You may think you both are retiring but you will find that the word retirement is a myth.

Firstly Roel (OAM), we may not always agree about subjects, but our Society and you have worked well together all the time you have been Editor.

We would like to thank you for the support of ‘Looking Back’, the historical piece that is published each week.

So many small items taken out of previous papers have reminded us of specific items in those old papers.

Thank you also for supporting Margaret Morrison in her role as researcher for this project.

Thank you also for the many items you have given us over the years - in particular the five books of negatives which are such a valuable historic asset for us.

Whatever you decide to do, remember you have been involved in a special time in the history and life of our community.

How lucky we are, and you have been, for your mum and dad choosing Australia for your family to live.

Bill, we would like to thank you for assisting us with our submissions in the Champion Post.

Also, the many photos you have taken and interviews you have made over all those years.

We will never forget your singing and magnificent performances in your roles in the many productions you have been involved in with the M and D.

You should also be proud of the many times you have spent after hours getting news for the paper and your involvement with our community.

The Society has loved reading the items and photos you both have published in the Champion Post.

But now you will be reading someone else’s writings and will become just as critical as we, the readers of the paper, often are.

Yvonne Hutton (OAM)

President Parkes and District HIstorical Society

. . . . . . 

Well!..… here it is my R and D Day - when at 3.40pm I officially Retire and Depart my desk after more than 36 years at the Champion Post!

No, I don't feel sad, but simply a sense of achievement knowing that I have been part of ongoing 'teams' that have contributed to not only recording the history of events within the shire, but also towards the 125 year history of 'the local rag'.

During my time with the paper - the last 26 years as Senior Journalist - I've worked with some wonderful people - all great characters in their own right which helped create a fun work-place environment.

If it wasn't for this aspect, which relieved the pressures associated with constantly working to a deadline, then I'm certain I wouldn't have racked up the years I have!

It is fitting on my last day my final story related to the Maternity Unit at the Parkes Hospital. 

I think during the last two and a half decades, I have just about introduced Parkes’ next generation in photos through our ‘recent arrival’ section in the paper. 

People ask me what am I going to do after today?.....my answer is 'take a deep breath'.....it's a bit like leaving home for the first time in your life - that apprehension of not knowing where life's journey will take you next! 

However, in leaving I wish the new 'team' at the paper continued success, and Boss Roel a contented 'second retirement'.

What else can I add to my sentiments expressed to Roel at his ‘farewell’ in 2008 except to say ‘ditto ditto ditto’.

Finally I urge local residents to continue supporting the Champion Post, one of the best regional papers anywhere.

Maybe I should write a book!

Cheers from Farmer Bill