I WOULD like to take this opportunity to wish your chief photographer, Stan James, a long and happy retirement.

I'm sure that all those people that came into contact with Stan found him to be a very happy, helpful and charming man.

In December he photographed me for the My Hammersmith column and he reminded me that one of his first assignments for the Gazette was to take a photograph my late mother, Ivy Trott.

Over the years Stan often took photographs of us both, at various fundraising events at Acton Hospital, Southfields Community Hall and the old Acton market.

For the last 17 years I have worked at The Museum of Fulham Palace, and I continued to see Stan when he turned up to photograph special events and school visits.

Stan, I will miss seeing you around, but I wish you all the very best for the future.

PETER E TROTT

via email