I’m honoured to be invited to take up this position for the next three years or so. I’ve had a long and pleasant association with Plymouth, ever since its former time as a Polytechnic, and it is a place which has always put teaching to the fore, as evidenced by being awarded four CETLS when such things were available. Visiting somehow seems more ‘alive’ than Emeritus, and I look forward to being on trains between Newcastle and Plymouth. Even better, Sally has been offered likewise, so we’ll try to visit together whenever we can.