At first I thought I should use this space to thank by name all those who helped with the column over the years.

But then I realised, dear reader, that you would have been confronted with a long list of people you’d never heard of, which wouldn’t have been of much interest. And I also came to the conclusion that if I tried to thank everyone by name, I was bound to forget someone.

So please take this as a catch-all: Thanks to every relative, friend, colleague and reader who’s helped in the last six years.

Instead of including a long list of people deserving of my gratitude, I’d like to thank by name some of the institutions who’ve provided creative inspiration since this column began in 2007.

A big pat on the back first of all to Northern Rail for your dogged belief that the year is 1973. I particularly remember one evening last year when I was sitting on one of your charming vintage carriages desperately trying to think of a subject for that week’s column.

By the time the train wheezed into Slawit a mere hour late – and without a word of explanation over the tannoy – I had my answer. I’d write about you.

Thanks also to the world’s religions for your constant source of columns. Whether it’s your hilarious outrage at a terrible film which no-one has seen or your comical attempt to find reasons why gay people shouldn’t marry, you’re the gift that keeps giving.

Last, and by all means least, I’d like to express my deep gratitude to Kirklees Council.

Your sham consultations, your epic planning meetings, your fight to the death with the English language – you went beyond the call of duty time and again to provide me with material for this column.

As a tribute, I’d like to sign off in words which you, dear Kirklees, might understand.

A final thank-you to all my key stakeholders. I’ve really enjoyed working with all of you in a multi-agency framework.

But I’m afraid the time has come for a step change.