I left my job as European Manager at islington Council today, after nearly twenty years in post. Over the last couple of weeks I have had various farewell events, meals and gatherinings. People have been fantastically nice to me and thus made me feel a little sad about leaving.
The first farewell was at the last Board meeting of Islington Training Network, an organisation I set up ten years ago and the Board of which I have Chaired for the last few years. The staff clubbed together and bought me an engraved iPod – a very lovely present.
Next I had lunch with the staff team and members at ACBBA – The Association of Community Based Business Advice – an organisation I helped set up to promote a new way to support enterprise in socially excluded and migrant communities based on a long piece of EU funded development work. More nice presents and speeches.
Finally I had a meal with some old colleagues from Regeneration – I have worked with these people for a very long time.