Stunning Remembrance postbox topper in South Shields pays tribute to Armed Forces

A touching tribute to the sacrifice and service of the Armed Forces is on display in South Shields in the run-up to Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday.
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Families out and about in the Stanhope Road area of town may have spotted a colourful addition to a postbox on the street, in the form of a knitted topper. Created by Janice Welsh, who lives nearby, the latest bonnet shows a soldier’s helmet and is adorned with poppies; a symbol of respect and Remembrance.

Janice, 63, began making the postbox toppers during the Covid-19 pandemic after seeing the trend on Facebook. Since starting her work, she’s created them around a number of themes including the late Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee, the Christmas season and a celebration of the seaside.

The beautiful handmade decorations are always a welcome sight in the community – with Janice, who has worked for the NHS for 23 years, taking a few weeks out of her busy shedule to make each one.