LETTERS: Years ahead

HOW MANY women aged over 60 does Justine Picardie know if she thinks it extraordinary that Elizabeth Sigmund is intelligent, respected in her field and a vigorous campaigner ("The toxic avenger", Review, 1 October)? Clearly she believes that all women of that age who are grey- haired and well spoken and take tea from bone china cups should be members of the Women's Institute and the Conservative Women's Club. I know of no woman who fits that description: my mother and her friends would be deeply offended if given write-ups of this sort.

What does Ms Picardie propose to do with her brains and opinions when she reaches the age of 60?

Julia Ridout

London SW20