OH how I agree with Helen Mead (Column, April 23) and David Lippiatt (Letters, April 25) regarding letter writing.

My enjoyment of communicating by letter began as a child and turned into a lifelong hobby after receiving a reply from a family member during the war.

To this day searching through the junk mail for a handwritten envelope is a happy experience.

Never having thought of myself as a scholar or a seasoned traveller, I have been an avid reader of the daily newspapers and have communicated with people from all walks of life through my letter writing.

Through reacting to stories in the paper and letting someone know you care what is happening in their lives – a lost pet, a lovely photograph perhaps of a diamond couple’s special day (not known to me), the loss of a much-loved and well-respected member of a community – I have received many letters from various members of the royal family and TV personalities.

A few days ago I received a reply from the Honourable Richard Charles in response to my letter regarding his address at Baroness Thatcher’s service. Sending a text from the Good Book in a letter is also a good way of communicating to family, friends and even strangers that there is a spiritual heavenly father who is also a friend.

Barbara Woodley, Danesmead, York.