After more than 18 years and 224 monthly issues, I have decided it is time for me to stand down as editor of SEnine magazine.

In recent years, my colleague Marek and I have worked as a close team to produce the best magazine that we could for the community, with an attractive layout, news, features and events from our busy postcode.

He will be taking the magazine forward, supported by our team of writers, John Kennett, Melanie Wray, Gill Ferry and Grace Boyle – plus photographers including Art Lewy – and I’ll be continuing to supply news copy, keeping an eye on and providing scrutiny of local developments and decisions.

I’ll also be keeping up our Facebook and Instagram pages, which now have more than 18,000 combined followers with individual posts often reaching more than 30,000.

It’s no secret that printed publications such as ours have become more challenging to run, therefore I pay tribute to our loyal advertisers who have made our publication possible, and our subscribers with their annual support contributions. Also, our efficient distribution team, co-ordinated by Jill Eastop.

Therefore, please bear with Marek as changes to the format and content may become inevitable in order for the magazine to continue in any form.

As for me, I’ve been past normal retirement age for a couple of years. Despite enjoying immensely meeting new people through the magazine and learning of their lives – sad, challenging, exciting and happy – all good things have to come to an end.

I am working on a big new project, which I hope Marek will feature in one of his future editions, and continue to give my all to improve the quality of the parks at Well Hall and Avery Hill, and working with the University to develop, and hopefully, eventually, fully renovate the Winter Garden.

Thank you all for your support over the years.

                        John

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