Andrew Thomas writes a weekly column for The Westmorland Gazette.

IT’S INTERESTING how some objects which seemed so familiar a few decades ago are now of historic interest, collectible and – in some cases – quite valuable.

Some old vinyl records, if in good condition, can turn out to be worth much more than you originally paid for them.

Early home computers and PlayStation consoles and games are now part of digital heritage and social history and can be found in museums.

Red telephone boxes used to be found on streets everywhere in the country.

Before the days of mobile phones, they were a vital means of communication and everyone had a stash of 10p pieces in their pockets in case they needed to use one of the public kiosks to let people know their whereabouts or about changes of plans when they were away from home.

The iconic red kiosks stated to disappear from the mid-1980s.

Some redundant boxes have been transformed into everything from defibrillator units to mini history museums.

It was good to hear in last week’s The Westmorland Gazette that there are plans to inject new life into two red phoneboxes in the Furness area.

Councillor Matt Brereton, who represents High Furness, said a group of volunteers were keen to take on the repair and maintenance of a phonebox opposite the railway station in Foxfield and turn it into a book, toy and games exchange with a community noticeboard.

Meanwhile, a group from Broughton In Bloom wants to fill a box at Broughton Mills with flowers, plants and hanging baskets.

Cllr Brereton also suggested installing rapid USB chargers and a noticeboard with emergency information in the boxes in case anyone was involved in an accident or someone needed help on the fells or marshes.

He is right that the boxes add to the character of an area and are of historical value.

On a similar theme, have you ever spotted the AA call box at the top of Dunmail Raise between Grasmere and Keswick?

The AA maintained a network of phoneboxes like this for stranded motorists to call for assistance.

The boxes were phased out some years ago but this is one that was preserved for national heritage and is, I believe, a Grade II listed building.