[Jerome Betts]

The good ship LUPO has avoided grounding on the Somerset Levels and nosed its way out of port partially crewed by old Spherean hands Brian Allgar, Melissa Balmain, Jerome Betts, Joan Butler, Peter Goulding (comp), Jean L. Kreiling, Martin Parker, Chris O’Carroll, Ed Shacklee, Susan de Sola, Rod Stuart, Leo Vincent (comp) and new member Damian Balassone.

On-board fare includes chicken, durian, egg whites and turkey, along with food for the mind in the shape of terrible beauty, unsuitable women, address books, the vanity of academic wishes, the end of the world and much else.

Bon voyage!

www.lightenup-online.co.uk

[John Whitworth]

I am delighted to hear that Damian Balassone is a new member. I have an excellent book of his poems. Advance Australia Fair!

[Martin Parker]

I have been sitting in my new local pub for the last three months. So this Issue is all down to Jerome -- and is all the better for that.
Thank you, Jerome.

[Jerome Betts]

Thanks, Martin. Thanks also to you for the inputting, and to Sarah Willans for finding that amazing picture, and, of course, to all the splendid contributors who patiently put up with my pernickety meddlngs with their merry Muses.

[Melissa Balmain]

It's a wonderful issue, Jerome. Delighted to be in it!

[Janice D. Soderling]

I always approach it with a big chuckle before I even read the first poem. I'm never disappointed.

What a line-up of funny folks. (That's a compliment.)