HMG Paints, is proud to continue our support of the Minutes Matter campaign. The campaign encourages the transformation of iconic red telephone boxes into vital community defibrillator stations, with paint manufacturers donating materials to help bring these icons back to life.

One such project recently took place in the small hamlet of Donaldson’s Lodge, Cornhill-on-Tweed. After BT decommissioned the local phone box, the Parish Council stepped in to preserve the familiar red kiosk under the “Adopt a Telephone Kiosk” scheme. The box was repurposed as a community book exchange, which quickly became a much-loved feature for both locals and visitors.

HMG Paints restores Telephone boxBy early 2025, the kiosk had fallen into disrepair and was at risk of being removed altogether. A survey carried out by the Parish Council revealed strong support for keeping the kiosk as a book exchange, with many residents also suggesting that it could house a defibrillator, giving the project a new lease of life.

Elspeth from the Parish Council reached out to HMG Paints for support, and with our experience in heritage restoration projects, we were more than happy to help. We supplied a paint system, that is specifically suited for traditional telephone boxes, ensuring a durable finish that protects and enhances.

Thanks to the dedication of the local community volunteers and the right products for the job, the kiosk has now been beautifully restored. It continues to operate as a book exchange, and the newly installed defibrillator is a valuable addition for this rural area.

Speaking of the project Elspeth said, “While we hope the defibrillator will never be needed, its presence could make a critical difference in an emergency. In regions like Donaldson’s Lodge, where homes and farms are spread out over long distances, having accessible defibrillators is incredibly important.”

HMG Paints is proud to have played a small part in preserving a piece of British heritage while supporting local wellbeing. Projects like this remind us how colour and community care can truly bring landmarks back to life.

Share your phone box. If you have painted a Telephone Box and converted it to a Defibrillator station or even a community library, please share your images with us on social media using the hashtag #HMGpaints or tagging us using @HMGpaints.

what paint to use for phone box deliberator restoration

what paint to use for phone box deliberator restoration

HMG Paints restores Telephone box

IF YOU REQUIRE FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Alyssia Thorburn

athorburn@hmgpaint.com

0161 205 7631

HMG Paints Ltd is the UK’s leading independent Paint Manufacturer and a proud, family-owned business situated in Manchester. Working alongside new and long-term customers, HMG are committed to sustainability, innovation and customer satisfaction. With over 90 years’ experience in developing innovative coatings, HMG’s portfolio of wet paint and aerosols cover virtually every type of surface imaginable across a whole host of industries including industrial, commercial vehicle, decorative, automotive, protective coatings, defence, toll manufacturing, wood finish and arts & craft. HMG have a drive to set the standards for the industry not just meet them.

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