Reasons to be Cheerful: Love Letters by Vicky Edwards

The poet John Donne wrote: ‘More than kisses letters mingle souls.’ A pretty way of saying that the handwritten word is special; I was reminded of this last week when I received a proper letter.

A thank you note for a gift, the friend who sent it (someone I love dearly but don’t see nearly enough of) went on to update me on all her news. Reading her words on a beautiful sunny morning was just lovely – it was wonderful to have something in my hand that had been written by hers.

Letter writing is something of a dying art. Some statistics suggest that 32% of adults in the UK have neither sent nor received a handwritten letter in the past decade. While over 90% of 16-year-olds have NEVER written a letter, favouring digital communication instead. Yet despite the decline in letter writing, 89% of adults claim that they would like to receive more handwritten letters.

Many people also reported keeping old letters. I certainly do. As a child, my Dad and Gran, both brilliant letter writers, lived over 250 miles away. Phone calls being expensive, we kept in touch largely by post. Apart from the thrill of the postman delivering something with MY name on it, I loved taking myself off and reading and re-reading their words. Even now, with both of them long gone, I still treasure those letters; my dad’s handwriting neat and flowing as a result of a grammar school education, my Gran’s almost exclusively in block capitals as a result of considerably less learning.

I’m a big fan of letters. Shamefully, I can’t tell you the last time that I actually put pen to paper in this way. But my friend’s letter made me so happy. So much more personal than a digital message, it has definitely inspired me to more often ‘drop a line’ rather than hit ‘send.’

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Hurrah for our Indies

Not ‘price tag’ precious, but nevertheless of huge sentimental value to me, a stone fell out of one of my favourite earrings. I hoped that a repair might be possible. The first jeweller I visited gave me a flat ‘no.’ Alexander Jewellery in Chichester’s East Street, however, gave me hope – they would take a closer look and let me know.  This was Thursday. On Friday I received a message saying that the repair was not only possible, but it had been DONE! A timely reminder that our high street stores often go above and beyond, for me this level of service is the very best form of advertising. Heartfelt thanks, you lovely people! Next time I’m buying jewellery or timepieces I will be along to see you.

Visit Alexander Jewellery at www.alexanderjewellery.uk

Follow Vicky on Facebook & Instagram at @spotonceremonies www.spotonceremonies.co.uk

Photo: Lucy Davis Photography