At the printers!!

I can't believe how quickly everyone has worked together to get this amazing book in print so soon after the events. The cover is now at the printers, the manuscript and photographs are with the publisher, Matilda (of Suttons, Ltd) and we anticipate that it will go on sale in mid-November. Sue has done an amazing job of preparing it all for printing, of collating all your contributions (there was enough for three books in the end, but sadly only room for one!) It's been a long and time consuming task and I'm sure Sue breathed a huge sigh of relief as she packed it up to hand it over.

I was thrilled that our requests to write forewords were accepted by both HRH The Duchess of Cornwall and the Chief Constable. It meant a great deal to me that so many busy people have gone to great lengths to create a very special record of the flood, thereby raising funds for the Gloucestershire Flood Relief Fund.

You'll understand, then, why I'm slightly embarrassed to see my name on the front cover alongside Her Royal Highness, Tim Brain and Sue Wilson. I really felt that of all people, I was the one least warranting a mention. It seems, however, that it isn't possible to credit a collaborative effort for a variety of reasons - but on this occasion, more than ever, when you read my name, you know that it's very much on behalf of you, the GFWI members, who are quite rightly credited throughout the book as you'd expect.

You have sent the most amazing contributions, Sue has done a wonderful job of compiling an interesting and readable text and Matilda has produced a stunning cover. When I signed the contract on your behalf I knew it would be good, but I think,

together we have created a masterpiece.