Dear Leaseholder,

I am writing to you all I’m afraid, about the main topic of the news!

However, I thought instead of a dry protocol letter I would like to share my thoughts with you all. I have found myself in reflective mood as this situation unfolds and apart from those of you that know me well, or have been to our office, you probably will not know of my interest in second world war aircraft and flying. I say that as I have collected for many years now prints of aircraft both signed and unsigned and they cover the office walls, (understandably, I am not allowed them at home apart from in my office there!). Indeed, over Alison’s desk is a signed print of two Lancasters from 617 ‘Dambusters’ squadron over the Mohne dam, appropriate as her Father himself flew in Lancasters as a Flight Engineer. This interest as a young man opened a lot of opportunities for me and I have been privileged to meet and have been friends with pilots and aircrew who actually flew in the second world war and have heard them tell their stories first hand, the good and the bad.