“NEVER say goodbye because goodbye means going away and going away means forgetting,” which is rather an apt quote from Peter Pan by J M Barrie.

It sort of sums up how I feel while I’m writing my last column before I leave the Guardian tomorrow after 27 years.

I’ve only been penning this column for 17 months but I’ve really enjoyed it and have been surprised by how many people have actually stopped me in the street and told me they like reading it.

During that time I’ve written (or mostly whinged) about the following: Cheshire’s police and crime commissioner and his young sidekick, doctors – or more specifically trying to get an appointment with them, cyclists, Bridge Street, road rage, attempting to get the war memorial moved, Golden Square post office, voting, cold callers, lenient court sentences, swing bridges and end-of-term presents for teachers.

But I want to end on a positive note.

I’m not leaving Warrington, so its welfare remains very important to me.

So I want to share a few of the things I like about the town: Warrington Guardian readers – have been incredibly generous over the years raising money for countless good causes.

Our fantastic green spaces and canals – we have some amazing places to walk, play or have a picnic – The Bridgewater Canal, Walton Gardens, Sankey Valley Park, Lymm Dam and Risley Moss to name a few.

The town’s charities – we’ve got so many excellent ones but my favourites have to be Warrington Wolves Charitable Foundation, St Rocco’s Hospice, The Peace Centre, Warrington Disability Partnership, Warrington Youth Club and our current charity of the year – Warrington Home-Start.

It’s a great place to work and do business – it was named in the top 10 UK cities for business without even being a city! Kerry Katona – love her or hate her Padgate’s pop princess has kept us all entertained for many years and she’s always remained proud to say she’s from Warrington.

The Golden Gates – said to be among the finest in England – the Queen might have refused to have them but her loss was our gain.

Shopping – we’re lucky in Warrington to have some really good places to shop, famous for our Ikea, but that’s just one of the attractions we can boast with Golden Square, Gemini and Birchwood.

Warrington Walking Day – this historical event has given pleasure to many over the years and it’s lovely that such a tradition is still kept alive today.

Stockton Heath – has managed to keep that village feel while offering good places to eat, drink and shop. If only we could get the parking sorted out it would be perfect.

And, of course, this list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning our top team, Warrington Wolves, who bring thrills and on occasion despair, to their fantastic primrose and blue fans.

So that’s all folks, thanks for sticking with me, it’s been memorable.