February is the month of love, romance and bumper profits for florists. And Zopa members got into the spirit of things this Valentine's Day by deluging each other with nice notes as part of our inaugural messaging service. If you didn't get any from your lenders or borrowers, don't worry - there's always next year. And in the meantime, you can console yourself by reading a selection of messages other members received in this special, Valentine's-themed newsletter.

• 6,406 new members joined
• We simplified the application process for borrowers
• A half a percent on money lent offer was launched to boost lenders' returns. It's running until the end of March, so take advantage while you can.
• To help lenders get their money lent out faster, the Zopa guide to good lending advised everyone to start CRAMMing. A slightly tenuous acronym, but some great tips for lenders.
• There was a nice piece about Zopa on Chris Evans' Radio 2 show. You can listen to it by going to the Zopa homepage and following the link in the Zopa in the news section.
• There were also articles about Zopa in some big papers (The Daily Mirror, The Daily Telegraph, The Sunday Times, The Scotsman) and on some important websites (This Is Money, Motley Fool, The Fair Investment Company).

To help spread the love this Valentine's Day, we offered lenders the chance to send a note to their borrowers, and borrowers the chance to send a note to their lenders. Over two thousand members ended up getting messages, and big thanks must go to everyone who took part (and especially to Zopa members Delicious and chicks4free for their sterling efforts). Below are a few of the notes written by Zopa members:

Brogga
Roses are red, violets are blue, you made my day when I borrowed from you!

applle
Just like to say thanks very much for helping me buy a car from the current century. Since I got her, me and my dog have zoomed around the Lake District, and got very muddy on various days out. Small dog is well chuffed, and is most appreciative of a heater that works. Thanks again, and have a zen smooch from me and small dog. xxxx

Davebeynon
To my lady lenders: Happy St Valentine's Day! To my male lenders: Cheers for the loan - I'm loving my shiny new motorbike!

Matchsticks
My husband and I bought a business idea (www.thecvclinic.com) into fruition with the money you kindly lent us. Thank you so much for lending us your hard earned cash when no-one else would - we have doubled the turnover of the business. I hope that soon we can do the same as you did for us and help someone else uncover a dream and make it a reality.

Harri_444
Thanks so much for lending me the cash to finish off my house! The kitchen looks fantastic. I had originally planned to do up my house to sell because I was engaged to someone. Unfortunately, it didn't work out and I have had a difficult few months. The thing that has kept me sane has been my house because it's wonderful to come back to and feel all warm and comfy in, so, in a small way, you have contributed to me getting back on my feet and getting on with life.

gojuu
Happy Valentine's Day to all my wonderful borrowers. And thank you for making my lending such a good experience.

Moneybox
Thanks for being good borrowers - and for using Zopa. Us lenders love you all, especially on Valentines Day. Have a fantastic day with your loved ones.

persistence
Dear my truly lovely borrower, Happy Valentine's Day!! Remember that making a present for your loved one(s) both saves you money AND is more appreciated… unless you are female; in which case get your boyfriend/husband the Nintendo Wii.

starlily7
You're a star! Thanks for being a good borrower ;-) Wishing you loads of success and happiness this year!

Walrusbonzo
Hi All Borrowers! I hope you've all enjoyed spending the money lent to you by myself and everyone else. Lots of love and kisses all round to the ladies and macho handshakes for the men. Have a great year and take care!

As the Valentine's message service proved, Zopa members are a romantic lot when it comes down to it. And borrower harveyball (aka Jonathan Hopkins) is no exception - he used his loan to buy a splendid engagement ring for Charlotte, his girlfriend of 8 years. We caught up with him to see how the wedding plans are coming along...

Hi Jonathan.
Hi.

First things first, how did you pop the question?
We were on holiday in Menorca over the summer last year. It was on the very last day (yes, I know I left it really late) during a walk around the cliffs above Son Bou beach. We came to a really secluded bit where suddenly everything went quiet and all we could really hear was the sea. After being asked what was wrong with me (I went a bit introspective for a while), I got down on one knee and just asked the question. We cried, hugged and then went off back into the madness to tell everyone. It was a truly memorable experience.

Sounds very romantic. Did Charlotte like the ring then?
Actually, she chose it herself so I hope so! It would be a bit odd if she didn't. It was the first ring she tried on so we both thought that it was fate.

Indeed - a definite sign. How are the plans for the big day going?
We've done pretty much all the big things that involve booking people and places. We're getting married in Charlotte's local church in Leicestershire. We've already met the vicar and his wife and they were both lovely people. We still need to find a good band though, so if any Midlands-based members have got any suggestions we'd really appreciate it. (You can email any suggestions to tom@zopa.com.)

How's the seating plan coming along? Any potential nightmares to avoid?
We haven't got there yet but hopefully shouldn't have too many problems. We're lucky in that our families seem to get on pretty well and we haven't got any shady characters to think about.

That does make it easier. Now, let's see how compatible you and Charlotte are - what are your favourite pizza toppings?
We're both vegetarian so there's absolutely only one option – pineapple, green pepper and sweetcorn.

If you can agree on a pizza topping, it's obviously meant to be. Thanks for talking to us Jonathan and best of luck with the wedding.

By the time we next meet Zopa will be a year older. See you then!

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