September - October 2014 Concordia is a Dutch - Australian Social Club - established in 1957 Er is er een jarig...hoera...hoera Concordia’s 57th Birthday 2 DUTCH SOCIETY “CONCORDIA” EXECUTIVE MEMBERS President: Antonia Somerville Phone: 4958 1552 Vice-President: Joop de Wit Phone: 4954 5227 - Mobile: 0412 671 848 email: concordianewcastle@bigpond. com Treasurer: Lucia Reynders Phone: 4958 3562 - email: lreynder1@bigpond.com Secretary & Editor: Joop de Wit Phone: 4954 5227 - Mobile: 0412 671 848 email: concordianewcastle@bigpond.com CONCORDIA COMMITTEE MEMBERS: 2013 - 2014 Anne Pelzer 4975 4062 Mary King 4955 6451 Theresia Garner 4982 6650 Nel de Groot 4961 5270 Anja de Hoop 4982 6730 Henri Louwen 0416 288 154 Ann Beckers 4951 3971 Mieke Gerritsen 4967 5579 Anne Stevens 4947 2471 Emmy Wolthers 4954 8418 MARMONG POINT INSTUIF GROUP CENTRAL COAST INSTUIF GROUP Dutch Federation Representative Jan Mees 9787 1984 Every Thursday - commencing at 10-00am Address: 16 High Street, Marmong Point - Church of Hope hall. Treasurer & co-ordinator: Lucia Reynders - Phone: 4958 3562 Central Coast Instuif meets every last Thursday of the Month. Further information Christina van Arendonk - Ph: 4325 5734 Bi-Monthly NEWSLETTER OF THE DUTCH SOCIETY “CONCORDIA” Editor: Mr Joop de Wit, 24 Gertrude Street, Cardiff South NSW 2285 Phone: (02) 4954 5227 Mobile 0412 671848 email: concordianewcastle@bigpond.com DUTCH EMBASSY CANBERRA A.C.T. - Ambassador: Mrs Annemieke Ruigrok Empire Circuit - Yarralumla ACT 2600 - Canberra. (02) 6220 9400 - Fax (02) 6273 3206 Email: can@minbuza.nl - Website: http://australia.nlembassy.org DUTCH CONSULATE GENERAL SYDNEY N.S.W. Consul-General: Mr J. R. Th. (Jaap) Frederiks Consul: Mr W.J. (Willem) de Bruin Netherlands Consulate-General in Sydney - Level 23, Tower 2, Westfield Bondi Junction - 101 Grafton Street (corner Grosvenor Street) Bondi Junction NSW 2022 Postal address: PO Box 261 - Bondi Junction NSW 1355. Tel: (02) 9387 6644 Fax: (02) 9387 3962 - email: syd@minbuza.nl Any of the above information, wrong or out of date, please contact the editor at your earliest convenience, we will be able to change or make an immediate alterration in the general interest of our members. DISCLAIMER: This Concordia news is produced as an information service only without assuming responsibility. It is intended for information sharing and general purposes only. Views expressed in articles and letters printed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or policy of Concordia. Any advice offered or given should not be relied on as a substitute for professional advice. Concordia is completely neutral, does not belong to any religious or political organisation and only acts in the general & neutral interests of all our current members. Concordia geeft onpartijdig nieuws, zonder gebonden te zijn aan enige staatkundige partij, kerkelijke richting of belangen en gemeenschap, wij werken uitsluitend in dienst van Concordia’s eigen social belang. 2 3 W From the editors desk Joop de Wit elcome to another newsletter, the last 2 months were not very kind to some of our Concordia members, plenty of illness and heartache was a common complaint. Winter usually plays havoc with elderly people and this year was no exception. We wish you well and, let’s look forward to spring. The downing of the Malaysian airlines has put the spotlight fair and square on Holland and Australia. The loss of many citizens from Holland, Australia and various other countries is one that will haunt us for a long time. I often ask myself “what is going on in this world, haven’t we learned from the past, when do we grow up and realise we live in a global village. Israel and Gaza, Syria, Iraq, the present situation of a new cold war in Europe – the downing of Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 with 298 passengers and crew. Another war looming with claims and a variety of actions which has created an explosive situation in Ukraine right now. I’m finding that it’s starting to impact me personally in terms of my own mental health. You see, I’m one of those more emotional, sensitive temperament types who finds it hard not to take other people’s pain on board. It might explain what drew me to the funeral industry. Emotions are very much part of my personal life. A lot of readers in our age bracket haven’t forgotten the past, let’s hope we don’t have to experience another major upheaval in our world. Our much loved member Gaby Haines passed on after a very short sickbed. We were all stunned to hear of Gaby’s illness. Gaby married Joop Geerlof in a garden commitment ceremony on the 21st September last year. Not long after we attended Joop’s Funeral on 29th November 2013. This year we said goodbye to Gaby in a very busy and emotional funeral service on the 28th July. Sadness all around, especially for her immediate and extended families including the many friends she made over the years. Some of those friends were overseas and could therefore not attend the celebration service for Gaby. We hereby convey our sincere condolences to Gaby’s family including all those who miss her as a friend. May she rest in peace. We had a very positive response to our annual membership payments for the year 2014-2015. Most include a donation, some small, some large but all very much appreciated. Could we now rely on those who have forgotten to pay their annual membership fee. Due to our increasing cost factors, we cannot continue to send out the bi-monthly Concordia newsletter, consider this to be your last issue. If you do or don’t want to be part of our Concordia family please let us know. We unfortunately cannot subsidise those who fail to pay on time. You, our members, have only one obligation, which is a small contribution to stay in touch with your local Dutch community. The production and mailing the 6 Concordia issues each year, does no longer cover some membership payments. If you need assistance in this matter, do not hesitate to call on Lucia, Toni or Joop as per Concordia information corner, page 2 of this issue, we’ll be glad to help you. (Continued on page 4) 3 4 (Continued from page 3) With St. Nicholas fast approaching, we need to call on all our readers to assist Concordia on the busiest day of the year at Marmong Park on Saturday 6th December. We desperately need volunteers to give us a hand for a few hours to make the day an unforgettable experience for lots of children. Some members are now a little older and in need to take it a little easier. We are looking for a number of volunteers to help us out. Remember the statement: “Vele handen maken licht werk!” Many hands make light work! Please contact Toni, Lucia or self if you can give us a hand. Our committee would be very grateful for any assistance. We usually cater for around 300plus people on this very special children's day. I would have liked to have a newsletter full of good news stories. Why? Because with all that’s going on in the world today including my personal health it just wasn’t fully achievable. During the year 2014 I have been in and out of hospital 3 times, Gall bladder removal, Hernia repair, X-rays and scans of my knee. We are just falling apart, which is to be expected when one gets older. One thing that do stand out is my overall enjoyment in keeping our Concordia family happy, lets hope, for a long time to come. I also hope you will find this latest Concordia issue still interesting reading. Let’s remain optimistic about the future even in light of all the world drama we are experiencing this year. We hope to see many faces at our next function on the 13th September, Concordia’s 57th Birthday including the celebration of Fathers Day, all in all, a big party with lots of laughter and Dutch “Gezelligheid” Just make sure you get yourself booked in on time. Joop Remember: Stressed spelled backward is desserts D From the Presidents Desk - Toni Somerville ear readers, If you are a soccer fan, like me, then you will have enjoyed the World Cup Soccer in Brazil. The Dutch team did well and came third. I also enjoyed watching the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow recently. Such dedication from athletes to their sport is admirable. There was a bit of a damper on our July 19th function due to the Malaysian airliner disaster which happened on the 17th July. Concordia, as a mark of respect, observed one-minute silence at our July get-together, remembering the victims who lost their lives in such an unbelievable disaster. (Continued on page 5) 4 5 (Continued from page 4) After two months of being diagnosed with cancer our member Gaby Haines passed away on the 23rd of July. Sincere condolences are extended to Gaby’s family, relatives and friends. We will miss Gaby at our functions and especially at our St Nicholas day. A sincere thanks to the members who have paid their membership fees. Also for the added donations. We appreciate it very much. Our special children’s day (St Nicholas) is fast approaching. This year it will be held on Saturday the 6th of December at Marmong Park. It is rewarding for the committee to see whole families enjoying the day. Once again I am appealing for volunteers to help make the day successful as in past years. Several of our members are unable to help this year, so please if you are willing to assist even for a couple of hours, please give Lucia, Joop or me a call. We will celebrate Concordia’s 57th birthday and Fathers Day on Saturday the 13th of September. All Fathers will receive a small gift. Lucia will be at Stanwell Tops from the 8th to, and including the 12th of September, so please call or email Joop or myself to book your seats. Come and join us for another great afternoon where we meet, greet, enjoy a delicious lunch and great entertainment on the 13th of September at the Cardiff RSL. Keep well and stay safe. Toni. The right to do something does not mean that doing it is right 2014-2015 5 6 Malaysian Airline Disaster On behalf of the Dutch Community in our region, our secretary Joop has signed the condolence registers in Holland & Australia in memory to all those affected in "One of the worst air disasters in Dutch history.” 193 Dutch and 27 Australians lost their lives including the other Nationalities mentioned in the next graph. Concordia has expressed their sincere condolences to the relatives of the victims, saying they were "deeply shocked" by the news. "We offer our deepest sympathy to the families, friends and colleagues of the victims.” Success is not a ladder you can climb with your hands in your pockets 6 7 W h e r e t h e r e ' s i s a w i l l , t h e r e’ s i s a r e l a t i ve Aan alle Pappa’s & Opa’s Happy Fathers Day About the only thing that comes to us without effort….is old age 7 8 8 9 Rijkdom is als zeewater, hoe meer men er van drinkt, hoe dorstige men wordt Mr Husband can (sometimes) Fix it I sometimes see a maintenance van driving around during my various travels as a volunteer, emblazoned with the slogan, “We can repair what your husband fixed.” Cheeky, clever, and so apt for many husbands. Most people I know are blessed to fix anything, put anything back together or even figure out how things are supposed to fit back together. I usually try my hand to fix anything that comes my way, mostly successful but not always perfect. It does save a lot of money in the end. I tried to tighten a door handle in one of my latest do it yourself episodes, and the whole thing fell off. Now it’s in pieces and I can’t work out what springs go where or which way it’s supposed to fit back together. It took a while but I was able to fix it. It can be very embarrassing (and costly) to have to call out a tradesman to carry out what many would consider to be the most simple of repairs such as , “Can you put the door handle back on for me?” But whatever the problem, repairing appliances, doing computer maintenance or fixing door handles, it’s usually better to put it in the hands of someone who is skilled and trustworthy rather than to fiddle around with it. Make sure the person who knocks on your door has the appropriate qualifications and carries the proper insurance to back up the job in hand. Joop When you aim for perfection, you find out it is a moving target On behalf of the Concordia committee we like to encourage you in giving a gift subscription to your friends or acquaintances. You can never give a more value for dollar present to anyone who is the slightest bit interested in our Dutch community or the Dutch Culture. This is truly a gift that lasts a whole year. Think about, how you, as our members can put something back into Concordia without too much effort. Your Concordia Committee 9 10 Gefeliciteerd Namens Anyone celebrating a special event like an Concordia Anniversary, Birthday or some other special day during the next few months. We wish you a very special good time with all your family and friends. Our sincere Congratulations to you all. “zij leve lang…..hoera…..hoera” “High expectations are the key to everything.” If you WANT good mental health you NEED good nutrition. P lain and simple. Your brain doesn't live on oxygen and glucose alone, it needs a range of vitamins and minerals and nutrients and fatty acids to function optimally. Did you know that if I could somehow take one simple little vitamin out of your diet, ALL of you would develop a type of dementia called Korsakoffs Syndrome? Do you know what that vitamin is? It's thiamine (vitamin B1), which is readily available to us in via dietary intake (whole-grain foods, meat, fish, poultry, eggs, milk and milk products, vegetables like green, leafy vegetables; beets; potatoes, legumes like lentils, soybeans, nuts and seeds, orange and tomato juices. Really heavy drinkers typically develop this disorder, because alcohol hinders the absorption of thiamine in your gut. The first thing we do if a really heavy drinker admitted to hospital is give them a bunch of thiamine injections to get their levels up. It's amazing to watch the confused, forgetful, irritable older man come good after only 2 or 3 injections of thiamine. THAT'S how important good nutrition is for your brain health (of course, there are also many other physical health problems with a poor diet and nutritional intake, such as diabetes, heart disease, stoke etc. but you know all about that. Editor 10 11 Het laatste Nederlandse Nieuws N Van onze Nederlandse Correspondent Jan van der Lugt ederlands oudste bewoner overleden. Op donderdag 14 augustus 2014 is de oudste Nederlander in ons land op 111 jarige leeftijd in het verzorgingstehuis De Molenhof in Havelte overleden. Toen mevrouw Egbertje Leutscher-De Vries 111 jaar was geworden had ze nog een Felicitatietelegram van Koning Willem-Alexander gehad. De crematie van de oudste inwoner van ons land was op dinsdag 19 augustus 2014. Ze had haar hersenen ter beschikking gesteld aan de wetenschap om er zo achter te kunnen komen hoe ze zo oud heeft kunnen worden. Zelf gaf ze altijd, zij het met een knipoog, als verklaring voor het bereiken van haar hoge leeftijd het feit aan, dat ze altijd bij haar ontbijt een gekookt eitje at. Wij geloven het graag, maar de wetenschap wil er echter meer over weten. Op dit moment is de “nieuwe” oudste inwoner in Nederland, opnieuw een vrouw, namelijk mevrouw Nelly de Vries-Lammerts uit Amersfoort. Zij is overigens nog een jonkie, namelijk “slechts” 109 Jaar oud. De oudste Nederlandse man is Serop Mirzoyan, maar hij komt maar net kijken, hij is pas 108 jaren oud! De banketspijs zal in Nederland dit jaar duur worden met Sinterklaas en de Kerst. Door de grote droogte in Californië is de prijs van de amandelspijs inmiddels al fors opgelopen, ja in feite zelfs al verdubbeld in prijs. Nederland koopt jaarlijks voor 115 miljoen euro aan amandelen om die te verwerken tot spijs of marsepein in de maanden september tot en met december voor het maken van de komende feestdagenproducten. De Zomer nam op een slechte wijze afscheid van de onze Zomervakantie 2014. Al wekenlang zorgt een diepe depressie op het noordelijke deel van de Noordzee voor de aanvoer van koud en regenachtig weer. De weerman zei al dat de Zomer in de laatste weken van augustus zelfs al wat herfstachtige trekjes aan het vertonen was in heel West-Europa. Herfst? Nu al? Nou daar zijn we dan mooi klaar mee, de eerste herfstmaand, zou hier eigenlijk pas in september moeten gaan beginnen! Op 7 augustus 2014 is de wereldberoemde Nederlandse operazangeres Cristina Deutekom op 82-jarige leeftijd overleden. Ze was één van de grootste Nederlandse sopranen. De zangeres maakte onlangs een ongelukkige val en raakte daarna in Coma en overleed later in het Amsterdamse VU-Ziekenhuis. Beste wensen en Nederlandse groetjes, Jan van der Lugt “A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination.” 11 12 Eindhoven the most inventive city in the world F rom cancer-busting ultrasound techniques to ways to boost vitamins in tomatoes, Dutch tech-hub Eindhoven’s avalanche of patents has just earned it the crown of “most inventive city in the world.” Despite the Dutch economy hobbling through its third recession since 2009, this southern city of around 750,000 has become a beacon of high-tech hope and is even compared to Silicon Valley in the United States. With 22.6 patents filed for every 10,000 residents, US-based Forbes magazine named Eindhoven the world’s most inventive city. Using a commonly-used metric for mapping innovation, called ‘patent intensity’, Forbes based its award on statistics from the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD). In 2011, some 3,238 patent applications were filed in the Netherlands, according to the European Union’s statistics office Eurostat. Of these, the Eindhoven region and in particular its research and development hub the High Tech Campus (HTC = Hogere Technische School) accounted for 42.0 per cent. But on the “smartest square kilometre in the Netherlands”, you won’t find students at the sprawling HTC complex on Eindhoven’s outskirts. Once a closed-off laboratory for Dutch electronics giant Philips, the campus houses more than 100 companies employing 8,000 researchers, developers and engineers. “Here, every 20 minutes a patent is created,” the HTC boasts on its website. The sprawling complex with its ultra -modern glass-facade buildings is set among green fields populated by leisurely grazing cows. The HTC is at the heart of Eindhoven’s innovation and provides a space where big companies such as Philips collaborate with small start-up's. Philips opened the facility in 2003 when the company had just gone through a round of layoffs. It offered former employees somewhere to launch start-ups and use their knowledge. The result was an explosion of innovation. idea (of the HTC) is based on a philosophy “The of ‘open innovation’ where high-tech businesses share knowledge ... to deliver better and quicker results,” said Jean-Paul van Oijen, sales manager at Brainport Development, whose job it is to stimulate investment in the Eindhoven region. For a small start-up like Miortech, which makes electronic tiles that deflect sunlight just like paper - seen as the next big thing in billboard displays - the campus is ideal. “We have only five people on the payroll,” the company’s chief executive Hans Feil told AFP. The rest of the work is outsourced to scientists from other companies, while the facilities to do the research are rented from the HTC. “We use shared facilities. It’s a very good spot to be. We are surrounded by (Continued on page 13) 12 13 I used to be a banker, but then I lost interest. (Continued from page 12) people and companies with a similar mindset - high patent intensity,” Feil told AFP. The High Tech Campus forms part of the broader Brainport Region Eindhoven, or Brainport for short - an initiative rolled out by the Dutch government in 2004 to corral high tech knowledge after not just Philips but several other big companies laid off a swathe of highly-skilled workers. It works on a so-called “triple-helix concept” which brings together business, knowledge-based institutions and public money to create a space where enterprise can flourish, notching up some 60,000 new jobs in the region. Together with the so-called Airport Amsterdam, which focuses business on the Schiphol International Airport hub and Seaport Rotterdam, Brainport today forms one of the three most important pillars of the Dutch economy. Brainport contributed some 13.5 billion euros ($17.8 billion) or 8.0 percent to Dutch exports in 2011 and aims by 2020 to be one of the top 10 technology regions in the world. Henk Volberda of Erasmus University’s Rotterdam School of Management warns however that more investment in small startup companies is needed if Eindhoven wants to remain competitive on a global level. “We need to see... less dependence on the big companies like Philips and ASML (the leading lithograph maker used to manufacture computer chips),” said Volberda. Last year already saw a 10.0 percent drop in patents filed by the Netherlands at the Hague-based European Patent Office, partly down to a drop in applications from Philips as it streamlines activities. Currently the Netherlands is ranked fourth in the world by the 2013 Global Innovation Index report, ahead of the United States, Finland, Germany and Japan. Switzerland, home to a plethora of pharmaceutical multinationals, claimed the top spot for the third year running, in the report, released by Cornell University, the INSEAD business school and the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO). But the Dutch ranking could be jeopardised if the delicate balance between public and private money, always difficult to maintain in times of economic downturn, is threatened. Editor Mistakes are forgivable, If one has the courage to admit them. 13 14 September - October 2014 NL Dagelijkse TV Nieuws van BVN Maandag, dinsdag, woensdag, vrijdag en zaterdag om 8 uur ‘s morgens donderdags geen uitzending. en zondagsmorgens om 11.30 - SBS 2 Wees de verandering die je in de wereld wilt zien gebeuren T Malaysian Plane disaster he world mourns the unspeakable loss of 298 beautiful wonderful people. All their efforts, their hopes, their dreams, their futures cruelly snatched away in an act of callous barbarism. Their families will never be the same again and love has been severed in the flesh for all time. There are no words to describe the descending horror and the abyss of pain that have been unleashed. Husbands, wives, mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, lovers, children, hundreds of HIV-AIDS workers and researchers - all lost, many atomised. Our hearts go out to those left behind drowning in profound grief and we offer our love and presence as far as we are able. Je bent altijd jonger dan je ooit zult zijn. 14 15 “There’s always an opportunity to make a difference.” “When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hang on.” 15 16 Sometimes you have to be your own hero MEMBERSHIP FEES….Now Overdue Everyone is having a difficult time & we all have to budget...!! Why should Concordia be any different ....?? Please pay your 2014 -2015 membership on time. Membership taken out now is valid to 30th June 2015 Details and cost are shown on page 35 (Membership application form) If not sure if you’re paid-up, please contact our treasurer Lucia Reynders listed in the information corner on page 2 of this Concordia magazine Kijk niet teveel in het verleden, maar meer in de toekomst, daar zal je de rest van je leven in moeten vertoeven. 16 17 “ONS CONCORDIA NIEUWS” staat voor iedereen open om hun bijdragen te doen publiceren. Iedere medewerking van onze lezers, in welke vorm dan ook, zal ten zeerste worden gewaardeerd. Vertellingen, reisbeschrijvingen, beschouwingen, ingezonden stukken enz. zullen gaarne voor opname in aanmerking worden genomen. De redactie behoudt zich evenwel het recht voor artikelen op grond van discriminerende inslag te weigeren The views in this magazine are those expressed by the editor and/or members, but not necessarily of those by the executive and/or committee of the Dutch Society “Concordia” Newcastle & District. Due to our voluntary capacity in the make-up and the printing of this magazine, no proof readers copy can be provided and no responsibility is taken by the editor for occasional typographical errors, omissions and minor inaccuracies You were born original, don’t die a copy. Ons ziekenhoekje Succes is een taart waarvan iedereen mee wil eten, maar als hij op is zie je niemand meer. 17 18 Genieten van en met elkaar Editor Als we zo weer even terugkijken over de laatste paar maanden, dan ben ik erg dankbaar voor onze Concordia club. Getrouw komen we iedere paar maanden bij elkaar. regen-wind-storm of hitte. Het geeft niet hoe het weer is. Waarom? Omdat we elkaar nodig hebben, geen mens leeft voor zichzelf, we hebben familie en vrienden nodig om uit te praten, om te lachen en te vertrouwen. Zo genieten wij van onze vele gemaakte vrienden. Ongemerkt komen we weer dichter bij elkaar, het knipoogje, de klap op de schouder - een woord van begrip - een complimentje of een stevige handdruk zijn tekenen van medeleven en aanmoediging. Het volgende bericht vond ik in een Nederlands blad en het spreekt voor zichzelf. Het kost niet zoveel, iemand een glimlach te schenken Of je hand op te steken voor een vriendelijke groet. Zoiets kan opeens de zon laten schijnen In het hart van de mens, die je zomaar ontmoet. Het kost niet zoveel om een hand uit te steken, Om een ander een beetje behulpzaam te zijn Een dankbare blik is vaak een beloning, Al was de moeite voor U maar slechts klein Het kost niet zoveel om je hart wat te openen Voor de mens om je heen in z’n vreugd en verdriet Wees blij dat je zo wat kunt doen voor een ander! Of is die ander je naaste soms niet? Het kost maar heel weinig, je arm om een schouder Of alleen maar een zachte druk van een hand ‘t is vaak voor de ander, of hij of zij even In een klein stukje paradijs is beland. Het kost toch zo weinig om een ander te geven, Iets wat je zelf toch zo graag ontvangt Liefde! Alleen maar door dat weg te schenken Krijg je terug, meer dan je ontvangt. O, die vriendelijke glimlach, dat eventjes groeten, Die arm om de schouder, de hulp die je bood: Het kost allemaal bij elkaar toch zo weinig Maar in wezen is het ontzaglijk groot. Geen doel is te ver, als je plezier hebt in wat je doet 18 19 FRIENDSHIP PUZZLE Find and circle all of the words that are hidden in the grid below. The words may be hidden in any direction. Solution to this puzzle is on page 29 of this issue. Friendship is certainly the finest balm... for the pangs of disappointed love 19 20 20 21 This is something we should all read at least once a week!!!!! Make sure you read to the end!!!!!! Written by Regina Brett, 90 years old, of Cleveland, Ohio .. "To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most requested column I've ever written. I turned 90 last August and here is my story. 1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good. 2. When in doubt, just take the next small step. 3. Life is too short – enjoy it. 4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and family will. 5. Pay off your credit cards every month. 6. You don't have to win every argument. Stay true to yourself. 7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone. 8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it. 9. Save for retirement starting with your first pay cheque 10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile. 11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present. 12. It's OK to let your children see you cry. 13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea about their journey in life. 14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it. 15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye, but don't worry, God never blinks. 16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind. 17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful. Clutter weighs you down in many ways. 18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger. 19.. It's never too late to be happy. But it’s all up to you and no one else. 20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer. 21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special. 22. Over prepare, then go with the flow. 23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple. 24. The most important sex organ is the brain. 25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you. 26. Frame every so-called disaster with the words 'In five years, will this matter?' 27. Always choose life. 28. Forgive. 29. What other people think of you is none of your business. 30. Time heals almost everything. Give time….time. 31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change. 32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does. (Continued on page 22) 21 22 (Continued from page 21) 33. Believe in miracles. 34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do. 35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now. 36. Growing old beats the alternative of dying young. 37. Your children get only one childhood. 38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved. 39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere. 40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back. 41. Envy is a waste of time. Accept what you already have, not what you need. 42. The best is yet to come... 43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up. 44. Yield and give it away while alive. 45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift." Its estimated 93% won't let others read it. If you are one of the 7% who will, let others read this with the title '7%'. I'm in the 7%. “I have plenty of management experience. I spent 18 years telling my parents what to do.” 22 23 Friends are the family that we choose Concordia would love to be part of your family CONCORDIA’s Social Calendar 2014 Saturday 13th September - 2014 - Cardiff RSL Concordia celebrates her 57th Birthday & Fathers Day Saturday 25th October - 2014 - Mennonite Church Hall Concordia’s 57th Annual General Meeting - commencing at 2pm Saturday 6th December - 2014 Concordia celebrates the arrival of St. Nicholas at Marmong Park Please play your part in the greatest event of the year You can help us to mention this very special day to all those interested in the biggest Dutch culture event. Sunday 7th December - 2014 - Sacred Heart Cathedral Multicultural Christmas Carols Concert Commencing at 7pm Saturday 20th December - 2014 - Cardiff RSL A very special traditional Dutch Christmas afternoon. One of the busiest functions of the year Book early to avoid disappointment. Het was mijn bedoeling slapend rijk te worden, maar ik kon de slaap niet vatten 23 24 Grote beurt op zaterdag. Met je blote voeten op het koude zeil, daar stond je dan, bij een gevulde teil. Een stukje zeep, hemd en schone broek, lagen klaar op een stoel, die stond in de hoek. En als je dan weer schoongeboend was, dan begon je weekend pas. Geen douches of een bubbelbad, omdat men toen nog geen waterleiding had. Uit de pomp hield men het water, dat dan gekookt werd even later. Het was een tafereeltje dat je zag, bij veel mensen vroeger, op zaterdag. Een verliefde kater die voor zijn poes een delicatesse meebracht, kreeg te horen: Schat, wat maak je me toch altijd weer zo blij met een dooie mus. André Rieu’s 10th Anniversary Maastricht concert Due to popular demand, encore screenings have just been announced from Saturday 13th September in cinemas who were not able to receive the satellite broadcast or who would like to re-screen this magnificent event! This traditional summer evening concert is staged on the most romantic city square in The Netherlands: the Vrijthof in Maastricht. Be prepared for emotions to soar, during one of the most extraordinary concerts of the year as the maestro puts on a magnificent spectacle during this very special anniversary edition of his much-loved concerts. The dramatic and alluring medieval square will be transformed into a romantic open-air concert, featuring André and his famous 60 piece Johann Strauss Orchestra, along with many famous guest artists, soloists, light shows and spectacular fireworks! Greater Union Newcastle - 13, 14 & 17 September Hoyts Erina - 13 & 14 September Event Cinemas Tuggerah 13 - 14 & 17 September Support our Advertisers they support our Concordia If you are in need of the services offered by our advertisers, please consult them first. 24 25 25 26 Going to Hospital G etting Admitted. When you are seriously sick or injured you may be immediately admitted into hospital through an Emergency Department. This is called an emergency admission. Otherwise, your local doctor will refer you to a specialist doctor if he/she thinks you might need to go to hospital. If the specialist decides that you should be admitted to hospital, but your admission is not an emergency, you will be "booked" to come into hospital at a later date. This is known as a booked admission. The specialist will fill out a Recommendation for Admission form to be taken to the hospital. Sometimes the specialist will deliver the form to the hospital and sometimes you will be asked to do it. When the hospital receives the form, staff will contact you to let you know approximately how long you may have to wait for your admission. You must give your informed consent before you have a procedure. Booked admission patient details are placed on a register at the hospital. This is called a waiting time register. So that hospitals can arrange waiting times to make sure the sickest patients are treated first, the specialist indicates on the booking form how urgently your admission is required. In some cases this will be within days, in other cases within months. Hospital staff will contact you again when an exact date for your admission has been set. They will try and give you at least two weeks notice of your admission date. Single Gender Wards NSW Health has established a free telephone hotline to address patient and family concerns about mixed gender wards. The privacy and dignity of patients is of paramount importance, and every effort is made throughout NSW public hospitals to accommodate patients in single gender wards or rooms. Genderbased rooms can provide greater personal privacy and encourage more open communication between patients and health care professionals. When a call is made to the hotline, concerns will be directed to relevant hospital staff who will act on behalf of the wishes of the patient. Telephone Hotline 1800 700 830 Day only admission Day only admission is when you are admitted to hospital, have the surgery, and go home on the same day. Day only admission means there is less disruption to your normal activities. It also reduces the chance of post-operative infections and blood clots. (Continued on page 27) 26 27 (Continued from page 26) Day of surgery admission Day of surgery admission means that you are admitted to hospital and have the surgery on the same day, but you stay in hospital for a longer period after the operation, at least overnight. Preparing for surgery Before going in for your surgery, you will probably attend a pre-admission clinic where the staff will provide you with information about the surgery and make plans for any needs you may have after the surgery. A small number of patients may require admission before the day planned for their surgery. Your doctor may need to find out something going on inside your body before the surgery, or to prepare you for surgery. In all of these cases, your doctor will let you know your arrangements for your admission to hospital. During your stay While you are in hospital you may be referred to an allied health professional to assist you in your recovery. The services provided by allied health professionals include physiotherapy, speech pathology, occupational therapy, social work, podiatry, radiology, audiology, nutrition, and orthopaedics. Getting an interpreter If you have any questions regarding your treatment while you are in hospital, do not hesitate to ask the hospital staff. If English is not your first language and you are having difficulty understanding your doctor or any of the other professional staff caring for you, you can request that a health care interpreter attend the meeting with you and the health professional. Questions to ask your Doctor If your Doctor suggests that you see a specialist, ask the following questions:  Why do you think I need to see a specialist?  Why are you choosing this particular specialist?  How much experience do they have in treating my type of health problem?  Do they work at both public and private hospitals?  How do I make an appointment with the specialist?  If I need to be admitted to hospital, how long will I have to wait?  If the specialist has a lengthy waiting time for admission, is there another specialist you can recommend who can admit me to hospital sooner?  How do I find out how much it will cost to see the specialist? (Continued on page 28) 27 28 (Continued from page 27) Questions to ask the specialist When you see a specialist, you may be anxious about the health problems you are experiencing and may easily forget to ask some important questions. It is likely that most of these questions will be answered at the time of your consultation but it’s a good idea to use the following questions as a guide or checklist. Note that some questions are suitable only for surgeons.                      What may happen to me if I do not have the procedure you suggest? Can you describe exactly what you intend to do? How necessary is this procedure? How urgent is this procedure? How long will I have to wait for my procedure? How long do you expect the procedure to take? What type of anaesthetic (general or local) will I need to have? What are the risks associated with the procedure? What are the risks associated with the anaesthetic? Will I need a blood transfusion? Will you or someone else be performing the actual procedure? At which hospital will the procedure be done? Do you do many of these procedures? Will I need any tests before the procedure? What are they? Is there anything I should or should not do before the procedure? How long will I be in hospital? What happens after the procedure? How can I expect to feel after the procedure? What sort of follow-up care will I need after I leave hospital? How long will I be away from work or unable to perform the routine tasks that I now do? How much will it cost me? (procedure, tests, follow-up visits, total) Are there any alternatives to the procedure for me? What should I do if my condition gets worse while I am waiting for the procedure? There are more than 230 public hospitals and health services in New South Wales. You can search for a hospital in our Health Services Directory. Hospitals and Emergency Department locations and contact Memories are the wine cellars of the soul 28 29 Below is the solution to the puzzle located on page 19 of this issue All things grow in time except for grief Een hand die zwaaide als we naar school gingen Een hand die troostte als we verdrietig waren Een hand die een glimlach verborg als we deugnieterij uithaalden Een hand die we heel erg zullen missen als dierbare herinnering aan onze moeder With sadness we report the passing of our late member R i e t d e Wa a rd Passed away the 11th August 2014 - late of Tingira Heights On behalf of Concordia we convey our condolences to the family and all those who were close to Riet during her time with us. 29 30 If our love could have saved you - you never would have died. The things we feel so deeply are the hardest things to say, You will always be remembered in a very special way. With sadness we report the untimely death of our late member G a b ri el e Ha i n es (Gaby) Aged 68 years Passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her family on the 23rd July after a short but intense sickbed, late of Kotara Heights. On behalf of Concordia we convey our condolences to Gaby’s family and to all those friends who were close to Gaby during her time with us. Dance as if no one were watching, Sing as if no one were listening, Live like it’s heaven on earth. There are some we meet in passing and forget as soon as they go There are some we remember with pleasure and feel honoured and privileged to know You were that kind of person who leaves beautiful memories behind And there will be many days which will bring fond memories to mind T E G E L S P R E U K V A N D E M A A N D 30 31 The life story of our André Rieu part 2 I t must be wonderful to make a living from your hobby! I can’t tell you how often I’ve heard people say this, especially those who put their heart and soul into playing an instrument just as a hobby, as a way to wind down and relax after work. It should be obvious by now, though, that music was anything but relaxing for me as a child. Violin, recorder and solfege lessons; church choir; concerts - in our family this was all part of the daily routine, just like going to school or washing your hands and praying before meals. It was all compulsory and there was no getting out of it. But even though I dreamed of becoming a famous violinist ‘when I grew up’, I didn't want to think about music the whole day long. Quite the opposite! Just like other children, I had a natural aversion to anything I was forced to do, and besides, there were lots of things that interested me much more than music. To begin with, there was the construction on wheels that my brother Robert and I designed. It was an outstanding example of technical ingenuity, which served as public transport for younger brothers and sisters, friends, dogs, rabbits and other household pets. Members of our family and even our neighbours referred to this vehicle respectfully as ‘the Cart’. My parents, who weren’t terribly strict, were implacable where music was concerned. And we were lucky they were, because looking back on it, ‘the old man’ wasn’t all that bad, and we learned a lot from his strict lessons. (Incidentally, our friend Jérome’s parents also forced him to stay in the choir and stick to his music lessons. He is now a well-known recorder player who teaches at the conservatory of music and leads a Baroque ensemble. The crazy thing was that we quite enjoyed it, once we were finally there rehearsing with the choir. And we were as pleased as punch to sing at high mass on Sunday mornings and at vespers on Sunday afternoons. For that matter, I gradually began to notice that there were quite a few nice girls in the choir, and I started to fall in love with them by turns; from then on I didn't mind singing in the choir at all. After you’d been a member of the choir for a while you were allowed to walk in the St Servatius procession, when the saint’s relics are carried through the town. That was really a treat! After high mass the procession assembled in the sun-flooded cloister garden of St Servatius’ church, where you could see all the splendidly dressed people, hundreds of them, shuffling into place in line. Some were dressed as light-blue angels with real wings and some as brides in white, waving palm branches, while the priests in gold-brocade chasubles marched along under a magnificent canopy. These are unforgettable memories, especially (Continued on page 32) 31 32 (Continued from page 31) the moment when the singing began, accompanied by a brass band, and the procession slowly started to move forward. The thrill of beholding such a beautiful sight used to send a shiver down my spine. When I was older I belonged to the group in the choir that got to swing the censer or thurible. (A vessel for burning incense; swung on chains in a religious ritual.) While singing and marching solemnly in a special, halting way: taking a step, then slowly dragging the other foot forward and tapping the toe before taking the next step. This was just about the pinnacle of a choirboy's career. Without a doubt, the high point of the choir’s year was Christmas. We looked forward to it the whole year long, because, when it came right down to it, this was what it was all about. At Christmas, all those hours of practice finally paid off, because then the church was full to overflowing with an ‘audience’. It began on Christmas Eve with the singing of evening mass, or vespers, followed by three masses in a row. After the last one, midnight mass we went home to eat stollen, the traditional fruitcake made at Christmas time, and go to bed. The next day we were back for high mass in the morning and vespers in the afternoon. It seems like hard work, but for a choirboy it was the crowning glory of a year’s practice. The midnight mass made the deepest impression on Robert and me. There we stood with the whole choir, dressed in red robes and white surplices, high up in the choir loft. From this vantage point we could see the whole church, breathe in the penetrating smell of incense as it wafted up from below, and gaze down on the congregation, who turned around after the mass to face the choir and sing Christmas carols with us. When it was over they even clapped for the choir - the only time of the year when there was applause in the church - and then we were happy as can be, and forgot all those Wednesday and Saturday afternoons when we weren’t allowed to play with our friends. I’m convinced that the foundation of my romantic approach to music was laid then and there, during those processions and midnight masses at Christmas. The magnificently decorated church, full to overﬂowing; the nativity scene with its beautiful statues and angels hovering above it; Corelli’s moving Christmas music; and the smell of flowers and incense: it all fell into place and was part of a unique and impressive event, which, if you ask me, had a lot more to do with theatre than with religion. Text from the book “Andre Rieu” My music my life. Zoals een zonnestraal een bloem doet open gaan, kan een vriendelijk woord een gezicht doen stralen 32 33 M My first Encounter with Australians Bas van Bezouwen y story starts in Rotterdam where I was born and grew up. When I was a boy my favourite books to read, like many other boys my age, was wild-west books. A few years later (1944 to be precise) I was 17 years of age and working for the postal service. One day the Germans came to Rotterdam and during a Razzia took me including many others. I was sent off to work in Augsburg, Germany. They put me to work for a tram company. My work for the day was repairing tram lines in the city. Previous bombing had damaged the tracks. I was working with another Dutchman to cut the damaged tracks and replace them with new ones. At the time, we were working on a big saw cutting the damaged rails. There were many people walking past on the street as normal, but something was different that day. Three foreign soldiers were being marched past us by a young guard who looked to be 15 years old. He was carrying a rifle with a bayonet which seemed to be taller than him. He wore a band on his arm to signify he was the guard. His age showed how the German army was running low on men. The captured soldiers still had their original uniform at the time, but with "KG" (krijgsgevangene) painted on their backs (and on their left leg pants). They had no other identification showing what country they were from. However, these three soldiers wore a hat which looked to me like cowboy hats. So I thought I had finally met some real cowboys. I walked across the street and up to them and asked them "Are you yanks? Are you cowboys?". One of the men's response shocked me. "Stupid yanks, I’m an Australian" and unfolded the brim on his hat to show the Australian flag. He quickly covered it up as at that time it was forbidden in Germany to show that type of identification. The guard quickly told me to go away and rushed the soldiers away. That was the first time I met an Australian and heard their language. Bastiaan (Bas) van Bezouwen D E A D L I N E next issue - 15th October 2014 Copy for the next issue must be in the Editors hands by the above mentioned date. Copy received after that date will be included in the January - February 2015 issue. 33 34 “You can tell more about a person by what he says about others, than what others say about him.” Last but not least some light-hearted observations An older gentleman had an appointment to see the urologist who shared offices with several other doctors. The waiting room was filled with patients.. As he approached the receptionist's desk, he noticed that the receptionist was a large unfriendly woman who looked like a Sumo wrestler. He gave her his name. In a very loud voice, the receptionist said, " YES, I HAVE YOUR NAME HERE; YOU WANT TO SEE THE DOCTOR ABOUT YOUR IMPOTENCE, RIGHT?" “ All the patients in the waiting room snapped their heads around to look at the very much embarrassed man. He recovered quickly, and in an equally loud voice replied, 'NO, I'VE COME TO INQUIRE ABOUT A FACE LIFT OPERATION, BUT I DON'T WANT THE SAME DOCTOR THAT DID YOURS.' The room erupted in applause. I love this Grandma and her remedy for illness!!! For better digestion, I drink beer, in the case of appetite loss, I drink white wine, in the case of low blood pressure, I drink red wine, in the case of high blood pressure, I drink scotch, and when I have a cold, I drink schnapps.” “When do you drink water?” - “I’ve never been that sick!” This is one of the best 'singles' ads ever printed. It is reported to have been listed in the Bendigo Advertiser. SINGLE BLACK FEMALE seeks companionship, ethnicity unimportant. I'm a very good girl who LOVES to play. I love long walks in the woods, riding in your ute, hunting, camping and fishing trips, cosy winter nights lying by the fire, going to the pub. Candlelit dinners will have me eating out of your hand. I'll be at the front door when you get home from work, wearing only what nature gave me.... Call 0354 43 1111 and ask for Molly - I'll be waiting. Over 150 men telephoned and found themselves talking to the RSPCA office in Bendigo! 34 35 NEW MEMBERSHIP/RENEWAL APPLICATION DUTCH SOCIETY CONCORDIA - NEWCASTLE & DISTRICT Annual Membership Fees are payable between 1st July and before 31th August each year Membership includes 6 (Bi-monthly) Magazines plus genuine discounts on all Concordia events. Tick if this is a new membership I wish to apply for a new Membership Tick if this is a renewal I wish to renew my Membership Tick if this is a giftsubscription I like to give a gift Subscription Tick if this is a donation I like to make a donation to Concordia for the period 2014 / 2015 I agree to accept and abide by its constitution Mr Mrs Miss. Ms : GIVEN NAMES: SURNAME: ADDRESS: CITY & POSTCODE: TELEPHONE Home TELEPHONE Mobile: EMAIL address: SIGNATURE: JOINING ADMINISTRATION FEE : $ 2-00 per Couple/Family or Single Person Annual Fee / Renewal Fee: $ 20-00 Couple/Family (inclusive of GST) Annual Fee / Renewal Fee: $ 15-00 Single Person (inclusive of GST) Annual Fee / Renewal Fee: $ 16-50 Pensioner Couple (inclusive of GST) Annual Fee / Renewal Fee: $ 11-00 Single Pensioner (inclusive of GST) Hereby Cheque/Money order in the amount of: $.............................. Send to: THE TREASURER DUTCH SOCIETY CONCORDIA P.O. BOX 16, CARDIFF - NSW 2285 - Please - do not send Cash. 35 CONCORDIA PP 255003 / 1586 P.O. Box 16 CARDIFF - NSW 2285 Print Post Approved (Newcastle & District) Dutch - Australia Society - Concordia If Undeliverable, return to: Registered by Australia Post Publication No: NBH 3490 NEWCASTLE & District SEPTEMBER OCTOBER 2014 MAIL SURFACE AUSTRALIA PAID POSTAGE 36 36