The phone box with a second life

I love a cheerful red phone box on the high street…but what do you do with them now that mobiles have all but replaced them? Enter Suzanna and Geoff Jenkins.

Through BT‘s Adopt a Phone Box scheme, and with the support of Cowbridge Town Council, the couple transformed the town’s iconic phone box into a community book exchange. Geoff built the shelves, a bespoke sign was commissioned, and local residents responded generously to a call for book donations. The exchange was officially opened by the late Rev. Cllr. Heather Weddell, with the Town Crier in attendance.

A year on, Suzanne and Geoff still unlock it every morning, lock it each evening, carefully curate the shelves and keep a dedicated children’s section stocked, with help from Amanda Jones of Amanda Jones Jewellery whenever they’re away.

The book exchange has become a much-loved community asset, although donations are always welcome to keep the shelves full. A simple idea, beautifully delivered, and another reason to love Cowbridge.