SIR - You have never met me but I felt I wanted to write to your paper. I am Cora Hyde, aged 85 years and am living in Old Station House, Abingdon.

For 32 years, my husband, Stanley, worked in The Maltings in the Vineyard, where we raised our four daughters.

We had to leave as the building was being redeveloped -- it's now flats. We were found a little almshouse near St Helen's Churchyard.

Unfortunately my husband passed away and I could no longer manage the steps in and out of the kitchen.

With the help of my daughter, Pauline, and a social worker, I went into Old Station House for respite.

Immediately I walked in, I knew it was the haven I was looking for. It was bliss. They have well-nurtured carers, always helpful.

The staff are wonderful. They have what it takes to make life what it is. They are caring, patient and show love when it is needed.

I thought Abingdon should know what a lovely place Old Station House is.

I almost forgot. The most important thing is we are safe from the outside world. We have our own flat. We are cooked for, we have our washing done for us. We have a cleaner when we need one. Our carers are on call day and night. They are very special people.

CORA HYDE

Abingdon