Nettleham InPHONEmation Centre

A micro-visitor centre has been set up by volunteers working to restore and repurpose a classic telephone box on Nettleham’s village green. 

The red kiosk was left unused for more than 10 years when Nettleham Conservation Area Working Group decided to give it a new lease of life as a tiny information hub for residents and visitors to the village.

Andrew Simpson, Parish councillor and Nettleham resident said: “With the phone box being out of use and derelict, we wanted to do something with it to refurbish it and bring it back into use somehow.

“It was suggested we turn it into a book exchange, but with some in the village already I did a bit of research and came across a village in Norfolk that had turned their phone box into a visitor centre, so that’s where the idea came from.”

As part of the restoration Andrew scoured the country searching for the iconic currant red paint to recoat the outside of the phone booth, which still contains the original telephone, alongside new features including a notice board with the history of the kiosk and free information leaflets and guides. 

Volunteer Pearl Wheatley, 97, has written a guide for a walk around the village which she has contributed to the information centre. 

“I was approached to be part of the project because I have some local knowledge. I’ve enjoyed working on the walk and I think the phone box looks really good and hopefully will get used and be of interest to more and more people.”

Faye Pudney, Visitor Economy Officer at West Lindsey District Council, is delighted by the outcome of the restoration, with hopes the “charming micro visitor centre” will showcase what is available in the area.

“We aim to highlight the hidden gems beyond Lincoln, encouraging both visitors and locals to discover the rich offerings of Lincolnshire. By exploring more, staying longer, and enjoying all that the area has to offer, we hope to boost our local economy and create memorable experiences.”