Card’s many happy returns!
FIRST sent in 1967, it is an ‘eternal’ birthday card that is living up to its name.
For the past 0 years it has been posted back and forth between two friends.
Janet Brittain bought the memento – with the message ‘McTavish’s Eternal Birthday Card’ on the front – for a shilling during a holiday in Scotland and sent it to Lesley Charlton on her 16th birthday.
She sent it back the following year, starting a quirky tradition. Each time they include a letter and drawing.
It is thought the card has travelled 9,000 miles and now costs £6 for recorded delivery each year to ensure it is not lost.
Describing their unusual correspondence, retired teacher Mrs Brittain, 6 , of Scarborough, Yorkshire, said: ‘Inside there are boxes from one to 100 so you can tick the age of the person you’re sending it to. I sent it to Lesley on her 16th birthday but didn’t think much of it.
‘The following year I was in for a surprise when she sent it back to me. That was it then, it carried on year on year.’
Retired children’s book illustrator Mrs Charlton, 6 , now of Ely, Cambridgeshire, said: ‘It’s only time and distance that’s pulled us apart but this card has been a real link.’
The pair recently met up for a reunion to mark their 0th McTavish anniversary.
Mrs Brittain said: ‘It’s amazing how well the card is looking for its age… a couple of pieces of Sellotape here and there but generally it’s in good condition.’