PAGE 24
August 2012
Dutch Courier
ABEL TASMAN CLUB (VIC)
Hello members and friends of the Abel Tasman Club What a month it was. Yes July was very busy with all sorts of happenings. Sunday 8th we enjoyed the fi rst of the three typical Dutch winter meals. About 80 people turned up for a so called Rijsttafel (rice table) and were amply served with several very tasty dishes. The entrée before and the sweets after completed a hearty meal. The atmosphere was relaxed and everyone seemed to enjoy the occasion. Of course the inimitable Hans Nyhuis on his accordion, took care of the musical background and at times had people singing along with the variety of tunes he played. Sunday 15th was an historic day. But you can read about that in an article on page 5 in this Courier. Sunday 22nd the Belgian people celebrated their National Day (see page 19) at our Club. Like last year they had organised several activities throughout the day for their own community and visitors. They enjoyed an extended lunch with Belgian specialities. In the afternoon there was plenty of entertainment. The children were looked after as well, with special menu’s and games. Of course it was all extra enjoyable because of the many different Belgian beers available. Friday 27th was supposed to be another unique occasion. Wolfgang baron von Hildebrandt was to visit our Club and entertain about 60 people present with a few songs from his vast repertoire. Doors were to be open at 7 pm for an 8 pm start. However at 6 pm President Roel received a phone call from the promoter, whom we had been in touch with during the previous few weeks, saying that Wolfgang would not attend. We were taken aback and it was of course very embarrassing for the Club. After a brief discussion an executive decision was made to refund the entry fee to everyone and offer a free drink as well. As it so happened, we had asked Mr. Music Man, Peter van
Abel to be there and set up his sound equipment, which would have been needed for Wolfgang. But now Peter was asked to sing as well, which he readily agreed to. Everyone understood our sudden predicament, but all decided to stay. So Peter started to play and people danced and danced and sang along. And with a good kitchen, serving favourite snacks and a well stocked bar, everyone was happy to stay. In addition Bea Cantare choir members who were the largest group present, gave an impromptu performance with conductor Fons Wytkamp singing solo. They sang a beautiful rendition of a Franz Schubert lullaby ‘Mille cherubini in coro’. From a near disaster, the night turned out to be quite pleasant. Saturday 28th there was an afternoon for children. A children’s fi lm was shown and there were approximate 12 present. It was a different happening for our club, but certainly one that can be improved on when promoted more extensively. Monday 30th we had the pleasure of hosting a day for Consul General Jaap Frederiks of the Sydney Consulate General. It was a combination of three events. The fi rst one was at 2 pm, for about 15 people who gained or re-gained the Dutch nationality via so-called ‘option procedure’. With family and friends there were about 35 people in attendance. The ceremony was fi rst explained and then enacted by Co