The RCB star V854 Cen may have commenced to decline as indicated by the following visual observations: STAR YYMMDD(UT) MAG OBSERVER CENV854 20000804.390 73 WPX CENV854 20000807.410 73 WPX CENV854 20000809.407 73 WPX CENV854 20000810.931 73 WPX CENV854 20000814.409 74 WPX CENV854 20000817.368 73 WPX CENV854 20000821.385 74 WPX CENV854 20000824.434 76 WPX CENV854 20000826.388 78 WPX CENV854 20000828.396 80 WPX Maximum brightness shown above is very near the recently much quoted ephemeris of Lawson (JD 2447400.6 + 43.2 days; August 07 = JD 2451763) and considering the relatively rapid fade to magnitude 8, this may be the much anticipated decline. If correct, this will be the first decline since 1999 May and the 14th fade since regular observation of V854 Cen commenced in 1986 July. Observations over the next few days will confirm if this is correct. Regards Peter Williams Heathcote NSW