MP Column November 28: Alex Burghart MP, Brentwood and Ongar
This week, Alex talks about sending cards at Christmas
GREETINGS CARDS: Alex Burghart MP meets with Kaye Thurgood of Sincerely Yours
We are heading for what will be - we hope - the first 'normal' Christmas since 2019. Both 2020 and 2021 were disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic, while last year industrial action by rail and postal workers made travelling to see family and friends, or even sending them gifts and cards, very difficult.
This year, we are all hoping for a more cheerful time. I know the UK Greeting Card Association is hoping we all send extra festive cards this year to make up for those missed or delayed last year.
I was amazed to find out the UK greeting card industry is worth about £1.5billion, supporting publishers, designers, printers and, of course, independent and chain high street retailers. Kaye Thurgood, who runs Sincerely Yours in Shenfield, a lovely little card and gift shop, is a strong believer in keeping up the tradition of sending cards to friends and family by post, or hand delivery.
I visited Kaye in her shop last week to find out more about the Greeting Card Association's #cardmitment campaign and she was keen to point out that calls to loneliness helplines went up as many people who live alone, or far from their families, felt detached last year when expected cards and presents did not arrive in the post in time for Christmas.
Christmas cards, and birthday, anniversary, sympathy and 'just because' cards, connect us with those who matter to us. I still send Christmas cards by post (about 500 every year).
Last week's column
The act of sitting down and hand-writing notes to those who have been part of my life is a tradition I do not intend to give up. I hope you send and receive many cards this December.
You will know you are not only supporting an important British industry but also, in the spirit of the season, spreading joy.