I have always steered away from writing personal pieces for this column, but as this will be my last one, I am going to break my rule.

I am writing this the morning after a surprise gathering organised by the leader of South Norfolk DC, John Fuller, very ably assisted by my amazing executive assistant, Chrissie. After 10 years of being the chief executive for the council I am moving on to pastures new and last night was a bit like the TV show This Is Your Life. People kept walking through the door from different parts of my career and I was humbled and touched they had travelled so far to celebrate.