TWO years ago I was delighted to be made a vice president of Hampshire cricket.

The 2004 season is bound to be exciting with the return of Shane Warne.

Hampshire, like other counties, usually grant a benefit to one of their players but this year is different.

There is no particular player's benefit and instead the Howzat Appeal has been launched on behalf of the Hampshire Cricket Youth Trust, a registered charity. It is to raise money to provide coaching equipment and matches for children aged between nine and 13 in schools and clubs throughout the county.

Sir Tim Rice is president and I'm honoured to be a vice president, along with Warne, Robin Smith, Colin Ingleby-Mackenzie, Roger Black, Leslie Thomas and Sir Christopher Gent.

Various fund-raising events including dinners, golf days, race nights, summer lunches and, of course, cricket matches will take place over the next year.

I'll be trying to do my bit after having my arm twisted right up my back by Cole Mathieson, the owner of the Concorde Club, to do An Evening with Lawrie McMenemy next Tuesday (April 6).

It involves a three-course dinner followed by Mike Osman introducing me, when I will then try and entertain with a bit of career history, followed by a question-and-answer session.

There is a little bit of fear and trepidation on my behalf, following in footsteps of people like Humphrey Lyttleton and the outrageous George Melly at the Concorde.

I promise not to try to play an instrument or - heaven forbid - sing. But I'm sure we'll have a good night.

The number to book a place at the Concorde is 023 8061 3989.