Many of you will have heard of the fate of St Mawgan Steam and Vintage Rally this year when we had torrential rain on the Friday before we started. Financially, it's the worst possible time it can happen because all expenses are committed and there's very little that can be regained. Cakes and pastries are cooked and barrels of beer tapped. However, we managed to achieve two very good nights of entertainment in the marquee, which softens the blow somewhat, and it was at one of those events that one very enterprising Rally follower - Alan from Withiel - took the initiative to start a hat collection with a crisp £20 note. £480 was raised within minutes and since then, others have offered donations to further soften the blow.

While there is no danger of the Rally folding, this scenario will deplete our reserves considerably and we will be raising money with other smaller events throughout the year to reattain our comfort zone.

To make it easier to donate to the cause, we're setting up a 'Just Giving' site. It's difficult to ask for money when we're normally giving it away - £60,000.00 over twelve years and increasing all the time - but, to ensure that we can continue with the good work, we have maintain our disaster buffer.

There's no suggestion as to what you might give - for most people, it's just a desire to contribute and show appreciation for all the hard work that's gone into one of their favourite rallies.