Welcome to Johnson Family News for Christmas 2009

This year's news will start with Sue because she is just about to experience a big change in her life. At the time of writing, Sue is packing up the Kings Hill Conference Centre, following the University's decision to close it. This completes a busy year arranging events and weddings at both the Kings Hill venue and the University's Medway Campus. For a time it seemed Sue would be made redundant but she recently secured a new position in the University Personnel Department. This will require her to commute to the outskirts of London. Fortunately, it has been agreed that she can work a 4-day week. Sue will miss the conference centre since the job was well suited to her and the hours were ideal. On a brighter note, the Eccles Book Group is still reading and they have just reviewed their 50th book. Sue's Dad (89) and Mum (80) are generally in good spirits and are remaining as well as aches and pains will allow. Simon too is undergoing a change. Having worked for a while and built up some savings, he has decided to take a gap period. He will leave work in early January and is initially heading to the Alps for a season of snowboarding. Simon ended his period at Mercer on a high note by passing two of his actuary examinations. William joined Deutsche Bank last year at a time when the industry was in turmoil so he has done well to survive and become established there. Both he and Diane are working in business units that are being re-organised. They await developments. Diane has gained permanent residency in the UK, having passed the ‘British knowledge’ test and interview. William has passed stage 1 of the Chartered Financial Analyst qualification. Terry is just finishing a long period working on algorithms for holographic aircraft displays. He has yet to find out what the New Year will bring. Terry undertook a flight in a wind tunnel as a Christmas present from William and Diane. He also enjoyed a yachting weekend in the summer on the Medway Estuary, which was a great experience. His host was one of his Thursday-evening drinking chums, who sadly since suffered a major health problem. Sue and Terry have enjoyed a number of treats as presents from William and Diane. They were taken to the Dorchester for afternoon tea, which was delightful, as was the walk afterwards across Hyde Park in all their finery. They have watched a film at the Electric Cinema lying horizontally on leather sofa. They saw the 39 Steps at the Criterion Theatre in Piccadilly, which was a fun spoof with a small cast of actors playing all the parts. They recently mingled with the foodies at the ‘Taste of Christmas’. Diane’s brother David visited the country at Easter time. We all enjoyed with him his first experiences of London and Brighton. In May, Terry, Sue, William, Diane and her parents stayed in a grand apartment overlooking Plymouth Sound. They explored Devon and Cornwall. One highlight was a visit to the Eden Project, another was the chance to walk across to Saint Michael’s Mount and take a boat trip back. Sue and Terry also enjoyed breaks in Milton Keynes, Manchester and the Peak District, Bournemouth, and Suffolk. We will spare you the music reviews this year, but Terry’s list is Skip McDonald, Horse Feathers, Bill Frisell with the BBC Symphony Orchestra, BB King, and Gladys Knight. We wish you a Happy Christmas and a great New Year. Terry and Sue