ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The Beau Brummell medal for exquisite taste and decorum is awarded to my wonderful models Teri Aldersey’ Emma Brackenbury’ Kit Cox’ Rhona Macdonald and Kimberly Rose Gardner.

The Goldbug Bursary for international treasure hunting and objet d’art acquisitions was won by Terry Shook’ Jean

Guittet and Lynne Hardy.

The R.L. Stephenson Prize for feats of technical daring and literary adventure goes to the North Light team’ especially Tonia’ Julie and Kelly’ and also to my optical magician Julian Holtom.

The Gilbert and Sullivan Awards for unfailing support and enthusiasm in the face of eccentricity are given to my wonderful family’ Ma’ Pa’ Roz and Nik’ and also all members of The VSS’ along with Emilly Ladybird’s supporters’ steampunkers and Woppits the world over.