The 2010 International Association of Scientologists Anniversary Celebrations

What an amazing weekend we all just had at Saint Hill!

Friday 15th October

In a specially erected enormous marquee, thousands of Scientologists gathered for the IAS Anniversary Event, presented by Chairman of the Board, David Miscavige. We saw what amazing achievements have been made over the past year, what plans are in store for the coming year, and 3 individuals (actually 4 in this case because one of the awards was presented to a husband and wife team) who have made outstanding contributions to the aims of Scientology, were each presented with an IAS Freedom Medal. For me, the highlight of the evening was the launch of a new Scientology TV advert that demonstrates the extent of the help that Scientologists give others, soon to be on www.scientology.org and playing on TV channels all over the world. The applause for it seemed like it was never going to end!

On our way into the huge marquee

Saturday 16th October

During the IAS Patron Ball, those members who have made a significant financial contribution to the IAS are acknowledged. The meal was exquisite and the entertainment superb. It began with a concert and ended with dancing. Everybody had such a good time as you can see!

Dinner will be served after the presentations

Fireworks in the deserts!

This is the first time (and probably the last) time that Jesse went crowdsurfing

Sunday 17th October

The Saint Hill Gala Charity Concert continues the tradition that L. Ron Hubbard began when he lived at Saint Hill Manor in the 1960s. He supported local charities, and this concert, every year, donates funds to selected causes. This year, the East Grinstead Museum, The Mayor of Crowborough's Charity and The British Engineerium Trust each received a cheque for £12,500.

Backed by the Golden Era Musicians, with Hollywood actress Anne Archer as the MC, the performers were:

• 3D - Woody & Danny Woodmansey, the father and son drumming duo

• Soul singer, Michele Henderson

• The world's greatest swing band, The Jive Aces, accompanied by the legendary Kenny Ball (who told the audience that The Jive Aces are a great band to work with), actress and singer, Rebecca Grant, and dancers, the Hollywood Hotshots
  

• Rapper and humanitarian, Chill EB

• Gospel singer, Jesse Stevenson
  

• Italian jazz singer, Elena Roggero
  

Here's a taster of what you missed:

Elena Roggero singing "This Is My Life"

Harry, Chill EB and me after the concert

If you did miss this year's concert, I hope that clip of Elena Roggero singing "This Is My Life" will inspire you to come to next year's! It is always such a fabulous occasion.

More photos taken over the weekend can be seen here (if you have a Facebook account).

What is the IAS?

The International Association of Scientologists (IAS), formed at Saint Hill Manor in East Grinstead in October 1984, is the official membership organization of Scientology. Its members support a great many endeavours toward the achievement of the Aims of Scientology, which are:

A civilization without insanity, without criminals and without war, where the able can prosper and honest beings can have rights, and where man is free to rise to greater heights, are the aims of Scientology.

Examples of its international campaigns, funded by IAS donations, include:

• Reversing the Decline of Literacy and Education
  

• Making Human Rights a Fact
  

• Bringing about a New Era of Morality & Peace
  

• Defeating the Scourge of Drug Abuse
  

• Scientology Volunteer Ministers
  

• Helping to Clean Up the Field of Mental Health