Practical Reading and Writing: Farewell Arrangements - Book 4 Unit 129. Practical Reading: Farewell ArrangementsDear StephenI am very sorry to have to submit my resignation, effective 31st July. As you know, my husband has been offered a job in America and of course I will go with him. I will leave Camtravel with mixed feelings. Starting a new life in America will be daunting but also very exciting, and I am looking forward to it. However, I have made many friends at Camtravel, as well as gaining a lot of valuable experience, and seeing the company grow so successfully. I will miss you all and hope that we keep in touch. Please let me know if you are ever able to visit. You will always be welcome. Camtravel specialises in package holidays to Cambodia. Stephen MacKay started the company in 1991 after spending his gap year backpacking in South East Asia. At first he ran the business from his home in Shanghai with his wife as his secretary, but it soon grew and today employs over 25 people. One of his first employees was Maly Chey, the Cambodian wife of a university friend. Maly has worked for Stephen for over 20 years. Her husband has been offered a job in America. Maly is leaving the company today. A. Read the background text and the letter of resignation that Maly wrote to Stephen.Stephen: So, Barbara, is everything arranged then?Barbara: I think so. Ive got the camcorder, the card and the flowers. Theyre in the boot of my car, so theres no chance of Maly seeing them.Stephen: Good, and everyone will be in the conference room at 4 oclock. Ill phone Maly and tell her I have a last client for her to meet. Then we can surprise her.Barbara: Yes, thatll be fun. Ive arranged coffee and cake. Ann has baked a lovely cake specially.Stephen: Oh, thats kind. Barbara: Now is everything booked for tonight?Stephen: Orsinos! Oh no! I forgot all about it. I dont know what Ive been thinking about. It completely slipped my mind!Barabara: Well youd better give them a ring straight away. On second thoughts, I ring them, shall I?Stephen: Thanks Barbara. Im really sorry too much on my mind, I suppose.Barbara: The Boss is allowed to make mistakes. Lets just hope they have room for us. It wont be easy to get a table for a party of 18.B. Read the transcript of a meeting between Stephen and a colleague, Barbara. They are talking about the farewell arrangements.Waiter 1: Orsinos. Good afternoon. How can I help you?Barbara: Good afternoon, do you have a table for a party of 18, this evening at 8?Waiter 1: Let me see. No, Im sorry. Were almost fully booked. I could do a table for 12 at 9. Or if you can come at 6 and be finished by 7.30, we could fit you in then.Barbara: No, thats impossible. It has to be 8 oclock, Im afraid.Waiter 1: Then can I suggest our sister restaurant, La Piazza. Its on Summit Road, near the UK Embassy.Barbara: Have you got their number?Waiter1 : Yes, its 2345 6789Barbara: Thanks very much. Waiter 2: La Piazza. Good afternoon.Barbara: I know its very short notice, but can you manage a table for 18 this evening about 8-ish?Waiter 2: Yes, youre in luck. Weve just had a cancellation.Barbara: Wonderful!Waiter 2: 18 at 8 oclock. What name is it, please?Barbara: Camtravel. Thats C-A-M-T-R-A-V-E-L. My name is Barbara Kent.Waiter 2: Thank you and could you give me a telephone number please?Barbara: Sure. 099876 1234.Waiter 2: Thank you. So, well see you at 8 then. Have a good afternoon.Barbara: Good bye and thanks.C. Barbara makes some calls. Read the transcripts.Useful expressions when resigning:Please accept my resignation from my position as junior accountant, with effect from 12th May.I tender my resignation, effective immediately.Thank you for the opportunities you have given me. I have enjoyed the challenges and gained a lot of knowledge.My new position will give me more responsibility and improved career prospects.I have been very happy working here for the last two years and have learned a lot.D. Answer the questions.1. Find an expression that means travelling with belongings in a rucksack. 2. What is a university friend?3. Why has Barbara got a camcorder, card and flowers?4. What is the boot of a car?5. Find an expression that means you have forgotten.6. Find an expression that means to telephone immediately.7. What is a table for a party of 18? 8. What does the waiter mean when he says we could fit you in then?9. What does 8-ish mean?10. Find an expression that means there isnt much time.11. What does weve had a cancellation mean?12. Why will Stephen tell Maly that he has a last client for her to meet?13. What expression means being both happy and sad?14. Find an expression that means to hand i