Knitters attempt first post box topper record

Avid knitters, crocheters and a few quilters have hopes of setting a world record with their Christmas-themed post box toppers.

Members of St Albans Postboxes gathered 102 creations for a Guinness World Record, under the newly created category; the largest display of textile post box toppers in one place.

It will be a few weeks before they learn if they have set a record, but in the meantime they will adorn post boxes in the Hertfordshire city and nearby villages.

The group's festive knits has raised £130,000 for charity, since 2018, and it hopes to top that figure.

Yarn bomber and co-founder, Clare Suttie, said expert witnesses - yarn bombers from another area and a witness from a local publication - had checked the numbers of toppers, as part of the world record rules.

"We decided it [world record] might be a good thing to have," said Ms Suttie.

"The world record people don't have this category, so they created one for us.

"It's a very British thing because we have post boxes."

At least 40 makers, groups or individuals, including a school, worked through the year on their creations.

"It's a real community effort to make this come together," Ms Suttie said.

"It's so lovely to see how creative everybody is. We have 102 toppers and each one is completely different."

The knits will adorn post boxes until January when they are removed, cleaned and dried, a process which takes about a month.

"We make assessments, they might need a good wash, some might be damaged so repairs will start," said Ms Suttie.

"We have an amazing system, dozen and dozen of boxes that they're securely stored in, spreadsheets and data bases, so that we know exactly what is where, then the makers will start again for next Christmas.

"It's nice for the community to see new ones as well as the regular favourites."

The decorative effort also raises funds for charity, this year they will be supporting Up on Downs and Gaddesden Place Riding for the Disabled.

Local businesses have sponsored the toppers for £13,000, but the organiser said they hoped to raise more through public donations.

“Our toppers not only bring joy to residents and visitors but also generate much-needed funds for local causes that make a real difference in the community.”

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