Ralph, 92, is the write stuff during lockdown

And when it is all over they are hoping to meet up.

For Ralph Neale, writing letters to penpals is nothing new. Since being stationed in Egypt during his service he has corresponded with people eager to hear from others and find out about their lives.

Now, as lockdown confines many to their homes, Ralph, who lives at Sanctuary Housing’s Hartshorne Court in Dawley, is once again forging new friendships through letter writing.

Scheme manager Vivienne Chalmers was approached by schools and families with children who wanted people to write to and so Ralph and a number of his fellow residents have been put in contact.

Ralph, who has lived at Hartshorne Court for four years, regularly writes to a few families and receives replies every two or three days. One reply from Antonia Johnston included a handmade rainbow which he displays in his window.

“It’s most interesting and great entertainment,” he said. “With the things they write I feel like I have to reply and discuss the subjects they want to talk about.”

Not surprisingly, his 25-year career in the RAF and subsequent stint as an engineer with British Leyland as well as a security guard at Asda, something he did until he was 79, are top of the list.

“They want to know about me and it’s interesting to find out about their lives too. There are plans in place for us all to meet up when this is over, although that could be a while yet.

“One family are dog lovers and I had Westies for 30 years so I can’t wait to meet them.”

While becoming a penpal has provided him with a way of keeping in touch with people, he is not short of things to do during the lockdown.

Ralph, who has six children and 18 grandchildren, said: “This is my way of life. I keep pretty much to myself because I have hobbies such as painting and tapestry to help the day pass. I am quite used to it.

“I am also very lucky because I have a marvellous daughter and family who live nearby in Wellington who do all my laundry and shopping.”