[Edmund Conti]

You took that very gracefully, Roger. I'd be pissed if I were you.

[Brian Allgar]

Originally Posted by Jerome Betts

However, Brian presumably approves of Leonora's acceptance of identities.

It depends which kind you're referring to, Jerome. If you mean the international/Grand National rhyme, then I must admit that, although it has a long tradition in limericks ("There was an old man of you-name-it ... That foolish old man of you-name-it"), I should have preferred to avoid it. In fact, I came up with an alternative opening:

Quite soon, international fashion'll
Make balking at horsemeat irrational.

But that was two days after the closing date, dammit!

On the other hand, if you're referring to my Allgar/Holbrook identities, then of course I am entirely in favour of their acceptance.

[Jayne Osborn]

Brilliant!

Well done Brian, Edmund, Jerome, Rob and John.

I omitted to mention new member Rob (Stuart) earlier. Congratulations, Rob, and my apologies, and thanks to Jerome for pointing this out.

While I'm on the subject, is no one going to congratulate Bill G and Martin P for this week's Speccie wins (plus little old me for an Hon Mensh)? That was also a large postbag so a couple of pats on the back, or even three, would be rather nice.

Jayne

[Peter Goulding]

There once were an owl and a pussycat
In search of a reasonable dinner.

Well, okay, its not cricket, but I think there's something quite charming about it.

Sure beats my unsuccessful Italians / medallions / stallions rhyme.

[Douglas G. Brown]

Originally Posted by Peter Goulding

There once were an owl and a pussycat
In search of a reasonable dinner.

Well, okay, its not cricket, but I think there's something quite charming about it.

Sure beats my unsuccessful Italians / medallions / stallions rhyme.

And while the pussy grew rather fat,
The owl got progressively thinner.

[basil ransome-davies]

I break my stoical silence only to observe with immensely dignified restraint that if Ms de Meaner can scold losing entries for their formal deficiencies then reward Alison Keys she must be out to fuckin' lunch.

[Rob Stuart]

Originally Posted by Jayne Osborn

Brilliant!

Well done Brian, Edmund, Jerome, Rob and John.

I omitted to mention new member Rob (Stuart) earlier. Congratulations, Rob, and my apologies, and thanks to Jerome for pointing this out.

While I'm on the subject, is no one going to congratulate Bill G and Martin P for this week's Speccie wins (plus little old me for an Hon Mensh)? That was also a large postbag so a couple of pats on the back, or even three, would be rather nice.

Jayne

Thank you for noticing, Jerome and Jayne (eventually!)

[Rob Stuart]

Originally Posted by Jayne Osborn

Brilliant!

Well done Brian, Edmund, Jerome, Rob and John.

I omitted to mention new member Rob (Stuart) earlier. Congratulations, Rob, and my apologies, and thanks to Jerome for pointing this out.

While I'm on the subject, is no one going to congratulate Bill G and Martin P for this week's Speccie wins (plus little old me for an Hon Mensh)? That was also a large postbag so a couple of pats on the back, or even three, would be rather nice.

Jayne

And let me be the first to offer pats on the back to Bill, Martin and Jayne for their 'Spectator' wins. I simply can't bring myself to use the term 'Speccie'.

[Brian Allgar]

Originally Posted by basil ransome-davies

I break my stoical silence only to observe with immensely dignified restraint that if Ms de Meaner can scold losing entries for their formal deficiencies then reward Alison Keys she must be out to fuckin' lunch.

I’d just like to point out to Basil,
Whose acumen cannot but dazzle,
Ms de Meaner’s no more, a
Bemused “Leonora”
‘s the one who has gone on the razzle.

[basil ransome-davies]

...do not confuse setter & judge.