Many fans send him letters and gifts, which kept him extremely busy writing thank-you letters. His address and phone number were easily available so people would call him at all hours, take photographs through the windows etc. Most fans were polite, (not suprisingly) but some were maddening. Tolkien tried to answer each letter seriously 'especially if it came from a child or a elderly person'. but when he moved he made sure that this time the public couldn't reach him so easily.
He liked giving permission to name pets, children etc. after ME-characters.

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But all worthy things that are in peril as the world now stands, those are my care. And for my part, I shall not wholly fail of my task, though Gondor should perish, if anything passes through this night that can still grow fair or bear fruit and flower again in days to come. For I am also a steward.

Do not take me for some conjurer of cheap tricks!