“50… is it really 50?” Ian Welch enquired when we posed the question, “What do you think is CARPology’s Greatest Moment?” I felt the same. Never did the thought of writing an editorial piece in the 50th issue of CARPology enter my mind when I first meet Rob Bell on a chilly winters morning over at Waveney’s Heartsmere in 2002. But here it is, and what an up and down journey it has been getting here.
     We asked numerous people who have helped contribute and shape CARPology this question and their responses can be found on page 8. But for me? That’s a hard one. The excitement and joy of hearing Nigel Sharp had caught The Burghfield Common at over 50lbs will be something I will never forget. Fishing La Fritterie for the first time in the company of John Hannent and Rob. Walking into WHSmith’s and seeing our magazine proudly sitting here. Meeting the legend that is Peter Regan. As for the best one?
     For me it’s the buzz I get putting the whole thing together each month – regardless of the stupidly long hours and stressful (the missing chunks of wood out of my desk proves that) times. The early days when repro took a full 48hrs and the hard drive on the Mac was a mere 8GB so we had to do one section at a time before burning it to a CD and then deleting before starting the next one (now it takes 4hrs by the way), were so special and exciting. I’m told the most exciting times in a business is right at the start – and I totally agree.
     Like a winner at an award ceremony, “There are too many people to thank”, but Damian Clarke, John Hannent, Pete Regan, Simon Scott, Nigel Sharp, Keith Sykes, Martin Locke, Danny Fairbrass and tons more have done so much – and we thank you for everything you’ve done. 
     But the people we have to thank the most? You of course. Without your support, letters, e-mails and phone calls we’d never had made it to 50. Thank you so very much. Here’s to the next 50!
     Enjoy the issue.
Joe Wright, Editor

Words: Jason Hayward, Rob Hughes, Jon McAllister, Shaun Harrison, James Anderson, James Turner, Nigel Sharp, Keith Sykes, Scott ‘Geezer’ Grant, Pete Regan. Pictures: Jason Hayward, Scott ‘Geezer’ Grant, Jon McAllister, Shaun Harrison, James Turner, Nigel Sharp, Keith Sykes, Damian Clarke, James Anderson, Pete Regan, Hall of Fame entries and various tackle companies. Special thanks this month to: Lee Collins, Chris Blunt and Damian Clarke.