A NORTHFLEET family who have been receiving another couple's greetings cards for nine years were shocked when glad tidings changed to "deepest sympathy".

Ever since the Berries moved to Bedford Road, a Christmas card for Barbara and Ivan James from "Grandma James", postmarked Dartford, has dropped through the letterbox.

But now they are concerned because Grandma has sent a bereavement card offering her "warmest sympathy on this day".

Another card arrived on the same day with a Tonbridge postmark from "Marie and family" bearing the message: "Thinking of you at this sad time".

Mystified mum Janet Berrie said: "We really want to find out who has sent these cards so we can pass them on. We especially want to find out who Grandma James is. She obviously lives locally because of the postmark.

"It is very sad that the family don't appear to have kept in contact. All we know is, the previous owners were a youngish couple with a child."

Apart from the occasional bill for the first few months when the Berries moved in, no post has been sent for Mr and Mrs James in recent years, other than the annual seasons greetings.

Their attempts to trace the previous occupiers have failed because the house was empty when the Berries moved in.

Gravesend estate agents, Chivers, of Parrock Street, sold the house in 1992 after it had been repossessed by Abbey National.

But the company was unable to find a forwarding address.

Owner Ray Chivers said: "I am as baffled as everyone else. I have had a look in our cellar but the records only go back as far as 1994."

l If you can help solve the mystery, call our newsdesk on 01689 885703 or email rsimcox@london.newsquest.co.uk

November 26, 2001 11:32

Richard Simcox