Dover undertook there first longer stay trip with a visit to the world famous Cologne Christmas  markets. Staying at a very centrally located hotel close to the Rudolfplatz Market. 
The party were soon sampling the delights of the market on a busy Friday night and  the first mugs of gluhwein were soon sampled .
After a comfortable nights sleep and a good German breakfast the party were soon off shopping.
Cologne is a major city with a fantastic shopping centre and in December a number of theme markets.
The city Cathedral dominates the city centre and has at its feet a market of 160 stalls a shoppers delight . The  December weather was unkind with a rain causing the shoppers to head for the food stalls to sample the delights of  the various German sausages, ham and even fish and chips.
The Saturday night was spent in various restaurants and beer kellers after another gluhwiem just to keep warm .          
Sunday was a much brighter day with the shops opening later than at home. Visits were made to The Chocolate Museum, the Medieval Market and trips along the Rhine with IFC Cologne being at home to Hamburg the markets were full of footy fans adding colour to the very busy market scene.
Sunday night was another bright night with our pary getting into the fun of shopping at night in the open air
On a very bright Monday we made our way back to Dover via duty free stop in Belgium and Cite Europe in Calais
A very good trip a chance to sample the German Christmas Markets and great fun.
Clive Arnold

Click here to see this years winners
The best in show will receive ' Best in show' - £50 from CSSC Dover
First prize in each category- £20 from CSSC Dover
Runners up each category - £10 from CSSC Dover

The CSSC South & South East Barbados Challenge is a programme of events leading up to a week of competitions between CSSC and corresponding civil servants in Barbados. Click on the following link to view all of the qualifying events to be held during 2008 – all you or your have to do is win one of them, and then you can fly out to Barbados in the autumn of 2009 (at an advantageous cost, subsidised by your region), and enjoy one of the most beautiful holiday destinations in the world.
What are you waiting for?

Up to six Cinema Tickets per month at a massive saving that can be used for the whole family.
Odeon tickets at £4.00
Cineworld tickets at £4.00
Contact Clive Arnold: 01303 852903 or email: Clive Arnold 

Showtime 19.30
Members and one members guest £35 each
includes coach fare
To book contact Julie Malins telephone: 01304 868106

The London Eye, a 3-course carvery lunch and a river cruise The flight on the London Eye takes approximately 30 minutes to see many of the sights of London, this is followed by some free time on the south bank. We then take you to a 4-star hotel, Rembrandt Hotel in Knightsbridge opposite the Victoria & Albert Museum for a 3-course carvery lunch with everything from a salad bar to smoked salmon, freshly carved meat off the bone, pasta, fish, meat and freshly prepared vegetables concluding with a sweet of your choice and teas and coffees - you will have 2 hours at the hotel for lunch. We then travel to Westminster Pier for our cruise back to Greenwich before our return journey home.
Cost member and members guest £45 each Members children (up to two) £40 each
Non-members add £12 to each of the above.
 To book contact email Cheryl Johnson telephone: 01303 852906

Cross by Eurotunnel in a luxury coach
Stay at the recently refurbished 143 bed Hotel Flandrischer Hof (Click here for further details)
Twin or Double rooms
Bed and Breakfast
Cost members and one guest £175 each
Non members £195 - Single suppliment £53
Proof of valid travel insurance required before travel (Click here to contact our recommended travel insurance partners)
Non refundable booking deposite £25 with balance due 10 weeks before departure or pay monthly if preferred.
Further details or to book contact June Sime telephone: 01303 852962

Show your current membership card to join at the discounted rate.
Visit www.vistaleisure.com for details and locations

Sea France Dover to Calais
Dover AA have negotiated a 10% discount on Day Trips, 24 hour Return, Early Booking and Each Way Crossings. Book on-line and enter the promotion code to receive your discount.
e-mail Pat Linstead for the appropriate code required when booking.
Book on line here.

Clive Arnold Chairman 01303 852903 (o) 01303 257266 (h) e-mail Clive Arnold 
Sandra Dyson Secretary 01303 713895 (o) 01303 277169 (h) 07775 721119 (m) 01303 713801 (fax) e-mail Sandra Dyson 
Paul Aitken Treasurer 01304 245252 (h) 01304 245216 (o)
Cliff Park Membership Sec. 01303 852900 (o) e-mail Cliff Park