Ed.............

In his own words as he goes off on a 5 year career break
Dear all,
“It’s been 14 years of silence / It’s been 14 years of pain / It’s been 14 years that are gone forever and I’ll never have again”*
Not my thoughts, I hasten to add, but those of that most noted of theologians and philosophers, Axl Rose!
Because the truth is that it hasn't actually been 14 years of pain for me at all. Quite the opposite in fact -  there have been many things about working here that I’ve really enjoyed.
 
And probably top of the list is the pleasure and privilege of working with you all. It’s a big testament to all of you that my decision to leave has often felt more like the sad ending of a long-term relationship than the jubilant countdown to this last day that might perhaps have been expected. I can't thank you enough for the advice and kind words since my decision became common knowledge. Your support and reaction has been overwhelming, and I will also never forget the similar positive response that greeted my head shave and beard growth back in January 2014, which I so appreciated and which only made me wish I'd gone ahead with my change of appearance sooner.
Thank you also so much for my cards and vouchers this morning, which I can't wait to read and spend!
I will miss you all, and wish you every luck and success in the future.
Best wishes,
 
Ed

PS In time-honoured fashion I have brought in  some cakes, crisps, chocolate bars and fruit. Everything must go, so if you feel like grabbing a goodie please come along and see what you fancy.
 

* (Guns N' Roses, '14 Years', Use Your Illusion II (1991)).