I have been told by the team that many of you have been asking how I am facing up to retirement.

It is really gratifying to know that I am still in the thoughts of many of you and for that I am truly grateful – it makes me think that I didn’t do so badly handing out advice over the last thirty six years.

So what am I doing now?

During the last few years it became clear to me that for all the financial planning I gave to those heading into retirement, the best advice that I could give myself was to listen to those who were already enjoying life as “senior citizens”.

On reflection, perhaps the best and most important single piece of advice that I received was “don’t rush in to it” and for as long as it is necessary to take each day as it comes.

I thought this to be rather strange particularly as I had just spent the last fifty years working, initially in the steel industry as a buyer, then in the civil Service as an Executive Officer (sounds good but it wasn’t) and then financial services.

So far I have embraced singing and I am now a full paid up member of “Cor Meibion Aberhonddu” (Brecon Male Voice Choir)  – singing as a baritone and for the ‘new kid on the block’ I have already sung at a number of concerts, weddings and even a few funerals. The choir are already practicing for the National Eisteddfod in August which will be held at Abergavenny and is just 10 miles down the road.

Exploring the local terrain is high on the to do list, unfortunately the weather has been abysmal but at least there are signs that Spring is on the way which will mean getting my walking boots and trainers out of mothballs.

Frances and I are slowly integrating into the local community and joining in with local events and societies.

Do I miss work? the answer is, No! although I must admit that I do miss the regular contact with you all. That side of the job I never thought of as work as it seemed to be a never ending session of eating welsh cakes, chocolate biscuits and endless cups of tea and coffee.

These occasions are sorely missed but at least I have (and will never forget) some really great memories to fall back on – they will keep me going through to my dotage.

I can truthfully say that I have completely “switched off” all matters financial and I suppose that like many of you, I can rely on the team in Minety to provide regular news and updates.

It would be nice to maintain contact with as many of you as possible. I have already passed out contact details (phone and email) and in case there are any of you who may have misplaced or “filed” them, then please don’t hesitate to speak to either Sarah Egan or Sarah Sillars and I am sure that they will only be too pleased to pass my details on to you.

Once again, many thanks to all who have asked after me. Best wishes to you all.