THIS column is normally reserved for the Voice of the Fens but, for this week only, it will be home to the Voice of the Lens.
That’s because tomorrow’s edition will be the last to feature the pictures of Brian Purdy, our photographer for the last 20 years.
Over the last two decades, Brian has become the eyes of Fenland – capturing with immense skill the district’s highs and lows on camera.
He has been there to record everything, from success to failure, from joy to tragedy.
He was behind the lens in moments of disaster, for example, capturing the last glimpses of St Mary’s Church, Westry, before it was engulfed by fire in 2010.
But he has also caught moments of victory, from sporting successes to election triumphs.
His pictures have shocked, delighted and embarrassed. They have caused awe, pride and, sometimes, argument.
But as well as giving us the photographs which document 20 years of life in Fenland, Brian has also become an ever-present face in the community.
He has met hundreds of people, listened to thousands of stories and become as much a part of the Fens as those who dare to stand in front of his camera.
We hope you will join us in wishing him a picture perfect retirement.
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