The Dutch Burgher Union
114, Reid Avenue, Colombo 4.
Telephone No. 2584511
Newsletter – December 2005
President’s Christmas Message
Fellow Member,
December dawns and the festive season will be here. The Entertainment Committee has planned a suitable programme to herald this time of the year. Please keep the dates free – Our Christmas Sale is on the 11 December. There win be Christmas decor, new clothes, costume jewellery and of course the DBU Stall which will sell Breudher, Christmas puddings, Christmas cake, Love cake etc.
On behalf of the Committee I wish to extend to each and every member and their families the Blessings of Christmas – Love, Peace and joy and may these remain with you throughout the coming year.
Yours sincerely,
Kem Martenstyn
Spooky Nite
Were you there when it thundered and poured with rain on the 26th of November at ‘Spooky Nite’?
Our Members kept the choice of colour – it was black all the way- and the Black Spooky cut outs on the wall resembled the entrance to the ‘under-worId’ The spookiest competition was won by Carol Prins, who came as a ghost. The Master of Ceremonies was Holly Ohlmus – who did a splendid job – thank you Holly.
SOCIAL WELFARE
Another year is drawing to a close, and we at the DBU look back with pride that we continue to fulfill the aspirations of our Founder in looking after the hapless brethren of our community, which includes both young and old. To kindle in their hearts the Spirit of Christmas the Children sponsored for education are being hosted on the 5th of December to St. Nikolaas’ Fete, where much gaiety and entertainment awaits them.
The older folk are also not forgotten and will be invited to a Christmas Party on the 14th of December where they will also have a morning of fun and frolic.
A gentle reminder to all our dear members and friends, that there are children awaiting sponsorship for education, and do get in touch with us if you could ease the burdens of a needy family.
Let me leave you Wishing you a “Very Merry Christmas”
Anthea Muller
Chairperson – Social Welfare
A Magical Night before Christmas
Sumptuous Dinner Buffet on Saturday, 17th December 2005 8.30 p.m. onwards
MENU
Chef’s Salad
Seafood Salad
Roast Turkey with Cranberry Sauce
Sliced Roast Pork with tamarind sauce Continental Chicken
Mutton Lasagne Fresh Seasonal Saute vegetables
Assorted Bread Basket
Chocolate Mousse/Lemon Meringue Pie
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To all Ladies, A Complimentary Glass of Wine!
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Music for the Yuletide season will be by provided by OUTBURST
Member/Guest – Rs.750/= p.p
(Bookings close on 15th December 2005 – Phone 2584511)
Don’t miss out on one of the most exciting
Night of the year!
DATES TO REMEMBER
15th December 2005 – St. Nikolaas’ Fete – 4.00 p.m. to 7.30 p.m. We hope that as many members will be present and support our children.
11th December 2005 – DBU Christmas Sale A Special Food Stall with Burgher Sweets, Savouries, Homemade Ginger Beer, Milk Wine & lots more
Table Bookings – Member Rs. 750/= Non-Member – Rs.1,000/=
Welcome …..
We cordially welcome the following members who joined, during the month of November 2005.
Members: Mr Dylan Kelaart and Mrs Pamela Valarie Silva, nee Ferdinands Overseas Member: Mr Fritsz St A Ohlmus
Associate members: Messrs Previn Moonesinghe, Brinsley Gomez, Anthony Ranasinghe, Jimmy Deen, Jeran Jegatheesan,
DBU Constitution & By Laws
The necessity for changes in the Constitution was realised by last year’s Committee and President Godfrey de Kretser started the change process with his “Situation Report” sent out to the membership in March this year. The present Committee continued in the same vein, with incumbent President Kem Martenstyn’s August 28th letter adding the finishing touches, to what we feel is a reasonably crafted Constitution that is comprehensive enough to meet present needs. Every member will shortly be sent his/her personal copy of the Constitution and By Laws.
Property at No 6, Frances Road, Colombo 6
Around the end of 2000, one fifth share of the above property was devised by the Last Will of the late Mr A E Chrisloffelesz , to the DBU to be held in trust for the St.Nikolaas Home and DBU Scholarship Fund. The co-owners of the property decided to sell the premises to a Property Development Company. With the sanction of the Committee, our Trustees signed a MOU on behalf of the Union on 7th October 2005. On 9th November 2005 when all formalities were finalized the DBU received Rs 26,030,196/07 (after paying V AT and the necessary fees).
Annual Subscriptions- 2006
Arrangements have now been made for members to pay their Annual Subscriptions for 2006 and receive their membership cards. Under the amended Constitution the last date for payment of subscriptions is 31 January 2006 (Rule 9.6).
DBU JOURNAL VoI.70 – (Jan-Dec 2005)
Copies of the above Journal will be available for sale to Members at Rs.267/50 (inclusive of VAT). As a limited number of copies are being printed, members may reserve their copies by telephoning the Administrative Secretary.
MUSIC AT THE BAR:
The grand piano is now in the upstair lounge area. On Friday, 2nd December 2005, a pianist will be in attendance and will provide music from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Members and guests are most welcome to be present and participate in the fellowship.
THANK YOU, STEPHEN!
The President on behalf of the Committee and members of the Union wishes to place on record her very sincere thanks to Mr Stephen LaBrooy, Chairman, Buildings & Gardens sub-committee, for his magnanimous gesture in meeting the cost of renovating the rear verandah and providing the lighting fixtures and the tats which now enhance the aesthetic beauty of our building.
DBU Catering Service:
The President and Committee are pleased to announce that a “kitchen” is now in operation which provides delicious authentic fresh lamprais, (from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily) and “snacks and bites” during Bar hours. To avoid disappointment please book your lamprais early on telephone Nos.533I6Il. We hope that members will make use of these facilities.
DBU Bulletin:
It is hoped to publish a Bulletin in early 2006. Members are cordially invited to send in any articles or news items that may be of interest to members. Wg.Cdr. EH Ohlmus has been appointed by the Committee as the Editor of the Bulletin from 24 November 2005.