Welcome to the first issue of Meteorological Applications under my Editorship. Although I became Editor in July last year, John Thornes continued to oversee the production of issues up to the end of Volume 12. Firstly I should like to thank John for all his hard work and enthusiasm in steering the Journal over the past five years. I am delighted that he has agreed to remain on the Editorial Board, so that his experience and skills will still be available. You will also see from the list on the inside front cover that several members of the Editorial Board have left the Journal, and I should like to thank them, too, for their contributions to Meteorological Applications. I am also pleased to welcome the new members to the Board.