We managed to hold our Branch AGM despite all the issues thrown up by the Covid-19 virus. We had a good attendance albeit missing some of our usual Members through holidays and other reasons. In total, circa thirty-three Members attended and who listened intently to the Officers reports.

Our President, Sheila, kicked off the presentations by running through a resumé of the past year’s Programme which she praised for being both extensive and interesting.

This was followed by Peter, our Chairman, who emphasised to the Members the strength of the Branch, the regular support the Members continued to give and the efforts the Committee make to create and manage the Branch. He also confirmed the number of active Members continues to be in the mid-seventies plus some Life Members. He then thanked Tim for acting as our Webmaster, creating and managing our superb website which provides a brilliant window on our Branch for both our Members and the Public as well as providing a link to the County site that Tim also manages.

Lorna, our Treasurer, followed on by emphasising the Branch still benefits from the Legacy provided by a previous Member as the investment made from this Legacy continues to provide a positive return. Lorna also emphasised, despite increasing prices, we were able to keep to our budgeted subsidy for all our events during the year. She concluded the Branch continues to enjoy a strong financial base.

Peter then read to the Members a message from our County Chair, David, who was unable to attend, which was well received by our Members.

Brian, our Secretary, then ran through the rest of the Agenda taking a vote on the current Officers, on which Members voted unanimously to re-appoint. Brian then closed the AGM after which we all enjoyed a Cheese Ploughman with drinks.

Our special raffle was also launched which commemorates WW2. The draw is to take place at our July meeting where the lucky winner will gain a limited-edition gold Quarter Sovereign!

Below are some images taken during the meeting:

Lorna reporting the finances	Brian & Wendy enjoying their Ploughman's	Ray overseeing the Raffle

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February saw a near record attendance for our Annual Duck Race held at All Saints Parish Hall in Frindsbury. We had 70 Members, Guests and Members of Maidstone Branch booked for the evening, but unfortunately five could not attend due to health reasons. The evening kicked off with the first race which was straightforward but for the next races various obstacles were introduced which added some excitement to each of the races. For one race a Brook had to be negotiated, then a Fox was introduced with finally the Wildfowler with his Gun which took out the Duck from the race. Brian was the Race Master, ably assisted by Ray who also sold the Ducks in each race to members who became Duck Owners and if their Duck won, they received a prize.

On the Race track a very special Member, Keira (our Junior Member) helped Ray move the Ducks along the track as their numbers were called by Brian after each Member threw the dice. Below are a few images taken on the night:

Dice being rolled on Brian's tray	Kiera moving a duck	Friends from Maidstone

Halfway through the races we held an interval to enjoy Fish & Chips provided by our local Chippie. All tucked in and were eager to continue with the races. At the end, our efforts paid off, happy Members and a small profit for the Branch Funds!

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Our 2020 Programme set the scene for another exciting and interesting year, and January kicked it off with our “Annual New Year’s Lunch” which was held at our favourite Restaurant; the Rivers Restaurant in Upchurch Golf Club. Fifty-eight of us (would have been sixty-four but for last minute health issues) sat down to a superb three course lunch which was up to the Rivers usual excellent standard. The lunch gave everyone the opportunity to catch up with their friends after Christmas and to exchange notes on their Festive activities. Our Raffle was well supported by our Members, who also donated prizes, and raised enough funds for us to donate for the year a total of £270.00 to Kent MS Centres for their good work and which was our chosen Charity for 2019.

Below are a few images of our enjoyable lunch:

Alan, Christine, Terry & Lyn	Lynn & Maurice	Christine & Sue
Lunch being served

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