This note is written to support a fund-raising effort which is being made by the British Inter- national Rowing Fund. Rowing is a sport which has not always attracted generous sponsors, so all of us in the sport are grateful to the TSB for giving us the chance to raise some money for this worthy cause. The bank are providing the money, so please read on - you are not being asked to give money.

You will see from the enclosed brochure that for every TSB Trust Card issued under the scheme, the TSB will send £5 to the British International Rowing Fund. £1 of this will be returned to our Boat Club, and I can assure you that we can make use of each and every pound. There is the added incentive that the school which encourages the issue of the greatest num- ber of cards per pupil on the roll will get £2000 from the bank. Monkton Combe is a small school with a great rowing tradition, so I hope we will win this valuable prize.

As well as the contribution given when cards are issued, the TSB will donate a generous pro- portion of the turn-over from cards to the fund which will be helping our team in the Olympic Games in 1988.

This international competition may seem very far removed from the peaceful waters of the Avon where generations of Monkton oarsmen have trained, so it is worth recording that two Monktonians have represented Great Britain in the rowing team within the last three years, and that we are wishing Richard Ireland all the best as he aims for selection for the GB team in 1988. Do support rowing by getting a TSB Visa card. I realise that there are lots of reasons why one should not!

'I already have a card' — Yes, but a second one could be used for (say) car expenses. Hold- ers of a certain card I could mention, which is not a member of the Visa organisation may find a Visa card useful.

'One should not encourage credit' — Perhaps not, but remember that the outstanding amount can be settled without incurring any interest, and credit can be useful occasionally. (Inciden- tally, the card is not being offered to pupils still at school, even if they are over 18).

On the positive side, use of this card will put money into a worthwhile sport, at no extra cost to the user. I hope you will feel able to support the scheme.