St Albans Postboxes 2025 launches with woolly fanfare, civic guests, community heroes – and a citywide topper hunt
Annie Brewster DL was delighted to represent the Lord-Lieutenant at the launch of the 2025 St Albans Postboxes initiative at the Clock Tower in St Albans on Friday 28th November with founders Clare Suttie and Candy Stuart, plus the mayor, the Member of Parliament, knitters, crocheters, local business sponsors and members of the public. Since 2018 the St Albans Postboxes team have raised over £165,000 for charity, appeared in the Guinness Book of Records and now cover 100 post boxes in St Albans City and District with inspirational festive scenes. The charities benefitting this year are the free-to-use Hertfordshire Domestic Abuse Helpline and Comfort Cases UK who provide backpacks filled with essential and comfort items for children entering the care system.
St Albans burst into festive colour in the morning as the St Albans Postboxes 2025 campaign was officially launched at the Clock Tower – with crocheted and knitted postbox toppers now appearing across the city to raise funds for Herts Domestic Abuse Helpline and Comfort Cases UK.
Representatives from Herts Domestic Abuse Helpline and Comfort Cases UK attended, along with many of the volunteer “yarnbombers” who have spent months creating the toppers and the local businesses, community groups and individuals who have sponsored many of the 100 toppers.
Councillor Teresa Heritage, Mayor of St Albans City and District, said:
“I am proud and excited to help launch this year’s postbox toppers charity campaign.
I am full of admiration for the people behind this imaginative project which has brought so much festive joy to people across our District and gained considerable national attention.
Many thanks go to our local businesses who have rallied to this wonderful cause. Every single one of the 100 toppers that have been produced this year has been sponsored by a local business – an astonishing level of commitment.
These businesses, large, small and medium-sized from across the District, some family owned others part of large corporations, have so far contributed £13,000 which gets this charity appeal off to a fast start. They deserve high praise for their commitment.
Two very important charities have been chosen to benefit from the appeal and I would urge residents to give generously if they can to these worthy causes.
The topper designs this year are simply breathtaking and I am sure the interest in them will again be quite exceptional.”
Clare Suttie, co-founder of St Albans Postboxes, said:
“Every year we’re blown away by the creativity and generosity in this city – and 2025 is no exception. Today’s launch brought together makers, sponsors, our brilliant charities and the wider community, all united by the belief that a bit of wool and a lot of goodwill can make a real difference.”
Lucy Dronfield said:
“What started as a fun idea has grown into something that genuinely brings people together – neighbours chatting on the street, families going on topper hunts, and hundreds of people learning about the work of Herts Domestic Abuse Helpline and Comfort Cases UK.”
Candy Stuart added:
“We’re incredibly proud of our makers and sponsors. Without them, there would be no toppers, no photos and no funds raised. This is community fundraising at its most joyful – creative, visible and full of heart.”
This year also marks the launch of The Great St Albans Postboxes Topper Hunt – a citywide challenge inviting residents and visitors to see if they can spot all 100 toppers.
Participants simply need to:
- Find all 100 toppers
- Take a photo of each one
- Send their full set to the St Albans Postboxes team
Everyone who completes the challenge will be entered into a prize draw for a £100 meal voucher, for use at The Portland Arms. Photos submitted may be shared on St Albans Postboxes social media channels to spread the festive fun.
To help adventurers on their woolly quest, a beautifully illustrated official Postbox Toppers Map, designed by local cartographer Clare Seldon, is now available online and from St Albans Museum + Gallery in the city centre, and Inn on the Park.
Funds raised through sponsorships and donations will support:
Herts Domestic Abuse Helpline – a confidential, free service providing emotional support and signposting to anyone affected by domestic abuse in Hertfordshire.
Comfort Cases UK – providing backpacks filled with essentials and comfort items for children and young people entering the care system.
Residents are encouraged to explore the toppers, donate if they can, and join in the festive spirit across the city.