A Richmond-based charity aims to raise over £5,000 to refurbish red phone boxes and to host walks engaging with the environment.
Box Walks plans to use the money to restore the boxes to their former state, and are also developing an app so walkers can interact with the boxes.
Co-founder Emma Howcroft explained Box Walks’ main goal is to restore the iconic traditional phone boxes in the area as some are not being looked after.
Howcroft said: “Some boxes are falling into terrible disrepair, with some smelling of p*** and looking like bombs have gone off in them.
“The boxes show our identity. They are our architectural heritage, and help to create a unity and permanence in a shifting time.”
The Richmond campaign comes just over 90 years after the original Kiosk No 6s (K6s) were designed by Giles Gilbert Scott for George V’s silver jubilee in 1935.
The charity wants to build a group of ‘urban ramblers’ to get involved with environmental goals, too.
Howcroft said: “I want to create a group of people that engage with the environment and the aims of restoring the phone boxes.
“We want to be a part of the community in which people feel able to talk to us, and talk about local and environmental issues.”
The first walk is planned for 13 June and will start by visiting the Ted phone box in Richmond, aptly located near the shop inspired by Apple TV series Ted Lasso.
The walk will visit four of the seven boxes the charity has control of and will take a 3km loop around the Richmond area.
It will include information shared about the local environment, and walkers will be encouraged to engage with the boxes through games on the app.
Users will be able to compete with others on the network and earn activity badges through quizzes and similar activities.
Howcroft attributed the success of the project to her co-founders Harry Guest and Gosia Henderson, plus the support of Richmond Council.
For more information, visit Box Walks’ Crowdfunder and their Linkedin profile.
Photo credits: Rosie Miller
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