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Flying high

I was thrilled to read about Malcolm Goodman and his collection of kites in the July edition. I only have two but take at least one on holiday. One year, when I was staying in Agadir, Morocco, I would often go for a walk along the great expanse of beach with my kite. I got funny looks from people who would notice me and then follow my string to my kite. I’ve never had to run with my kite to get it up in the air, I just let the wind take it. I am not an expert in flying, I just use one string. I have spent many happy, relaxing walks with my kite in tow. We who fly kites are not childish but childlike in enjoying our childhood hobby. I shall pack my kite in September and hope to fly it along the beach at Conil de la Frontera in Spain.

Elizabeth Mountford (age 74) Kirriemuir, Angus

Precious collection

The article about Malcolm Goodman’s kites was fascinating. I too am a keen collector – of souvenir and commemorative handkerchiefs.

I have over 4,500, but it began more than 70 years ago when my friend bought me a hanky from her holiday depicting views of Sussex. From then on, I’d look out for hankies wherever we went, and soon friends and relations started buying them for me. In the 1950s, they were sold in Woolworths in seaside resorts and souvenir shops, printed or embroidered with local scenes, buildings or famous people.

Once paper tissues became commonplace, firms stopped producing such souvenirs and my husband Peter and I now spend happy hours browsing in charity and antique shops and at car boot sales. It’s amazing what has been shown on hankies – menus, West Bromwich finalists 1934/35, the opening of the Mersey Tunnel. Royalty used to feature greatly, too. My concern is what will happen to the handkerchiefs when I die. Our children don’t want them, but it would be awful for them to be disposed of. I have contacted some organisations and museums, but so far, without success.

Brenda M Mathews Burgess Hill, West Sussex

Hanky time A Melbourne Olympic Games hanky from Brenda’s collection

Life with lymphoedema

Thank you for your informative article on lymphoedema in June’s magazine. This is the first time I have seen any mention of this condition in a publication. I have had primary lymphoedema in my right leg for almost 40 years, so can sympathise with having to wear a compression garment, finding comfortable clothing and shoes that fit. I hope your article brings better knowledge and understanding of this condition to a wider public.