St Albans: 80 Christmas toppers to adorn city's post boxes

An official launch will take place at 9.30am next Friday (December 1) at the city's clock tower, with everyone welcome to "join this short but fun event".

A team of volunteers have been busy making the post box toppers all year, with each one sponsored by a business, pub or other organisation.

"Hundreds" of cups of tea have been shared between co-ordinators Candy Stuart and Lucy Dronfield, as they go through toppers past and present to ensure they are in tip top condition.

A St Albans post box topper featuring snow men. (Image: Clare Suttie)

Candy confirmed:  "I spend most of the year thinking about post boxes, and how they can best be yarn bombed to brighten St Albans’ Christmas streets.

"I love crochet and the joy these creations bring as well as raising as much as possible for our hardworking charities."

A St Albans post box topper featuring Father Christmas and snowmen. (Image: Clare Suttie)

The charities supported by the scheme are Hertfordshire Mind and Cancer Hair Care, with over £10,000 raised already.

Over £100,000 has been raised for local charities, and more than 400 post boxes have been yarn bombed since 2018.

A St Albans post box topper with three Santas. (Image: Clare Suttie)

Lucy added: "I love designing new toppers, seeing the amazing creations of our wonderful makers and watching the enjoyment of the whole community as we all come together to raise money for great local charities!"

The group's team of volunteers include children's groups, couples, and knitting and crochet groups.

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Those who find this year's post box toppers can share them on social media using the hashtag #StAlbansPostboxes.

For the first time, the Christmas post box topper team will be selling packs of topper-themed Christmas cards.

A St Albans post box topper featuring a Christmas cake. (Image: Clare Suttie)

These are available online for delivery or collection, at www.stalbanspostboxes.org.uk

Co-founder Clare Suttie concluded: "There is a huge team of volunteers who work hard to make this happen every year and we are grateful to the wonderful local community - for looking after the toppers, for taking and sharing photos, and for donating if they are able."