Safely stored away

“Regarding the recent item on hoarding,” writes Mary Smith of Blairadam, “I would not agree that hoarding is the right word to describe the items you listed, such as batteries, Sellotape, pens and pencils, string and rubber bands.

“I keep all these, not in a drawer but close at hand, as well as paper clips, sticky labels, a rubber and pencil sharpener, Pritt and Tipp-Ex.

“As to drawers, they contain photographs, letters, leaflets, envelopes, old favourite birthday cards etc etc. I also have about 50 photograph albums, filing trays and filing cabinets for every one of my interests which are numerous, even at my advanced age!

“To me, hoarding describes clothes and shoes, some of which I’ve kept for over 60 years, perhaps worn once and