This may seem a random question, however I am trying to get a post code for my squadron for numerous reasons, however the Royal Mail requires a post box to enable it to deliver mail, even though we do not have mail directed to the squadron.
Obviously I am aware of the potential security issues about having a post box on the gate, but I am aware of other squadrons that have this facility.
I am trying to find out if I need to seek permission to have it fitted.
No. crack on. But beware of the potential for vandals and theft.
Well surely you could get one, get the postcode and then take it down?
Yeap. Crack on. You could seek permission from RFCA first⌠But they donât have the budget, so then ask for permission to self help!
Itâs a game to be played, but the job will get done cheaper, quicker and to a higher standard of workmanship!
Having seen the standard of some of the contractors I suspect that the same might well apply to waiting for wind erosion to do the jobâŚ
Most post goes to the OC and most of what doesnât invariably goes straight in the recycling, even some of what I get come through gets shredded instantly.
Would it be easier if to put up a sign and redirect it to a neighbour with their permission. Weâve had this arrangement for years with a shop to save the aggro of a âpost boxâ at the sqn.
If you are intent on a post box you can get them easily from Screwfix or similar. Just do it rather than ask as RFCA will take years and then their contractor will manage to make a mess of it.
All my post goes direct to the Adjutant, he then hands me anything relevant or which is specifically marked as âOCâ
Our wing were all told just about 18 months ago (or maybe more) that any postboxes on the hut must be removed, âfor security reasonsâ.
That said, when I applied for a postcode Royal Mail never asked nor checked to see if we actually had a postbox.
I just emailed them and a lass got back to me with a couple of questions about location and surrounding buildings (weâre sited on an old RAFA home where each block of houses has a different postcode). Within a day sheâs allocated us the postcode of the nearest block.
Job done.
I donât want to put you off but are you the only unit in your area that will have a postal address??
one of the units in our wing has a postal address and mine doesnât it goes to my home address, but she is forever receiving post for other squadrons from across the wing. Even if it is marked XXX Sqn 123 main street, it ends up at her squadron as they are the only one with a recognised postal address.
so I would have a think about it or you like her may be always on the phone saying âpost for youâ 
Thanks for the replies. The issue isnât about getting post as that does go to a staff address, the issue is about being recognised by a post code for phone, broadband etc. We donât exist. The Royal Mail needed a post box on the gate to show that we could actually receive mail if allocated a post code.
Going by some of the suggestions I might just say I have one which I never quite get round to fixing to the gate.
Cheers
Why does the Royal Mail get bothered about phone etc?
Depending on your location look up a neighbouring address on the postcode finder and give yourself an address like ATC Hut, High St, Somewhere AZ99 9ZZ, send a letter to it and see what happens. Postcodes cover a series of addresses and not necessarily unique.
Not alot without a post box to receive it!
Have a chat with the neighbours and tell them there might be a letter coming and could they take it in if asked.
Put a RTS on the back so if it canât be delivered it gets back to you, then you know if RM recognise the address.
i suspect it is the phone, broadband etc suppliers who are bothered.
they want a Post Code to know where supply should go.
the Post Office canât supply one without somewhere to post to (ie a post box)
As I said put up a âplease deliver toâ sign if no one is home, there are two local clubs which have these signs up on their doors.
If possible have an account address and a delivery address, which for convenience could be the CO. Iâve done this a number of times when buying online and get things come to work rather than home if weâre not sure if someone will be there and donât want the hassle of visiting a neighbour or local (15 miles away) sorting office.
Farriersaxeâs suggestion of looking up the local postcode and sending something to it seems a practical way of seeing if the address is recognised. Our postcode at home covers 8/9 addresses, so Iâm sure that the same would apply for the ATC hut, unless itâs round the back of somewhere up an alley and so on.
Check with your RFCA as your utilities will be assigned to a post code as well.