Make sure you say goodbye to Nigel, BBC World Service staff are told

It is obviously an upsetting time for staff at the BBC World Service. No, silly, not the strike vote over plans to outsource South Asian service jobs out of London. World Service director Nigel Chapman is soon to up sticks and leave after almost 31 years at the Beeb. But thankfully there is some comfort in these dark times, with a series of events to be held across the service for staff – including a talent contest no less – to wish their departing leader goodbye and good luck. An internal email sent to staff on Friday says: "Some of you have been asking for the opportunity to say farewell in person. So we are writing to let everyone know about a few events going on next week that you can attend or drop in to, as you wish." And so on Wednesday, staff will be encouraged to "showcase their talents" in a lunchtime event hosted by Nige. "It should be fun!" the email implores. On Thursday, Chapman will choose his favourite moments of broadcast journalism in a special Desert Island Discs-style show. And if that wasn't enough, Nige will also host an open house later that day for staff to "drop in for afternoon tea and a biscuit" and say their ta-ras. However, if staff can't make any of these events – and why in heaven, not, Monkey wonders – they are told to "drop Nigel a line" to say goodbye. "Or you might bump into him on his last day to say a final farewell, as we expect he'll be in and around the building for most of the day." Monkey wonders why World Service staff don't just stick to the traditional way of saying goodbye to a colleague by signing a giant card and chucking a quid in an envelope?