Members of Mowesi Marshgate WI at the grand opening of their community telephone kiosk
There’s a little bit of magic in every box, they say …but when the WI is involved, you can bet your dialling finger on it.
Our iconic red telephone boxes are being decommissioned across the country as more and more people carry a mobile phone. The kiosk in Tresparrett was bought by St Juliot Parish Council for £1, but has stood for several years gathering dust and cobwebs.
Then Mowesi Marshgate WI decided to take it in hand, and now it stands gleaming and decked with bunting, a pleasure to the eye and a resource for the community.
The kiosk project was the brainchild of WI secretary Jenny Metters, who grew up in the village, and was sad to see the familiar box standing derelict. She approached the Parish Council and asked permission for Mowesi Marshgate WI to adopt the box and give it a makeover – they said yes.
(left to right) Mowesi Marshgate WI Secretary Jenny Metters, Parish Council Vice-Chairman Alan Trevennor and Mowesi Marshgate WI President Liz Long
Tresparrett’s Ron “Nobby” Mason cuts the ribbon.
Jenny organised members to go and clean and rub down the kiosk, then it was repainted in the correct colour and shelves were fitted inside. It now operates as a book swap shop for anyone walking by, and includes seed packets, plants, DVDs, jigsaws, magazines and children’s books, which are all free to all comers.
The box was ready just in time for the Queen’s Jubilee, and a grand opening was held, with Tresparrett’s notable citizen Mr Ron “Nobby” Mason cutting the ribbon. Mowesi Marshgate WI members wore red, white and blue, and tea and cakes were served to visitors.
Well done ladies. That looks splendid and will be a great asset to your village.
Well done ladies great use of the telephone box