I have observed, contrary to expectations, no reduction in the number of Christmas cards dropping on my door mat. I looked at them several times and enjoyed them all but four particularly caught my attention:
Most famous: Holywells Park, Ipswich, 1748-50, Thomas Gainsborough, a panoramic view looking north-east showing the series of man-made pools constructed by Thomas Cobbold from natural springs to provide pure water for his brewery. Sold in aid of Ipswich Borough Council.
Most humorous: Four Candles, from the BBC comedy show, The Two Ronnies first shown 18th September 1976 in which a shopkeeper (Ronnie Corbett) becomes increasingly frustrated by a customer (Ronnie Barker) because he misunderstands what is being requested. Sold in aid of RSPB.
Most unusual: Sledging on Hampstead Heath, 1925, native American Sioux chiefs take a break from the Christmas extravaganza at Olympia. Sold in aid of Research to Prevent Blindness, being undertaken by St. Thomas’ & Guy’s Hospitals.
Most poignant: No Mans Land Football; late on Christmas Eve 1914 men of the British Expeditionary Force heard German troops in trenches opposite singing carols. Greetings were exchanged between trenches. The following day British and German soldiers met in No Mans Land, exchanged gifts, took photographs and played impromptu football. Sold in aid of Combat Stress, UK’s leading charity for veterans’ mental health.
The best greeting: Eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow we….diet!
Anthony Cobbold
