sentences:  It was during the first year that regional committees of the Association started to be formed and A National Council was established to determine policy and direction.Very close links were maintained with the Department of Education and Science (DES) and the Inspectorate (HMI) and colleges were invited to join the Association for a modest annual fee.The Association did not have its own office but used member colleges’ premises for meetings of the Council and the Chairman (Peter Shuker), Vice-Chairman (John Gray) and Treasurer (Chris West) performed all of the administration.