Latest colourful designs have been unveiled in time for local celebrations
Postbox topper celebrating the Queen's Platinum jubilee
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They've been appearing on postboxes throughout Ealing for some time and bringing joy to many and now new ones have been unveiled to celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.
The colourful eye catching post box toppers first started appearing across the UK during lockdown as a way to honour NHS staff and try and put a smile on people's faces.
They have been spotted over the last year at lots of different locations in the borough and have regularly been commented on and praised by residents on various social media channels.
Many of them have been created by Ealing resident, retired accountant, Jo Bennett, who wanted to use her talents to highlight the work of her fellow blue jacket litter volunteers.
She says the toppers were made 'on behalf of the fabulous local litter picking and regeneration group Lager Can, who do so much to improve our local area.'''
Founded in February 2017 by Keith Freegard, last May the group received a Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. It was collected by Keith and LAGER Can group leader Cathy Swift in a ceremony at Westminster Abbey. Membership of the group is over 2,000, and continues to grow. Jo says :' I started making toppers this year (January) when the wonderful Cathy Swift who is the driving force behind LAGER Can asked if any members could make toppers to publicise LAGER Can and brighten up our streets.
I have made 8 so far, 2 have disappeared and I have taken 2 back for washing and a makeover so 4 out at the moment."
There have been a variety of different themed toppers spotted throughout Ealing - some marking support for Ukraine, others with cartoon character the Minions, and some with the Borough's familiar parakeets, - all bringing joy and delight to local residents.
Sadly, some of the earlier creations were stolen but replacements are now in situ and
Ealing Central and Acton MP, Rupa Huq has taken to Twitter and shared her joy over Jo's most recent toppers too. 'Amazing post boxes off Ealing Common in jubilee stylee... here's hoping they don't go same way as her Ukraine themed one by South Ealing tube which was half inched''
Jo Bennett with one of her new popular toppers
Jo's creations have encouraged others to take up their needles and crotchet hooks too and join this growing ''Topping'' trend. She says, "Anyone can make them and there are lots of free patterns online. The bases are easy and the decorations can be as simple as you like. They can be knitted but most are crocheted as its easier and quicker to work a circle. The topper base can be done in a few evenings depending on the size of the postbox (important to measure beforehand!) The decorations take longer depending on what you choose. Typically it takes me 2 to 3 weeks (of evenings crocheting) in total. Getting the decorations to stay upright in all weathers can be a challenge!"
Mary Rose Leavey is another local post box hero and has produced more Jubilee and patriotic themed box tops as below.
Mary Rose Leavey with one of her creations
Jo says she has been contacted through local social media groups by people wanting to donate wool which she then shares with other makers.
'' I try to minimise waste by only using wool that has been left over from other projects or donated to me by many kind people on the Ealing Reduce, Reuse and Recycle Facebook group. If people would like to donate wool or want tips on making their own toppers they can get in touch with LAGER Can by Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or email and it will be passed on to me to reply. I share wool with other makers and charity knitters. (myself and the other makers I'm aware of do charity knits/crochet as well as toppers.)''
If you want to help you can contact her via LagerCan on Facebook/Instagram or Twitter or on its web site.
Annemarie Flanagan
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May 25, 2022
