ON the publication this month of our book on 'Academic Working Lives' - the experiences and processes of two decades of change, with a 'behind the scenes' look at further and higher education life - I'd like to thank in particular Emma Pringle and the team at Hi Plan print, stationery and copy shop in Penarth.

They really offer fantastic service, are unfailingly cheery and helpful, and focussed on getting things exactly right in every case. A first class business.

The book itself is the result of detailed studies in Wales, as well as UK and international research contributions. The five editors all work in Wales, and the volume is the outcome of competitive funding from a UK research council and the higher education funding council for Wales, to help grow educational research capacity in Wales. It has achieved this!

Three university campuses at Cardiff University and University of South Wales (Trefforest and Newport sites) participated and supported the work. A copy of the book with a distinctive purple and white cover, which is published by Bloomsbury, is on view at the Windsor Bookshop, Penarth.

And not least, a thank you too, to all the wonderful eateries and coffee shops of this delightful town - they know who they are - that provided a conducive environment for two years of writing and editing. Your encouraging remarks and interest, like those of friends, have been greatly appreciated.

Final thanks go to Dr Roger Cannon, my partner and teashop companion, who has supported the project and a very untidy house throughout the work.

During the process, the wonderful Pier Pavilion has been refurbished and completed, so walks to the seafront and new delights now await us; residents will be interested to know that there is a small 'cameo' entry in the book from Professor Stephen Knight, formerly Washington Gallery & Cardiff University star, now writing from Australia.

Lynne Gornall

Penarth