A SPECIAL postbox has been installed at Penmount Memorial Gardens to allow people to send letters to loved ones who have passed away.

Anyone can put cards, notes or letters in the white ERII postbox while visiting the beautiful 28-acre garden at the crematorium, near Truro, which is owned and managed by Cornwall Council.

Inspired by a nine-year-old girl from Nottingham who wanted to write to her late grandparents, Letters to Lost Loved Ones postboxes have been put in place at several cemeteries and memorial gardens across the country.

It doesn’t matter when or where the loved one passed away or the funeral took place; anyone can put their letters, cards or messages in the postbox. There’s no need to add a stamp, and the messages will not be read by staff. When the postbox is emptied, the contents are shredded and composted.

The launch of the Letters to Lost Loved Ones postbox coincides with the crematorium’s annual Open Garden Event and Remembrance Service. The 2025 event will take place on Sunday, June 29 from 1pm to 4pm, with a remembrance service at 2.30pm for those who wish to attend. Cream teas and drinks will be available on the lawn, with entertainment from local musician Jamie Bridger.

Loic Rich, portfolio holder for Environment and Climate Change at Cornwall Council, said: “I’m delighted that the memorial postbox is in place, and I hope it brings people comfort as this scheme has in other areas. It really is such a lovely idea.

“The gardens at Penmount Crematorium are truly breathtaking and I encourage people to visit for themselves and join us for this year’s open day.”

The Memorial Gardens at Penmount Crematorium are open to public to enjoy all year round.