Our Men’s Social Group Learns About Edinburgh Police Boxes

Our weekly Manor Grange Men’s Social Group was treated to a unique presentation from one of our very own residents, Derek, who shared his personal experiences as a former Edinburgh police officer. The focus of his talk was the fascinating history and purpose of Edinburgh's iconic police boxes – those distinctive structures we pass by daily, often without a second glance.

Derek, supported by his daughter Lesley, brought the history of these police boxes to life with photographs, models, and a special book that maps out all the remaining police boxes across the city. Many of these boxes have found new purposes today, such as being converted into take-away coffee stands or information points.

For the Men’s Group, this talk provided an excellent opportunity to learn more about a piece of Edinburgh’s hidden past.

Exploring the History of Edinburgh Police Boxes with Derek

Derek spent many years as a police officer in Edinburgh, and during his service, he saw first-hand how these police boxes were used to keep the community safe. As he shared his stories, the Men’s Social Group were transported back to when these boxes were an essential part of the city’s law enforcement infrastructure. Derek explained how, before the days of mobile phones, officers would use these boxes to check in with their stations, collect information, or respond to incidents.

His anecdotes weren’t just informative but also brought a touch of nostalgia. The Men’s Group found it fascinating to learn how these now quiet, often repurposed, structures once bustled with activity. Derek’s deep connection to Edinburgh’s policing history made the presentation all the more special.

A Community-Building Experience

We all appreciated hearing about Derek’s time as a police officer in Edinburgh and the feedback from the Men’s Group was overwhelmingly positive. Many commented on how interesting it was to hear stories about something they had seen so often but knew little about.

Enjoying the Life Stories of Our Residents

At Manor Grange, we take great pride in supporting our residents in all their passions and interests. The Activity Team is always delighted to help facilitate talks and presentations from residents who want to share their knowledge and life experiences.

Looking Forward to More Resident-Led Activities

We are thrilled to have hosted this event, and we look forward to more resident-led activities in the future. At Manor Grange, we believe that everyone has a story to tell, and we are committed to providing our residents with opportunities to share their experiences, wisdom, and talents with one another.

Whether it’s a talk like Derek’s, an art session, or simply a group chat over tea, every activity we host is designed to be fun, stimulate the mind, and foster a sense of belonging among our residents. We can’t wait to see what other fascinating stories will be shared next!