I wondered why Vernon Handley's nickname is Tod and called on Google for help. I found several sources which told me about the name but not the reason, and one which included mention of Tod und Verklarung, which I assume - hope - is unconnected. I also found that Gramophone is organising a petition for Handley to be given a knighthood in recognition of his wonderful services to music. While there are any number of rogues and the otherwise undeserving who have been called Sir, there are far more who have contributed deeds of lasting value. The concept may be somewhat alien to some of the list's largely North American membership - we in Australia discarded it years ago for a different system - but it's the way in which British citizens are honoured for their achievements, and I think Handley is certainly a candidate. You can access the petition at http://www.gramophone.co.uk/petition.asp?action=send. Some knights always insist on signing themselves Sir. I remember Sir Adrian Boult would occasionally write to Gramophone, but he never used his title. I suspect Vernon Handley is cast in the same mould. And I still don't know why he's known as Tod. Richard Pennycuick