Well, old habits die hard, so tis said, still I turn the pages of the Edgware and Mill Hill Times each week, thinking I will see Bill Montgomery's Notebook. But alas, it is no longer there.

Without doubt, his page had a real punch, and I consider him to be one of the best reporters in the country.

I had reason to visit Bill in his office many times, seeking his invaluable advice, which was always readily forthcoming, and he was never too busy to spare me the time.

There must be many thousands of readers who, like me, are very sorry to see him go, and who will join me in wishing him all the very best for the future.

However, retired he may be, but I strongly suspect that we shall see him popping up from time to time because, to trot out yet another old proverb, you can't keep a good man down, and Bill Montgomery was indeed a good man.

And I feel sure too, that even those who at times came in for his verbal cut and thrust, also had the highest admiration and respect for him.

Charles Ward

Montrose Avenue, Burnt Oak

December 17, 2001 17:01