BBC Radio Scotland Highlands and Islands

Lost Love Letters

Factual

Lost love letters

14/02/2018

BBC Radio Scotland - Lost Love Letters

In his second exploration of letter writing, Paul English looks at the art of love letters

It's a perennial favourite that we can all relate to, so to tie in with Valentine's Day, journalist and broadcaster Paul English explores the art of romantic letter writing.

In his second exploration of the lost art of letter writing, journalist and broadcaster Paul English looks at the good old-fashioned love letter. It's a perennial favourite everyone can relate to, the bearing of one soul to another in private exchange, and, as the years pass, a map of who we were and who we loved. Paul will follow that map into foreign lands, forbidden love, teenage kicks and homesick heartache.

Paul talks to Eamonn O'Neill and his American wife Sarah, who struck up a traditional pen pal relationship in the 80s as teenagers, and where love later flourished after meeting for the 1st time in 1991.

We'll also be looking at the heart-warming story of the letters exchanged by soldiers Gilbert Bradley and Gordon Bowsher during the 2nd World War. These are truly Lost Love Letters. They only recently came to light and give a fascinating insight into the nature of gay relationships in the 30s & 40s and how rare it is for letters of this kind to emerge.

Paul will explore the importance of conveying thoughts and emotions via handwritten letters with relationship counsellor Pauline Brown, and talks to author and former soldier Stephen Stewart who will discuss the importance of letters to loved ones and keeping a sense of normality in a relationship whilst serving in Afghanistan.
Former Celtic goalkeeper Pat Bonner will also relive how important platonic love letters from back home in Donegal in Ireland were to him as he settled into Glasgow life as a teenager, and we'll also highlight the 'Love Letters to Scotland', which were found on the banks of Loch Lomond.

Written and presented by Paul English
Produced by Gus Beattie
A Gusman Production for BBC Radio Scotland.

Programme Index

Lost Love Letters

Genres

BBC Radio Scotland Highlands and Islands

About BBC Radio Scotland