Unique tribute to Mirfield stalwart in the shape of BT phone box

Father-of-two John Broscombe, of Mirfield, died in July at the age of 84.

John had a love of boats and was a keen sailor and for many years helped raise thousands of pounds for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI).

A former engineer, John volunteered to restore the old red phone box when it was bought by Upper Hopton Community Association for just £1.

John spent two years on a nuts and bolts restoration and the phone box is now a mini community exhibition space.

The display is changed regularly and this time the exhibition celebrates John’s passion and support for the RNLI.

Speaking on behalf of the Upper Hopton community, Lynne Stagg paid tribute to John describing him as a “true friend” to the village and its people.

She said he was “multi-talented with many skills and ideas” and the phone box embodied all his passions from displays for the Tour de France Grand Depart in Yorkshire to Huddersfield Town’s promotion to the Premier League.

John was involved with Hopton in Bloom and the village fete and Lynne added: “We could have a Broscombe Trail to see just some of the things he did because the list is massive.“

Lynne said the RNLI display was a fitting tribute and added: “John was a wonderful person. We are lucky to have known him.”

The display includes a lyrics sheet for the Naval Hymn, a lifebuoy, an oar, a model lighthouse and soft toys including an octopus, a shark and a seagull.

Susan Horsman, fundraising branch secretary for the RNLI in Mirfield, said: “John was truly a one-off in every possible sense. We really miss him.

“The phone box was just the kind of wacky idea he was always coming up with.

“He would put in the hours and pop up absolutely everywhere at local events from village and church fairs to the model boat club show and the Mirfield Agricultural Show.

“He was with our branch for more than 20 years helping to raise desperately needed funds for the RNLI and spent several of those running the souvenir stall.

“We are a small team and he just never stopped, helping to raise thousands of pounds over the years, which the RNLI needs to continue saving lives at sea.

“Many people don’t realise that the RNLI is entirely funded by public donations and even though you may not live by the coast, that doesn’t mean their brave volunteers won’t one day be called into action to save you, a family member or a friend.”