as Bedford Park, The Embankment, Mowsbury Park, Russell Park, and Priory Country Park, remaining in place for fifteen years.
For more information on the memorial and tree sponsorship program, please visit www.bedford.gov.uk/memorialtreesandbenches.
For options for memorials at Norse Road Crematorium please visit www.bedford.gov.uk/memorials.