A Conversation for Postboxes of the Isle of Wight

Peer Review: A87746296 - Postboxes of the Isle of Wight

Post 1

Bluebottle

Entry: Postboxes of the Isle of Wight - A87746296
Author: Bluebottle - U43530

I enjoyed writing this more than any other article I've written for a while.

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A87746296 - Postboxes of the Isle of Wight

Post 2

Lanzababy - Guide Editor

BlueBottle - how fascinating! This is a true reference piece in all senses of the word.

I have been anticipating this since I spotted a few of your photos of these boxes and realised that there is more to this subject that at first glance. I suppose we are all so used to seeing these in our neighbourhood that we take them for granted.

I've just skim read this, but it looks really well put together and comprehensive. I'll promise to read it more slowly as soon as I can.

Good luck with this Entry!

Lanzababy


A87746296 - Postboxes of the Isle of Wight

Post 3

Bluebottle

A couple of minor amendments made, and I've been contacted by the owner of the Isle of Wight Postal Museum in reply to my question regarding photographs, and he has stated:

"No problem with [using a photo], just send me a link when you have done.
I don't really have a problem with people using photos of my collection unless they are going to... place me in a poor light so to speak (I can accept being called eccentric but idiotic as I was once described is too far!)"

So please, no disparaging remarks about the Isle of Wight Postal Museum from anyone.

(Incidentally, you can read about my experiences in visiting postboxes here: A87754035 )

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A87746296 - Postboxes of the Isle of Wight

Post 4

Lanzababy - Guide Editor

smiley - biroBuilt in 1854 and originally intended to be destined for Southampton, it was positioned outside Ventnor Town railway station8 instead, until the railway closed in 1966.

I think I'd prefer 'made' rather than 'built' in this sentence BB?

smiley - biro The postbox was [made] by John M Butt & Co in Gloucester and is octagonal and made out of iron.

The postbox was [produced] by John M Butt & Co in Gloucester and is octagonal and made out of iron.

Your link to the Postal Museum Archive needs to point to their homepage? at the moment it lands on an Entry for a replica gun?

Just nitpicks BB - but really I do have to say that your Entry is full of the most amazing facts and has astounded me with various incidental things such as the existence of paint in the Second World War that indicated the presence of gas during a potential attack. smiley - yikes


A87746296 - Postboxes of the Isle of Wight

Post 5

Bluebottle

smiley - modI think I'd prefer 'made' rather than 'built' in this sentence BB?
smiley - oribI've changed 'built' to 'made' as recommended.

smiley - biroYour link to the Postal Museum Archive… lands on an Entry for a replica gun?
smiley - yikesIt's obviously a more dangerous job being a postman than I had previously thought!
You're right, the link landed on a replica machine-gun (surely something every postman carries?) The postbox reference is OB1994.22, I think the gun is OB1996.22. I've amended the link, so hopefully it points to the right place now.

smiley - modJust nitpicks BB - but really I do have to say that your Entry is full of the most amazing facts and has astounded me with various incidental things such as the existence of paint in the Second World War that indicated the presence of gas during a potential attack.

Yes – although apparently the paint was extremely corrosive and so not ideal to get on your hands, eyes or swallowed. But compared to the conceived threat of mass death by mustard gas, it was considered an acceptable health hazard.

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A87746296 - Postboxes of the Isle of Wight

Post 6

Dmitri Gheorgheni, Post Editor

I am in awe of all this erudition. smiley - biggrin Fascinating.


A87746296 - Postboxes of the Isle of Wight

Post 7

Bluebottle

I've just heard from Arthur, the Isle of Wight Postal Museum owner (and postbox expert), and he has said, 'I will have a good scrutinise through [this article] when I get some more time' before he gives approval for a photo of his collection to be used, so can this hang around here for a bit until I hear back from him.

I feel like I've just handed in my dissertation and am hoping my tutor gives me a good mark!

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A87746296 - Postboxes of the Isle of Wight

Post 8

Dmitri Gheorgheni, Post Editor

I think Mr Arthur should be pleased. smiley - smiley You've done an excellent job of showcasing this material.

Oh, and does this mean we're one ahead on the hobby idea? smiley - winkeye


A87746296 - Postboxes of the Isle of Wight

Post 9

Lanzababy - Guide Editor

Well post box spotting or collecting just has to be one up on simple stamp collecting smiley - bigeyes


A87746296 - Postboxes of the Isle of Wight

Post 10

Bluebottle

He's certainly going through the article with a fine tooth comb. I think I can safely say that he knows far more about postboxes on the Isle of Wight than I do, which is to be expected to be fair. My knowledge is a little out-of-date in some areas I've not been to for a while. But if this article wins the approval of one of the world's foremost British Postbox Experts, then it's certainly worth it.

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A87746296 - Postboxes of the Isle of Wight

Post 11

Lanzababy - Guide Editor

Absolutely - let us know what his verdict is!


A87746296 - Postboxes of the Isle of Wight

Post 12

AlexAshman


Wow. Just wow. You've written as much about Isle of Wight postboxes as I've written about abandoned tube stations. I can't find any fault on a quick glance, and I just don't think I'm up to reading the whole thing, it's so unusually detailed!

Err... here, have some smiley - cake

smiley - run


A87746296 - Postboxes of the Isle of Wight

Post 13

Bluebottle

I must admit I did spend some time on Saturday photographing postboxes in Newport on the Island... It's a harmless hobby.

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A87746296 - Postboxes of the Isle of Wight

Post 14

AlexAshman

I'm sure it is. smiley - tongueout


A87746296 - Postboxes of the Isle of Wight

Post 15

Dmitri Gheorgheni, Post Editor

I'll bet you're on somebody's watch list, BB. smiley - whistle


A87746296 - Postboxes of the Isle of Wight

Post 16

h2g2 Guide Editors

We'd like to select this one as soon as you give the thumbs up BB

Let us know when you're happy with us doing so.


Lanzababy


A87746296 - Postboxes of the Isle of Wight

Post 17

Bluebottle

As soon as I hear back from Arthur Reeder that he's happy I'll be happy to give the thumbs up, just waiting for a reply at the moment.

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A87746296 - Postboxes of the Isle of Wight

Post 18

Icy North

I must confess, the combination of Post Boxes and Isle of Wight into a single entry didn't really work for me, but other reviewers enjoyed it, and I can't deny you've researched and written it faultlessly. smiley - smiley

I now await your dissertations on the following:

Lampposts of the Isle of Wight
Southampton's Municipal Drain Covers

smiley - winkeye


A87746296 - Postboxes of the Isle of Wight

Post 19

Lanzababy - Guide Editor

Oh but we have Drainspotting already! A42426966 - although it is not municipality based.

I think this is a really niche Entry, and there is a museum too! smiley - bigeyes I have also had the pleasure of seeing some of the photos.

We're only waiting for the man from postbox heaven to say yes, and we'll take this out of Peer Review.


A87746296 - Postboxes of the Isle of Wight

Post 20

Bluebottle

He doesn't seem to be replying to my e-mails. I'll wait until July to see if I get a response, but if not, I'll assume we're not going to hear any more.

Next up might be something similarly shaped, but bigger:
smiley - lighthouseLighthouses of the Isle of Wight (unless I write about Dr Strangelove, or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb - haven't decided yet)

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