THAT means this is the last Alan Calvert page.

I remain grateful to the editor, Ian Savage, for publishing these freelance contributions since February, 2008.

It has been great fun and I have enjoyed provoking agreement and disagreement here and there.

My contributions to provincial newspapers have lasted almost 50 years, 45 of them with this publication.

Maybe I need to try something new, such as white water crafting or extreme origami.

As a parting shot, I thought I should tell you that I do not believe Bolton is heading for hell in a handcart.

There are well-documented economic and social problems, but the good sense and resilience of Boltonians — demonstrated in times of crisis over the centuries—will surely prevail.

Goodbye.