Ashford-AARA:- Future outings and holidays will include such pleasures as the Brighton Ice Show in January, a possible holiday to Torquay later in the year and the Backlasher Bay 23rd —27th April.
 

Ashford South—ASARA:-

Their outings include: “Sound of Music” Wednesday 7th February, Voulez Vous “ABBA” The Story at the Leas Cliff Hall also in February and possibly a trip to see Paul O’Grady at the BBC TV Studios, White City in November.
 

Barming-BarmARA:- “BarmARA” has had a very good third year. Our waiting list continues to grow and promises to soon be at the same number as our full membership. We have had day trips to Thriplow daffodil festival, Blankenburg, Pashley Manor & Merriments Gardens, Buckingham Palace & Clarence House and many other places. We had our usual Spring Holiday at a Warners Hotel, this year we went to Bodelwyddan Castle in North Wales plus a Tinsel & Turkey break in Bournemouth in November. Jennifer Cornish
 

Barnhurst & Bexleyheath-BarnARA:- This club will be enjoying the delights of Bodelwyddan Castle Historic Hotel, North Wales in January and Bracklesham bay in March and then Lake Maggiore (I have no idea where this is. Ed) in May.
 

Cliffe Woods-ClifARA:- It is now 3 years since ClifARA started and many true friendships have been made. Beccy and Mick moved to the area and decided to see if there were enough interested people to start an ARA. The response was positive and we have not looked back since. We were entertained at Christmas by the Maidstone ‘Mad Hatters’, What a lively bunch they are! What a fabulous evening we had at the Todd Miller concert, hopefully another will be held in 2007.Finally all members of ClifARA wish our fellow ARA’s a Happy and Healthy New Year and hope to meet with some of you at future events.
 

Coxheath &Loose-CalARA:- In October we held a very successful Art & Craft Exhibition with exhibits from several Area 4 members. It was amazing what a variety of art and craft we had on display, including all mediums of art, card making, dolls houses with their furniture, enbroidery, knitted lace, quilting, violin making and wood turning, our members talents seemed endless. Our Archivist’s display of his collection of old photos and postcards of our local area also attracted a great deal of interest. Our year ended with a New year’s Eve party, the cabaret being provided by our own Entertainment group. We look forward to another ‘Active’ year in 2007. Joy Carter.
 

Dartford-DartARA:-

Well, the members of Dartford will be driving to take in “Mary Poppins” in January, then Gunton Hall towards the end of the year and probably a Tinsel & Turkey break in Nov/Dec at one of the favourite locations used by many ARAs. In April and October they are holding ‘Cockney Nights’ with entertainment, these sound very good.
 

Folkestone-FARA:- Our own choir “Faraway Singers” sang after our AGM in November and again at our Christmas coffee morning when we joined in with the carols. A hundred members enjoyed a Christmas meal together at Lathe Barn with our local coach company Buzz Lines. There was also a Carol Concert in a local Holy Trinity church. There has been an overwhelming response to the suggestions for our Spring Holiday that we are having to run two—one to the bulbfields in Holland and another to York in September. Morna Nunn.
 

Kings Hill-KinARA:- KinARA went International on the 8th September when 37 members boarded a coach for what turned out to be a wonderful visit to Pas-de-Calais in France. The visit was organised by two of our members who belong to a French/English group called “Mutual Discovery Artois-Kent”. The aim of which is to promote social and commercial links between the Artois Region and Kent. The three days, spent in the company of two guides, was both informative and enjoyable. KinARA members were treated to a week-end of fine food and wines—we managed not to let our side down by heroically coping with the 2 hour, 3 course lunches and even longer evening meals. We visited the cathedral of St. Omer, Canadian War cemetery and Museum at Vimy Ridge and Son et Lumiere just outside Arras and finally a day at Le Touquet. Our thanks to all those involved in this event which we will long remember.

Maureen Bussell.
 

Maidstone-MaidARA:- 2006 ended with even more holidays and outings. In September 34 of us had a fabulous 11 days on the KentARA Cruise and in November we stayed at Thorsby Hall, where we visited Lincoln, Nottingham and Chatsworth. Outings have included the Essex Villages, the Chocolate Lady, Thursford and the Albert Hall. At our December meeting, after wine and mince pies, we were entertained by

our very own ‘Mad Hatters’ concert party with a variety of Christmas songs. Irene Hales
 

Sittingbourne-SiARA:- SiARA honoured one of their long serving members during their Autumn meeting. Bill Macers decided not to stand for reelection

at the last AGM. In recognition of his years of voluntary service he was made an Honorary President of the Club. Bill was presented with

his President’s badge and a miniature sculpture of a grazing horse. In his early days Bill was a milkman who was familiar with the old horse and

cart and never lost his affection for horses. E. Goddard.
 

was a great success with 30 teams participating. The Snodland Men’s 2nd team took the Men’s Trophy with a brilliant display of bowling scoring a total of 1289 points. Ashford Ladies took the Ladies Trophy with a score of 892 points. The competition was organised by ShepARA. Joyce Larkins.
 

43 members and friends of SevARA went for their Holly & Mistletoe break at the Smoke House Hotel in Mildenhall, Suffolk. We visited Ely for its Cathedral, Lavenham for its old world charm and Bury St. Edmunds for the buildings and town. The break concluded with a visit to the Thursford Spectatcular which was a fantastic experience. 2 holidays for 2007 are planned. A. Towle.
 

Whilst some members attended the Thanksgiving Service others shared a mini-bus with them and spent the day shopping in Canterbury. An enjoyable time was had by all at Sandown Holiday Village where this years Tinsel & Turkey was held. A trip to London to see Mary Poppins, a foot tapping visit to see the Joe Loss Orchestra at the Christmas Concert, an excellent Xmas lunch and to end the year a trip to see the pantomime Saladdin. Peter Vickery-