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Welcome to the AIACE-UK Kent group. The group was set up in October 2006. The main aims of the group are to:

1. provide the opportunity to meet in order to share experiences;
2. create a forum for the exchange of information on various topics of particular interest related to social welfare;
3. support a programme of activities bringing together those interested in cultural visits and sporting activities;
4. assist the newly retired to integrate;
5. assist surviving spouses in dealing with the Commission formalities.

The Group currently has a membership of about 45 former officials, spouses and survivors.

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Outline of Programme for 2010 (fuller details in the Members' Area)

Wednesday 14 July - a tour of the lavender fields at the Hop Castle Farm.
Sunday 25 July - Barbecue at Lees Court as the guests of Pamela and Kieran O'Cuneen.
Wednesday, 4 August - a visit to Finchcocks Musical Museum.
Saturday, 21 August - picnic and open air opera at Goodnestone Park.
Friday 29 October - Kent Group AGM at the Halfway House, Challock.

Recreational Activities

Walking group

On Tuesday 13 October eight members of the Group took part in a walk, guided by Anthony Dunning, exploring Folkestone Warren and the White Cliffs. The views were breathtaking and the weather was superb. Following the exertions of the walk, an excellent lunch was enjoyed in a restaurant with spectacular views of Folkestone Harbour. Everone was very grateful to Anthony for his efforts in organising the day.

Cultural visits

On Wednesday, 19 May, 17 members visited Belmont House and Gardens near Faversham. The members of the party were given an excellent guided tour of the house during which, as well as learning much that was of interest of the history of the house and of its past occupants, they saw the immense clock collection accumulated by the 5th Lord Harris. Following the tour of the house the party was given a guided tour of the Belmont House gardens by the head gardener - a tour made the more enjoyable by the beautiful sunny weather! Following the visit the party adjourned to the Halfway House at Challock for an excellent lunch. At the close of the visit we joined in expressing our thanks to Barbara Dittrich-McGill for her much appreciated efforts in making all the necessary arrangements.

The Visiting Group at Belmont House

Administrative Activities

Group AGM

The 2009 AGM of the Group was held at The Halfway House, Challock, on 23 October.The record of the business transacted may be found under the heading "AGM Reports" on the Kent Forum in the Members' Area. Following the meeting, participants enjoyed an excellent meal and an abundance of enjoyable conversation.

The Coordinating Group (minus Anthony) looking forward to 2010

Concerts

One of our members, John Astin, has drawn our attention to concerts in Canterbury Cathedral by the Canterbury Choral Society. Details of future concerts are at http://www.canterburychoral.co.uk. The next concert is Elgar's "The Dream of Gerontius" -on Saturday 19th June 2010 at 7.30pm in Canterbury Cathedral.

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