Letter Writer of the Month - Philip

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 700+ 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 December is Philip.

" I think snail mail will always exist as it is a joy to receive hand written letters. They have intimacy and remain very precious as they involve effort even to the buying of a stamp and going to the pillar box. The arrival of the post is one of the key events of my day. I often think that my luxury on a desert island would be a letter box."

Name: Philip
Age: 64
Job Title: Retired Postman
Location: York
Member since: November 2022

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

I have lived all my life in York except for a spell at the University of St Andrews. I read Geography. Upon the completion of my studies I became a postman, a job I loved as I preferred to work outdoors. I have always written letters and I must average one a day. My siblings went away to school and letter writing was the only way to keep in touch.

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

I tend to write about activities and the books I am reading. I love the Arts in general and comment on what I have seen.

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

I treasure my remaining letters from my late father.

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

I think letter writing gives structure to my life. It has health benefits, undoubtedly.

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

I like to send cards to friends. Normally I write in the kitchen as it has the only table in my small house. I often listen to the radio and drink fresh coffee when I am writing.

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

The physical act of writing is hard for me as I have tremors in my hands. A letter can take me hours to compose. Joining the pen pal club has widened my circle of correspondents. Now I have four pen pals, one even in Texas.

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

I think snail mail will always exist as it is a joy to receive hand written letters. They have intimacy and remain very precious as they involve effort even to the buying of a stamp and going to the pillar box. The arrival of the post is one of the key events of my day. I often think that my luxury on a desert island would be a letter box.

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

My advice to anyone thinking of writing a letter is imagine the joy you will be sending to the recipient. A letter is liable to outlive an email.

A huge thank you to our Philip for his time, and we hope you enjoyed getting to know him! Why not try Philip's chosen greeting cards to use for your next snail mail?

Would you like to join our club? We're always open to new members, you can learn more about the club here.