News / Sea Mills
Sadness as ‘cloak of death’ could signal end of postbox yarn bombing
The current knitted postbox topper at Sea Mills Square could be the last, marking the end of a much-enjoyed local tradition.
Recently, the postbox door was removed and the entire pillar was sealed with a plastic shroud in what online yarn bombing groups call “the cloak of death”.
Changes to the distinctive red structures are happening across the country as Royal Mail rolls out its “postbox modernisation” with knitters saying the new designs are incompatible with yarn bombing.
It could be a sad development for Judy McIntosh who has been knitting toppers for the Sea Mills postbox close to her home since 2022.
Royal Mail declined to confirm the upgrade to Bristol24/7 however the presence of black plastic and a missing door suggests the postbox will be replaced within four to six weeks.
The new postbox design includes south-facing solar panels on top – photo: Royal Mail
Following trials in Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire, some 3,500 postboxes are now being converted to include barcode readers and a larger parcel slot.
The new design, said to be the most radical change in 175 years, includes solar panels on top to power the barcode reader.
As a result, decorative toppers will no longer be permitted as they obstruct the panels.
Despite these national changes, there is no official confirmation regarding the Sea Mills postbox and staff at the local Post Office reported they have received no information.
2025’s Christmas creation is an intricate snowy scene – photo: Mary Milton
Although local knitter Judy often keeps her identity a secret, word has spread about her popular creations, earning her the status of a local celebrity.
“I enjoy that people enjoy them,” she says.
“Sometimes, when we put them up, people are out taking pictures before we have even gotten home.
“We know those pictures get sent all over the world.”
Judy’s first topper was for the Queen’s jubilee in 2022 – photo: Mary Milton
Judy, who makes toppers for occasions, admits to having mixed feelings about the change.
“I’ve thought about putting one on another box, but that’s our box” she says. “It will take the pressure off, though; sometimes it’s a rush to finish them.”
Judy’s husband Alan, an integral part of the team, says to her: “You’ve been asking what you’ll do in the evenings now.”
Reflecting on their early days, he adds: “We were like misbehaving kids the first time we put one on.
“We waited until it was dark and no one was around. It took us ages.
“We are experts now and it’s straight on and done,” he adds.
Judy has knitted a multitude of designs over the years – photo: Mary Milton
Yarn bombers across the UK have taken to Facebook to express both their disappointment at the development and to come up with alternative ideas for decorating the new boxes or using other street furniture.
Judy has a collection of previous toppers stored away in her loft and it is unlikely that her yarn bombing days are over.
Sea Mills will just have to wait to see what she does next.
Mary Milton is reporting on Sea Mills as part of Bristol24/7’s Community Reporters programme, aiming to amplify marginalised voices and communities often overlooked by mainstream media.
This initiative is funded by our public, Better Business members and a grant from the Nisbets Trust.
Main photo: Mary Milton
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