With letters, diaries, poetry and memoirs playing such a crucial part in keeping the memory of World War I alive, this year’s National Stationery Week is emphasising more than ever the importance of the written word, and schools across Britain are being urged to pick up their pens and practice their handwriting.
As 2014 marks the centenary of the outbreak of the Great War, the third annual National Stationery Week campaign will be dedicated to encouraging youngsters to write to one another, rekindling the notion that receiving a handwritten letter is as uplifting experience today as it was 100 years ago.
This year’s celebration of the written word and all things stationery takes place from 31 March – 6 April, and is organised by the London Stationery Show. The week is the culmination of the year round campaign to Get Britain Writing, when the nation can send letters to one another and focus on communicating via cards and notes.
Organiser Chris Leonard-Morgan said: “With the nation sending millions of emails and even more texts every single day, receiving a handwritten note is becoming a rare treat, and one that many young people in the UK are yet to experience. Penning a letter is as good for the sender as it is for the recipient, lifting spirits and inspiring creativity as we take more time out of our day to savour and enjoy communication with friends and loved ones.
“Technology is fantastic and the ability to get in touch quickly and instantly is allowing us to engage with one another more than ever before. But the power of the written word cannot be overestimated and we hope that more people will reopen these channels of communication during National Stationery Week.”
The campaign to Get Britain Writing will include a special focus on getting kids writing and it is sponsored by leading brands Post-it, Sheaffer, Faber-Castell, Letts Filofax and Zebra Pen. The team behind National Stationery Week have created worksheets and activity ideas for schools that are available on request.
High street names such as Paperchase, Ryman, Sainsbury’s, the Post Office, Wilkinson’s, Poundland and John Lewis are among those backing the campaign along with the Handwriting Association, the Gift Card Association and many more.
