I had to pay a bill by cheque today, and as I slipped it into the envelope I realised I was sending it out in a little echo from times past.

This sent me scrabbling in my stationery drawer to find and photograph my most treasured note papers and cards, all of which are full of meaning for me.

On the right the official stationery of my father’s betting shop. I swear he’s only just stopped answering the phone (sorry, ‘blower’) by saying ‘Jack Gordon Turf Accountants’. The bold red and go-faster stripes look so cool, so 80s.

On the left a phone pad from somewhere my grandpa worked – note the ‘BARE COPPER WIRES – STRANDS – STRIPS AND SECTIONS’ tagline. The paper is waxy and thin like tracing paper.

And lastly, from grandma’s bureau, the charming child’s birthday invite (1950s) saying ‘Do say you will come’. How quaint! Below that some blank postcards which are more chic to send than any modern thank-you card. And below that again a card just to invite someone round to your house. This is what people did before Facebook.