CAN I through your letters page thank all those who have supported me over many years either as a councillor or with fund-raising because, as you probably know, I am calling it a day.

Losing a wonderful granddaughter, Rebecca, was the final straw for me and I feel I just have to stop, reflect and move towards another phase of life's adventure. I've been promising everyone to finish my book on Buller so that will keep me busy. It will seem strange not to fight an election, which I've been doing since the late 80's, but I won't miss leafleting, canvassing, knocking on doors, the phone, the abuse, the aching feet, the long wait for the results, or the worry. It's a thankless job, which I was proud to do, but health and family have to come first. God bless you all.

T J Bray, The Square, Four Lanes