Letter Writer of the Month - Ann

The London Letters Pen Pal Club began its life in 2019 with the hope of bringing together letter writing enthusiasts from across the globe to celebrate the joy of receiving letters and the power of the written word.

Over the years we've grown slowly but surely in numbers each week, and we're so proud to now be a 1800+ community of snail mailers! We have members from different countries, ages, religions, sexualities, political views, careers, disabilities, and genders - and whilst our differences vary dramatically, we are all united by a love of letters.

'Letter Writer of the Month' is a monthly journal entry where we invite one member from the club to give us an insight into their journey with letters. Some have always been letter writers from a young age, others only began when they signed up to the club. Our members all have a unique story to tell, and we hope you'll love getting to hear it. 

Our Letter Writer of the Month for May is Member No.1661 - Ann.

"Modern society needs letters more than ever. The world has become fast and almost uncaring. Many people have unreasonable demands on their time. Advances in technology have allowed people to be contacted at any time which does not allow people time to reset and forget the stresses of the day. Writing letters allows you time to breathe and focus on life’s beauty and wonders."

Name: Ann 
Age: 58
Job Title: Teacher
Location: South Wales, UK
Member since: December 2025

Tell us a little about yourself and how you became interested in letter writing?

What is it about letters that you think makes them special?

What type of things do you write in letters compared to digital communications?

Do you have a favourite letter, either famous or one you have received personally?

My favourite letter is one my grandmother received during the Second World War. The letter was from her niece who lived in the same village (that consisted of three parallel streets. A row of cottages and a steep hill made up of  Victorian terraces on each side).  The letter asked for a bag of broken biscuits to be delivered as”Mam can’t get to the shop. She’ll give Edith or Dorothy the money when they come up.” Knowing the village well I can imagine it happening and my mother (Dorothy volunteering to go up with the biscuits just to get any local gossip). The letter gave me an insight of how my mum grew up.

Do you feel any positive benefits to your mental health when you write?

When I write I slow my breathing and feel I am connecting with the recipient.  Letter writing can give the writer an oxytocin hit helping them to feel more grounded. 

Describe your letter writing set up. Do you have a favourite pen or paper? Where are you when you're writing?

What made you sign up to our pen pal club and take a leap of faith by writing to a stranger?

Do you believe letters still have a place in modern society?

What role do you think letters will play in the future?

What would you say to someone to encourage them to give letter writing a try?

A huge thank you to our Ann for her time, and we hope you enjoyed getting to know her! Why not take that leap of faith and join our pen pal club too? We're always open to new members, and you can learn more about the club here.