A new space for quiet reflection and remembrance has been unveiled at Curzon Street Cemetery, with the installation of a “Letters to Heaven” post box designed to help families and children remember loved ones they have lost.
The post box, which was officially unveiled on Wednesday afternoon by Calne Deputy Mayor, Tim Havenith , allows people to post letters, cards and messages to those who have passed away, offering a gentle way to express grief in a peaceful setting.
The idea for the post box was brought forward by local resident Lucy Holt, who developed the proposal following the loss of her father.
Speaking at the unveiling, Tim Havenith said the project began with a simple but deeply personal idea shared by a member of the community.
“This Letters to Heaven post box began as a heartfelt idea shared by a member of our community,” he said. “Lucy reached out earlier this year, having experienced her own loss, and wondered whether Calne might benefit from a place where people could write to loved ones they miss.
“Her suggestion touched me deeply, and I know it resonates with many of you.”
He described the post box as more than just a physical object, but a symbol of remembrance and connection.
“The Letters to Heaven post box is more than a simple object; it is a vessel for love, remembrance, and connection,” he said. “It offers us a gentle way to express feelings that often go unspoken - to write to those we miss, to share memories, and to keep bonds alive.
“We all carry names and faces in our hearts - loved ones who shaped us, guided us, and whose absence we feel. This post box gives us a way to honour them, to speak to them, and to keep their presence alive in our lives.”
He added that the project reflected Calne’s strong sense of community. “Calne has always been a town that values togetherness. This post box reminds us that grief and remembrance are not solitary journeys, but shared experiences. By supporting this project, we affirm that every voice, every memory, and every story matters.”
Lucy said she wanted to create something that felt safe and welcoming. “Somewhere people could sit quietly and write whatever they need to say, without feeling judged.”
Lucy presented the idea to Calne Town Council earlier this year, where it received unanimous support from councillors. Since then, a number of local organisations have worked together to bring the project to life.
Odette Funeral Director funded the post box and accompanying tablet, while Signature Fencing volunteered their time to install it and lay the surrounding paving, with materials supplied at a discounted rate by Chalford Building Supplies. Calne Town Council also contributed a bench to encourage visitors to pause and reflect.
The Reverend Caspar Bush, minister of Calne and Blackland Parish, attended the unveiling and carried out a short dedication at the site. He has also offered to include the letters in a special service held just before dawn on Easter morning.
He said: “‘The purpose of the service is to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and as part of the service we light a small fire of spiritual renewal. We will offer up the letters and cards with prayers. It is very special, and we welcome anyone who wishes to, to come along on the day."
The post box can be used to leave any kind of written message from letters and postcards to birthday, anniversary or seasonal cards - regardless of when or where a loved one’s funeral took place. No stamp or address is required, and the box is not connected to Royal Mail.
Odette Drummond, owner of Odette Funeral Director, said her team will collect the contents regularly and ensure they are handled with care and confidentiality.
The Letters to Heaven post box is now in place beside the chapel at Curzon Street Cemetery and is open for anyone in the community who may find comfort in using it.
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