The end of an era

My dear friend Chris aka Xtoffdav retired from The Times yesterday after 32 years of service. I first met him in 1991 when he was a beacon of light on the Back Bench. Over the years he's done just about every job from subbing to designing, writing and latterly in IT.

Lovely speech from Simon Pearson.

A great turn out from colleagues new and old for the 'banging out'* and the drinks afterwards.

* 'Banging out' is an old Fleet Street tradition. When a respected newspaper man or woman retires, printers would grab a piece of metal and bang on the presses until their colleague left the building. It is a mark of respect. Now people just bang on the tables with their hands (see extra attached).