This week I had the relatively rare pleasure of receiving a letter in the post from a friend, briefly sharing her news. Her note was very lovely but concise and would have been easily communicated in a couple of sentences of an email or text. It was so much more special to hold it in my hands, though. I was able to display the card on the mantelpiece and be reminded of the time and trouble, and no small expense these days, in her sending it to me.
As a result, I've been encouraged again to write to others. It's something I've always enjoyed doing but you can easily get out of the habit and, if you don't get an immediate response, you can think that it's gone unappreciated. But it rarely is! In fact, weeks later friends have often mentioned how much they've welcomed the letter. The rarity can make the correspondence all the more memorable!
Post is most likely today to comprise marketing material, official documents or demands, unless we're celebrating a birthday or expecting a delivery.
It was amusing, then, to see a report on the BBC news about people receiving their notification of being recognised in the King's Birthday Honours this week through the post.
Southwold librarian, Charlotte Clarke has been awarded the British Empire Medal for her services to the community, but she says when she saw the envelope she thought it was a summons for jury service!
This weekend Charlotte was hosting the Slaughter in Southwold festival of crime writing. This is the 11th year of the event and It has gone from strength to strength attracting big name authors and generating a fabulous atmosphere. Congratulations, Charlotte, and please carry on doing what you're doing!
Thank you for reading.