KENT ACTIVE RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION

As the proud chairman of KentARA I would like to inform you what a wonderful organisation we have. There is a club in every corner of Kent, and when Hoo is inaugurated in June, will make a grand total of 75 active retirement clubs that we have opened, a total membership of approx. 12,000 and a waiting list of over 1,000.

We try and open at least three new clubs each year, finding the right hall is the biggest problem. Our members come from all walks of life with ages ranging from 50 to over 90, most of them still very active, and the talent within our organisation is unbelievable.

We will be 25 years old next year (our silver jubilee year) and would like to make this a very special year for all our members, in the past we have held a jamboree every other year, where upon KentARA takes over a holiday village or group of hotels to which we invite members from all our clubs, the most that can be accommodated is about 800, so many of our members are disappointed.

On September 10, 2006 we are taking over Thomsons new addition to their cruise line, the Celebration' which can accommodate 1250 of our members, we leave Southampton to cruise out to the Mediterranean for 11 days, calling at some very interesting ports before returning to Southampton, prices from £499 to allow even our poorest members to have a cruise of a lifetime. (we are two thirds booked already).

We hold a thanksgiving service ever year alternating between Rochester and Canterbury Cathedrals, and for 2006, we have asked if the Archbishop of Canterbury would conduct this service for our special year.

For our members who cannot make the cruise, we have booked Pontins of Pakefield for a spring jamboree.

All our clubs are very active, everyone enjoying themselves to the full, at the same time raising thousands of pounds for their favourite charities.

Our organisation is growing larger and stronger day by day and although a lot of pressure is put upon my small team of dedicated officers and committee members who will never let this great institution based in Kent and the envy of every other county, turn into a sleeping giant.