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Tantalising Telegraphs

There are many special days in life. Birth, marriage, graduation… But did you know there’s a special day dedicated to telegraph poles?

That’s right, get September the 21st recorded in your calendar and prepare to appreciate. In case you haven’t considered appreciating telegraph poles before, read on…

As well as being super useful for carrying power or telephone lines, they are aesthetically pleasing (according to some folk) too. Pleasing enough for a society to be created in their honour. Now fellow telegraph pole enthusiasts can connect and share their love.

Martin Evans began observing the dramatic beauty of poles stretching across the landscape of North Wales. He compares them to “dancers embracing the countryside”. They are a mainly rural sight as urban wires have often been moved underground instead.

Excitingly, he has even been featured in the ‘Dull Men’s Club’ calendar as Mr November. Other featured dull people include a drain cover spotter, a roundabout enthusiast and a security envelope collector. Yes, these people are captivated by what most of us would consider mundane.

This quote from Martin Evans highlights his particular passion for the poles:

“The notion of a specific appreciation day came on one of those fine late September mornings when I observed a fine run of poles disappearing off into the early mist over undulating fields. Rooks cawing from atop and with cobwebs glistening like jewels from the linesman’s steps and I thought more people need to feel what I’m feeling now.”

It was this poetic sight that inspired him to create the Telegraph Pole Appreciation Society. Now over 1,000 members can share their excitement and enthusiasm for these silent sentinels.

Some facts sourced about telegraph poles:

• The average height of a telegraph pole is nine metres. They must be ‘planted’ at least 6 feet (1.2 metres) into the ground. • Telegraph poles are a common sight in the UK and Ireland. Wooden poles were removed in Holland as lines were moved underground, so this is not a dream destination for enthusiasts. • They are tested for safety after 12 years, then every 10 years thereafter. One pole is still going strong after 100 years! • Wooden poles are typically made from three tree species: Douglas Fir, Southern Pine and Western Red Cedar. • Originally, the cross arms at the top of telegraph poles faced in the direction of London. Use caution if using the poles as a sole navigation tool. • Defunct telegraph poles have the potential for a new life in landscaping projects or as fencing amongst other things. • Ideas for appreciation day – hug one, photograph one and use the photo as your screensaver, write a poem about their majestic presence, or simply notice them on a walk. • Telegraph poles are also commonly used to communicate information about car boot sales, lost cats and the visiting circus.

If you feel called to delve into the world of telegraph appreciation, a lifetime membership is a mere £9.99. Not only do you receive a certificate you can proudly display for all to see, you will receive just what you always wanted…

Yes, the heralded ‘Telegraph Pole Appreciation for Beginners’ written by the founding member himself. This handy book will make sure you appreciate them in the proper manner.

Please note, I have not been commissioned to promote this whimsical society. But - rather worryingly, after writing this, I think I’ve actually convinced myself to join…

By Jessica White