Portaferry Resident Starts Work on Tara Hill Telephone Box
Celia Spouncer from Portaferry has started restoring a disused K6 model telephone box on Tara Hill along Quintin Bay Road. The box, designed in 1935, remains connected by a wire but shows signs of neglect with ivy growing through broken panes.
Spouncer, an ecological consultant, cleared ivy from the top with a small group after hearing a radio segment on the history of such kiosks. She contacted a local farmer and plans further repairs, including replacing a glass panel marked 'telephone'.
BT provides some assistance for upkeep, though responsibility remains unclear, leading communities across Northern Ireland to handle many restorations. Spouncer invites locals to share memories and ideas via the Portaferry Past and Present Facebook page.
Facebook discussions already include wartime use by coastguards for sea threat messages and personal stories of hiding coins inside or making private calls. Spouncer aims to build consensus on repurposing the box, such as for community uses seen elsewhere.