Today, I step down as Editor of Service Dealer.

I’ve always wondered what it would be like to pen those words?  Strange, yes – but an immensely exhilarating and satisfying moment.

For me, the journey started way back in the 1960’s as a young recruit to the Ford Tractor Demo team based at Boreham House. I was allocated a Thames Trader truck to be part of team of four under the command of the unflappable Arthur Battelle. We set off for a six month tour of Spain and Portugal – with me in the passenger seat to Dover as I was too young to drive a lorry in the UK (other side the Channel, just get on with it!)

From Ford Tractors, I spent 25 years working in the family owned farm and grass machinery dealership, A Brewer & Company (known as Brewers of Wilton), learning the industry from all sides. I met so many people who were to have a lasting influence. Notably people like the charismatic Peter Scott from neighbouring dealer T H White, respected Ford Tractor md Geoff Tiplady and the no-nonsense charm of Guy Catchpole of Ransomes.

But even from school, I’d always had a hankering to be a journalist and in my early days was fortunate to be able to pick the brains of local farmer, author and broadcaster A G Street and the doyen of industry commentators, Jim Priest, editor of Farm Implement Review based in offices in the Strand.

So when a parting of the ways from Brewers came in the mid-1980s, I decided to pursue the dream and start my own magazine (with a handful of O-levels and poor grades in Pitman’s shorthand and typing, the DIY approach was the only route).

Nearly 30 years on, thousands of articles, countless editorials, hundreds of photographs, numerous interviews, loads of press conferences and umpteen shows – I am sure that today we have merely reached the foothills for the future influence and growth of Service Dealer (Voice of the Industry) in the capable hands of new owner Duncan Murray-Clarke and his talented team.

Right from the start, our continuing aim has been to listen, understand, analyse and report responsibly on a fascinating industry full of passionate, resourceful, enthusiastic and talented people.  There has been a massive evolution in manufacturing, supply and retailing, no more so than in the past 10 years. The economy has boomed and almost bust, yet through it all the controlling factor continues to be the weather. So it is apt that today, mid December it is as warm as it was in mid-June this year!

So first, my personal thanks have to go to you, the readers, for your inspiration, your contributions and your support. Every conversation I had, every visit I made, I learned something new. There was never a dull moment.

Next, two hugely influential people who have been alongside me for long periods. First, Peter Britton. Peter was the studio manager at the local printers in Salisbury in 1988 when I wandered in with an idea and a sheaf of typed notes. He joined the magazine shortly afterwards and set the tone for good design and content over many years.

Steve Gibbs came to me in 2001 with his CV showing a degree in Film Studies and looking for job.  He fitted in immediately, and nobody could have wished for a more willing, loyal and conscientious colleague.  I am absolutely delighted that Steve is taking over the editorial reigns. He is already showing great appetite, ability and gusto for the role.

Lastly, as anyone in a small business knows, the support of the family underpins everything. I’ve had that ‘in spades’ from Trish when she was forging her own nursing career and during the latter years as we moved towards our Golden Wedding last September.

I’ll be continuing my association with Service Dealer next year, rather as a ‘Minister Without Portfolio’, contributing to the magazine and other bits and pieces , but mainly enjoying a much welcome retirement from the front-line. I'll also be remaining as the Editor of Landwards, the professional journal of IAgrE (Institution of Agricultural Engineers).

So from the whole family, a humble and heartfelt Thank You – and a Happy and Peaceful Christmas and New Year to you all.

From (l to r), Mark, Emma, Trish, Chris and Juliet