To think that postbox toppers are an aberration and those who produce them should be shot at dawn (I should say 'light hearted' here but it goes against the grain)

[IrateAndUnhinged]

That really.

Postbox toppers. Those crocheted monstrosities decorating every postbox within a 500 metres of GAILS bakery.

Why?

My AIBU is am I unreasonable for thinking they add no value to life and represent a huge drain on resources that could be better put to work creating reusable string bags.

#DieSchottin93 · Yesterday 23:30

That one is amazing - the skill and work that's gone into it!

But I still don't like them as post-box toppers. It pains me to see them get trashed in the weather, and I just feel that in the context of a street they soon become 'tat' - which is a shame.

Surely this level of skill could be put to use somewhere more suitable? Eg a model post-box in the Library with toppers themed on children's books? In hospitals - especially on children's wards? Or donated to primary schools?

I would feel much more positive about them in these places.

They seem quite cheerful to me. Life is hard. I'd let the knitting go, honestly.

I wonder at how cruel life must have been for someone to be offended at the site of a crocheted beach scene.

😂

I love seeing the creativity but would prefer if folk removed/replaced them when they start to look a bit tatty.

OP - were you behind the heist earlier this year when 8 of our local coronation toppers went missing? 😁 If so, please can we have them back - the surviving ones have been sold for charity.
Our local toppers are mostly made by the Barkham Hookers (a crochet and knitting group before you ask) who have raised over £55,000 over the last 10 years for various charities from workshops, craft markets and selling crocheted poppies. They also make blankets and toys for refugees and sick children, much like MN’s own Woolly Hugs. The postbox toppers have raised awareness for the group’s activities over the last few years, as well as raising money directly by selling them.

@RustyBear sadly not. It might have been my finest hour.

I think you miss the point though. They may raise zillions for charity. They may wow many with their creative depiction of anthropomorphic animals gambolling in a woodland glade at dusk. They may keep a dangerous element of society off the street.

They may do all this...

BUT

They're defacing public property and they are forcing those who do not delight in the sheer whimsy of it all to be faced with them on a daily basis.

Put the 'art' in a 'gallery'. Let my postbox be.

Right, you win, I’m on board with you now. You’ve managed to get me to fully dislike the damn things. Your ‘The sheer whimsy of it all’ comment has now completely brought me to my senses! They are awful, I don’t know what I was thinking! 😂 whenever I see one, I will now always think fondly of the complete stranger on Mumsnet who turned me against them! Your work is done! And I’m very comfortable with my newly discovered dislike for them.

Thank you @RustyBear. As well as your charitable fundraising, the Barkham Hookers' toppers are some of the best I've seen anywhere. They're very skillfully done and they often brighten my day as I head to Gail's for a cinnamon bun (or two).

GAILs could commission crocheted cinnamon bun toppers thus keeping the topper off the street furniture.

I could support that.

They're defacing public property

It’s already been pointed out that pillar boxes are no longer public property. They belong to the Royal Mail which is now a private company. If they don’t object, why would anyone else?

and they are forcing those who do not delight in the sheer whimsy of it all to be faced with them on a daily basis.

Don’t look if your aesthetic sensibilities are so easily offended.

Saying 'just don't look' is easy if you don't live in a topper infested area. In my case I'd probably have to walk around with a guide child and a paper bag over my head.

I'm not at all difficult but I haven't got the emotional bandwidth to care for a paper bag on top of everything else.

Not liking something and being offended by it aren't the same thing.

There are so many in my town, the Jubilee was nuts. I'm so happy to find out what they are called as google failed me. Who makes them?

I do mean everywhere 😁

Those look more like tentacles, wet, clammy, woolly tentacles.

That's terrifying. Like a wooly version of a monster in Dr Who that pulls you down to your doom.

I will have nightmares tonight. Perhaps that paper bag is no longer a 'nice to have' but an essential.

This is a picture that nearly encapsulates the debate I think.

The one with lovely smart black railings wrapped in messy bright wool I mean.

You have read op's posts? 😂

@HarrietJet

I interpreted that as tongue in cheek rather than a true expression of homicidal rage. But I see your point. It had been a while since I'd read the original comment.

Speaking on behalf of the OP (their spokesperson as it were) the expression of their outrage is, and was, entirely tongue in cheek.

Their profound loathing of the things is 💯 genuine.

Rain does seem to be the Achille's heel of the whole business.

It's not like it's uncommon in the UK...

Saw someone had knitted jumpers for the trees (and one lamp post) in town this afternoon. Will try and get pics tomorrow

very much apricated