Thank you so much, David. That's very kind.

That would be lovely!! I shall give it some thought!! ☺️

Thanks so much, Dennis. You're very kind. 🙏 It wasn't easy, to be honest, but it's absolutely the right decision for me now. And I'm looking forward to where things take me next, I have to say! ❤️

That's so kind of you, Andrew. Thank you!!

Enjoy it, Mark! And keep warm!!

I shall, Mark. Have no fear. And thank you. And I shall see you very soon x

Thank you so much, Mark!

Thanks, Hugh! You're very kind!!

Simon, that's very kind. Thank you so much!!

I'm not giving up writing by any means. I'll still be very much writing for Gramophone as well as exploring new projects and possibilities. And I shall still be posting about it all here.Thanks for reading, though. It's been a privilege to write for the paper for more than thirty years. 4

As some of you may know, however, health concerns prevented my travelling this summer. They are now resolved, but having reached an effective stopping point for a while, it strikes me that the time is right to move on and let others carry the paper's classical coverage forward 3.

I've felt for some time now that I've exhausted the possibilities of what I can achieve on the paper within its specific format. More, I fear, runs the risk of staleness. I did not intend, meanwhile, to continue for more than two years when I came off contract and reduced my quota last year. 2

Glorious.

First recording of it I ever bought, and I've always loved it.

If you're English and my age you won't have been able to avoid it. As canned soup goes, it's better than many. I used to love it as a kid, in fact..... 🍲

Well, you can certainly still get Campbell's soup here, lol ..... 🥫

It's a great review, Mark.