This month we're going to try and settle a debate that's as old as Zopa itself: what to call a group of Zopa members? We've heard many suggestions over the years, but no clear consensus has ever emerged. On the discussion board, 'Zopoids' has become the popular term for members of the Zopa Team, but when it comes to describing Zopa members some people use 'Zopanites', some 'Zopateers', some 'Zopatines' and so on. We decided to put an end to this madness and settle on a name once and for all. So we're going to throw a few of our own suggestions in the hat, and then let you decide. Have a read of the article below, and then drop an email to tom@zopa.com to let us know which one we should plump for.

We turned quite a few heads in the last few weeks, attracting a lot of nice press coverage and getting short-listed for a highly prestigious award. It must be the new aftershave we're wearing.

• 5,281 people joined last month
• We've had nearly as many column inches as Rooney. There were articles about us in The Times, Business Week, What INVESTMENT?, IT Week, Making Money, and The Irish Times. Oh, and there were two pieces on us in the Guardian - one in the Money section, and one in the Society section.
• We've been short-listed for the CNET Internet Innovation of the Year Award. We're up against some companies that no-one's really heard of before (some telly channel called the BBC and an internet-telephone thingy called Skype), so we're quietly confident.
• The free champagne offer ran out to be replaced by a splendidly healthy free organic veggies promo - have a look here for more details.
• You can now lend more than £25,000 at Zopa just by getting hold of a licence - email powerlenders@zopa.com if you'd like to get involved
• Our Tell a Friend scheme has been revamped and made ultra-snazzy
• We'll automatically re-lend any money in your holding account for you if you like - drop a line to contactus@zopa.com if you're interested

A happy Zopa ending? Lots of lenders have contacted us recently anxious to find out what happened to one of their borrowers, topcatmg1 (aka Michael Gray). You see, Michael's message to his lenders was a bit of a cliff-hanger: I will be using this money to contribute to a very special event. I have been with my girlfriend for 11 years now, and now it's time to 'tie the knot'. I will be taking her to Paris to propose to her and hopefully she will say yes! Wish me luck!! :o) So did she say 'yes' or had Michael completely misjudged the state of their relationship? We spoke to him to find out.

Put us out of our misery then Michael - did she say 'yes'?

She certainly did!

Congratulations! We're very happy for you - and slightly relieved as well, as it would have been an awkward interview otherwise. So how did you pop the question?

Well, it was all a bit of a surprise for her.  I told her that I was going to take her on a magical mystery tour for her birthday but did not let on where we were going.  On the Friday morning, we got a train to London.  When we arrived, I handed her a present.  She unwrapped it to find a guide book to Paris, and her passport…..this went down very well!

We bet it did - nice touch.

Anyway, we headed to Paris and arrived Friday evening.  We did the usual sightseeing stuff on the Saturday, and after dinner in the evening we took a stroll down the bank of the river Seine to a bridge called Pont Alexandre III. With a spectacular view of the Eiffel Tower all lit up in the dark, I checked the coast was clear, got down on one knee and popped the question. Tears were shed, which was a good sign! 

You old romantic, you. What happened next?

Well the next day, we took the train back to London, and as we were arriving back, I handed her another wrapped gift.  This time it was a guide book to Seville. She couldn't believe it and thought I was winding her up. We then flew out to Seville and enjoyed a few days relaxation before heading back to the UK to face family and friends and the thousands of questions……

We can imagine. Full marks to you, though - some military-style planning and some inspired use of props. Did she like the ring?

She loved it!  I had spent around 3 months beforehand trying to decide what to get.  In the end, I had a bespoke ring made to my own taste…..luckily, our tastes are very similar.

That's handy. Have you set a date yet?

Yes, Saturday 1st September 2007.  Having spent 3-4 months planning the engagement, I thought I'd get a rest - no such luck!

It doesn't work like that Michael. What sort of wedding are you going for: a traditional Church affair, or maybe a theme? (Norse legends? Gangsters and molls? Las Vegas?)

Susannah is very much a traditionalist, as am I really.  The dream white wedding in a church setting is the current plan.

Fair enough. Would you consider inviting your Zopa lenders to your wedding?

The more the merrier! We'll have to increase our wedding gift list though!

Definitely - we'll get you some matching his and hers bath robes. How long have you been going out with your fiancée?

12 years

And how did you meet her?

Childhood sweethearts.  We met at School (Arthur Terry School, Four Oaks, Birmingham).

Aaah - sweet. So let's see how compatible you two are: cats or dogs?

I'd say dogs, but she would say cats. 

Hmmm….not a good sign. Let's try another one: lions or tigers?

Difficult one, I am entering into the whole Lion King thing here…….one of Susannah's favourite films/shows!

OK, let's go for an easier one: elephants or giraffes?

Oh we agree on this - definitely giraffes. Maybe it has something to do with the fact I am 6ft 5 tall….who knows!

It could well do. So to end off, any final message for your lenders?

I think I speak on behalf of both of us when I say thank-you for giving me the opportunity to make our engagement so memorable. Also, a big thank-you for giving me HUGE brownie points!  I can do no wrong at the minute.

Trust us Michael - it won't last. Best of luck with everything, and keep us posted on the build-up to the big day.

The only thing better than sitting in a park on a sunny afternoon is sitting in a park on a sunny afternoon with some poor actors battle heatstroke to perform Midsummer Night's Dream for your entertainment. And on Saturday 24th June, 50 Zopa members and their plus-ones enjoyed just that, having triumphed in our Shakespeare's Birthday free ticket giveaway. Several members of the Zopa Team were on hand, including James and Pardeep (that's 'par' as in golf, 'deep' as in shallow). A good day was had by all, despite sunburn being almost an inevitability. Here's what some of our members made of it all:

logonberry - "The setting, the sunshine (the ice bucket from the bar) and the acting all made for a wonderful afternoon's entertainment, especially the skin-head fairies!"

dai - "The day was fantastic - great venue, great play, superb weather, great atmosphere."

jimsteelfx - "The whole afternoon was wonderful, and I think just about the most romantic experience I've shared with my girlfriend so far. All in all an incredible afternoon in incredible surroundings, spent with the love of my life."

The love of jimsteelfx's life - "The play was amazing, the falling blossom in the park, and sharing of giggles and kisses ...it was ALL GOOD!!!!!

jimmy652 - "The play was great, and chatting to some of the other Zopa members there I met some very interesting people."

mick2005 - "Blimey it was really hot one - but good fun. I was pleased that there was padding on the seats unlike The Globe where you really get a numb bum!....The nymphs and fairies were excellent, like Victorian post-apocalyptic street urchins."

GREATbigAL - "We flew down from Edinburgh especially to see the play. Sitting in the sun, watching a great performance of a very funny play, whilst drinking sangria- it doesn't get much better than that!"

toptrader - "The acting was top notch, Midsummer Night's dream was perfect for the theatre and we liked the bar as well!"

So there we have it - skin-head fairies and liquid refreshments all round. The first ever Zopa day out can officially be deemed a success. PS Big thanks must go to jimsteelfx for flagrantly breeching the no photos rule to get us those nice snaps on the left.

So, the eternal question: what do you call a collection of Zopa members? Here are our suggestions - to vote for your favourite, or to throw something else into the pot, drop an email to tom@zopa.com.

So get voting, and we'll let you know the results in next month's gripping instalment of This Month at Zopa.