I CAME to the Andover area in 1976 (hot summer!) and have since bought the Andover Advertiser, always good value for money.

Since then over time, I have always read with great interest the letters of Gerald Stoodley, and always admired his way with words and the need to read between the lines.

Never met the man, but he wrote a few home truths and hit a lot of nails squarely on the head. Mr Stoodley will be greatly missed by many, me included. I don’t think there is anyone out there to carry on the mantel of Gerald Stoodley.

Happy retirement from one long reading admirer.

Also, keep up the good work with the Advertiser.

John Marshall Redenham Park Farm (worker) via e-mail