Don't faint with shock, dear reader, just because the Acorn may have dropped through your door early (or maybe on time) for a change (Damn, it even beat the Web version out, Web Ed) . Make the most of it!

Lots of event reports this month and an extra from the Archives this issue, a reminder once more that we have lost a valuable club member in Mark Dawson. I have included Mark’s article on how he got on when he decided to take the plunge at being “behind the scenes” of a sprint meeting. It could almost serve as a guide to those who are interested in getting more involved in the officiating side of our sport.

I had a phone conversation with Daren Hall earlier in the week and he has come up with a wonderful idea to raise some money for the Royal Marsden Hospital at Fulham, where Mark Dawson was so wonderfully cared for.

Daren is putting in an entry for our very own Spotted Dick and Custard Stages on 5th September, an event that he and Mark had enjoyed competing in.

Daren would like to auction the ride of a lifetime, a seat in his Nissan Sunny Gti as his co-driver on this event.

Daren is very kindly putting up the entry fee himself and he would like to invite bids for this wonderful opportunity. All proceeds would be passed to the Royal Marsden Cancer Research Unit in Fulham.

If you would like to put in a bid, there are a couple of ways you can do this. You can write your name address and phone number plus the amount you are prepared to bid for the seat, on a sheet of paper, put it in an envelope and send it to me Dawn Travers, at my address in the front of the magazine. You could also email me your details and your bid. Bids need to be in writing and all bids need to be received by 1st September 2004. The successful bidder will be contacted by phone straight after the closing date.

Daren has suggested the bidding starts at £150. The other thing to remember is that the successful bidder will have to have applied for or already be in possession of a suitable MSA rally co-driver licence, crash helmet and overalls as per the Blue Book.

This idea has Roy and Gee Dawson’s approval so please help Daren to raise a goodly sum of money in memory of Mark.

These details will also be put on the club website and updates can be found there in due course.

I have been asked to let you know that the committee and especially Neil Brooks-Johnson have been busy looking at event dates for next year’s calendar. We were invited to co-promote a speed event at Goodwood in association with our friends at B19 motorclub. And we are pleased to announce that we now have a provisional date of Saturday 17th September 2005. Yes….2005 ...so don’t go looking for regs to appear on your doormats just yet. You will have a bit of a wait!!

We are also looking at another Lydden but as is always the case with Lydden, trying to get even a provisional date that fits with other championships, clubs and the circuit is complicated, to say the least. Watch this space for more info...coming soon.

Hope you all have a good holiday where ever you may be going.