Abandoned phone box to become community museum

In the quaint village of Oldcroft, located in Gloucestershire, a remarkable transformation is underway. A group of dedicated local artists and photographers have volunteered their time and skills to breathe new life into an abandoned telephone box. Once a vital communication hub for the village, this phone box has fallen into disrepair and become overgrown with weeds and grass. The scene is set on a dreary, overcast day, with grey clouds hanging in the sky. The phone box itself is in a sad state, with its Perspex panels clouded and the word 'Telephone' barely visible at the top. To add a touch of cheer, a Christmas wreath adorned with a white bow has been placed on the door. The community's initiative aims to transform this neglected phone box into a mini museum that showcases the rich history and culture of Oldcroft. Thanks to funding from the West Dean Parish Council, volunteers have outlined plans to paint the interior, display photographs, and even install a new phone that will allow visitors to listen to 'stories of old. ' This project is designed to serve as a focal point for the community, where locals can share their love for the village and its history with visitors. Kathy Cook and Vicky Erskine, two residents of Oldcroft, have taken a leading role in the restoration project. They expressed their desire to preserve the heritage of their village, stating, 'We wanted to pay homage to the little Oldcroft village. ' They believe that there are countless fascinating stories waiting to be told, but currently, there is no central resource for people to learn about the area. Vicky humorously remarked, 'We'd like to all come together here, even if we can't all fit inside it, which would be a challenge. ' The first step in the restoration process involves replacing the clouded Perspex sheets with clear glass panels, followed by a fresh coat of paint to revitalize the phone box's appearance. Once completed, the interior will be filled with an array of pictures, paintings, stories, messages, maps, and information about local landmarks. Vicky has an ambitious vision of finding a refurbished old phone that visitors can use to hear stories from long-time residents of the village. Kathy added that they also plan to create a walking map that will guide visitors to interesting locations, complete with descriptions of each site. The group is optimistic about having the mini museum ready for the public by the summer of 2025, providing a unique opportunity for both locals and visitors to connect with the history and charm of Oldcroft.