The door

For the last seven years and eleven months this is the door I've gone through to go to the office and to my desk. During that time I've laughed a lot and also shed the odd tear. I've found friends as well as colleagues and together we've eaten cake and wrestled dragons and in a few months time this door will no longer lead to an Open University office. After more than 40 years region 13 will be no more.

Today was my first day there since the announcement last week and the mood was sombre although there was still space for some levity. The final closure date is still undetermined but over the next few weeks and months we will each find out what happens next and whether we are still working for the university. Over the next few weeks and months some will find new work and leave while others will be planning a retirement which came sooner than expected. There will be farewells and hugs and tears.

It's all dreadfully sad but whenever the OU shaman move from village to village and people gather round the fires at dusk they will tell stories and sing songs of the bravery and exploits of the fabled Region 13. And in the meantime I plan to wring as much goodness out of what little time is left as I can. That starts with two degree ceremonies this week - something to celebrate at least.

For more of the story you might follow Maski, LeeRoo and Emmala because, for the next few months, we share the space through that door.