Holland Focus - July/August 2008 by Holland Focus

AUSTRALIA and NEW ZEALAND bi-monthly magazine

price (incl GST) AUS $5.95 - NZ $6.80

vol.3 no. 4 - JULY/AUGUST 2008

holland focus

Piet Blom not just ‘kubus’ houses

Jordy Grofﬁn toad buster

culural heritage awards The Horse of Marken

Giant potatoes

frontpage photo by Dirk Verwoerd ‘Kubuswoningen’ in Helmond, see page 36 photo Van Nelle building by Michiel Minderhoud

NEW

CONTENTS ARTICLES______________________ 4 6 8 15 17 22 27 31 38 40 41 42 44 45 56 60

le�ers to the editor Giant potatoes in Melbourne The Delta Works Rebecca Reĳman - star in Asia Titiana - the voice that finally flourished We live on the most beautiful spot in Holland wereldschool - 60 jaar Moniek - tienermode culural heritage awards for Belgium and the Netherlands Clog migration Baby and Kids markets movie - Unfinished sky Western Australia saved from toad invasion? Students invent icon language Airborne Museum Hartenstein The Mevissen soccer club

photo Rudi van Voorst

COMMUNITY NEWS_____________ 32 51 52 54 59 62 63 65 66 67

events in the Netherlands

Holland Festival ‘Het Festĳn’ NZ Queensland - Aprilfest Qld - Oﬃcial opening Duy�enschool Victoria - KLM Dutch Orange Day NSW - Koninginnedagreceptie ACT - Canberra international walking weekend SA - koninginnedag in Adelaide SA - club news ACT - Queen’s birthday celebration Qld - dodenherdenking Tasmania - Queen’s birthday certiﬁcate ceremony

REGULARS_____________________

GIFT SUBSCRIPTION Surprise someone! Give a 1 year subscription to holland focus for only $32.50 Bonus for existing subscribers: we will give you a present too, by extending your subscription with one free extra edition for every new gi� subscription Use subscription form on page 67 and do not forget to let us know who you are

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3 13 14 19 20 21 25 28 30 34 36 37 46 48

Editorial Pim column - feel good Edo - Crooke Dutch Cuisine - Crossword puzzle Who’s Who Marcia - once again down memory lane Dutch/Flemish cinema - Darren Arnold Taals Taaltje - de pruimeboom Kiwikorrels - Frans Hertoghs Fryslân Boppe - Waddengebied Book - Piet Blom, architect boekbesprekingen eropuit - events in the Netherlands Van AA tot Zwuup Van Varkevissers en Hoendervangers 50 Verbeeldingen - Frans Hertoghs 64 Proﬁle of... Jacobus van Elk

editorial

G’Day

Bruidsvlucht To escape personal dramas and the choking climate of the post-war Netherlands, the three young brides Ada, Marjorie and Esther decide to migrate to New Zealand. Their fiancés - Derk, Hans and Leon - already travelled ahead to find work and accommodation in the new country. The brides and the adventurer Frank meet each other in 1953, during the famous air race of nineteen thousand kilometres from London to Christchurch. The Dutch DC6 of KLM wins the race against an English and New Zealand’s plane in a record time. Thanks to the presence of the Dutch brides the international press spoke of the ‘bride flight’. That their future would look differently to what they had dreamed of, can be read in Bruidsvlucht (ISBN 9-789029-562997) by Marieke van der Pol.

words Jacob van Splunter The trailer of the new film Bruidsvlucht was presented in the Tuschinski Theater in Amsterdam. Bruidsvlucht is the second cooperation of producer Ben Sombogaart and scenario writer Marieke van der Pol and cameraman Piotr Kukla. This team worked rather successfully for the twin sisters (2004) and received an Oscar nomination for this movie. Having a budget of €6.4 millions this is one of the most expensive Dutch films ever. That already becomes apparent with the casting. For the playing of Ada, Marjorie and Esther at an older age they looked for actresses of approximately seventy years old and they also had to match with the young actresses. This resulted in big names from the Dutch acting guard. Pleuni Touw (De vriendschap, De dominee, the tv-series Diamant) has been taken on for the role of Ada. The older Marjorie is played by Petra Laseur (Antonia, The Discovery or Heaven). Finally the Golden Calf winner Willeke van Ammelrooy (Antonia, The Lake House) plays the role of Esther. The cast and crew of Bruidsvlucht did actually swerve to New Zealand, to play the lives of the characters in 1953, 1963, and at present. Each of these three periods has its own colour and camera work. However, that the film could be an important promotion for New Zealand was apparent by the presence in the Tuschinski theater of the ambassador to New-Zealand in the Netherlands, Mrs Rachel Fry, and Gregg Anderson, the new Regional manager of Europe. It cannot of course be compared to the international box-office record-breaking The Lord Of The rings or Crocodile Dundee (to a great extent New Zealand and Australia were put on the tourist world map by these movies), but if the film becomes a success in the Netherlands, it will certainly have in impact on the number of visitors from the Netherlands. And perhaps the film will get a chance to compete for the Oscar in the category ‘best foreign film’. And then we are talking about a much bigger promotion for New Zealand.

The Dutch book Bruidsvlucht is available at Uitgeverĳ de Arbeiderspers (www.arbeiderspers.nl). As yet, it is not known if an English-speaking version will come out and if the ﬁlm will be shown Down Under too. Holland focus will keep you informed! www.hollandfocus.com - 3

f h 2 e t wri

PO Box 169, Olinda Vic 3788, Australia E: editor@hollandfocus.com

Dat is een leuke brief van Anneke Flach, Qld in ‘Holland Focus’ May/June 2008. Ik heb ervaringen met beide een Dutch wife en een Australian wife. De eerste gebruikte ik, zoals Anneke Flach dus uitlegde, in de tropen toen ik als marconist voer bĳ de KJCPL en KPM. In de tropen zweet je natuurlĳk ‘de klere’, vooral op schepen zonder airconditioning en dan is zo’n rolkussen, zo te spreken, een ware reddingsboei in je kooi. Met de tweede ben ik al jarenlang gelukkig getrouwd. Het woord labbekakkerig ken ik niet (of was ik vergeten) en ik moest even een emailtje aan mĳn zus in Amsterdam sturen voor de vertaling. Ik woon nu al meer dan 40 jaar in Australië en als iemand mĳ vraagt (en dat gebeurt vaak) “Are you Dutch?” dan antwoord ik met “Yes, I was ‘made in Holland’ “. Ik ben het ook volledig eens met Anneke Flach dat de artikelen van Frans Hertoghs altĳd heel interessant zĳn. Herman Willemsen, NSW REŰNIE VOORMALIGE MATROZENKAPELLEN VAN DE KON. MARINE woensdag 26 november 2008 Marine Etablissement Amsterdam MEA

Georganiseerd door de Reünisten-Matrozenkapel in het kader van hun 5-jarig bestaan en wordt gehouden voor alle “oud” muzikanten van de voormalige Matrozenkapellen: Marine Opleidingskamp Hilversum (MOKH) Marine Vliegkamp Valkenburg (MVKV) Wachtschip Willemsoord te Den Helder Marinekazerne Biak (voorm. Ned. Nw. Guinea) Hee� u gespeeld in een van deze voormalige kapellen dan nodigen wĳ u van harte uit deel te nemen aan deze reünie. De huidige Reünisten-Matrozenkapel bestaat uit 42 muzikanten en zal zeker tĳdens deze reünie van zich laten horen. De leden van de RMK komen uit alle windstreken van Nederland en repeteren eens per 14 dagen te Giessenburg. Wĳ hopen op uw aanwezigheid, waar u weer eens oud collega muzikanten kan ontmoeten en waar de bekende Marine Blauwe Hap zeker niet zal ontbreken. Voor de kosten hoe� u het zeker niet te laten deze zĳn € 15,00 p.p. (ook voor eventuele partners). Wilt u meer informatie en/of zich aanmelden voor deze reünie? Dan kunt u dat doen op onderstaande wĳze, vul wel even duidelĳk in: uw naam met voorle�ers, straatnaam met huisnummer en postcode/woonplaats, eventueel ook een e-mail adres. per post: Reünie-commissie RMK, Westerstraat 11, 2171 CE Sassenheim, The Netherlands Nadere informatie Gĳs Bertens: +31 73 551 88 42 e-mail: gmbertens@home.nl Hennie van Veenendaal : +31 6 24 308 338 e-mail: matrozenkapel@wanadoo.nl 4 - www.hollandfocus.com

Ik lees uw blad met genoegen en wacht met ongeduld op het volgende nummer. Zelfs de kruiswoordpuzzel tracht ik op te lossen, schoon sommige woorden typisch modern Nederlands zĳn en mĳ onbekend. In het januari/februari ’08 blad stond een heel interessant stuk over Ton Peek en zĳn ‘winery’ in Queensland. Nogmaals veel dank. Willemina van Basel

Het standbeeld op de foto op blz 20 van de mei/juni editie is van Johan van Oldenbarnevelt Deze rubriek spoort mĳ steeds aan meer van deze mensen te vinden. In de ‘Dutch Weekly’ hee� ooit een artikel gestaan over Van Oldenbarnevelt. Ik bewaar erg veel en gelukkig vond ik het. Daardoor vond ik ook meer over de VOC waarvan Johan van Oldenbarnevelt de ‘instiga’ van was. Het neemt veel tĳd in beslag om alles op te zoeken, ook op Google, maar ik voel dat ik mĳn tĳd op een heel pre�ige manier besteed. Malie Wynberg

missing person

I am looking for my Dutch/Australian family, whom I suspect to live in Victoria. Their surname is Elzinga. The grandparents’ names were uncle Fonger and aunt Sjoukje (Reitsma). They had two sons, Gerard and Benny. Gerard had an English wife, I can’t remember her name, but she was beautiful. They came to visit us for the last time in Leeuwarden (Friesland) in the beginning of 1970. Gerard was working at an airport at the time. If anyone knows them, could you please contact Anneke de Jong on antjedejong@hotmail.com or contact the editor of Holland Focus.

Nick Kuyper ex.Mach.1 Onderzeedienst Waalhaven Ro�erdam./Lee�ĳd 76 jr. zoekt een oud collega. Hĳ was Tlg.1 op de Onderzeedienst en is ná Nieuw Guinea spoorloos!! Nu vermoeden wĳ en er gaan geruchten dat hĳ indertĳd naar Australië is geëmigreerd. Hopelĳk kunt u ons helpen!! Wĳ willen graag kontakt met hem om privé redenen!!! Naam: WILLEM v.d. HEUVEL, ex-Telegraﬁst 1, zĳn lee�ĳd zal ook omstreeks 77 jr. zĳn!! Neem contact op met Holland Focus of email n.kuyper1@chello.nl Als u informatie kunt geven over gezochte personen of als u een verdacht persoon ziet neem dan zo spoedig mogelijk contact op met Crime Stoppers. Voor informatie over verschillende gezochte personen is een beloning van AU$1000 beschikbaar gesteld. U hoeft uw naam niet te noemen. De persoon die belt krijgt een codenummer toegewezen, dat gebruikt moet worden in elk contact met de politie totdat de beloning betaald is. Bel gratis naar Crime Stoppers op 1800 333 000 of ga naar www.crimestoppers.com.au

spotted

Giant Potatoes in Melbourne

The United Nations proclaimed 2008 The International Year of the Potato. Throughout the world special events are being held to raise awareness of the importance of the potato as a food source in developing nations and of agriculture in general. Jim Abrecht of the Spud Shed in Trafalgar also wanted to emphasise this important UN initiative and commissioned Dutch born artist John Mutsaers for a series of potato sculptures. The project also included a six-week installation at Federation Square Melbourne. John’s sculptures were in and around Federation Square until the second of June when they were re located to their permanent location along the Princes Highway at Trafalgar. The United Nations wants more a�ention for the food shortages in the world and declared 2008 The Year of the Potato. Potatoes have a smaller ecological impact on our world than some other staple foods and can be grown abundantly and quickly even in dry conditions. For more information see www.potato2008.org/ . Throughout the world special events have been organised and sometimes art has also been commissioned. Artist John Mutsaers, creator of the Federation Square Potato Sculptures believes art is a good way of ge�ing a�ention for the food problem. Si�ing close to one of his potatoes in Melbourne, he explains why. ‘I mostly make paintings, but in this case, the effect wouldn’t have been the same. A painting is easy to pass by; these sculptures a�ract a�ention. Everybody notices these sculptures and most people stop to have a closer look, to read the accompanying information and consequently learn more about the world food problems and how we can all be part of the solution. Within the first hour of the installation, many families took pictures of their children on the sculptures; holding the fork, si�ing on the potato and even pretending to eat them.” However, John does not mind, as he would rather repair the artwork than put fences around them. It took about six months to complete the five giant potatoes, and this is only the first stage. In the next stage John has to make seven more, to be placed in various Gippsland townships, around the potato-growing districts. The five potatoes at Federation Square were moved on the second of June to outside the Spud Shed on the Princes Highway at Trafalgar. In this very public location the potatoes are placed on a giant white dinner plate, grouped together like a family. ‘This is how I wanted it in the first place, all my potatoes placed together,’ John explains. ‘However, at Federation Square their average weight of 1¾ tonnes made this impossible, so I had to look for another option.’ The potatoes have been carved from twenty million year old volcanic rocks, 6 - www.hollandfocus.com

words Kathleen Vervoort

John Mutsaers Apart from the potatoes on Federation Square, John Mutsaers has been an established artist for many years. John, who came to Australia with his parents in 1956, has held 21 solo exhibitions in Australia and the UK and has been part of many group shows, including one in Shanghai, China last year. He has been a full time artist since 1983 working as a sculptor, painter, poet and teacher and he o�en writes articles about art and art related subjects. More of John’s work on his website www.johnmutsaers.com.au John has a Masters in Art Therapy and is the principal artist at the ArtsBillabong studio. This is a concept he set up in 2001 with Mary McNamara and Robyn Schaefer, where they use art to help youth at risk. At ArtsBillabong, they help teenagers who suffer from depression and alienation, which all too o�en results in self-harming and drug abuse. Young criminals can also a�end the studio. John and his colleagues truly believe that engaging young people on an artistic platform helps them to express themselves in a different and more positive way. John’s book ‘My Life as an Avocado’, which depicts a series of 27 paintings and prose, explores the effects of migration through the eyes of the adolescent, is part of a personal art therapy programme which he devised and used to rediscover his Dutch identity. “My Life as an Avocado” will be published in connection with an exhibition to be held in the Netherlands in 2009.

which are found in the Gippsland region, where a significant percentage of potatoes for the Australian market are grown. John’s five sculptures are all based on the shape of real potatoes. ‘I went to the warehouse and just selected different varieties of potatoes as models for the sculptures. The test was when local potato farmers, who visited my sculptures while I was working on them, could identify the different types of potatoes depicted.’ John’s work is more than just another a�ractive sculpture; it brings a message to the people. The red fork alarms us that it is almost too late. It urges us to share the available food with the ever-increasing number of hungry people in the world. The fork also symbolises the equipment used on potato farms, man’s ability to be creative and grow his own food and how we all have the option to decide to share. When the final stage of the project is finished with components in regional towns all over Gippsland, it will be the biggest sculptural installation in the world. John hopes the red fork in the potato will become a symbol for ending world hunger. Although his sculptures get lots of a�ention, John does not think it will necessarily result in more commissions. ‘Victoria has many great artists. This time I was the lucky one, but next time it will be someone else.’

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The Delta Works Through the ages the inhabitants of the Low Lands have been struggling constantly with the advancing waters of rivers and the North Sea. Bit by bit they gained land on the water. By constructing dykes and draining the resulting lakes afterwards, with the help of windmills, polders were created. These polders provided more room to live, to build houses in safe areas and do some farming. A signiﬁcant side effect was, that these people got the idea that no matter what, the danger of ﬂooding could be controlled through the applied hydraulic engineering methods. words Jan Weĳdt

a new fortiﬁed Dutch coastline

photo © Marketing Ro�erdam

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Both government and public started to feel safe in this situation. Still the Department of Public Works (Rĳkswaterstaat) kept an eye on it via studies and research projects. One of those studies, of which the results were published in 1937, indicated that security could not be guaranteed in quite a number of regions, in times of storm and high tides at sea. The results showed that it would also be very difficult to reinforce dykes or build new dykes in some densely populated delta-areas of the rivers Rhine, Meuse and Schelde. This problem could be tackled rigorously by damming up the mouth of some rivers. This could particularly be the case with the Westerschelde, Oosterschelde, Haringvliet and Brouwershavense Gat. So the Deltaplan project originates from quite some time before the catastrophic floods of February, the 3rd in 1953 in Zeeland, Zuid-Holland and Noord-Brabant, in which nearly 1900 people lost their live that night. 1950, the watercourses of the Brielse Gat and the Botlek, quite close to the southern borders of Ro�erdam were dammed up. Positive sideeffect of this was that the so-called Brielse Maas turned into a freshwater basin, serving the area of Voorne. The barriers for the remaining deltas were planned to be constructed in the years therea�er. The above mentioned disastrous flooding of February 1953 however, messed up the carefully drawn time schedule of the Deltaplan project. So many victims in such a short notice and over 150.000 hectares flooded because of a deadly combination of high tide and spring tide. Water pushed forward by a ferocious gale from the North Sea. The coastal dykes of Zeeland and Zuid-Holland,

which weren’t really in optimal condition, were no match for these combined forces of nature and in that freezing cold night of February the 3rd, they collapsed and broke on several locations. To the authorities it was obvious, that the problems had to be tackled and managed immediately. Taking a look now at the map of the barriers and dykes that have been erected since then, there is but one conclusion to be drawn. The project that has been realised up till now is of an immense scale. Especially, taking into account that the main waterways to Ro�erdam and Antwerp could not be closed up, of course. These main transit routes were- and still are, the economic booster for both Holland and all of the European hinterland. The socalled Delta commi�ee that had to consider all these arguments in order to prepare the Delta Project, was inaugurated within 3 weeks a�er the ﬂooding. Because of the sheer magnitude of the project, it was o�en referred to as “the 8th wonder of the world”. What has been achieved so far? Just take a look at the general barrier map of the project to answer that question. However, let’s have a more detailed look at the function, the size and the location of some of the barriers that are considered to be the eye-catchers of the project. Undisputed number 1 on the list is the Oosterschelde barrier. The name of this barrier does not really explain

the complex task this construction has in the total project. First of all it is not just a barrier, but a storm surge barrier. Through the inlet ports of the barrier the watermark (level) of the Oosterschelde can be regulated. And, through that system, also the salt percentage of the Oosterschelde inland. This is done by varying the inlet frequency of fresh seawater. To be able to function as a storm surge barrier, the system has been equipped with a lot of inlet ports that can be closed with vertically moving sluices that are only closed at times of potentially dangerous high- or spring tide. Under normal conditions it is meant to maintain the normal tidal movements le�ing water in and out the Oosterschelde. This vertical movement is done by force of an electric/hydraulic pumping system, controlled by a remote computer system. These systems are designed to operate automatically based on signals about the weather, the tides, prognoses etc. etc. The computer-systems constantly monitor these signals and draw conclusions for operating the sluices. So, under normal conditions the tides can pass in and out freely. Much to the pleasure of the oyster- and clampfarms further inland along the Oosterschelde. And, equally important, this way the unique environment of the www.hollandfocus.com - 9

photos Jan Weĳdt, previous page: Oosterschelde Stormvloetkering this photo: Krammer sluizen in Philips dam Oosterschelde would be le� unharmed, thus conserving the existence of flora and fauna, exclusive to these waters. The storm surge barrier of the Oosterschelde has 62 inlet-ports, each 40 meters wide. The barrier in total is divided in 3 parts. Coming from the north, the island of Schouwen-Duiveland, you will see on the le� side between part 2 and 3, the so-called “Dock-island Neeltje Jans”. It has been turned into a permanent exhibition ground, where tourists can be informed about the history of the Delta works. At the beginning of the project, it was here at Neeltje Jans, that all the huge concrete pilons for the barrier had been built. And I consider myself lucky, writing this story that I have been able to witness the building of the first 10 or more pilons at that working dock, while it was still possible to drive around there in one’s own car. Very impressive to see those giants growing there, day by day, until as high as a church tower. Now the project is finished, the dock-island remains as a basin (the dykes around had to be opened to flood and tow the pilons out with cranes and tugs). One pilon is le� there in the basin as part of an exhibition of the Delta works Museum, to inform visitors from all around the globe about this masterpiece of public waterworks. Some visitors to the Delta works come to Holland with the initial plan to go and see the entire project in a day or two. A�er having seen the general map with all the barriers on it, they tend to add a few days to their trip, as it is quite impossible to get a good impression in just two days of what has been built. The list of barriers below gives you an idea why you should take your time for this. 1 Oosterschelde Barrier 2 Maeslant Barrier 3 Hollandse Ĳssel Barrier 4. Hartel Barrier 5 Haringvliet Barrier 6 Volkerak Barrier 7 Philips Barrier 8 Grevelingen Barrier 9 Oyster Barrier 10 Veerse Gat Barrier 11 Brouwers Barrier 12 Zandkreek Barrier All these barriers, along with the hundreds of kilometres of dykes, together form the Delta works. It stretches mainly over three provinces in the south-western part of The Netherlands. They are Zuid-Holland, Noord-Brabant and last but not least, 10 - www.hollandfocus.com

Zeeland. The most famous of all barriers is no doubt the Oosterschelde Barrier with its total inlet capacity of nearly 2.5 kilometres. This doesn’t mean that the other barriers are of a lesser scale, no way! Each one of them plays a vital role in the total concept of protecting the Lowlands against the sea, for centuries to come. Some of the images give a good impression of their position and size, embedded in the landscape. We would however like to draw your a�ention to the number two on the list, the Maeslant Barrier. Situated west of the Port of Ro�erdam. This barrier is capable of closing the economically most important waterway of Holland, the Nieuwe Waterweg. Each year millions of container ships pass through this main artery on their way to Ro�erdam Europort and further to the Dutch hinterland, meaning the whole of Western Europe. And vice-versa, of course. So building a barrier there was out of the question. Taking a gamble on the safety of millions of Dutch inhabitants in cases of extreme weather situations was no option either. The solution to this tricky problem was both brilliant and simple. The engineers came up with the idea of a barrier in two movable halves that could be retracted ashore as long as there was no need for protection (see image). Up till now the two halves ( floating doors ) had to be closed because of springtide danger only twice. And at both occasions proved to be solid as a rock. So there’s no need to worry for the industry at the port of Ro�erdam. It can still hold its pole position among the other biggest ports in the world. And all that thanks to the Delta works project. A�er having spent so much time visiting all these examples of Dutch hydraulic highlights, it might be a good idea to sit down, have a refreshment and think it all over. May we give you a tip for a place to do just that? Take a look at the picture of the old city harbour of Goedereede. You might even consider going back, as the town centre makes you feel like acting in a painting of a 17th century Dutch master like Rembrandt. This picture was taken just 6 days before the official Queen’s birthday in Holland. Hence the flags and ornamental decoration all over the place. Goedereede is only 10 minutes by car from the beach. Further information about this beautiful li�le town at: h�p://www.goedereede.nl/

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feel good Lifestyle and Feel good TV-programmes are in abundance in the Netherlands. Or Feel bad; just which side of the TV screen you happen to be. It is a trend and it seems that it is viewed by many. One example is the programme ‘Boer zoekt Vrouw’ (farmer wants a wife) I already wrote a column about before. On the lazy Sunday morning I am quick to include one or two of those programmes. The other day I joked to my wife that I could easily play the leading part in a succession of all those diﬀerent TV-programmes. That would roughly go like this: During the programme ‘Eigen huis en tuin’ (Home and Garden) our backyard will be turned upside down completely. That has to happen anyway, because it is a mess and we would like to have a ‘state or the art’ garden with beautiful plants and trendy new garden furniture. All goes well, until the time limit has passed, the TV-crew leaves and I am le� to connect the garden lights. No problem, because my two le� hands are amply compensated by my pride to solve the problem myself. A�er weeks of digging and messing about our garden has been turned into a mess again and my wife has had enough. She has entered me for the programme ‘Help, mĳn man is een klusser’ (Help, my husband is a handyman) and under expert guidance, standing by helplessly and head bowed, I learn how everything I did was wrong and how it can be done. An electrician has been hired to install -as yet- the electricity wires correctly and competently. At the end of the programme the bu�on will be pressed and yes: the garden lights do work. One day only. Because then it turns out that inferior wiring has been used. We are close to tears. That is the exact moment the camera crew of the programme ‘Opgelicht’ (swindled) has been waiting for. Because in this programme shady builders and professional handymen will be grilled. They will be visited by hidden cameras and obtrusive comments and the end of the story is that the job will be done, mostly by the crew of the programme. Of course, by then it all got to me and with our modest savings I have escaped -by myself- to a tropical country, far away from all the trouble. My wife has problems with that too and she sends an email to the editors of ‘Spoorloos’ (vanished), a programme that traces vanished family members all over the world. A real tear jerker. Because I go through my savings in no time and start using my credit card, they -of course- trace my whereabouts rapidly and in no time

Pim

I am home again. Destitute and with a guilty conscience. And that is the exact moment to perform -without more ado- in a new episode of the programme ‘Het spĳt me’ (I regret), in which people appear on the screen, who want to make up with other people. I give my partner, with the camera running, a gorgeous bunch of ﬂowers (paid by the programme makers) and kiss her on both cheeks. End well all well? No. We have been through so much that our stressed family must relax and visit a beautiful part of our own country. In ‘Bestemming Nederland’ (destination the Netherlands) we will be dragged in high speed through one or other picturesque town, visit one a�raction a�er the other and have to like everything very much. A�erwards we come home exhausted, see our front yard and ﬁnd that it really needs to be a�ended to..... Pim Feĳen

Luister non-stop naar de mooiste muziek van Nederlandse bodem op www.rnw24.nl

Gratis digitaal ochtendblad dagelijks in uw mailbox Neem nu een abonnement: www.wereldomroep.nl/wereldkrant www.hollandfocus.com - 13

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Phone 0439 807 957 www.tiltawaybeds.com.au

14 - www.hollandfocus.com

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS – THE 2008 JONAS KREVELD AWARD The Jonas Kreveld Award Commi�ee, chaired by Netherlands Chamber of Commerce (NCCA) Board Member Mr. Kees van Duyn and including representatives from DutchCare and the Erasmus Foundation, is pleased to announce that the prestigious Award will be presented again this year and herewith invites nominations from the Dutch community. The late Mr. Jonas Kreveld, in addition to being a successful businessman, provided an important contribution to the Dutch community in Victoria. In the year 2004 a private initiative was developed to commemorate the memory of this remarkable man, and to encourage others to follow his example, by instituting an annual Award named a�er him. The Inaugural Jonas Kreveld Award was presented to Petra Neeleman in 2006 and the 2007 winner was Hans Nieuwland, Honorable Consul to the Netherlands.

Who can I nominate for the Jonas Kreveld Award? In reviewing the nominations, the Commi�ee’s objective is to award the Jonas Kreveld Award to: The most deserving Dutch or Australian person with a strong background in business who has made, or is making, an outstanding contribution to the Dutch community in Victoria. A strong background in business may include but is not limited to: - Having been a successful business owner, or running a successful business (or other evidence of an ‘entrepreneurial spirit’) - Having achieved a senior / management position within a large corporation

An outstanding contribution to the community may take many different forms, including: - social service and charitable work for the benefit of those of Dutch descent; - other volunteer work for the benefit of the Dutch community; - the promotion of cultural ties and / or business relations between Australia and The Netherlands.

For candidates to be considered, they would need to have proven credentials in both of the above areas. Deadline for nominations: Monday 15 September 2008 The Jonas Kreveld Award will be presented to the winner on Friday 17 October 2008 at the Dutch Orange Ball in Studio 3 at Crown, Southbank.

Nomination forms can be downloaded from www. ncca.com.au or call NCCA on (03) 9597 0469 if you would like a form send out to you or for further information.

Rebecca Reijman Unknown in the Netherlands, but

a true star in Asia

Only 22 years old, but in Asia Rebecca Soejati Reijman is considered a star. She left Den Haag and settled in Jakarta, the Indonesian capital, to start a career in music and acting. words Kathleen Vervoort To Rebecca it is still unreal and she still can not believe what is happening to her. The student in economics and law always loved singing, but never took it too serious. A holiday on Bali changed that forever, as she got ‘discovered’ by someone telling her that she could be a big pop star. Now, almost two years later, she is indeed a pop star, even one of Asia’s biggest. Been on the cover of the famous Rolling Stone Magazine, every other week on another Asian magazine cover and unable to leave the house without the paparazzi following her, but in the Netherlands no one has ever heard of this shining star. According to the free newspaper Spits! Lately, Rebecca

has been the topic of discusions on several Dutch music forums. Her music is starting to be recognised in the Netherlands now. Her ﬁrst album, launched in 2007, was called Kata Hati and was one of the best albums of the year, according to the Indonesian, Singapore and Malaysian press. Her debut single shot immediately to the number one spot on the Asian MTV charts. Apart from singing, she is also a model now and is thinking of starting an acting career as well. Rumours have it that she will play her ﬁrst role in a Singapore movie very soon. www.hollandfocus.com - 15

Titiana ‘La Tulipe’ finally flourishes Titiana was born in Franeker (Frisian land) and moved with her family to Rotterdam when she was still very young and spent most of her childhood in the suburb of Pendrecht. Titiana lost both her parents before she was eighteen and had to watch her siblings, one sister and three brothers, leaving to different places around the world, without having the power to do anything about it. Titiana married young hoping this would help to keep her younger brothers with her, but to no avail. Soon Titiana and her husband had two lovely daughters and the young family decided to migrate to Australia. Right from the very beginning Titiana felt very much at home in Australia. Sadly the marriage did break down due to incompatibility and he returned to Holland eventually, where he remarried happily a year later. Titiana met a lovely man and they started a cosmetics business. Titiana and her second husband worked hard and the business was thriving, until the recession we had to have. They had to sell their home and on top of all this misfortune her husband became ill and needed care almost 24 hours per day. In the meantime both her daughters married and moved to different countries in Europe. One of Titiana’s friends took her to a gathering in a church and one of the singers asked if someone would like to sing something. That lovely a�ernoon Titiana sang the Nun’s Chorus her first song in public and a�er an impressive performance, considering she did not have any professional training at all, she decided that she wanted to make a career out of singing. She started taking lessons from Pauline Walsh at the Lismore Conservatorium, followed by singing lessons from Patricia White (former opera singer at the Gold Coast) and took acting lessons from Ad Fernhout and Brian Masuda in Amsterdam. As her confidence grew the late blooming Titiana, or ‘La Tulipe’ as she is sometimes called too, started singing at different events in New South Wales. Titiana has always been fascinated by Dame Nellie Melba, when she ‘first’ consciously heard Melba’s voice she recognised it from her childhood; probably had listened to it at her grandmother’s place. In 2004 Titiana and her husband moved to Coldstream in Victoria, which she fondly calls ‘Nellie Melba’s country’ as Dame Melba lived there for many years. A�er only four months her husband died and Titiana was heartbroken. Titiana had promised to sing at a charity concert, which was held soon a�er her husband’s passing away, and felt she still had to perform at that event. The concert was a�ended by Lady Vestey, the granddaughter of Dame Nellie Melba, who invited Titiana to Coombe Co�age, originally Dame Melba’s home, and complemented Titiana on her voice. Titiana has been singing at charity and church concerts for the last years and she receives standing ovations a�er more next page www.hollandfocus.com - 17

her performances. One of her ambitions is to perform in a period costume in an opera or opere�a as one of the leading characters. Titiana is writing an autobiography which is called “With Melba in the Wings”. Referring to her déjà vu when she heard the old records with Dame Nellie Melba’s voice. The book will be released early next year. She used to pray: ‘God, can I please have an interesting live, not a boring one’ and she certainly got what she wanted, in spite of many drawbacks and heartbreaking experiences throughout her live. Titiana recently remarried to Jan de Vries, who is also her manager. Titiana loves to perform at weddings, baptisms, corporate functions etc. email: withmelbainthewings@hotmail.com . On 18 May Titiana & her Musical Friends held a tribute concert to Dame Nellie Melba at the Baptist Church in Lilydale (Vic). It was a quite informal a�ernoon with Titiana and Anton Morgen singing in succession and they also sang a duet. The soprano and tenor complimented each other perfectly. The singing was alternated with the Jazz/Swing Ensemble and piano solos by Peg Whalley. The proceeds went to ‘Rainbow for Hope’ for Michelle Taylor’s Russia Orphanage Ministry.

THE DUTCH SHOPS NOW AT 3 LOCATIONS, NATIONWIDE SYDNEY : 85 MARKET STREET, SMITHFIELD, 2164, PHONE (02) 9604 0233 BRISBANE : 1150 BEAUDESERT ROAD, ACACIA RIDGE, 4100, PHONE (07)3277 4869 PERTH : 5/121 JAMES STREET, GUILDFORD, 6055, PHONE (08)6278 1888

“For Anything Dutch” • Delicatessen • Souvenirs • Oak Furniture

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Postage within Australia included send your cheque or money order to the writer

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Dutch Cuisine

borrelhapj

Zoute bolletjes and Kaasbolletjes Preheat oven to 200°C and grease oven trays. Kaasbolletjes - Cheese biscuits Makes about 50 100g SR ﬂour 75g grated matured cheese 50g bu�er, room temperature 1 tablesp. water, pepper Put ﬂour and cheese in a bowl and mix with a spoon. Add bu�er, water and a pinch of pepper (no salt needed, cheese is salty enough)

Zoute bolletjes - Salty biscuits Makes about 35 100 g SR Flour 70 g. bu�er 1½ teasp. salt 1 teasp. nutmeg 20 ml milk Dissolve salt in the cold milk. Put ﬂour in bowl, add small pieces of bu�er and salt/milk mixture.

Quickly knead mixtures into dough or put through the blender. Make balls of about 1 to 1½ centimetre and press on oven tray (distance about 2cm). Place in oven and bake for about 20 min. or golden, they should be crunchy.

ijk l e k a m s  e

CROSSWORD - KRUISWOORD Translate the questions into Dutch words. Some questions could be the other way around (marked N-E).

Horizontal: 1 burglary 5 fairy tale 10 old fashioned weight 12 cooling system 14 wall 16 heel 17 nobility 19 filling for doona 21 wretched thing 22 there 23 a rich man 26 personal pronoun 28 Belgian championship (abbr) 29 yards, part of mast 31 messenger 32 intestine 34 personal pronoun 36 musical note 38 river in Frysian land 40 contribution 43 yes in Russian 44 mug 46 bay 48 once upon a time 49 by 50 fake 51 atmosphere (abbr) 53 count 54 ambience 55 determines heredity Vertical: 2 circular 3 another 4 axis 6 finished 7 facial hair 8 and the (old fashioned) 9 abscess 11 Dutch broadcasting organisation 13 algae 15 lucht (N-E) 18 creepy 20 driving licence 21 spirited, brave 24 solicitors costs for buyer (abbr) 25 sledge 27 ridge 30 beak 33 blanket 35 and the like (abbr) 36 family member 37 crack 39 honour 40 dear 41 helm 42 inherit 43 slut 45 unfinished 47 bold 52 personal pronoun 53 preposition solution in next edition

www.hollandfocus.com - 19

Who’s Who? In this ‘Who’s Who’ a photo of the statue of an important Dutchman, who died not that long ago, is shown. He was born in 1905 in Eindhoven as the only son of the only daughter of the founder of the company who was known by his family name. Between the years 1923 and 1929 he studied at the Technical University in Del�, to become a Mechanical Engineer. In the same year of his graduation he married a lady called Sylvia van Lennep and this marriage was blessed with seven children. During the Second World War he was imprisoned by the Germans and taken to the concentration camp Vught, where he rescued several Jewish people from deportation. In 1996 he received the famous Yad Vashem decoration for his heroic deeds during the war. During his life he received several international awards from universities and governments. But in 1961 he became the president-chairman of the company, who by that time had become on of the biggest companies in the world for consumer goods: televisions, radios, shavers, light bulbs, casse�e recorders, videos, cameras etc. etc. It is believed, that no television in the world does not have a technical part from this company somewhere. In 1971 he retired from ‘his’ company, but always stayed informed and involved. Besides being interested in his company, he was probably also the biggest fan of the football (soccer) team PSV, which is part of this company. (The former Australian coach Guus Hiddink was also a very successful coach in Eindhoven). On the ﬁ�h of December 2005 at the age of ‘one hundred’ he tripped during a walk on his property, broke his back and due to complications died that same day in hospital.

Voor de ECHTE en BESTE

Kroketten, bitterballen en fricandellen

Who is this man whose name lives on through the company and this statue which was placed in the city of Eindhoven on the 14th of April 2007?

Send your answer, name and address (before 10 August 2008) to: Holland Focus, PO Box 169, Olinda Vic. 3788, Australia or email: editor@hollandfocus.com

The correct answers will go in the draw for the biography of:

Alby Mangels

beyond world safari

Even Anneke of Cees bellen Brisbane en omgeving: 07-5546 3361 of 0400 896 606 Gold Coast: Rob, 07- 5502 9219 Sunshine Coast: 6 Fresh Warana Market, Nickling Way 07- 5493 1522 20 - www.hollandfocus.com

last issue’s “Who’s Who?” The name of the statesman portrayed is: Johan van Oldenbarnevelt The winner of this Who’s Who is:

Bep Torkington Qld

lation u t a r g Con

Marcia ONCE AGAIN DOWN MEMORY LANE Last time we looked brieﬂy at the word wapen which has several meanings. At the moment I’m looking at het wapen van Velsen – the coat of arms of Velsen which is a city to the north of Amsterdam. The reason that Velsen is making an appearance here in Melbourne is to do with family connections. The daughter (dochter) of my father-in-law (schoonvader) lives in The Netherlands, near Velsen. One way or another, a Del�s Blauw (Del� blue) plate depicting Velsen has made its way here. It shows a number of buildings including the town-hall (het stadhuis or het raadhuis) and two churches (twee kerken) and is described on the back of the plate as ‘de schoonheid van Kennemerland’ – the beauty of Kennemerland – a local region as I recall. My father-in-law (see photo) was my husband’s stepfather (stiefvader). There are photos taken a�er the war (de oorlog) which show my husband as a young boy with his stepfather. It seemed very endearing, even in later years, to hear him called Papa (with the emphasis on the second syllable). He was both literally and ﬁguratively a big man in that small boy’s life. My husband’s own father had died during the war in a prison camp in the Dutch East Indies/Indonesia. In family conversations over the years my husband was sometimes gently teased when he referred to him as ‘Our father’. My sisterin-law commented that it sounded as if he intended saying the ‘Our Father’ prayer. War had featured large in their lives. My husband’s mother spent four years in a women’s concentration camp having the care of her four children; his stepfather was on the infamous (beruchte) Burma Road. These memories (herinneringen) have been stirred up by some recent experiences. Rooms (kamers) in the house (huis) needed to be prepared for some painting (verven) to be done. As a result, it was necessary to move some last belongings of my father-in-law. They had come into the house when he moved into special accommodation. One small item is a key ring with the word archief – archive. It

belongs to a metal box in which important papers were stored. Seeing the set of keys takes me back to 1971. My parents-in-law had just arrived from The Netherlands to live in Australia. Tall father-in-law was striding around the house talking in some consternation. The word which seemed to occur o�en was sleutels. What had happened was that he was searching unsuccessfully for the keys to the koffers (suitcases or trunks). At that stage I knew few Dutch words and sleutels really stayed in my mind accompanied by a slightly surreal, powerless feeling of being on the edge of this experience which no doubt was frustrating him and which we observers couldn’t do much about – I suppose we ferreted around trying to find likely places but his pre-occupation was so great it seemed to leave us on the fringe of the activity. We had been very occupied beforehand ge�ing things as ready as possible to welcome the family and here was this ‘glitch’. Where the keys were finally found I can’t recall, but thinking of keys also takes me back to our starting point – het wapen van Velsen. Sometimes coats of arms

or other sorts of ‘signage’ have crossed keys

– perhaps indicating status and privilege such as free access to the city. In the case of Velsen the image seems to be a lamb standing proudly and holding a banner which looks as if it is blowing in the wind – it all looks quite triumphant. There are two words for triumphant – triomfantelĳk and zegevierend. My teacher from earlier times advises me that the la�er meaning would be used a�er a ba�le which is perhaps the meaning within Velsen’s coat of arms. Triomfantelĳk is perhaps how my father-in-law felt when he found the keys! Tot de volgende keer Marcia de Groot Thanks to the Editor, here is some information about het wapen van Velsen. The lamb is gold coloured and is carrying a standard. I described it earlier as a ‘banner’. Another word is cross pennant and there is an Andreas cross – would this be a cross of St Andrew? The background is blue. It is thought to date at least from the 17th century.

e! r e h of t u o G

Did you know that………… not one single Dutch word rhymes on the word ‘twaalf’?

www.hollandfocus.com - 21

We live on the most beautiful spot in Holland

`The Horse of Marken’ is the name of the unique lighthouse which -since 1710- used to light up the former Zuiderzee, and now lights up the Markermeer. The Horse of Marken is unique on several points: it is the only lighthouse in the Netherlands located on the water and the only one with a house built against it. Therefore, the tenants Thijs and Liliane Spijker are the only lighthouse occupants in the Netherlands.

words and photos Yolanda Edens 22 - www.hollandfocus.com

Little paradise The lighthouse can only be reached by bicycle or on foot. To approach it by car, Thĳs and Liliane can make an exception for only one visitor at the time. A diﬃcult trip across a very narrow bike path. At the end is a small bridge, normally closed with a pole. Especially for the visit of Holland Focus, the pole has been removed temporarily. The view from the narrow stony dike is marvellous. The white lighthouse stands out brightly in the blue sky. In the background recreational yachts pass by, alternated by a large sailing ship of which the crew waves friendly to Thĳs and Liliane. Everyone knows the proud tenants of the lighthouse who transformed ‘The Horse of Marken’ into a li�le paradise since their arrival in 2003. In the near future this li�le paradise will be available for wedding parties. Thĳs is a sailor in heart and soul. “Thirty years ago he already wanted to live in the lighthouse”, Liliane says.

In 1700, three landmarks were built around the Zuiderzee as guards of the vital shipping ways to Amsterdam and the hinterland. One at Marken with a coal fire; one at the Ven close to Enkhuizen and one at Durgerdam, both using oil lights in a lantern. Ships had to pay annual taxes for these Zuiderzee landmarks. Their receipt was a bakenloodje with a picture of the “Suydersee Vuur Bakens” and the date. The walls of the three landmark buildings were square. Only the landmark in the Ven still has the same square construction. On the island Urk was also a coal fire burning, but not just for the fishermen but also for the pilotage of Amsterdam in the 17th century. In 1839, the old square lighthouse of Marken was rebuilt into the current round tower. The marble memorial stone of the original tower was placed in the new lighthouse. In 1992 the old house originating from 1901, was replaced by a new one. The light of the Marken lighthouse forms a part of an extensive system of beacons that include the Ĳsselmeer and Markermeer.

“But I wasn’t ready as yet.” In 2002 a�er the former tenants le�, the lighthouse has been renovated. It did not take long before it was known that Rĳkswaterstaat was looking for new tenants who could look a�er the historical lighthouse. A public

registration resulted in 350 responses. Only three candidates were invited for a meeting, including Thĳs and Liliane. Liliane: “In those days, I worked as an executive secretary. I had promised my boss that should we became the new tenants of the lighthouse, he would be the first one to know. No ma�er where, who he would be with or what he was doing: I kept that promise. He was in the middle of an important meeting when I rushed in. I didn’t care at all: everyone had to hear the good news!” When Thĳs and Liliane arrived the situation was far from ideal. Reed had taken over the small island on which the lighthouse is located. “It was just a huge swamp”, Liliane remembers. “It was impossible to get through. The rats walked over your feet.” The reed is gone and has made room for a small beach with a comfortable outdoor set. The rats have disappeared and have been replaced by happy freerange chickens. Darco, the german shepherd, barks enthousiastically when a large yacht passes the lighthouse. “Friends”, Lileane says. “We regularly hop on board to sail with them for a li�le while or they come alongside for a coffee.” Drifting ice To avoid confusion: Although Thĳs and Liliane live in a lighthouse, they are not lighthouse guards. “Nowadays, lighthouses operate fully automatically. Two times a year an employee of Rĳkswaterstaat visits the lighthouse for maintenance. The Horse of Marken is still in active operation. That’s necessary as the lighthouse is standing in the water and it is essential for the recreational sailors on the Markermeer. As it is positioned near an inland waterway, the lighthouse is not as high as a lighthouse near the sea. Another difference is the light: near the sea turning lights are used. The Horse of Marken has a light

www.hollandfocus.com - 23

that switches on for 6 seconds and turns off for 2 seconds. “Inside the house you hardly notice the bright light.” The narrow stony dike leading to the lighthouse is equipped with a sturdy rope which is needed to latch onto in turbulent weather. “During stormy weather that rope is really not enough”, Lileane says. “You’re easily blown off the narrow dike. Then we take an alternative path over the beach and climb up again at the end of the steep dike. We are building stairs at that particular spot. Moreover the stone dike has a more important function against dri�ing ice. In 1879, the whole house was destroyed by dri�ing ice. In 1900 the house was partially destroyed. A year later the tower was even li�ed quite a few centimetres of its foundation by the ice. The most recent damage caused by the ice dates from 1989. That year, the ice was pushed up close to the bedroom of the house. The lighthouse was completely separated from the outside world. Modern comfort The lighthouse is not connected to services as sewerage, gas, water and electricity but is actually provided with all modern comfort. “We have a dishwasher, a dryer, Internet and telephone. The ecosystem is a very good alternative to sewerage. We use solar energy. Contrary to what has been told, we have not been cooking on a pla�ebuiskachel for more than 30 years. In the lighthouse we live in the 21th century too. Drinking water is supplied by boat. In the worst case scenario we have to get water over land with a tractor.” The lighthouse suffers considerably by the influences of weather, wind and water. Maintenance is never ending. The outside paint work has to be done every second year. 24 - www.hollandfocus.com

For a normal house once every ﬁ�h year is suﬃcient. “I have to clean the windows with a scourer”, Liliane says. “Mosquitoes are all over the place and stick to the windows. It is impossible to clean them properly. When I have cleaned one window, the mosquitoes are back before the sponge hits the water in the bucket.” Liliane and Thĳs don’t make a problem of those inconveniences. Those things are inseparable from living in a lighthouse. “Someone else chooses for a large garden with roses which have to be pruned regularly. It’s a choice you make.” The house, in which Liliane and Thĳs live, is built against the tower. Next to the front door a narrow stone spiral staircase leads to the actual tower. The original light is still in place. Halfway up the staircase is a technical room with an antique original Brons engine. Thanks to Thĳs it is back in working order. The engine was used to turn on the compressor to start the fog-horn. Before that, a fogbell was used. The fog-horn is still present but has not been used since 2001. “When something happens now, we call the Coast Guard.” Thĳs can’t imagine living without water nearby. In spite of her hydrophobia, even Liliane would not like to leave the lighthouse. “We live on the most unique and beautiful spot in the Netherlands.”

More information about The Horse of Marken and photos of the dri�ing ice are on the website: www.thĳsvandetoren.nl

Dutch/Flemish cinema

Welcome to the Sticks

This issue we have a title that, since its initial release in February of this year, has smashed box-office records and at the time of writing is still playing to packed houses: Welcome to the Sticks (Bienvenue chez les Ch’tis.) It’s set in Flanders, so is of obvious interest to us, although there have been one or two eyebrows raised regarding the language used in the film. But more on that later. The film stars and is directed by popular comedian Dany Boon, whose previous film as director was the steady, competent Dream House, a film that always remained watchable yet was a li�le short on laugh-out-loud moments. His second stint in the director’s chair really is a huge step up in quality, and although it can be hard to say that any film deserves such unprecedented success, it is hard to grudge Welcome to the Sticks its endless months at the top; it really is a very funny and sweet-natured affair. The story is very simple: south of France postmaster Philippe (the excellent Kad Merad, of The Chorus fame) a�empts to dishonestly secure a transfer to a dream location, but is caught out. He learns he’s to be sent north as punishment, and is horrified as places such as Paris and Lyon creep into his mind. Worse is to come for Philippe when he discovers he’s to be posted further north than either of those bustling places; his destination is Bergues, a

by Darren Arnold

small Flemish town just south of Dunkirk and a few miles from the Belgian border. As he disbelievingly arrives in rain-drenched Bergues, the distracted Philippe knocks down Antoine (Boon), who also works for the post office and has come to welcome the new boss. Philippe understandably panics, and thinks Antoine has broken his jaw in the accident; however, it turns out that Antoine is fine and is simply speaking in Ch’ti (which draws from Flemish and old Picard.) Thus, the crux of the film emerges: it’s a culture-clash comedy where fish-out-of-water Philippe becomes slowly familiar with the language, food and customs of the Ch’ti (or Ch’timi) people. Inevitably, there are many funny moments en route, but the laughs are not at the expense of characterisation, and we quickly learn to care and root for this li�le town’s inhabitants (including its latest arrival). As mentioned earlier, one of the points of debate surrounding the film’s release regards the language used: it has been mentioned that locals of Bergues use more Flemish and Dunkerquois than Ch’ti, although both Ch’ti and standard French are understood there. It’s perhaps not something to dwell on, but instead we should all celebrate in seeing what is an o�-neglected, unfashionable part of Europe finally ge�ing some of the a�ention it deserves. A DVD release is scheduled for October, but until then it is most definitely worth keeping an eye out for local cinemas screening what is undoubtedly one of the biggest cinematic treats of 2008.

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Zestigjarige Wereldschool

zoekt oud-leerlingen De Wereldschool verzorgt sinds 1948 afstandsonderwijs voor Nederlandse en Vlaamse kinderen die tijdelijk met hun ouders in het buitenland verblijven. Doel van dit onderwijs is dat als de gezinnen terugkeren, de kinderen zonder leerachterstand weer verder kunnen op school. Voor zowel het basisonderwijs als voor het voortgezet onderwijs kunnen de zogeheten expats bij de Wereldschool terecht.

Zestig jaar Dit jaar bestaat de Wereldschool zestig jaar en dat willen we beslist niet onopgemerkt voorbĳ laten gaan. Een van onze jubileumactiviteiten is het geven van een groot feest, waarvan een reünie voor de oud-leerlingen een belangrĳk onderdeel is. Ook verwachten we dit jaar het zestigduizendste lespakket uit te kunnen reiken. Onze leerlingen verbleven destĳds in het buitenland en volgden daar het afstandsonderwĳs van de Wereldschool. Uitnodigingen naar die adressen sturen hee� niet zoveel zin meer, de meeste mensen zĳn weer verhuisd. Tot overmaat van ramp is door brand in 1997 het archief vernietigd. De Wereldschool is daarom op zoek naar namen en adressen van oud-leerlingen. Iedereen die oud-leerling is of er één kent, wordt vriendelĳk verzocht zich te melden, zodat er 30 augustus 2008 een feestelĳke reünie tot stand kan komen. Aanmelden voor het feest kan op: www.wereldschool.nl. Sinds 1948 In 1948 is de Wereldschool in het leven geroepen door de stichting IVIO (Instituut Voor Individueel Onderwĳs) om de Nederlandse gezinnen die in Indonesië achterbleven van onderwĳs te voorzien. Immers, de regering van het postkoloniale land, wilde uiteraard niet dat de publieke onderwĳsvoorzieningen van de voormalige overheerser in stand bleven, maar dat betekende niet automatisch dat er geen vraag meer was naar Nederlands onderwĳs. De Wereldschool voorzag in die behoe�e. Sindsdien zĳn steeds meer Nederlanders en later ook Vlamingen, gebruik gaan maken van het afstandsonderwĳs. Waren

26 - www.hollandfocus.com

Wereldschool reageerden daar op en vele dagen of soms zelfs weken later ontving men een reactie. Vandaag de dag hee� de Wereldschool geen aparte postkamer meer om deze stroom post te verwerken. Vrĳwel alle leerlingen maken gebruik van Internet en sturen via het leerlingvolgsysteem hun huiswerk op en communiceren ook via Internet met hun docenten. Toch is niet al het lesmateriaal gedigitaliseerd, want niet iedereen kan wereldwĳd permanent van Internet gebruik maken. Daarom stree� de Wereldschool naar een optimale mix van digitaal lesmateriaal en ‘gewone’ schoolboeken. Tenslo�e hee� gezellig op de bank aan de kinderen een spannend verhaal voorlezen ook zĳn waarde.

www.hollandfocus.com Alexander De Bel

Check our website regularly and read articles, updates and information about interesting events.

This month, amongst others, an interesting article by Henry van Zanden ‘The stink about deodorant’ Win tickets to the boat show in Melbourne in July

Photos of events throughout Australia

‘Gezellig’ Lo�e Sergeant het eerst voornamelĳk gezinnen die door de overheid of bedrĳven werden uitgezonden, later voegde zich hier ook zendingsorganisaties bĳ en weer later particulieren die een sabbatsverlof namen of in het buitenland een eigen bedrĳf gingen opze�en. Momenteel hee� de Wereldschool ca. 1.200 leerlingen verdeeld over meer dan 130 landen. Niet alle kinderen volgen het volledige onderwĳs bĳ de Wereldschool. Velen gaan naar een locale of internationale school en doen aanvullend via de Wereldschool het vak Nederlands. Ook binnen Nederland worden regelmatig kinderen bĳ de Wereldschool aangemeld, omdat zĳ geen gebruik kunnen maken van het bekostigd onderwĳs. Dit zĳn voornamelĳk chronisch zieke kinderen en kinderen waarvoor geen passend onderwĳs beschikbaar is. Veranderingen De eerste vĳ�ig jaar werd vrĳwel al het huiswerk per post verstuurd. De leerlingen maakten onder begeleiding van hun ouders huiswerk, de ouder voegde daar eventueel zĳn eigen vragen over het onderwĳs bĳ en stuurde dat vervolgens op. Docenten van de

One of those Dutch words that is hard to translate. At DutchCare we have translated it into “home”. Whether it’s in your own home through a community aged care package or one of our homes where we can provide you with 24 hour care. With our commitment to the Eden Alternative philosophy we enable our elders to “live” life through companionship, involvement in decision making, companionship and activities. We can also help you work through the maze of aged care services.

DutchCare

PO Box 8219 1105 Frankston-Dandenong Rd Carrum Downs Vic 3201 Call us for more information on

03-9782 6633

Visit our website www.dutchcare.com.au www.hollandfocus.com - 27

TaalsTaaltje door Frans Hertoghs

De Pruimeboom exclusief voor Holland Focus! Jantje zag eens pruimen hangen, o! Als eieren zo groot. ‘t Scheen, dat Jantje wou gaan plukken schoon zijn vader ‘t hem verbood. Er zullen maar weinig Nederlanders zijn die deze onsterfelijke versregels niet van buiten kennen, ze zijn ons met de vaderlandse paplepel ingegoten. De meeste mensen komen niet veel verder dan dit korte citaat. Waarom kennen wij de eerste regels allemaal en de volgende regels niet? Wie heeft het geschreven? Wanneer? Enne, hoe gaat het versje verder? Wel, als u dit gelezen hebt weet u in elk geval antwoord op deze simpele vragen. Daar gaan we dan. Misschien weet u het vervolg nog wel: Hier is, zei hĳ, noch mĳn vader, noch den tuinman die het ziet: aan een boom zo volgeladen mist men vĳf zes pruimen niet. Intussen beginnen we ons enigszins te verbazen. Mocht Jantje niet eens een paar pruimpjes van hun eigen boom eten? De pruimen moeten trouwens wel heel klein geweest zĳn of de eieren heel groot! En de betaalde tuinman moet kennelĳk ook waken over de tuin. Maar dat terzĳde. De rest van de eerste strofe is maar bĳ zeer weinig mensen bekend: Maar ik wil gehoorzaam wezen en niet plukken: ik loop heen. Zou ik, om een hand vol pruimen ongehoorzaam wezen? Neen. Hoed vol pruimen Ziet u het voor u? Er is een kleine jongen die onder een verleidelĳke pruimenboom staat en die zeker weet dat er niemand kĳkt. Hĳ staat al met zĳn armpje omhoog als hĳ ineens bedenkt dat het pre�iger is om gehoorzaam te zĳn dan om die overheerlĳke pruimen te ja�en. Het is van een engelachtigheid die niet van deze wereld is. Maar kĳk, de deugd wordt beloond: Voort ging Jantje, maar zĳn vader, Die hem stil beluisterd had, Kwam hem in het lopen tegen Vooraan op het middenpad. Een beetje stiekem van die vader. Maar het succes van de opvoeding wordt rĳk beloond door de tevreden vader: 28 - www.hollandfocus.com

Kom mĳn Jantje, zei de vader, Kom mĳn kleine hartedief! Nu zal ik u pruimen plukken, Nu hee� vader Jantje lief. Normaal moet de vader natuurlĳk altĳd mopperen, maar nu hee� hĳ brave Jantje pas echt lief. Daarop ging Papa aan ‘t schudden, Jantje raapte schielĳk op. Jantje kreeg zĳn hoed vol pruimen, En liep heen op een galop. Jantje weet niet hoe gauw hĳ achter de put moet gaan liggen met zĳn kinderhoedje vol pruimen. En zo is iedereen tevreden: vader, Jantje en de lezer, die zich een traantje uit de ogen pinkt. Oubollig Ja dat zal best. Want de tekst is tweehonderdtwintig jaar oud. De schrĳver heet Hieronymus van Alphen (zie foto rechtsonder) en hĳ hoort tot onze bekendste schrĳvers. Hoe was het mogelĳk dat deze ouderwetse schrĳver van zulke zoete koek zo

belangrĳk geworden is voor alle Nederlanders? Wel, omdat te kunnen begrĳpen moet u eerst iets weten over hoe onze voorouders uit de zeventiende eeuw hun kinderen opvoedden. Het verbazingwekkende is namelĳk dat ze dat eigenlĳk helemaal niet deden. Ze beschouwden kinderen als kleine, domme en maar al te vaak lastige volwassenen, waar je eigenlĳk bi�er weinig aan had. Als ze het konden betalen lieten ze hun telgen het liefst voeden en opvoeden door bedienden en betaalde krachten. Zodra kinderen groot en sterk genoeg waren om mee te helpen moesten ze dat ook doen. School en scholing vond men alleen voor de rĳkste kinderen gewenst. Gewone kinderen leerden door schade en schande. Zoals je in oude schilderĳen goed kunt zien werden ze dan ook aangekleed en behandeld als kleine volwassenen. Als ze wilden spelen, dan moesten ze dat maar buiten het zicht van volwassenen

doen, want anders kregen ze binnen de kortste keren een klusje opgedragen. Ideale maatschappij? Pas tegen het eind van de ach�iende eeuw brak het begrip door dat voor kinderen toch wel andere regels moesten gelden als voor volwassenen. Dat kinderen opgevoed konden en moesten worden. Ze moesten niet alleen de dingen leren die ze later in hun beroep nodig zouden hebben, ze moesten ook en vooral de morele spelregels van de maatschappĳ meekrĳgen. Dat besef sloeg in als een bom. Denk je eens in! Als je de kinderen maar goed africh�e, dan zou alle criminaliteit vanzelf verdwĳnen, dan zou de ideale maatschappĳ vanzelf ontstaan. In heel Europa verschenen ineens talloze boeken over het opvoeden van kinderen. En het ene nog optimistischer dan het andere. Van Alphen was een van de eerste Nederlanders die begreep dat je niet

alleen moest ﬁlosoferen over die nieuwe manier van opvoeden, maar dat je er wat aan moest doen. En zo sloeg hĳ dus aan het dichten. De maker weet zeer wel, schrĳ� hĳ over zichzelf, dat hĳ, als digter, daar door weinig roem behalen kan. Maar dat had Van Alphen helemaal verkeerd gezien. Grappig dat hĳ precies door deze kinder-gedichten onvergetelĳk is geworden.

vervolgbundel. Die kwam er ook, al was het een paar jaar later. Het was prachtig materiaal voor de opvoeders die aan de ideale maatschappĳ van de toekomst bouwden. De Braven Hendrik en Jantje met zĳn pruimen zouden het eeuwenlang volhouden. Vele generaties jonge Nederlanders groeiden ermee op - en zĳn erdoor gevormd.

Bestseller Hĳ hee� voor zĳn gedichten zelfs de nodige research gedaan. De opsteller hee� met allen de proef genomen; en hĳ kan verzekeren, dat zĳn oudste jongetjen - een kind van vĳf jaaren - veele [stukjes] op de eerste of tweede leezing, verstaan hee�; en daarom houdt hĳ zig verzekerd, dat alle deze stukjens voor kinderen, boven de vĳf en beneden de tien jaaren, bruikbaar zĳn. Geen wonder dat de eerste druk spoedig volledig uitverkocht was. Herdrukken volgden en men smeekte de dichter om een

Van buiten Het grappige is dat Van Alphen faliekant tegen van buiten leren was. Ik heb [de gedigtjes] zo klein gemaakt, zegt hĳ, dat zĳ des te gemakkelĳker, door enkel leezen, zouden kunnen in het geheugen geprent worden zonder dat het noodig was, dat ze van buiten geleerd werden. En nu begrĳpt u misschien waarom we Jantje en zĳn pruimenboom wel allemaal kennen, maar niet kunnen opzeggen!

www.hollandfocus.com - 29

KIWIKORRELS Erkende Helden

Frans Hertoghs

Nieuw-Zeeland is een van de weinige landen waar nooit echt oorlog geweest is. Tenminste als je de Maori oorlogen in het midden van de negentiende eeuw niet meerekent. Dat waren meer schermutselingen en die gingen minstens evenveel tussen de Maori onderling dan tussen blanken en inboorlingen. Er is natuurlijk wel een Nieuw-Zeelands leger, maar dat is eigenlijk nauwelijks ergens voor nodig. De dichtstbijzijnde buurman is Australië en die woont bijna drieduizend kilometer verderop, ongeveer de afstand tussen Amsterdam en Cairo. De daarop volgende potentiële vijand ligt meer dan twee keer zover weg. Nieuw-Zeeland ligt gewoon te ver weg om serieus risico te lopen ooit veroverd te worden. Af en toe wordt er een klein contingent troepen gestuurd naar een land waar een Engelstalig land mee in oorlog is, zoals Afghanistan of Irak.

Helden gezocht Maar deze maatschappĳ hee� een dringende behoe�e aan helden, en dan niet alleen van het type Peter Jackson en Edmund Hillary. Militairen zĳn ‘in hot demand’. Alles wat met militaria te maken hee� krĳgt onevenredig veel aandacht. De gestolen oorlogsmedailles bĳvoorbeeld waren wekenlang topnieuws. De dappere Maori korporaal die van de Engelse koningin een mooi lintje kreeg is nu al maanden de gevierde held waar de kiwi’s geen genoeg van kunnen krĳgen. Anzac Day is een nationale feestdag waar de Australische en Nieuw-Zeelandse soldaten worden geëerd. Jaarlĳks wordt aan Anzac Day minstens evenveel aandacht besteed als in Nederland aan Bevrĳdingsdag. En niet alleen de deelname van enkele regimenten kiwi’s aan de WOII wordt uitgebreid herdacht, ook de gevallenen in WOI en zelfs in de smerige Engelse Boerenoorlog worden kritiekloos gehuldigd. Vuile Oorlog Elke oorlog leek tot de verbeelding van de brave kiwi’s te spreken. Behalve de Vietnam oorlog. Onder zware druk van Amerika - waar kennen we dat van? - werden er enkele eenheden gestuurd, in totaal maximaal 543 man. De oppositie in Nieuw-Zeeland was ongekend groot. Een anti-Vietnam protestmars telde 35000 deelnemers. Toen de soldaten terugkwamen van de vuile 30 - www.hollandfocus.com

oorlog werden ze door tegenstanders genegeerd en soms zelfs bespuwd en met rode verf overgoten. En terwĳl andere veteranen beladen met medailles vooraan in de herdenkingsbĳeenkomsten liepen, werden de Vietnam Vets vergeten. Dat zat ze niet lekker. Natuurlĳk, alle Nieuw-Zeelandse soldaten zĳn vrĳwilligers. Natuurlĳk hadden ze kunnen weigeren naar Vietnam te gaan. Maar ze waren toch niet verantwoordelĳk voor de oorlog? Ze gingen toch alleen maar helpen? Verontschuldigingen En nu, na bĳna veertig jaar oorverdovende stilte hee� de regering haar verontschuldigingen aangeboden aan de 37 gesneuvelden en de 1400 overlevenden en hun families. Tranen en optochten met honderden toeschouwers, overvliegende vliegtuigen en helikopters. Voortaan mogen ze trots meelopen in de herdenkingen van wereld- en boerenoorlogen, krĳgen ze nog meer onderscheidingen en publieke waardering. De Vietnam oorlog is opgenomen in de reeks heldha�ige wapenfeiten. Romantiek Wĳ Nederlanders kĳken verbĳsterd naar het vertoon van opgepoetste veteranen met de borst vol medailles uit een oorlog van tientallen jaren

geleden. En dat in een land waar oorlog ondenkbaar is. Waar soldaten allemaal vrĳwilligers zĳn. Waar ondanks alle oorlogsretoriek geen soldaat ooit gesneuveld is om zĳn eigen vaderland te verdedigen. Waar de regering vrĳwilligers stuurden naar exclusief Engelse of Amerikaanse bondgenoten. Hoe minder je met oorlog te maken hebt, hoe romantischer die lĳkt. Hoe heldha�iger de soldaten en hoe edeler de oﬃcieren. Helden. Wie een echte held kent, die krĳgt er ook wat van mee. Voetbal mag dan oorlog heten, rugby is symbool voor de totale oorlog. Vandaar de populariteit in dit heldhongerige land. De donkere zĳde van de veiligste natie ter wereld die van beide soorten oorlog nooit genoeg krĳgt.

visit www.hollandfocus.com for the English translation of this article

Mode! Ik ga een stukje schrĳven over mode bĳ tieners in Nederland. Het verschilt natuurlĳk wat iedereen draagt! Iedereen hee� immers een andere smaak. Maar ik zou een beetje vertellen wat voor kleding ik draag. Ik draag namelĳk een beetje stoere kleding. Dat vind ik leuk. Ik heb bĳna altĳd sneakers aan van Nike. En in de zomer loop ik meestal op teenslippers! Ook heb ik bĳna alleen maar skinny-jeans. Dat zĳn broeken met strakke pĳpen. In de winter heb ik meestal een vest of trui erbĳ aan. Er zĳn hele mooie schoenen, die kun je zelf ontwerpen op internet. Die zĳn van Nike. Jammer genoeg zĳn ze erg duur. Bĳna alle leuke kleren zĳn duur. Ik heb een beetje een dure smaak namelĳk! Dat vind ik wel super jammer, want meestal krĳg ik het niet! Ik heb nog geen kleedgeld, als ik kleren nodig heb ga ik altĳd met mĳn moeder winkelen. Soms als ik een shirtje nodig heb krĳg ik wel geld mee, en dan mag ik een shirtje gaan kopen, maar meestal niet! Deze winter krĳg ik kleedgeld! Dat is als ik 14 ben. Maar of ik daar blĳ mee ben weet ik niet! Want als ik met mĳn moeder ga winkelen krĳg ik vaak meer dan als ik zelf met een beetje geld ga shoppen! Maar aan de andere kant kan ik wel leren om met geld om te gaan. Ik hou echt heel erg van schoenen! Als ik bĳvoorbeeld een miljoen kreeg, zou ik super veel schoenen kopen! Gelukkig zĳn mĳn voeten bĳna uitgegroeid dus kan ik mĳn schoenen langer bewaren zodat ik over een paar jaar lekker veel schoenen heb! Wat me opviel in Australië is dat de kleding daar echt heel anders is dan hier! Maar de kinderen in Australië hoeven ook niet zoveel kleren te hebben als wĳ! Want wĳ hebben geen schooluniformen en hebben dus voor elke dag kleren nodig. In Australië heb je alleen je eigen kleding nodig voor in het weekend en in de vakanties. En misschien voor even na school.

Niet al mĳn vrienden dragen dezelfde kleren. Iets minder stoer, al zeg ik het zelf. Maar dat zegt natuurlĳk niets over de meiden zelf! Hier wat merken die ik leuk vind en soms ook draag!: Nike, Outﬁ�ersnation, Only, Reebock, Converse, Björn Borg, K-swiss en Puma! Op deze foto zie je een beetje wat mĳn kledingstĳl is! Ik ben eigelĳk wel benieuwd wat Australische kinderen van mĳn lee�ĳd dragen. Wil jĳ vertellen over jou favoriete kleding? Stuur dan een foto op van jezelf in jouw favoriete kleren! Naar Holland Focus. Groetjes Moniek

!Allegra homewear COLLECTION 2008 HAS ARRIVED We sell quality imported products such as Dutch kitchen and teatowels, kitchencloths, Dutch face washers and related items from renowned brands as DDDDD, Elias, Jet, Jorzolino and Vanity Fair

for more info go to www.allegraathome.com.au phone Mariette on 0407 041 033

PRINS WILLEM ALEXANDER VILLAGE Netherlands Retirement Village Association Of Queensland Inc.

What are your plans for the future?

Imagine living in an environment that reminds you of “back home”. Inspired by the traditional “Zaanse” style architecture, the village offers many choices in accommodation and lifestyle, from independent living to the highest of care. There are 74 independent living units, 44 Hostel units, 14 one bedroom apartments and a 64 bed Nursing Home. Enjoy our friendly and happy environment. Many members of our dedicated staff speak Dutch as well as English, because we realise the importance of the mother tongue. You may like to visit the village and discuss your options for moving into this ideal village facility. Just ring us ﬁrst to make an appointment, so we can be available to discuss opportunities for you. Prins Willem Alexander Village 62 Collingwood Road, Birkdale Tel.: (07) 3822 0800 Email: admin@dutchvillage.com.au

New Zealand

Holland Festival ‘Het Festijn 2008’ The Netherlands Society is organising a cultural festival ‘Het Festijn 2008’, on labour weekend 25 & 26 October, in the Hamilton Gardens. Every 3 years is this Festival organised by one of the larger Netherlands Societies and the Waikato Society has organised it two times before, in 1991 and 1999, both times in the Hamilton Gardens. The Hamilton Gardens covers an area of 58 hectares at the southern end of Hamilton City. It is a public park owned and managed by the Hamilton City Council. Admission to all areas of Hamilton Gardens is free. The Hamilton Gardens is the most popular visitor attraction in the region with about 600,000 visitors each year. Nearly 2000 events are held within Hamilton Gardens each year. Het Festijn has grown from a cultural festival for Dutch people to a true celebration of Dutch culture for all people. The festival will be ofﬁcially opened by the Mayor of Hamilton, Bob Simcock, the Dutch ambassador and the Minister of Transport Safety, Harry Duynhoven.

32 - www.hollandfocus.com

The Festival is for all people to enjoy, not just the Dutch, it is for us an excellent way to share our culture with everyone; we have a very commi�ed group of volunteers and I am sure this Festĳn will be a great success. For more information visit the website www.hollandsfestĳn2008.org.nz Ineke Zegwaard President Federation of NZ Netherlands Societies

cases are not- are called ‘urban legends’ in English. In Dutch they are called ‘broodje aap verhalen’ (monkey bread roll stories) check out www.broodjeaap.nl

Lelystad

Komfortabele appartementen te huur

AU S T RALIA

Volledig ingericht met TV, telefoon en internetaansluiting. 45 min. van Schiphol en Amsterdam. 1 pers: 30 euro per nacht. 2 pers: 40 euro per nacht. incl. lakens en handdoeken. Korting bĳ een langer verblĳf. Brochures en foto’s: Ria Luikink- van Uum Moezelstraat 12 8226 LA Lelystad. The Netherlands Tel: +31 320 254316 Email: Frans-Ria-Luikink@planet.nl

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

In the main hall of the Pavilion an Art exhibition of Dutch artists, paintings, sculptures, wood turning and textile work, will be held. Also a Talent Quest for young people, within two age groups, 11-14 and 15-18 years, during two days, the Saturday and then Sunday the ﬁnale. The contestants may include singing, dancing and any musical instruments. This Talent Quest is new to our festival, we have not done this before, but we ﬁnd it important to encourage young talent in performing arts and having this Talent Quest is our way of encouraging them. And don’t forget the Big Saturday Night party with good Dutch food, live music with the Hamilton County Bluegrass band and other performers.

you DidStories told by people as if they are true -but in most

NETHERLANDS

The previous festival in the Hamilton Gardens a�racted 5000 visitors in 1999 but we expect many more this time because of the expansion and popularity of the Hamilton Gardens. This Festival will be bigger than ever before. Our aim is to share our culture with the people of New Zealand. The performances of the cultural groups, Folk dancers, choirs and drama groups will still happen, but the emphasis is on families with children. Our mo�o is “The next generation”. We did not book just the entire Pavilion for the weekend, but the Lakeside Garden and the Rhododendron Lawn as well. Stalls with traditional Dutch food and an art and cra� market, live music, and very likely an authentic Dutch street organ will be outside the Pavilion. Many traditional Dutch children games can be played in a large marquee on the Rhododendron Lawn. This is all planned to be of very low cost for parents, we just want it to be a great family outing for everyone. The Chartwell room of the Pavilion will accommodate a Dutch Forum “Onze Hoe Wie” with guest speakers from Holland and Australia. The topics are: 1) Passing on Dutch Culture across generations 2) Dutch-NZ exchanges at cultural, professional and scientiﬁc levels 3) Promoting achievements of Dutch migrants and building cultural bridges 4) Promoting the Dutch language in New Zealand 5) Development of a Dutch-NZ Heritage Day 6) Use of AOW funds by the New Zealand government 7) Further development of the Friendly Support Network 8) The establishment of a Dutch umbrella organisation in New Zealand: The Dutch Council

. . . . . . t a h know t

The Netherlands Chamber of Commerce Australia (Inc.) promotes trade and investment relations between Australian and Dutch organisations and individuals and provides a business networking forum for its members in a professional and social atmosphere, through meetings, functions, trade delegations, promotions and provision of trade assistance.

Visit www.ncca.com.au

for details on membership and forthcoming events Phone (03) 9597 0469

Networking for Business www.hollandfocus.com - 33

The slogan ‘Fryslân Boppe! united many Frisians against the Dutch (Hollanders). The slogan sometimes was adapted to: ‘Fryslân Boppe! Hollân yn ‘e groppe!’ meaning ‘Frisian Land above and Holland down in the ditch!’. Now it is the name of a series of articles in holland focus about a unique part of The Netherlands the province of Fryslân (Frisian Land). This is part nine.

Fryslân Boppe!

~ WADDENGEBIED ~ Four beautiful Frisian Islands and a wonderful world of nature are north of the Frisian mainland. It’s called ‘het Waddengebied’. The Waddenzee is the sea between the mainland and the islands and is approximately 500 kilometres long. It starts north of the province of North Holland and stretches out all the way to Denmark. How to get there? Well, simple. Either go by boat or plane or just walk to them, of course. words Henk-Jan de Meer Terschelling is the largest Frisian island and is known for its lighthouse ‘Brandaris’. Its coast is 30 kilometres long and anyone who is into cycling can go berserk on 70 kilometers of bike paths. The island is world famous for its annual ‘Oerol-festival’. Oerol means everywhere. For ten days the island is full of inspiration and almost covered with podiums, 60 of them, where theatre makers, musicians and sculptors give acte de présence (put in an appearance). The most distant island is Vlieland. It’s the smallest of the four Frisian Islands and about 1150 people live on it. It’s a beautiful and cosy island. Like the other islands: it is an excellent place for relaxing and nature- and sun lovers. Cycling and horse riding are available for the energetic people.

34 - www.hollandfocus.com

Wadlopen The islands can be reached by boat from the places Harlingen, Holwerd or Lauwersoog. But it is more fun to just walk to one of them: wadlopen. A wad is a mud or sandbank, which floods during high tide. This means a wad is flooded twice a day by the tide. During low tide, it is possible to walk from the mainland to either Ameland, Terschelling or Schiermonnikoog, but only accompanied by a professional guide. It’s a unique way to experience the flora and fauna of these flats. Many birds and probably seals too can be watched during the walk. A�er arriving on an island one can either choose from different activities or just find a nice spot on the beach and relax. But… don’t be surprised if people start a conversation in German. Germans just love the Dutch islands.

Ameland consists mainly of sand dunes. The four villages spread over this island accommodate 3200 people. Once a year a big spectacle is held when ten big horses pull the former lifeboat across the beach to the sea, the boat is then launched by eight horses. The smallest shire in the Netherlands is Schiermonnikoog with just 1000 inhabitants. Special about this island is the peace and quietness. Because visitors have to leave their cars on the mainland.

Would you like to know more about the Waddengebied, the Waddenzee, het wadlopen en Oerol? Check out Hollandfocus.com

www.hollandfocus.com - 35

book review

Piet Blom

architect

not just ‘kubus’ houses When you hear the name Piet Blom, I am sure you immediately say: kubuswoning, being his best known project, but the late architect designed many other projects. Some of them have been realised, others have been thrown into the bin. The book ‘Piet Blom’ gives a good impression of the work of the man with the ‘unusual’ designs. Probably his childhood in the Amsterdam neighbourhood ‘the Jordaan’ has been his main inspiration for his projects. As the son of a greengrocer Piet had to take potatoes to customers on his push-bike. The ‘Jordaan’ is a very lively area, where everyone knows everyone and there is always something happening on the street. In his projects, Blom tried to recreate a lively area like the one he grew up in. To his opinion, people were too ﬁxed separating work from social life. He detested the new architecture in the cities, ‘boring and all looking the same’, according to him. He wanted to avoid this in his designs, and that is probably the reason why others disliked them. Although it all started very promising and his school teacher liked his creations, no Russian palace, Amersfoort

words Kathleen Vervoort photos Dirk Verwoerd

started to create the Kabash, ‘a city on the roof’, as he called it. Beneath the houses he created open spaces to park cars, let children play and operate small shops. This way of thinking was very naive and social, but to this day the houses still exist and are amongst his biggest projects.Other famous work of Blom is the Kubuswoning and Spaanse Kade in Ro�erdam. He wanted to recreate the atmosphere as it had been before the Second World War, and wanted to prove that it is possible to have many people living in a small area. Sometimes he regrets that everybody only admires the outside of his creations, especially the Kubuswoning, which is actually a normal house inside. The fact that most of his creations have an unusual looking exterior is probably the reason why many projects have been cancelled. Dirk Verwoerd, one of the residents of a project by Blom, Gesloten Stad in Amersfoort, decided to make a book as a tribute to Blom. He contacted Jaap Hengeveld, a communication advisor, who indeed was interested in publishing the book. Abel Blom, Piet’s son, helped them and provided the material needed. A�er many years of hard work, they are now able to present a book with 323 pages, dryly wri�en and decorated with beautiful pictures, presenting Piet’s work. The projects that have been realised and that were thrown into the bin. Most of the book is translated in English, but sometimes you come across parts in Dutch, which may be diﬃcult for Australians. This non-ﬁction book is wri�en as one long story, but can be read as individual stories, although there are no separate headings. Quotes replace this shortcoming: it is just a ma�er of ge�ing used to. Apart from those small shortfalls, it is pleasant to read or to be placed on the table as a conversation piece. The Australian distributor is Robyn Ralton, Melbourne ph: +61 (0)3 9484 8101 e: modernjournal@netspace.net.au ISBN 9 789079 3690 1 0

one else did. Until he designed the holiday village, Pestalozzidorp, which won him the Prix de Rome. Thanks to this prize new projects were assigned to him, like changing an old farmhouse into a Mensa for a University. He also started to create his own vision on city life. Working and socialising should be done in the same area, where people can meet. Then he 36- www.hollandfocus.com

boekbespreking China motor van wereldeconomie en tijdbom

In verbazend korte tĳd is China de motor van de wereldeconomie geworden. Steeds meer Chinezen kunnen hun consumptiedromen verwezenlĳken. Maar er is een grens aan de dromen: Moeder Aarde kan zoveel consumptie niet aan. Duurzame groei is daarom nodig, juist ook in China. Maar het Chinese ontwikkelingsmodel is gebaseerd op maximale groei, ongeacht de gevolgen. De schaduwzĳden van die economische explosie tekenen zich steeds duidelĳker af. Naast het milieu zĳn ook het uitblĳven van politieke hervormingen, de groeiende sociale ongelĳkheid en de snelle vergrĳzing problemen van een tĳdbomachtige omvang. Gemakkelĳke oplossingen zĳn niet voorhanden, maar in China is alles mogelĳk: geen samenleving verandert zo snel als de Chinese. Als het lukt de binnenlandse problemen de baas te blĳven, staat niets de triomfantelĳke terugkeer van China als wereldmacht in de weg, tenslo�e waren ze al eerder het machtigste land ter wereld. Auteur Jan van der Pu�en was jarenlang correspondent voor de Volkskrant, onder andere in China, en sinds 2003 directeur van Eyes on China. ISBN 978 90 6832 448 8, € 14,50 can also be ordered through internet bookshops

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cultural heritage awards for

Belgium and The Netherlands Over the last ﬁve years the European Commission has been awarding prizes regarding cultural heritage. It started in 2002, as a part of the European Commission Culture programme. How could they encourage the protection of the European heritage? The result was the Europe Nostra Awards. This year twenty-nine countries entered one hundred and nine projects in total. All seeking to receive the 10,000 euros (about AU$15,500) to continue their work.

Van Nelle Factory

words Kathleen Vervoort

The Netherlands received one of the three first prizes in category 1 - Conservation for the restoration and adaptive reuse of the Van Nelle Factory in Ro�erdam. This used to be a factory producing tobacco, coffee and tea. Built in the period 1926-1931, the factory is an example of Modern Movement architecture in Europe. Exactly what the owner wanted, a building that would still be prominent and modern a�er twenty-five years. The building is used as office for the ‘Van Nelle Design Factory’ and also available for events. Especially the glass façade and the numerous air bridges make this factory so unique. The factory’s office building is curved in the same way as the path next to it, which was very innovative at the time. To be able to use the building today, many adaptations were needed, but the architect wanted to preserve the unique heritage values of the building. They decided on a box in a box solution, they put extra glass walls around the building to keep the heath in or out as desired. The commi�ee admired the way the architect tried to keep the factory as authentic as possible and appreciated the way in which he showed respect for the original design. Belgium won a medal in the same category, with the Tour and Taxis site. This large complex of buildings near Brussels canal and a small port was built in the 12th century. In those days the family Van Thurn und Tassis were the owners, which became Tour and Taxis a�er the French influence. This family had a company with mail carriages. They tried to become one of the biggest and most important mailing companies of Europe and they succeeded. For 355 years the

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Tour and Taxis

family operated the company, but they stopped in 1867 during the French Revolution. In 1873 the Belgium government bought this building. From 1907 to 1987 the complex was used for customs clearing and storage of commercial goods. In the years a�er, several suggestions to change were made, but they all seemed inpracticle. In 2001 they decided to renovate and accomodate new services such as office space and a gallery. Tour and taxis is a beautiful example of architecture during the industrial growth. The complex has some interesting architectural specialties they wanted to preserve. For example the glass roof covering the large alley with its traces of train tracks and platforms have all been preserved to show the original use of the building.Today Tour & Taxis is one of Belgium’s prime event halls, in which many exhibitions are held, conferences are given and companies have their offices. Renovating buildings and showing the importance of our cultural heritage is also very important, and is covered by the category Dedicated Services, in which the Stichting Stadsherstel Hoorn has been awarded the first prize. This foundation started in 1972 and aims to keep the city of Hoorn’s authenticity. Over the past 35 years the foundation bought many buildings, which have been renovated or reconstructed, and sold a�erwards. They do not only conserve houses, but also warehouses and even a chapel. The work of Stichting Stadsherstel Hoorn is a highly appreciated example of civil society’s involvement in the preservation of Europe’s historic city centres and of the importance of volunteers. In the same category, The Netherlands received a medal. This time it was not for a foundation or group, but an individual. Emile van Brederode has been a key person in preserving cultural heritage in the Netherlands. Since the seventies he has held numerous positions in the field of conservation of historic buildings and informed others Emile van Brederode

house in Hoorn, before and a�er renovation about the importance of heritage. In 1987 he initiated the ﬁrst Open Monuments Day in The Netherlands, a project he extended four years later to European Heritage Day. Apart from that, he also worked for the Nationaal Contact Monumenten, and started various other platforms such as Industrial Heritage and Historic Churches. Not only is the conservation of cultural heritage important, but also passing on the knowledge and creating interest in its history. To recognise the importance of this a new category has started this year: Educational, Training and Awareness Raising. The commission awarded a medal to the Belgian project Classes d’éveil au patrimoine et a ses metiers at the La Paix-Dieu centre in Amay. Ten years ago the project was launched and more than 4,000 youngsters have been participating so far. The scheme makes youngsters in the age group 12 to 15 aware of the jobs that have to be done in the cultural heritage sector. Too many of them still think it only involves ‘old rocks’ and they have no idea how many people are actually working on these historical projects. Living on this prestigious site and working with the architects, engineers, and archaeologist makes them aware of the cultural heritage and its values. The organisation hopes some youngsters will get interested Classes d’éveil au patrimoine et a ses metiers

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and consider a professional life in the sector. Because of its popularity, they started a 3 to 5 day summer school for parents and their children or small organisations. In the Netherlands a medal in the same category was awarded to television series made in Amsterdam. AT5 and RTV (TV stations) made -together with several teenagers and for that age group- ‘Scha�en van Amsterdam’. With its 7,000 monuments Amsterdam is the largest monumental city of The Netherlands and amongst the largest of Europe. But the young Amsterdammers o�en know very li�le about the environment in which they live. Born in an ‘open air museum’, they pass these monuments every day without noticing them or knowing the history of it. That’s why the TV stations went Scha�en van Amsterdam into the neighbourhoods of Amsterdam to shoot this series. In each of the eleven episodes the city and its monuments will be shown through the eyes of young Amsterdammers. From various backgrounds, nationalities, ethics and interests they all describe the monuments in their neighbourhood and their favourite one in the city centre. Guided by them one discovers the history and secrets of the buildings and visits places no one normally does.The prizes were presented on the 12th of June in the Durham Cathedral in the United Kingdom. The commission hopes others will follow the example of these projects, and will help too to conserve the heritage of Europe.

No more Dutch peanut butter from Delft The world famous Dutch peanut bu�er from Calvé in Del� is forever history. On Friday the 23rd of May 2008 the last jars of peanut bu�er le� the conveyor belt. A�er 124 years the factory had to close down because of reorganisations within the main company Unilever. From now on Dutch peanut bu�er will be manufactured in Ro�erdam. Sauces will be produced in Spain and the Czech Republic. It’s a great loss for the city of Del�. Not just the loss of 170 jobs, but the city will loose part of its identity as well, which Calvé and its peanut bu�er had been for 124 years.

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BABY AND KIDS MARKETS words and photos Renèe Veldman-Tentori

It’s the ultimate shopping experience for parents who want to save on the cost of toys, clothes and other items for their babies and young children, discovered Renèe Veldman-Tentori when she visited the Baby and Kids markets. “There is everything from toys to cots to high chairs… everything you can think of, we’ve got it there at a fraction of the retail price so you’d be mad not to go!” says Melbourne mother Anne Lewis, who founded the Baby and Kids Markets five years ago. Though it seems other companies have tried to copy this great concept, the markets run by Anne are now the largest of their kind in Australia, and held regularly throughout the country. Strictly for quality, pre-loved goods, each market offers between 65-120 stalls for parents or parents-to-be to stock up on everything they need. Just some examples of the bargains to be found are prams from around $20, playpens from $30, cots from $50, toys and clothes from $1 or even less. You can also find pregnancy clothes, baby slings and carriers, books, sleep sacks, bed linen, bo�le sterilizers…the list goes on and each market offers a unique range. The stallholders are usually willing to negotiate, especially later in the day and are excellent demonstrators of their products if you need advice. It’s a fun, friendly atmosphere and a great place to chat to other parents about clothes and other items for whatever stage your baby or child is at. A further aspect is the positive contribution to the environmental concerns many of us have through recycling items which are o�en only used for a short time when children grow so quickly. Holding a stall is a great way for parents to turn unwanted baby and children’s goods and clothes into cash. Paula Menadue is mother to thirteen-month old twins and shared a stall with her sister, Kate Ricke�, at the Brisbane North markets. “I would highly recommend the markets as a way to sell both large and small baby items and will definitely be booking a table at a future

market,” said Paula. Angela Burgess had tried a garage sale without much success but was happy to make around $350 in one morning. “I had a good time and was very glad to get rid of the ridiculous amounts of clothing we have in our house,” she said. Stevan and Jeane�e Standring were also pleased with their morning’s sales. Two-year-old daughter Hollee receives regular parcels of beautiful clothes from her grandparents in the United Kingdom. The clothes Hollee had outgrown were in excellent condition, or even unworn, and being sold for only $1 each. At that price one mum decided to buy almost the whole rack. “My daughter is nearly one, and I don’t yet have any clothes that will fit her for this winter. These are gorgeous and so cheap, and I especially like that they come from the UK as I won’t see any other babies here wearing the same!” The markets are understandably very popular, so you may want to consider leaving li�le ones at home to be able to move quickly through the crowds, though many of the markets offer activities for the children such as music, face-painting or a jumping castle. Arriving early is recommended and though you many have to queue, many of the locations have a coffee van should you need a caffeine fix while you wait. Once the doors open at 9am, the staff works hard to ensure you won’t have to wait long and can issue re-entry stamps in case you need to make a few trips to the car with all your purchases. Entry is only $3 and make sure you bring plenty of cash as most venues do not have EFTPOS or ATM facilities. Each market offers around five stalls for businesses, which are carefully screened to ensure they contribute to the atmosphere of offering great value products to parents. The markets close at midday. Visit www.babykidsmarket.com.au for further information on visiting the markets or to book a stall. photo: stallholders Paula and Kate

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Dutch movie inspiration for

Unﬁnished Sky words Kathleen Vervoort

Hypothetically speaking Unfinished Sky is a remake of the Dutch quality movie De Poolse bruid (the Polish Bride). This was the starting point, but a new movie was created instead, which turned out to be very good indeed. It was Peter Duncan (he also made Children of the Revolution) who rewrote the story and became the director. He enjoyed De Poolse Bruid and was able to adapt this story into an Australian adventure; the dream of Anton Smit from New Holland Pictures. ‘I’ve always been frustrated when a beautiful Dutch movie doesn’t cross over internationally, because of the language and I’ve been toying with the idea of finding a Dutch movie and trying to translate it into an English language movie.’ For thirty years Anton has been travelling backwards and forwards to Australia, and concluded that De Poolse bruid had to be shot in Australia. The script of the movie has been changed dramatically. This new movie it is not about a woman behind the Iron Curtain, no landscape of Groningen and no long atmospheric shots. Peter Duncan se�led –a�er some deliberation with Anton- on a story about an Afghan woman, who came to Australia to search for her daughter, a fugitive to Australia. Tahmeena (Monic Hendrickx) has not a great time here at all, as she is locked up in a li�le local bar to ‘clean’ and where she is used as a prostitute. One day she manages to run away and arrives at the farm of John Waldren (William McInnes), who decides to look a�er her. For six years already John has been living alone, having lost all contact with the other locals a�er the loss of his wife. When John finds out what happened to Tahmeena, he hides and protects her, tries to teach her some English and promises to help her search for her daughter. In the meantime Tahmeena finds out more about John’s past, and tries to help him too, which is not that easy, taking in account the language problems and the li�le trust they have in each other in the beginning. Duncan did not use the long atmospheric shots that had been used in the Dutch movie, but used quick action shots, and more dialogues than the original movie. The short shots that always end in a quarrel seem a bit strange at the start, but it reflects the feelings of the characters very well. The more the story enfolds, the longer the shots become and the less quarrels they have. Duncan decided to let Tahmeena speak in Dari, the Afghan language, and not use subtitles. This way, the public feels the same as John does, during her sometimes long monologues in Dari.

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That they choose an Afghan character for this movie does not make it political. The movie is more about love than about the Afghan situation. Afghanistan was just a very fascinating country for the director, as its history involves so much more than just the Islam and the Taliban. This way he was able to create a very credible movie. That the movie is situated in Australia makes everybody understand that she has been running away from something and lives in fear. Before arriving on a farm in Australia, one needs to walk for a very long time and has to be really desperate. Peter Duncan felt that Monic Hendrickx should play the role of Tahmeena, as he admired her acting in ‘De Poolse bruid’, the movie Unfinished Sky was based on, and in which Monic played the lead role too. Monic liked the idea of doing it all over again ten years a�er the Dutch movie was made, but then in a totally different environment. That the story had been changed here and there made it even more interesting, so it did not feel like just copying the movie, but rather like playing in a movie with the same theme. Monic had to learn Dari for this movie, and says that the language has some connections with Dutch. A�er many lessons, she spoke it so well that at first the film crew in Australia was under the impression that she was an Afghani actress.

Monic Hendrickx

is one of Holland’s quality actresses, who could ﬁnd the ideal balance between a career and a private life. No one recognises her while shopping or walking in the park with her daughter. Monic’s breakthrough was De Poolse Bruid and Nynke. Both movies were selected by the Netherlands for an Oscar, but neither got a nomination. The movie Zus & Zo was nominated in 2002 in the category Best Foreign Movie, but did not get an Oscar either. Trice Monic received the Gouden Kalf, a Dutch Oscar for the best Dutch movie, actor and actress which has been given annually since 1981. Also abroad, Monic received some prizes. The last well known project of Monic Hendrickx was Stellenbosh, a Dutch series which was ﬁlmed in South Africa on a farm, in cooperation with South African people. Monic had to learn Afrikaner and during those three months, she learned a lot about the history and culture. The life of the children in the townships touched her and she decided to help these kids. Back in the Netherlands she started a foundation to collect money for the ‘Lukhanyo Youth Development Org.’, an already existing project, which tries to give the youngsters of the township an alternative to crime, violence and alcoholism many others are trapped by.

This year, Monic Hendrickx will be ‘Guest of the Year’ on the Dutch Movie Festival. During the festival Monic will be honoured by the screening of her most important movies and the actress will play in a short movie with experienced and less experienced actors, to be shot during the festival itself. This 28th edition of the festival will be held from the 24th of September till the 3rd of October in Utrecht.

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Western Australia

saved from toad invasion? Western Australia could be saved from the toad invasion, which is coming to this state at an alarming speed. Thanks to the Dutchman Jordy Groffen a new discovery has been made in toad busting. Jordy Groffen, doing an internship in Australia, became a local hero in Western Australia and a national hero in The Netherlands. words Kathleen Vervoort At the time of Jordy’s discovery, the cane toads were only 25km from the border of Western Australia. People, living along the border, look anxious at the speed they precede. Many years ago cane toads were introduced from South America to kill the beetles that a�acked the sugarcane plants in Queensland. But the cane toad turned out to be a bigger plague then the beetles. Everything touched by the toad dies. Dogs, dingoes, crocodiles, ... And no-one knows how to stop them. A�er the toad invaded Queensland, New South Wales and the Northern Territory, it is now heading to Western Australia. Many a scientist has already been looking for thè solution, but to no avail. The only way to stop them is toad busting. Jordy Groﬀen, a twenty year old student from The Netherlands was working here on an internship, when he discovered something.

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While doing an autopsy on a death toad, he saw a lungworm in the animal’s body. That this parasite can kill toads was not new to the toad busters. The University of Sydney had already discovered that. They knew that this worm kills the baby toads and make the adults eat less, which makes them move less too and easier to catch. So, what seems to be the problem, why was this knowledge ignored? Jordy: ‘Although they knew about this, they were afraid that the lungworm would also infect native animals, like frogs. What I did was making a list of all the frogs living in the invaded areas. As it turned out: all frogs were already infected too, the toad got the parasite from them and the danger of infecting them was no longer an issue. Next we wanted to know if the frogs in Western Australia and those at the frontline have the same infection. If not, we can put some infected toads at

the frontline, to infect the others and slow the population down.’ Thanks to this discovery, Jordy became a real hero in the invaded areas in Australia and a national hero in The Netherlands. But not everyone of the press has reported the correct story. ‘In the newspapers, it seems that all the toads are dead already, but that is far from the truth. Due to my discovery, we can do some new research and slow the population down, but it is still very much invaded by cane toads here.’ Jordy still has to go toad busting every day. The only thing that has changed is that journalists accompany him now. Since his discovery, already several TV channels wanted to do a story on him. Even the BBC! And a�er a day of toad busting and giving information to the TV crew, he goes home where the phone has not stopped all day. Till 2 o’clock in the morning he gives interviews and as early as 6 am the phone starts ringing again. All in all, he does like the media a�ention. And it is good publicity for the toad busters. As they only work with volunteers, they need all the media a�ention they can get. This a�ention puts more pressure on his research and an assistant was appointed to him. A friend of him, Rick van Roon, arrived from the Netherlands to assist Jordy. ‘I am not allowed to go in the bush by myself that is one of the reasons I need an assistant. A few times I already went by myself, but it is too dangerous.’ With dangerous snakes and crocodiles living around him, he had already some bizarre experiences to tell his friends at home about. Who can say he has been chased by a huge water buﬀalo?

During the toad busting he already had some fantastic experiences; working with ministers from Western Australia and flying in a 2 person airplane. Jordy’s internship finishes on the second of July. His parents will come and join him for a month of travelling, and a�erwards he has to go back, to finish his study. His trip to Australia has been really cool till now. He has seen the country and animals he wanted to see and he will come back next year, for another internship. If you think you can help the toad busters, go to: kimberleyspecialists@westnet.com. aukimberleyvet@westnet.com.au www.kimberleyspecialists.com.au/ www.canetoads.com.au/

Students invent icon language

During the annual Microso� Imagine Cup, the Dutch team has invented a computer program which allows children from all over the world to communicate with each other, without speaking the same tongue. The Microso� Imagine Cup has been happening for ﬁve years already and stimulates students to invent computer programmes to change the world. The winning teams get 2,200 euro and will get assistance to bring their product on the market. Each year has a diﬀerent subject and this year’s subject was to create a programme that will increase the

quality and accessibility of education. In the Netherlands, a group of the TU Del� won the prize, with their project I-connect. The four boys Pieter Anemaet, Youssef El-Dardiry, Gerardo de Geest and Jan Drentheninvented a programme to let children all over the world communicate with each other through an iconlanguage. The boys searched for icons children all over the world interpret the same. A man pointing to himself stands for ‘I’ and a li�le chicken coming out oﬀ an egg stands for ‘new’, while an elephant means ‘big’. In their programme, the boys

created three windows: a chat screen, in which they start communicating, a game screen, where they discover the world by images and games and a video screen to use a webcam.The project has been tested at several schools and children from six to ten years old love it and were able to have a cool way of communicating. The boys hope that many more schools will start using it, as they believe the programme really enriches schools. By games and li�le chats, the children will learn a lot about the world they are living in, in a playful manner.

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Events in the Netherlands What’s happening in The Netherlands? An extract from things that happen out of sight of the daily news chase, but interesting enough to mention. For more actual affairs please go to www.eropuit.blog. nl . It is a Dutch infotainment site about interesting events in the Netherlands: fairs, festivities, sports, remembrance days and current news; regarding daytrips and going outdoors. Around the 21st of every month an English summary of actual events will be placed on this site. It is called: ‘Events in the Netherlands’. words Erik Feenstra This year Amsterdam is the ‘World City of Books’, with book events, including the world’s biggest book market ever. Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands, but the city council simply forgot its 200th anniversary: On April 20th 1808 Amsterdam became the capital city, when Louis Napoleon came here to reign in honour of his French brother Napoleon. He chose Amsterdam to be the capital and annexed the City Town Hall at Dam Square: from that moment on it has been a Royal Palace. Amsterdam

Princess Margriet, sister of Queen Beatrix, opened ‘the Royal Road’: the first long distance walking path of 175 km, which is also accessible for physically disabled people. The path leads from the royal palace ‘Noordeinde’ in The Hague right through the country to the royal palace ‘Het Loo’ (not the English word ‘loo’ ...) in Apeldoorn. Grandma wolf ate Li�le Red Riding Hood: does a wolf a�ack humans or not? That’s the question in the ‘Oostvaardersplassen’, a new wetland area in the heart of the country. Rangers want to set out wolfs, to help nature stay in balance. This area arose spontaneously, a�er parts of the Ĳsselmeer (Zuiderzee) had become new land. Heavy industry was planned around the new cities Almere and Lelystad, but has never been realised. The area has become the biggest wetland in Western Europe, where millions of birds rest during their half yearly migration. Meanwhile deer, wild horses, cows and a lot of small animals live here. Almere, the fairly new city east of Amsterdam, is going to get Europe’s biggest indoor amusement park: ‘Adventure World’, with a variety of virtual adventures, like: flying in a jet fighter, travelling through space, racing on a fast flowing river, diving in the Caribbean. It will open in 2011.

Feyenoord, the big soccer club of Ro�erdam, is celebrating its 100th anniversary with special soccer tournaments for professionals and amateurs, events for adults and children, an exhibition in the city museum and a ‘Feyenoord history walking tour’ through Ro�erdam. The Dutch are shopaholics: in 2007 we shopped 134 million times. In 2002 it was ‘only’ 113 million times. Especially the ladies do like it and we prefer autumn and wintertime for our shopping sprees. Meanwhile here too people are ge�ing concerned about rising oil prices: this summer might become quite an expensive one. Not just fuel, but also gas, rent and food prices will rise rapidly. The sales of clothing have already slowed down signiﬁcantly: an indication that the Dutch too start to look twice into their wallet before spending money.

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Het Loo

© Rudi van Voorst Not everything has to be expensive: in August Amsterdam hosts two yearly free events: the ‘Prinsengracht Festival’, a week with classical concerts in houses and gardens around the Prinsengracht and a closing concert in the middle of the canal on pontoons, broadcasted on TV. People will come by boat and regard it as a watery wine & dine party. Every last weekend in August the Dutch theatre season oﬃcially opens with a three day event in the city centre, with a huge information market and performances on about twenty stages. Diﬀerent Dutch performing art groups will present items from their upcoming season, from high class opera to break-dance acts. All other art forms and cultural institutions have their presentations too. A�er Koninginnedag (celebration of the Queen’s birthday on April 30th) it is the biggest yearly event in Amsterdam, with about 2 million visitors.

Talking about the Queen: every third Thursday in September the Queen opens the new parliamentary season by reading out the government’s plans to parliament and senate. She always travels in the ‘golden coach’, accompanied by Prince Willem Alexander and Princess Máxima from palace © Roel ‘Noordeinde’ to the ‘Binnenhof’: the Dutch government building in The Hague. Other family members travel in ‘cheaper’ coaches. It is one of the few events with grandeur in the Netherlands: the royal family will dress in gala. The ‘golden coach’ was a gi� from the people of Amsterdam at the end of the 19th century to Queen Wilhelmina, grandmother of Queen Beatrix. Traditionally eight horses pull the coach: over centuries throughout Europe an exclusive privilege for crowned kings and queens. This year it will be on Tuesday the 16th of September. For any questions or comments: you are most welcome to react under ‘plaats reactie’.

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Van Aa tot Zwuup Aan de familienamen te zien barstte het vroeger in Nederland van de smeden. Het is de meest voorkomende beroepsnaam bij de familienamen. Er waren er zelfs nog meer dan namen voor boeren en vissers. Hoe komt dat?

Van Varkevissers en Hoendervangers door Frans Hertoghs

Waren er zoveel smeden of waren die smeden misschien beter in het krĳgen van mannelĳke nakomelingen? Zĳn hun afstammelingen daarom ook nog steeds talrĳker? We gaan dit keer eens kĳken naar beroepsnamen en daarbĳ komen we enkele uiterst merkwaardige beroepen tegen. De meest voorkomende familienamen in Nederland zĳn afgeleid van voornamen. Jan’s zoon noemde zich Janssen en Adriaan’s afstammelingen eindigden via Adriaans en Adriaansen zelfs bĳ Adriaansens. Een andere grote groep familienamen zegt iets over de woonplaats of herkomst van de familie. We hebben dat in eerdere aﬂeveringen gezien. Volkstelling Beroepsnamen zĳn weer een andere soort familienamen. In een land vol vissers en boeren zou je denken dat die beroepsnamen het meest voorkomen. Maar zo eenvoudig ligt dat toch niet. Het begint er al mee dat het moeilĳk is om er achter te komen hoeveel mensen er zĳn met dezelfde naam. De Burgerlĳke Stand gee� geen informatie en uit de telefoonboeken kun je geen aantallen opmaken. Gelukkig is er in 1947 in Nederland een volkstelling gehouden waarbĳ ook de familienamen en het aantal naamdragers zĳn opgenomen. En hoe onbetrouwbaar die telling soms ook was, het gee� een aardig beeld van de familienamen in die tĳd. Zeker zĳn er intussen namen bĳgekomen en uitgestorven. Maar je mag aannemen dat de aantallen van toen min of meer overeenkomen met de aantallen van tegenwoordig.

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Varianten Okee, laten we maar eens kĳken hoe het zit met die beroepsnamen. Maar wacht eens even, over welke namen hebben we het dan precies? Visser, Visscher, De Visser, Vissers, Visserman en Fischer, het zĳn verschillende namen. Andere vormen, andere spelling. Toch duiden ze hetzelfde beroep aan. Maar wat te doen met namen als Vis, Vissia, Vissing, Schelvis of Paling? Zĳn dat ook namen voor vissers? Ik besloot alléén die namen mee te tellen die niet a�omstig zĳn van andere talen, geen symbolische beroepsnamen als Vis en geen gespecialiseerde beroepsnamen als Zandboer en Goudsmid. Ook dubbele namen heb ik om praktische redenen achterwege gelaten. Tussen haakjes staan de aantallen geregistreerde naamdragers in 1947. Winnaars En welk beroep had de meeste familienamen? Wie waren de grote winnaar? Smeden als Smid/Smit/Smeeken scoorden in totaal meer dan 61.000 naamdragers. Pas op de tweede en derde plaats komen Boer/Bour [53.000] en Visser [47.000]. En pas daarachter Bakker [45052], Molenaar/Mulder [43436], Kuiper/Cuĳper [30332], Dekker [26500] en Timmerman/Tummer [21153]. Over het waarom kun je natuurlĳk alleen maar speculeren. Maar het is een feit dat smeden van oudsher een heel belangrĳke plaats in de samenleving innamen en vaak hoog in aanzien stonden. Datzelfde geldt trouwens ook voor molenaars, maar daar waren er waarschĳnlĳk minder van.

foto Tros

Bekende Nederlander met de naam (Jan) Smit Niet alle beroepsnamen zĳn overigens gemakkelĳk te herkennen. Misschien dat u even moest nadenken voor u in Smeeken het smidje of smedeke herkende, de kleinsmid. Die smeedde de kleine huishoudelĳke dingen zoals sloten en scharen. En Boertien [326] is een andere spelling van Boertje [249]. En een Dekker is natuurlĳk een dakdekker, bĳvoorbeeld een leiendekker. En wist u dat Couperus een verlatĳnste vorm is van kuiper? Bierdrager Onder de beroepsnamen zĳn natuurlĳk talloze gemakkelĳk herkenbare zoals Apotheker [47], Baartscheer [15], Schrĳver [1892] en Wagenmaker [42]. Andere namen hebben misschien wat meer uitleg nodig. Misschien wist u dat een Scheper [984] een schaapherder is, dat een Gorter [2087] een gortmaker of gru�er is en de Boo [206] een bode. Met een Snĳder [2530] of Kleersnĳder [21] wordt een Kleermaker [26] aangeduid. Een moderne vorm daarvan is Tailleur [7]. Kende u ook oudere aanduidingen als Schreuder [3299], Schreur [585], Sartorius [32] en de afgesleten vorm Su�er [35] die daar weer van afgeleid is? De bierwereld levert ook mooie geheimzinnige namen op. Een Hoppenbrouwer [321] brouwt bi�er hopbier en een Kuitenbrouwer [60] dun kuitbier. Een Biersteker [279] mag de biervaten aansteken ofwel aanbreken. Maar dat een Bierdrager [103] en de Bierschenk [21] het bier bĳ de mensen moest rondbrengen omdat de brouwers dat niet meer mochten doen, dat moet je maar net weten. Apart Maar echt zeldzame namen en beroepen vind ik het allermooist. Ik heb er een aantal bĳ elkaar gezet. Een Schĳvenschuurder [7] is in de diamantslĳperĳ de man die de slĳpschĳven reinigt en vlak maakt. En een Uĳenkruĳer [2!] is hoogstwaarschĳnlĳk iemand die met een kruiwagen met uien de deuren langs gaat, net zoals een Tur�ruier [4] dat doet met turf. Wat een Ballemaker [17], een Beeldsnĳder [17] en een Bezembinder [139] doen kunnen we ons ook nog wel voorstellen. Maar wist u dat een Kersenmaker [11] geen kersen maakt maar kaarsen? Was Koppendraaier [37] misschien een ander beroep dan Schoteldraaĳer [10]? En

waarom zĳn er dan geen Bordendraaiers? Sommige merkwaardige beroepen kunnen we met enig onderzoek wel reconstrueren. Neem de in Nederland zo belangrĳke dĳkwerken. Een Keetbaas [11] was daar de man die in een werkkeet belast was met de huishoudelĳke aangelegenheden. En als we dan ook nog weten dat het woord worm(werk) gebruikt werd voor de onderste strook van een rĳsbeslag, dat tegen de vernieling door zeeworm met steen is bezet dan kunnen we het beroep van Wormmeester [79] wel verklaren. De rest voorziet men dan met vlech�uinen, zodat we ook eindelĳk weten wat een Tuinebreĳer [14] doet. Droeg een Kussendrager [74] beroepsmatig een zogenaamde kussenbaar, draagbaar met kussens, de Latĳnse lectica? Een Kaasjager [180] en een Visjager [15] waren geen echte jagers maar vervoerders, mensen die met kaas of vis van de ene plaats naar de andere plaats reden of voeren. Het woord jagen zal te maken hebben met het jaagpad dat langs de vaarten en kanalen liep. Overigens werd het woord kaasjager ook gebruikt als scheldwoord voor een “oude, verliefde gek, een meisjesjager”. Maar dat is gelukkig geen beroep. Raadselen En zo beland je dan uiteindelĳk bĳ de interessantste groep familienamen: die waarvan je geen idee hebt waar ze op sloegen. Neem een Boonzaaĳer [124] waarvan het woordenboek zegt: “iemand die boonen zaait; boonze�er, bouwknecht die de paardenboonen zet (zaait) in de gaten, door een ander, die vóór hem gaat, gemaakt”. En een Bonkestoter [24]? Een bonk is “de benaming eener grondsoort, t. w. van de bovenste, grauwe, voornamelĳk uit heideplanten bestaande, voor turfmaken onbruikbare veenlaag of veennerf [...] die door de bonkers met het bonkĳzer wordt afgestoken.” Een Speksnĳder [560] sneed het spek op een walvisvaarder. Zĳn Koedoder [10] en Snĳdood [8] niet al te zachtzinnige namen voor slachter? En misschien oefent een Kleĳbeuker [37] hetzelfde beroep uit als een kleiklopper waarvan het woordenboek gewaagt: “de klei waarvan de pĳpen worden gebakken wordt door kleikloppers gestampt, geklopt en nat gemaakt”. Zou een Kagelmaker [7] kegels of kogels gemaakt kunnen hebben en wat zou een Schaapsmeerder [62] zoal doen? Schapensmeer is het wolvet van schapen. Het werd gebruikt tegen huidaandoeningen. Is schapensmeerder een beroep? Wat bakt een Bonebakker [41] en wat doet een Kladder [46] precies? Zĳn dat beroepen? En ik zou de lĳst nog best langer kunnen maken. Maar laten we niet in totale naamkundige wanhoop eindigen. Er zĳn ook nog namen die er wel vreemd uitzien maar die we wel kunnen verklaren. De Poerstamper [68] verpulverde allerlei dingen in een vĳzel tot poe(de)r, een Varkevisser [509] viste op bruinvissen, die ook wel zeevarkens genoemd werden en een Hoendervanger [66] ving en verkocht geen loslopende kippen maar kor- en veldhoenders. Wat een vak, he, naamkunde! Op de website www.familienaam.nl kun je de geograﬁsche spreiding van familienamen in Nederland nagaan (zie kaartje vorige pagina).

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Vertoond in 100 Verbeeldingen van Ambachten, Konsten, Hanteeringen en Bedryven; met Versen (1694)

Translated and edited by Frans Hertoghs

Jan en Kaspar Luiken: Het Menselyk Bedryf:

De Timmerman

De bijzaak wil men weten, De hoofdzaak wordt vergeten.

The Carpenter

The trivial is elected The essence is neglected

n the centre of the picture a young carpenter manoeuvres a heavy mallet and a huge chisel. Whilst si�ing on a beam he makes peg-and-hole connections. In stead of wearing overalls he is dressed in old and mended clothes. He is one of the few in the book that does not wear any headgear. The work is hard: his coat and smock are open. An excellent cra�sman, the finished beams are proof of this. The building site behind him hums with activity. Pictured next to him is the broad back of a labourer who together with another worker is busy planing off the same beam. In front of the house another labourer works on the heavy workbench, also with a large mended piece in the back of his top. Both labourers wear a wide brimmed hat instead of a builder’s helmet. The window frame, waiting to be built in, shows the excellent quality of the work. On the first floor a bricklayer is building a wall while his mate is mixing the mortar in a trough. The scaffolding is lashed down with ropes; enabling the dead straight poles to be reused again and again. The narrow ladder to the first floor is a beautiful piece of cra�smanship, constructed safe and reliable with inserted rungs. On the foreground not just another beam ready to be handled is on display. The hand-forged tools are pictured as well, a magnificent handsaw, a heavy chisel and a li�le bit further down, leaning against the beam ready to be used, a robust axe. The heavy work requires thorough cra�smanship. Construction is done with extreme accuracy, no doubt about it. Time proves them right. Hundreds of years later these houses are still standing upright and are still occupied. Luyken shows why.

idden in beeld hanteert een nog jonge timmerman een zware klophamer en een reusachtige beitel. Zi�end op de balk maakt hĳ pen- en gatverbindingen. In plaats van een overall hee� hĳ oude en verstelde kleren aan. Hĳ is een van de weinigen in het boek die geen hoofddeksel draagt. Het is zwaar werk: zĳn jas en kiel staan open. Een prima vakman, dat zie je meteen aan de balken die al klaar zĳn. Achter hem op de bouw gonst het van de bedrĳvigheid. Naast hem zien we de brede rug van een knecht die samen met een andere werker met een dissel bezig is dezelfde balk te schaven. Bĳ het huis staat een andere knecht aan de zware schaa�ank, ook al met een groot stuk verstelwerk op zĳn rug. Beide knechts dragen een breedgerande hoed in plaats van een bouwhelm. Aan het raamkozĳn dat klaar staat om ingebouwd te worden kun je zien dat ook daar vakwerk wordt geleverd. Op de eerste verdieping is een metselaar bezig met metselen terwĳl zĳn maat het cement mengt in de trog. De steigers zĳn gesjord met touwen zodat de kaarsrechte steigerpalen altĳd hergebruikt kunnen worden. De smalle ladder naar de eerste verdieping is een mooi stuk vakwerk, veilig en degelĳk gemaakt met ingelaten sporten. Op de voorgrond zien we niet alleen een andere balk die gereed is om te verwerken. We krĳgen ook het handgesmede gereedschap in beeld: een prachtige handzaag, een zware beitel en even verderop klaar tegen de balk een stevige bĳl. Het zware werk vereist veel vakmanschap. Er wordt met grote nauwkeurigheid gebouwd, dat is te zien. Dat klopt ook wel. Honderden jaren later staan deze woningen nog recht overeind en ze worden nog steeds bewoond. Luyken laat zien waarom.

How useful is our worldly House To shelter us from danger blows As it does so conveniently; What should we not build ardently The house that will finally Shelter our life in eternity.

Is ‘t aardse huis van nut bij tijden Om ongelukken te vermijden Zoals het heel behaaglijk doet, Wat moet men dan niet vlijtig bouwen Aan waar ons leven huis zal houden Als het van hier verhuizen moet.

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APRILFEST DUTCH FAIR 2008 The Prins Willem Alexander Village in Birkdale, Brisbane was host to the 7th Annual April Fest on the 20th April 2008. A beautiful sunny day and the unique traditional style village created the perfect se�ing for this Dutch Fair. Adrian Scholtes, President of the Village Association and Dutch Consul Kapitein Kasper Kuiper officially opened the day. Organisers Harry Geraets, Anton Wolters, Ineke Wolters and Henk Mollee, as well as many of the staff and residents, worked hard throughout the year to ensure the day went smoothly and fun was had by all. Secretary for the Netherlands Retirement Village Association, Ineke Broekman, offered a brief tour of the beautiful village and will host another visit later in the year for a future article for Holland Focus. A rommelmarkt, market stalls, a climbing/abseiling wall, marching band and several raffles added to the festive atmosphere and copies of Holland Focus were distributed. Many of the staff and visitors were dressed in orange or traditional Dutch outfits. Children had fun playing in the sunshine and jumping between the outdoor collection of clogs. Delicious Dutch food was available, such as poffertjes, oliebollen, boerenkool, rookworst and stroopwafels. Heineken and Grolsch beers could also be savored while enjoying the entertainment including Hans van der Dri�, who had the crowd singing along to some lively Dutch music, as well as his own wonderful rendition of “I Still Call Australia Home”. This summed up the wonderful atmosphere of the day, which combined the best of The Netherlands and Australia all in one place. “This is truly Dutch gezelligheid right here in Brisbane,” said one visitor. Photos of the day can be seen on the Holland Focus website. Next year’s April Fest will be held on the 19th April 2009, so make sure you don’t miss it as it gets bigger and be�er every year! ladies in orange: (L-R) Joanne, Charlene, Maja

words and photos: Renèe Veldman-Tentori

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DUYFKENSCHOOL OFFICIAL OPENING words and photos Renèe Veldman-Tentori The first Dutch school in Queensland was officially opened on Sunday 27th April, 2008 and was well a�ended by enthusiastic students and their families. The event was held at the Dutch Club in Richlands, Brisbane. Students and parents were welcomed by the chairperson of the school, Danielle Anema and the three teachers Anne Marĳe Frank, Rebekka van Kampen and Jeanet de Zwart. The day begun with a special lesson, followed by a traditional Dutch vrĳmarkt where the children could sell items such as toys and books. Each child received a certificate signed by Dutch Consul Kapitein Kasper Kuiper (pictured) who also gave an opening speech and encouraged the student’s efforts at the Dutch language, which ranged from “hoe gaat het” (how are you) to “ik hou van jou” (I love you)! Holland Focus donated two subscriptions to support the school’s raffle and would like to congratulate the Tieland family (pictured) who won one of these. Holland Focus magazine will feature regular articles in both English and Dutch on the school. Classes are held weekly (a�er regular school times) in three different locations throughout Brisbane. Further details can be found on the school’s website: www.geocities.com/dutchschoolbrisbane or by contacting school chairperson Danielle Anema on dutchschoolbrisbane@yahoo.com.au or telephone 07 3369 3723.

Dutch School for language and culture in South East Queensland

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De eerste lessen op de Duyfkenschool Na de succesvolle startdag en officiële opening van de Duy�enschool op 27 april 2008, zĳn de lessen begin mei van start gegaan. Er wordt op drie locaties in de Nederlandse taal en over de Nederlandse cultuur les gegeven door gekwalificeerde leerkrachten; op dinsdagmiddag in Bardon in het gebouw van de Bardon Scouts, op woensdagmiddag in Cannon Hill in de bibliotheek van de Cannon Hill State School en op donderdagmiddag in Redcliffe (Scarborough) in een leslokaal op Scarborough State School. Deze derde locatie is vanaf de Sunshine Coast in drie kwartier te bereiken. De oost en de westlocatie zĳn goed bereikbaar via de snelwegen 1 (Pacific MWY) en 5 (Western Freeway). Tĳdens de eerste les hebben de kinderen elkaar al goed leren kennen. We spelen spelletjes om de namen te leren, zingen Nederlandse liedjes en tĳdens de taalinstuif werken we spelenderwĳs met taalontwikkelingsmateriaal.

Deze eerste termĳn hebben we het over ‘dit ben ik’. In iedere groep wordt gekeken naar de interesse van de groep. Zo wordt er aandacht besteed aan ‘mĳn familie’ en aan ‘mĳn lichaam’ waarbĳ het liedje “Hoofd, schouders, knie en teen” natuurlĳk niet mag ontbreken. Tĳdens één van de lessen is op een heel groot stuk papier de kleinste leerling getekend waarbĳ alle lichaamsdelen erbĳ zĳn geschreven die ze kennen. Soms leek het Nederlandse woord erg op het Engelse woord en soms ook helemaal niet. Dat is dus soms makkelĳk, maar helaas vaak lastig. Dat was extra lastig voor een paar kinderen in Cannon Hill en Scarborough die thuis eigenlĳk nooit Nederlands spreken! Maar ze deden het geweldig. Na deze gezamenlĳke introductie op het thema, worden de leerlingen in groepjes verdeeld, zodat ze verder aan het onderwerp kunnen werken op hun eigen niveau. Hierbĳ wordt aandacht besteed aan lezen en spelling. Zo maken sommige kinderen werkbladen waarbĳ het goede woord bĳ het plaatje gevonden moet worden. Anderen maken tekeningen van lichaamsdelen waarbĳ ze het goede woord schrĳven en ze lezen teksten over het thema. De oudsten doen zelfs proe�es waarbĳ ze leren over de zintuigen. Natuurlĳk is er ook tĳd voor een korte pauze en de oud-Hollandse spelletjes ‘Schipper mag ik overvaren’ en ‘Anna Maria Koek Koek’ zĳn dan favoriet! Een ander leuk onderdeel van de middag is als de juf een verhaal voorleest! Bĳ bĳna alle lessen was dit de afsluiting van de dag. Alle kinderen met Nederlandse (voor-)ouders kunnen zich inschrĳven bĳ de Duy�enschool.

Iedereen heeft het enorm naar zijn zin op de Duyfkenschool, inclusief de juffen! Anne Marĳe Frank-van Westervelt Sandberg (leerkracht te Scarborough) Jeanet de Zwart (leerkracht te Cannon Hill) Rebekka van Kampen (leerkracht te Bardon)

Dutch Clocks in Oz • Zaanse, Sallanders, Schippertjes, Frisian Tail Clocks • and a variety of other clocks from Holland located in Clayﬁeld Qld. 4011 visit by appointment only ring Rob Schmidt on 0432 832 800 www.dutchclocksinoz.com.au

Nederlands onderwijs in Australië Wanneer u met kinderen in de schoolgaande lee�ĳd naar Australië bent vertrokken, is het bekĳken van de mogelĳkheden voor (aanvullend) Nederlands onderwĳs misschien niet het eerste dat in u opkomt. Toch is het heel belangrĳk hier aandacht aan te besteden. Als uw kinderen namelĳk de kans krĳgen om de Nederlandse taal en cultuur op goed niveau bĳ te houden, hebben zĳ daar later alleen maar proﬁjt van.

foto Jaap de Ranitz, Duy�enschool Voor veel kinderen is de stap naar een nieuw land, een nieuwe school en een nieuwe taal erg groot. Doordat zĳ via het Nederlands onderwĳs toch nog een paar uur per week in contact komen met de vertrouwde taal en cultuur is het voor hen vaak gemakkelĳker om zich aan te passen. Het is bovendien wetenschappelĳk bewezen dat het blĳven beheersen van de moedertaal het aanleren van een nieuwe taal gemakkelĳker maakt, dus in die zin ondersteunt u met het goed bĳhouden van het Nederlands de beheersing van de nieuwe taal. Ook als u er in eerste instantie niet vanuit gaat, is er toch altĳd een kans dat u terugkeert naar Nederland. Wanneer dit gebeurt tĳdens de schoolcarrière van uw kinderen, is het een groot voordeel als zĳ in het buitenland Nederlands onderwĳs hebben gevolgd. Wanneer kinderen weer willen deelnemen aan het Nederlands onderwĳs zonder al te grote achterstanden, zullen zĳ de Nederlandse taal op lee�ĳdsniveau moeten beheersen. U gee� uw kinderen daarmee bovendien de kans om later eventueel in Nederland te studeren of te werken. Op dit moment zĳn er in Australië bĳ Stichting NOB aangesloten Nederlandse scholen in Sydney, Perth en Brisbane. Daarnaast is er de mogelĳkheid om uw kind(eren) in Australië het Nederlands te laten bĳhouden via het afstandsonderwĳs. Zĳn er in uw omgeving meerdere kinderen die geïnteresseerd zĳn in het Nederlands onderwĳs, dan is het wellicht een optie om te kĳken naar de mogelĳkheden om zelf een school op te richten. Op de website www.stichtingnob.nl vindt u veel informatie, onder andere over de verschillende vormen van Nederlands onderwĳs en het belang hiervan en tips over meertalig opvoeden en het thuis bĳhouden van de Nederlandse taal en cultuur. U kunt ook rechtstreeks contact opnemen met de medewerkers van Stichting NOB voor meer informatie. Dit kan via info@stichtingnob.nl of +31 (0)70 386 66 46

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The best so far Sunday the 27th of April, the Dutch community in Melbourne and surroundings held their fourth Dutch Orange Day, sponsored by KLM. Although the weather forecast was rain and even hail, a lovely day was had, full of sunshine.

words Kathleen Vervoort

By chance, the 27th of April was not just a sunny Sunday, but it also happened to be the birthday of Prince Willem Alexander. Not that this is that important yet, as Dutch Orange Day is still a party to celebrate Queen Beatrix’ birthday. Probably not everyone came to Dutch Orange Day just because of Queen Beatrix, although there were some, like Mark for example. ‘I was at school when Beatrix became queen and we all got a penning (a badge) that day. Since then I have been interested in Koninginnedag, although I now live in Melbourne I still follow the tradition.’ And Mark was not the only one to continue the tradition. Half past eleven and Queensbridge Square turned more and more orange. One couple even had an orange pram, accidentally, they said. But we are not too sure about that. During the show of Mister Whiskers and his dog Smiggy, the kids got very excited and started to dance. In front of the stage, we met Kristien Hartlief, visiting Dutch Orange Day with her kids. ‘I still speak Dutch at home, so my kids are bilingual. I thought

it might be interesting for them to meet other Dutchies, to see that they are not the only ones speaking that strange language. And of course is it also a nice opportunity to eat typical Dutch treats, like poﬀertjes as we just did and now we are going to queue for croque�es.’ And that is something many people did. Because of the excellent weather conditions, many people visited Dutch Orange Day and you o�en had to queue for more than half an hour to get something to eat or drink. Those yearning for a freshly served Grolsch beer had to be very courageous to get through the mass of people. Around 4 pm, the beer was sold out, and the noise on the square got some decibels higher because some Dutchmen moved to a bar and started singing. No national songs, like the Wilhelmus which was played during the opening ceremony and sung by the prominent people of Melbourne, the Dutch community and the Tukkers, a folkdance group. The folkdance group gave two performances in which they demonstrated to the public the history of the Dutch dance and got many people to join in the polonaise. Dressed up in the typical and sober clothes of their region, wearing clogs and the women carrying a basket with tulips, they got lots of a�ention and were one of

the favourite subjects to be photographed. And the clog maker too. In his stall he gave demonstrations on clog making and sold small ornamental clogs too. You could not only buy clogs at his stall, but also a bit further down the square. There clogs, signed by important or well known people in The Netherlands and Australia, were on display and bidding on the clogs started that day. For example Herman van Veen, Jodi Bernal, Angela van Groothuizen and the mayor of Melbourne, John So all signed one. What made those clogs even more special is that they didn’t have a fixed price. You offer the amount you want to pay and hope this is the highest bid. The profits went to the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne, but the clogs were put on eBay a�erwards to a�ract international bidders. In that same stall, two tickets to Amsterdam donated by KLM, were auctioned too, the bidding on those tickets had started on the Dutch Orange Day website well before DOD. Around 4 o’clock the bidding stopped, and a very excited girl living close by on Southbank was the highest bidder. The profit went to DutchCare, an organisation looking a�er the elderly Dutch. And still this is not the end of the ‘good news show’. Next to the clog maker, was a li�le stall selling Dutch second hand books. The profit of these books went to DutchCare too. Dutch Care also had a stall, in which they sold Dutch pea soup, which proofed to be very popular as it was sold out by 2pm, apple cake, orange fairy floss or one could play a traditional Dutch game called ‘sjoelen’. Did you happen to buy the slippers, looking like clogs? If you missed Dutch Orange Day this year, don’t despair! Next year another one will be organised and the date will be released soon. Stay tuned!

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Airborne museum `Hartenstein’

September 1944. 10,000 British and Polish airborne troops fight in Arnhem and surroundings under the code name ‘Market Garden’. The airborne troops aim to conquer the Rijnbrug. In fact, 600 of them reach the bridge, but after four days of heavy fighting, they have to surrender. In Oosterbeek, the rest of the troops hold out for five more days but eventually have to withdraw. Only 2,293 return to their own lines. The Airborne Museum `Hartenstein’ in Oosterbeek has been dedicated to this renowned `Battle of Arnhem’.

an impressive memorial of the Since 1978 the museum is based in the former hotel `Hartenstein’. During the Ba�le of Arnhem this hotel served as the headquarters of the British commander in chief, general-major R.E. Urquhart. Before the ba�le, the hotel was conﬁscated by the German troops, who le� the building during the landing of the allied troops. The monumental building itself and the surrounding area are in fact part of the exposition. More than 30 years conservator and logistical manager Berry de Reus has been working in the museum. “During the Ba�le of Arnhem, my parents lived near the bridge. In our cellar the Britons looked a�er their wounded soldiers while the ba�le continued, assisted

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by our parents, neighbours and other locals. A�er the war, we still stayed in contact with some of the soldiers we helped. They came to visit us and as a small boy I was even allowed to visit ‘Uncle Jack’ in England. Actually I grew up with this historical event”. Missing person The Airborne museum collection includes an enormous quantity of authentic material that a�er the ba�le has been le� behind or was dug up later. Original ﬁlm images, photos and lifelike dioramas show an impressive image of what has happened during those September days in 1944. Throughout the museum silent witnesses

developed in great detail. A diorama of a military centre of communication has been reconstructed meticulously. Including a pile of coals in one of the corners, this, according to witnesses, had been there. “The British veterans, who had stayed in that room during the ba�le, instantly recognised the pile of coals when visiting the museum”. “They were very surprised we even knew those fine details.” Most items of the collection are donated by the local population and veterans. “A�er the ba�le, this entire region became one big museum. It was full of derelict military equipment.” Nowadays, we still find ba�le relics, even body parts. Now and again reburials of killed soldiers, whose remains have been found and identified recently, take place with military honours on the nearby military cemetery in the presence of surviving relatives and the embassy of the soldier’s country of birth. The Salvage and Identification Service of the army (Koninklĳke Landmacht) has an important role identifying the bodies and tracing the surviving relatives,” De Reus says. “Not an easy task. Sometimes we are in luck and a readable identification tag has been found. Or a helmet with engraved a name or number. The British Ministry of Defence made dental records available, which are also used for identification. In some cases there are not enough clues so it can take many years before identification is possible and the name of the soldier can be removed from the list of missing soldiers.” More than 100 soldiers are still missing.

‘Battle of Arnhem’ of the story behind the Ba�le of Arnhem are to be found: le�ers, diaries and other personal properties of soldiers and citizens. Ammunition, grenades, weapons, a part of a uniform, the remainder of a knocked oﬀ helmet. A parachute with a�ached one of the original containers in which material was dropped oﬀ. Radio equipment, equipment for a medical orderly, a grubby singlet with a dried blood stain. A wall full of medals and honorary decorations of former combatants. “This medal wall started when one of the veterans, whilst visiting the museum, spontaneously pinned his medal on the wall.” Berry says. “Other veterans followed his example.” Through stories of eye witnesses, some facts have been

Together with the Germans The Airborne Museum is not only focussed on the past but also emphatically on the future. Initiated by the former mayor P. Bruinooge Germans were also invited to the annual Airborne Commemoration in 2007. “Not everyone was happy with that. Especially the older generation that consciously lived through the war, still has hard feelings against their German neighbours”, according to De Reus. “That is exactly why it is important to involve the German people. You can’t blame the present German generation anymore for what has happened 64 years ago. The Dutch as well as the Germans have to give this episode a proper place in their historical records.” Meanwhile, most people have accepted the presence of the German delegation at the commemoration. Education The Airborne Museum has developed school education programs, such as ‘the suitcase project’ for ‘groep 8’ (highest year at primary school) and the ﬁrst years at high school. Educational employee of the museum and former history teacher Suzanne Belleman explains: “Children arriving at the museum get a suitcase with items related to the museum collection. They have to look for the items and answer questions. They will collect the information without any eﬀort and in a fun and active way”. Regularly the museum organises special projects for schools in the area. Such as visiting the former landing zones and telling the story about the massive evacuation of the occupants in the area. “Today’s children

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Renovations will soon start at the Airborne Museum. An underground ‘world of experience’ will be built where the visitor gets a real-life experience as if walking through a ba�le field, with the help of sound and light effects the real situation will be simulated. The museum building will be reorganised and an elevator will be installed. Plans are in place to establish the regional tourist information centre in the museum. The park `Hartenstein’ will be brought back in the style of the thirties. The collection will be supplemented with a number of guns from the United Kingdom. The official opening of the renewed Airborne Museum has been planned around the celebration of the 65th commemoration of the Ba�le of Arnhem on 17 September 2009. More information: www.airbornemuseum.nl Some facts about the Ba�le of Arnhem: Number of landed soldiers on 17, 18, 19 and 21 September 1944: approx. 11,000 Number of returned soldiers: approx. 2,303 Buried in Oosterbeek: Known 1,378 Unknown: 245 Missing: 137 Missing elsewhere in the Netherlands/Germany: 393

can hardly imagine what it means to live in times of war. With the help of the museum collection, films, photos and interactive material we try to make that clear.” Colleague Ingrid Maan is occupied with the cooperation of German schools. That has to be done in a careful and precise way. “Just like the presence of the Germans at the commemoration ceremony could arouse contradictory feelings here, the same could happen the other way around.” Moreover the target group has a different age to the Dutch children. “In Germany the Second World War is not discussed until high school. Besides that, the Second World War is experienced differently in both countries. You have to consider this when designing the museum. It is important that no negative images are transferred on new generations but a message that we must learn of what happened in the past”. words and photos Yolanda Edens

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NSW

foto’s koninginnedagreceptie Theo Spykers meer foto’s op hollandfocus.com

Koninginnedag in de Rembrandt Club op 7 mei speciaal voor die mensen die ‘s avonds niet meer uitgaan. Met een optreden van André Rieu en zĳn orkest, door de karnavalsgroep ‘De Kwasten’. Het was weer een groot succes. Iedereen klappen en zingen uit volle borst.

De snoepkraam op de koninginnedagreceptie is ieder jaar een groter succes. Er word behalve drop, chocolade en koekjes ook ontbĳtkoek, beschuit en hagelslag verkocht. Juigkreten; “Dit kreeg ik altĳd van mĳn oma”. “Dat heb ik al in geen jaren meer gehad”. “Hee� u geen kilo zakken? Want daar lust ik wel soep van”. “Hee� u ook boerenkool?” Dan wĳs ik op het grote bord dat zegt SNOEPWINKEL. Mia Joosten

02- 9623 2569 email: rembrandtclub@optusnet.com.au Website: http://members.optusnet.com.au/rembrandtclub

OPEN: Dinsdag’s van 10vm tot 4nm om te winkelen en een kopje kofﬁe te drinken. Vrijdag’s vanaf 11vm tot laat. Je kunt er kaarten, biljarten, sjoelen, scrabbelen, Holland Focus lezen en ook zingen. Iedereen is van harte welkom. Informatie voor leden en hun gasten.

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The Mevissen soccer team

Soccer club ‘the eleven brothers Mevissen’. Le� to right: Leo, Jacob, Josep, Arnold, Huub, Frans, Peter, Willem, Alphons, Lambert en Antoon. Far right their father Jacob (born 7 March 1876 in Schinveld and died 3 June 1936 in Heerlen). photo: Arnold Mevissen

words Jack Mevissen

photo: Wim Gelissen

A highlight was of course a game against the local team

Sometime between 1933 and 1936 my grandfather Jacob Mevissen formed a soccer club in Schinveld, a small town in the south of The Netherlands. The town already had a soccer club, so why create another one? This football team was not just another team; it was something very special as the team was made up of his eleven sons. The idea came from the local parish priest who needed ﬁnancial support to carry out repairs to his church. Grandfather’s problem was that only four of his sons

ever played any football, but that didn’t deter the parish priest to convince him to go ahead as he was convinced the novelty of having eleven brothers making up a football team would a�ract large crowds. The ﬁrst game was played against the local team at their home ground in Schinveld. The ‘Mevissens’ only lost by a small margin, but I wouldn’t be surprised if ‘someone’ had a few words with the local team prior to the match. As the ﬁrst game was a great success, they played another game

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some time later. This time it was well advertised on radio and in newspapers and the game a�racted a huge crowd, as a ma�er fact my father told me that busloads of spectators arrived from all over the country. One of the spectators was an American promoter on holiday in The Netherlands and he was so impressed that he oﬀered to take the entire family to the USA to play exhibition matches and that they would be able to make a lot of money. Grandfather however rejected the idea, as he felt playing football was not an honest way to make a living. They received many invitations to play, including from Belgium, Germany and many cities and towns in the Netherlands, but not many were accepted. The parish priest received all the money he needed to carry out the church repairs, but I o�en wondered what would have happened to the Mevissen family if grandfather had accepted the promoters oﬀer.

In 1984, a family called Biesebos from Beesd (The Netherlands) entered the Guinness book of records with a soccer team of eight brothers and three sons, calling the team the Bieseboys. One of the Mevissen family members happened to read it and quickly sent a note to the paper that published an article about the Bieseboys and told them that the team did not hold the record, but the Mevissen team did. Another family sent in a reaction to the article, The Van de Berg family from Utrecht had formed a team of ten brothers and the father. The Mevissen family is still (was?) the real record holder. By the way: the family didn’t have any daughters ‘only’ eleven sons.

50th anniversary

Ria and Harry Janssen Harry and Ria married on 26 April 1958, three days a�er the wedding they stepped on the boat to migrate to Australia. It was a freight ship and only took 12 passengers, which made the trip very special; Ria and Harry really enjoyed ‘their honeymoon’. They lived and worked in Melbourne for ten years and adopted two sons, Timothy in 1963 and Gregory in 1965. Harry worked for the Red Cross and was sent to Vietnam for one year with Ria’s consent, but she told him: “Don’t be a dead hero, I rather have you back as a coward, but alive”. A�er his return they moved to Adelaide and adopted daughter Anita. They stayed in Adelaide for 3 years and then moved to Sydney for a few months only as Harry had to do some training before their move to Papua New Guinea. They consider the 12 years they spent in Papua New Guinea as the best years they had during their working live. Harry travelled a lot as he worked as an auditor for 40 councils in Papua New Guinea. In the meantime Harry started conducting choirs and played the organ in many churches. In 1982, a�er coming back to Australia they moved to Mildura. They looked a�er 18 foster children and 26 day care children during their time in Mildura, but ‘not all of them at the same time’, Ria assures us. 1986 was the year they moved back to Melbourne and had a very hard time at first. A�er they became partners of a music school, live started looking be�er. At one stage Harry taught more than 100 students, aged from 3 till 17 and Ria sold pianos. Now they enjoy their retirement in a ‘aanleunwoning’ at ‘Beatrix Village’ in Kilsyth, Melbourne. They joined a Gospel choir and last year the entire choir went to the Netherlands and gave 10 concerts at different locations. On the way back Harry and Ria had a stop-over in Vietnam. Harry showed Ria the places he remembered. On April 26 of this year they finally had their 3 children and 7 grandchildren, who live at different places in Australia, together and celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. In the a�ernoon a reception was held at the Beatrix Village Hall and later a bus arrived to take the invited guests to the

THE CLOG BARN Experience the colour & charm of Holland without leaving Coffs Harbour

Docklands and surprised them with a dinner whilst cruising the harbour. The Sunday a�er Ria and Harry renewed their Marriage Vows during a Sunday morning Mass at Our Lady of Good Counsel in Deepdene Vic.

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Clog Barn

Take a leisurely browse through the Clog Barn, where you will discover a treasure of souvenirs - e.g. Delft blue pottery - and special gifts and fascinating daily clog making demonstrations. You can also view the North Coast’s largest collection of Diecast Collectable cars and motorbikes. Clog Making Demonstrations 3 times daily 11am, 2pm and 4pm.

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Dutch Village Don’t miss OMA’S COFFEE HOUSE Delicious meals Dutch pancakes, Croquettes, Uitsmijter, Bitterballen, Poffertjes

Take a delightful stroll around the model Dutch Village with working windmills and working trains! Entry to the Dutch Village adults $5, children $3.50 and pensioners $4.50.

A Family Fun Adventure

215 Paciﬁc Highway, Coffs Harbour phone: 02 6652 4633 open 7 days from 8 am

Canberra International Walking Weekend Some of you will be familiar with the Vierdaagse in Nĳmegen, but did you know there is an Australian two day challenge walk, affiliated with the Vierdaagse, through the IML Walking Association? The Canberra International Walking Weekend, originally called the Canberra Two Day Walk, is loosely based on the Vierdaagse, and has been taking place, in Canberra, in early autumn, since 1992. The event, started by two Canberra families of Dutch origin, is shorter in duration and distance than the Vierdaagse, to be more a�ractive to Australians. Routes offered are 5, 10, 20 and 30 km on each day, plus a marathon walk on Saturday. Canberra, with its extensive shared path network, bushland on the ridges and beautiful parks and national buildings is a wonderful city for walking. The Walk starts and finishes at the edge of the Parliamentary zone, and the routes, vary from year to year, enabling returning walkers to see many parts of Canberra. Even Canberrans tell us that they see things that they had not seen before. This year, with the hot weather in early March and rain on the Tuesday before the Walk, everyone had their fingers crossed as the Walk weekend approached! But, as for every previous walk, Canberra was at its sparkling best as more than 600 walkers set off on the 29th and 30th of March. This year’s event started with the “meet and greet session” on Friday a�ernoon for the overseas walkers, and the registration hall was a veritable Tower of Babel as walkers from 13 overseas countries arrived, and greeted friends that they had met on walks elsewhere in the World. Participants vary from preschoolers to people in their eighties. Given the Dutch love of walking, there are quite a few Dutch Australians as well as Dutch visitors. Easily distinguishable as Dutch Australians was the group, led by Bill Fikkers, from the Wollongong Dutch Club, resplendent in their orange shirts. Typifying the family groups, of which there are several, with three generations of walkers, are the Allard family from Melbourne, with Ton and Nellie bringing along 6 other members of the Allard clan. Ton and Nellie enjoyed the 5 km stroll while the younger ones, Ma�hew and Tony accepted the challenge of the longer routes marathon on Saturday and 30 km on Sunday. Sunday morning brought some challenges as the end of Summer time this year was delayed until the weekend

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29 and 30 March 2008 a�er the Walk. Unfortunately not all the people involved in the Walk had appreciated this, so several people, walkers and marshals, who relied on clocks controlled by computers arrived late on the Sunday morning but everything worked out in the end. Walkers on the 30 km route, especially those from overseas, were delighted to meet up with a large mob of kangaroos as they walked round the southern end of Red Hill. Further on, one walker was somewhat surprised to be greeted at Checkpoint 6 by the same marshal who had clipped his card at Checkpoint 5. “How did you get here before me?” asked the puzzled walker. “Because I walk faster than you,” was the answer, but chuckles gave the game away as the marshal admi�ed he had driven between the checkpoints. All too soon it seemed the last walkers had returned and it was time for the medal presentation ceremony when Senator Kate Lundy handed out the awards. Among the 26 walkers receiving the Silver Medal for completing ﬁve challenges was Lo Liebregts, ex Royal Dutch Marines. In addition, 16 gold medals were presented for those completing 10 challenges and 8 green gold medals for 15 challenges. 53 people qualiﬁed for the marathon medals. There were also several IML awards presented to walkers who had completed up to 75 walks in the IML member countries. Are you interested in joining us for our 18th event? Mark your diaries for 5 and 6 April 2009. Full details will soon be on our website www.aussiewalk.com.au . Kathleen Berg Secretary, Canberra Two Day Walk Inc

“oranje boven” Jan Bĳlsma, Mark de Lange

As many of you know, living abroad is a great experience, especially for those ending up in Australia. I guess we all agree on that, but there just seems to be one thing missing: a proper Koninginnedag celebration.

Koninginnedag in Adelaide To honour this ‘heuglĳke feit’, a number of relatively new Dutch immigrants, meeting over Easter at one of those brilliant picnic occasions in Belair Park, thought this should be celebrated somehow, and thus organised a night out in Belgium Beer Café Oostende – the closest thing to a Dutch venue we could think of. Via social networks and Xpedite forum blog we ended up with almost 20 people, recognisable in all sorts of orange a�ributes, as we should of course. Even a gigantic Dutch ﬂag was brought into the café and covered the bench. Unfortunately Willem Ouwens, the Dutch Consul, was interstate and could not make it. During the evening we were pleasantly surprised to see that another 30 or so mostly Dutch backpackers made it to the café, obviously in a quest for orange and celebrations. All in all, it was a great night; perhaps a new tradition has started in Adelaide? We all met some new faces, and though none of us moved to the other side of the world to meet new Dutch people, somehow it feels very important and valuable to stay in touch with our fellow countrymen, share experiences, and … celebrate Koninginnedag! Eric-Jan Van Zanten–Veldhuizen

“mussels and friet” le� to right: Mark de Lange, Laurita Herwin, Jan Soede, Luc Herwin, Frank Weits, Erik van Zanten, Femke Buisman, Priscilla de Lange, Mikaela Bĳlsma www.hollandfocus.com - 63

Proﬁle of:

JACOBUS van ELK It is remarkable how many interesting Dutch migrants are tucked away in the suburbs of Australia’s large cities. Unassuming people, who seldom talk about themselves and yet have lived a colourful life. Take Jacobus van Elk for instance. Or, Jake van Elk as he prefers to be called. Jake was born in 1934 in the Domstad, or Utrecht. There he spent his early years. He was six years old when the war started and found it an exciting time, except for the last years when food became scarce. But he survived. We all know the expression ‘running away with the circus’. Well, Jake did just that. MULLINS CIRCUS had their winter quarters in Jake’s street. Jake grew up with the circus children. He even trained with them and became, young as he was, an accomplished acrobat. When spring came Jake went with them and appeared in the circus voltege act. For the uninitiated, doing tricks on a running horse. In 1954 Diana Day, an English lass, joined the circus. That summer the circus toured the Netherlands and Belgium. Jake and Diana saw a lot of each other. Enough to fall in love! In January 1956, when the circus was again in winter quarters in Utrecht, they got married. Meanwhile another ‘van Elk’ (brother John) joined Jake and Diana. Together they formed the acrobatic trio ‘Los Delkino’s’. Their next season was with circus BOLTINI. The arrival of TV put an end to the thriving circus culture in Europe. Jake and John saw the writing on the wall and developed a comedy cabaret act ‘Les 2 Mortaly’s’. They had some success but cabaret was not circus. They disbanded. Jake and Diana decided to go to England where Jake found work in the building industry. Their daughter was born there. Still, the circus had not lost its a�raction to Jake. They went back to the Netherlands and discussed with John the possibilities of building up a new act. However, John had found his own niche in the entertainment industry as toneelmeester (stage manager) for ene Toon Hermans. Instead of joining in a new act with Jake and Diana, John oﬀered Jake a position as 2nd toneelmeester for the Toon Hermans show. Says Jake: John and I had the supervision of the whole show, except for Toon of course. This was a one man show which needed a 5 ton truck to carry all our show gear. Jake stayed with the Toon Hermans show for 7 years. He toured with the T.H.S. through Canada and various European countries. A very interesting 7 years. Then Toon, probably in a depressive mood, announced the he wanted to stop the show. Jake thought that he had lost his job and started to look for new pastures.

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EMIGRATION! Diana thought that Canada was too cold so they decided on Australia. But where to se�le in Australia? They decided this by reading the main newspapers of the larger Australian cities. And the winner was......Adelaide. In 1969 they boarded the P&O liner Iberia and travelled to Adelaide. Diana, Jake and their two children. Both children speak Dutch and English ﬂuently. So does Diana. They licked the language problem as follows: In England they spoke Dutch at home and in Holland they spoke English at home. Jake found work in the excavation industry, but, the entrepreneur he is, he tried his hand at many other opportunities as they came to hand. In most of them he succeeded. Says Jake: Yes, I worked hard for my place in the Australian society and I am very happy in my retirement. I love to go back to the Netherlands for a holiday and see the family. But my, and Diana’s, home is here. In Adelaide. Good Onya, Jake. Johan de Rooy le� to right John, Jake and Diane

South Australia TOON en ik Ja,ik kan urenlang vertellen over mijn jaren met Toon Hermans. Het waren geweldige jaren met voorstellingen in Nederland, Canada en Europa. Het was wel aanpoten soms, want Toon moest alles piekﬁjn geregeld hebben. Toen we in Canada waren is er nog sprake geweest van een tour door Amerika. Maar de Amerikaanse ‘booking agent’ had, volgens Toon, te veel noten op zijn zang. Toon moest TV spots doen en radio interviews om hem in Amerika meer bekendheid te geven. Dat viel niet goed bij Toon. Die zei: Ik moet dit. Ik moet dat? Ik moet niks. Ik weet dat ik het kan. En hij ging niet! Ik was vaak Toon’s chauffeur. Als Toon’s vrouw met vakantie ging was Toon er vaak niet bij. Hij had het te druk met schrijven en bleef dan thuis. Hij vond het zonde van de tijd. Dan reed ik Rietje naar haar vakantiebestemming en haalde haar later weer op. Als we een voorstelling in Amsterdam hadden werd die vaak gevolgd door een voorstelling van buitenlandse artiesten. Ik moest dan vaak tolk spelen voor deze mensen. Zo ben ik b.v. tolk geweest voor Sammy Davis Jr., Elizabeth Taylor en Eddy Fisher. Ook voor Diana Ross and the Supremes. Als we in Nederland met vakantie waren gingen we altijd nog bij Toon en Rietje ‘een bakkie doen’. Ik heb nu nog contact met de familie. Ja, het waren prachtige jaren. Die Toon!!!

Johan de Rooy

N.A.A.S.A.-DUTCH CARE This organisation is growing from strength to strength. Their existing programmes will be extended soon with a facility for dementia sufferers. Premises will be hired at the Wandana Community Centre at Gilles Plains. Every Wednesday from 10am till 2pm there will be an opportunity for people with this illness to meet. Coffee and tea will be provided and at 12 noon a lovely lunch will be served. All this for only $7.00 pp. For more information ring Priscilla at N.A.A.S.A. on 08 -8377 2322. KLAVERJASSEN A more Dutch card game is not imaginable. It even seems to be more popular outside than in the Netherlands. At least with the expatriates. Apart from the many Klaverjas clubs there are also events like Klaverjas Drives. An opportunity for all card players to get together and play their game. On Sunday July 6th such a drive will be held at the D.S.W.C., Greenfields Drive, off Salisbury Highway. Mr. Driehuis will give the starting signal at 2pm sharp. Ring the club on 08-8281 1441 for more info. Bar and kitchen are open.

last edition’s solution

Jacobus van Elk, zoals verteld aan Johan de Rooy

Send an e-card from our website www.hollandfocus.com Some photos taken by our photographers will be placed on the website to be sent by you! The photos are changed regularly. news items that can not be placed in the magazine will be placed on the website visit the website regularly to keep up-to-date www.hollandfocus.com - 65

Canberra Queen’s birthday celebrations ACT On Wednesday, 30 April, many members of the Canberra Dutch community and their families a�ended the reception held at the Ambassador’s residence to celebrate the 70th birthday of Her Majesty Queen Beatrix. The house is quite old by Canberra standards (1928) and has an elegant but homely feel about it. The Ambassador and his wife and staﬀ are warmly thanked for their hospitality. Then on the 9th of May, about 100 Dutchies celebrated again with a dinner dance. Everybody had a great time with lucky door prizes, tulips on the tables and a special prize if you could remember the number of your Dutch club membership! We sang both national anthems and had plenty of time to renew acquaintances and in many cases make new friends. If you are in Canberra or the region, you can join the Dutch Club by contacting Ann Penders, our Vice President on 02 62816188. You will be most welcome. photo: part of the Wensing family at the Koninginnedag celebrations on May 9: Fred (L) and his wife Maria on the far right with the tulip, Marie, Luke and mother Petronella

DODENHERDENKING De 4 mei herdenking vindt ook in Brisbane jaarlĳks plaats, en wel in de “Monumententuin” van de Nederlandse vereniging N.A.Q. Ook dit jaar mochten de organisatoren terugzien op een goede belangstelling en emotionele verhalen gedurende de plechtigheid, maar vooral erna onder het genot van een lichte maaltĳd en een drankje kwamen de verhalen en herinneringen los. Dit jaar organiseerde de “Dutch Federtion in Queensland” in samenwerking met de Veteranenvereniging “V.O.M.” de Ceremonie. De foto toont u de kransen en bloemen die achter gelaten werden. Ina Huig

Queensland

NAQ

Brabantse Kofﬁe tafel op zondag 6 juli. Club (07) 3271 5662 of Bill/Lucy; (07) 3345 5709 Queensland Cup Klaverjas op zondag 20 juli, meer informatie: Jan Nelis (07) 3379 8985 De A.G.M op zondag 27 juli, aanvang 2 uur nm.

zondag 7 september : Holland Festival meer info in de volgende Holland Focus 66 - www.hollandfocus.com

holland focus

Tasmania

ADDRESS PO Box 169, Olinda Vic. 3788 T & F +61 (0)3 9751 2795 M 0419 465 516 E editor@hollandfocus.com www.hollandfocus.com ABN 40 118 310 900 editor and publisher iet Fuĳkschot editor@hollandfocus.com

contributors to this issue: Darren Arnold, Kathleen Berg, Yolanda Edens, Erik Feenstra, Pim Feĳen, Edo Fuĳkschot, Wim Gelissen, Marcia de Groot, Frans Hertoghs, Ina Huig, Mia Joosten, Chris Lampe, Jack Mevissen, Henk-Jan de Meer, Moniek, Peter Oudendĳk, Johan de Rooy, Theo Spĳker, Jacob van Splunter, Tom Vanderveldt, Renèe Veldman-Tentori, Kathleen Vervoort, Rudi van Voorst, Jan Weĳdt, Eric-Jan van Zanten-Veldhuizen advertising sales: T +61 (0)3 9751 2795 F +61 (0)3 9751 2795 E advertising@hollandfocus.com subscriptions T +61 (0)3 9751 2795 E editor@hollandfocus.com DISCLAIMER: Any views and opinions expressed within Holland Focus are solely those of the individual author or other information source and do not necessarily re-present the opinion of Holland Focus. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the wri�en permission of the editor. © Holland Focus ISSN 1833-4253

clockwise from top le�: Fritz Lubbersen congratulating Coby Dobromilsky. Consul George Huizing and guests at the Consulate, Karen and Rob Mollross. Coby Dobromilsky and Magda Steenhuis both receiving a certiﬁcate from the Netherlands Consul George Huizing for their eﬀorts over the years in promoting the Dutch Culture.

Printed using vegetable based inks on an elemental chlorine free paper. Sourced using sustainable forestry practices and manufactured using the ISO 14001 environmental management systems. Holland Focus is printed in Australia by Printgraphics Pty Ltd under ISO 14001 Environmental Certiﬁcations.

SUBSCRIPTION

The certificates -instigated by the former Ambassador to the Netherlands Mr. Kees Bast- are issued each year by the Consul, on advice from a commi�ee who decide on a prominent Dutch/Australian person or persons who have contributed to the Dutch Culture and Dutch Community in general. Normally only one certificate is issued each year by the Consul. These Certificates are highly valued and appreciated by the individual and is widely advertised in the local newspaper and other smaller Dutch newsle�ers. Send to:

Name: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Address: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Australia or New Zealand 1 year (6 issues): $AU 32.50 (other countries on application)

City/State/Postcode: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4-08

Please note: we can only accept overseas payments in $AU by PayPal or Credit Card NO personal or bank cheques/drafts

Credit Card: Visa / Mastercard

Phone: (. . . . .) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Email: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . tick if gift

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My details: Name: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(credit card payments attract a 3% surcharge) Address: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Cheque / Money Order

City/State/Postcode: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Direct Debit: Westpac Bank Lilydale, (BSB) 033-107 Account 298741

For Credit Card Payments:

(payable to “Holland Focus Pty Ltd”)

Phone: (. . . . .) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Email: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(enter your name in the description)

www.hollandfocus.com/payment.htm (SSL secure site - use your credit card)

Credit Card number: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Name on card: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . Expiry date: . . . . / . . . . . Signature: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Send this form to: PO Box 169, Olinda, Vic, 3788, Australia or fax to: +61 3 9751 2795

you and KLM can make a world of difference

As we travel around this beautiful world we would like to make sure we keep it that way. We think and plan for the future to try and stay one step ahead. KLM invests constantly in reducing CO2 emissions further. With your help we can make even more of a difference. To ﬁnd out how easy, effective and inexpensive it is to compensate for your personal CO2 emissions on every ﬂight you make, visit www.klm.com.au and use KLM’s CO2ZERO service.