HAS THE LAST CALL ARRIVED FOR YOUR LOCAL PHONE BOX? 📞

The red public telephone box is an iconic symbol of British heritage and history. It would be a great shame if we lost them altogether, even if in an increasingly cashless society we seem to use them less and less.

First introduced in 1921, these telephone kiosks quickly became ubiquitous across the UK, and are still a familiar sight on many of our streets today.

In rural areas, including some parts of the South West of England, with poor mobile reception or signal drop-out, the phone box can still offer a vital means of communication.

The familiar design for the red telephone box was created by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, a prominent architect of the time. His design was selected from a competition held by the General Post Office (GPO), which was responsible for the country's telephone service at the time. The box was designed to be sturdy and weatherproof, with a distinctive domed roof and a bright red colour that made it easily visible on busy streets.

The first red telephone boxes were made of cast iron, with the distinctive red paintwork applied by hand. Over time, the design was refined, and later models were made of concrete and other materials. The interior of the box also evolved, with early models featuring a wooden shelf to hold the telephone directory, and later models featuring a metal shelf and a light bulb to illuminate the interior at night.

During World War II, many red telephone boxes were painted green to reduce their visibility and protect them from enemy bombing. After the war, they were gradually repainted in their original red colour, and new models were introduced with improved features such as automatic doors and push-button dialling.

Despite the rise of mobile phones and other communication technologies, the red telephone box remains an important part of British culture and heritage. Many of the older models have been preserved or restored, and some have even been converted into mini libraries, art installations, and other creative uses. There must be many other ways to keep them from rusting away into insignificance.

In recent years, there has been a growing movement to protect and preserve these iconic structures, with many communities campaigning to keep them in place even as the need for public telephones has dwindled. In recognition of their cultural significance, the red telephone box was granted Grade II listed status in 1985, and many individual boxes have also been listed as historic buildings.

Today, the red telephone box stands as a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of British design, as well as a symbol of the country's communications history and heritage. 

Whether they are used for their original purpose or repurposed for new uses, these iconic structures remain an important part of the English landscape, and a source of inspiration and pride for generations to come.

Use them don't lose them. We'd miss them if they all suddenly vanished.

In the event of your own town's red kiosk being threatened with disconnection as an active phone box, what novel ideas might you put forward that it could be usefully turned into? 

Report by Duncan Williams for @ViewFromUK

DON'T LET OUR FOOD BANKS GO BUST - WE NEED THEM NOW MORE THAN EVER... 🍞

Report from the Editor's Desk by Duncan Williams 

The West Country is facing a growing cost of living crisis, with an increasing number of families relying on food banks to make ends meet. The cost of living has risen dramatically over the past few months, with the cost of essential items such as food, housing, and energy increasing at a faster rate than wages.

According to recent figures, the number of people accessing food banks in the West Country has risen by over 50% in the past year alone. This is a worrying trend that highlights the extent of the problem facing many families in the region.

The rise in food bank use is not just a problem for low-income families, but also for those on middle incomes who are struggling to make ends meet. Many families are finding it difficult to afford basic necessities such as food and heating, and are being forced to turn to food banks to put food on the table.

The reasons for the cost of living crisis are complex, with many factors contributing to the problem. Rising energy bills, increasing food prices, and the high cost of housing are all contributing to the problem, and many families are finding it difficult to keep up with the rising cost of living.

The government has come under increasing pressure to take action to address the cost of living crisis, and to provide support for families who are struggling to make ends meet. However, critics argue that the government's response has been inadequate, and that more needs to be done to address this growing problem.

Many charities and community groups are stepping in to help, with food banks and other support services providing a vital lifeline for families in need. However, these services are often stretched to the limit, and many are struggling to keep up with the growing demand.

The cost of living crisis is a growing problem in the West Country, and one that needs urgent attention from policymakers at all levels. Unless action is taken soon, the number of families relying on food banks is likely to continue to rise, with devastating consequences for those who are already struggling to make ends meet.

If you need emergency food, want to make a food donation or are interested in volunteering, you can find your nearest Trussell Trust food bank using this map.

https://www.trusselltrust.org/get-help/find-a-foodbank/

FOX HUNTING : SHOULD THE BAN BE REVIEWED? 🦊

Since the Hunting Act 2004 was passed, fox hunting with dogs has been banned in the United Kingdom. However, the debate over whether or not the ban should remain in place continues to rage on.

On one hand, animal rights activists argue that fox hunting is a cruel and barbaric practice that has no place in modern society. They point to the fact that foxes are often chased for miles by packs of hounds, only to be ripped apart by the dogs once caught. They also argue that fox hunting is not an effective means of controlling fox populations, as there are far more humane methods available, such as shooting or trapping.

On the other hand, supporters of fox hunting argue that it is a traditional countryside pursuit that is an important part of rural life in the UK. They argue that foxes are a pest that need to be controlled, as they can cause significant damage to livestock and other wildlife. They also argue that the ban on fox hunting has led to a decline in rural economies, as many businesses that rely on hunting, such as kennels and farriers, have been forced to close.

Despite the ban, fox hunting continues to take place in some parts of the UK, albeit illegally. Pro-hunting groups argue that the ban has done little to stop the practice, and has simply driven it underground. They also argue that the police and other authorities are wasting valuable resources trying to enforce the ban, when they could be tackling more serious crimes.

The debate over fox hunting is likely to continue for many years to come. While animal rights activists will no doubt continue to call for the ban to remain in place, supporters of hunting will continue to argue that it is an important part of rural life in the UK. Ultimately, the decision over whether or not to lift the ban will rest with whoever is in government and if there is ever enough public demand to see the ban either reviewed or completely overturned by repealing the law. 

What do historic and local readers of Pulman's Weekly News think about this issue? Our patch had hosted fox hunting for generations prior to the ban.

Westminster's voice is one thing but what do rural residents actually feel about this matter? Are we really well shot of hunting down the British fox, all for the better and all for good?

Farmers across East Devon and South Somerset have always held particularly strong views on this matter. 

So please, with the 20th anniversary of the introduction of the ban fast approaching us, let's hear your honest opinions on this contentious subject of fox hunting.

Report by Duncan Williams @ViewNewsUK