The Dutch Burgher Union
114, Reid Avenue, Colombo 4.
Telephone Nos: 2584511,5331661
Newsletter – June 2006
President’s Message
Dear Fellow Member,
The 6th of May 2006 was a special day in the annals of the DBU when the Royal Netherlands Embassy hosted a very well attended Reception to mark their National Day in the Union Hall.
The potential of our premises was in full focus as the guests moved around enjoying the ambience in the well illuminated Hall and front Lawn. It is also worthy of note that the raised front wall not only gave the garden its well deserved privacy, but also kept away the extraneous noises from the busy highway.
While it is hoped that this would be a forerunner for many other prestigious Organisations to hire out our premises for their receptions, we thank the Royal Netherlands Embassy for having set the ball rolling.
We are so thrilled with the prompt and generous response to our appeal of 24th April 2006, to commence the DBU Welfare Beneficiary Sponsorship Project. You will be happy to know that this project was inaugurated on 27th May 2006. Ten deserving old folk received a sum of Rs.1,500/= each for the 2nd quarter 2006 and we hope that more of our members and well-wishers will contribute towards this meaningful project. Mrs Fleur Mack is our Chairperson and our vision is to try and help 50 less advantaged old folk on a quarterly basis, and I am sure that with your help and support we will achieve our target. Please write in today confirming that you will sponsor at least one welfare beneficiary. For those ‘who have already responded to our appeal I say a big “Thank you” for your kind generosity.
Mrs Zorina de Alwis will chair “The A.E. Christoffelsz Child Education Sponsorship Project”. For a start we hope to sponsor 20 deserving children from this Fund and we will keep you informed of our progress,
With all good wishes,
Kem Martenstyn
President
ENTERTAINMENT
“BLUE HAWAII”
From Mumbai we join a cruise and sail the South Seas to the romantic islands that dot the Pacific Ocean. We have chosen to drop anchor in Hawaii. So welcome to a day of surprises in
Hawaii on Sunday, 25th June 2006.
“Aloha Spirit” is the co-ordination of mind and heart. It’s within you and brings you down to yourself. Please do come in Hawaiian dress, Hula skirt and top for the daring. Floral dresses, a Moo Moo, or a Kaftan and flowers in your hair – You will be garlanded on your arrival.
-The welcome drink will be a Passionate Fruit drink followed by an exotic South Sea Island Buffet – and the dessert will be Mermaid’s Delight!
So join in the fun, meet and greet your fellow members and friends and take a glimpse into the friendly atmosphere of A DAY IN HAWAII!
Our ship sails down South at 8.30 a.m. sharp. We will meet at the DBU for take-off. Please be punctual!
The price of this cruise will be a subsidized all inclusive Rs.850/= p.p.
(The DBD will meet the cost of transport) Guests are welcome.
Make your bookings by 22nd June 2006 the latest!
PIANO MUSIC BY DARLAN
There will be piano music in the upstairs Bar and Lounge area on Wednesday, 21st June 2006 from 8 to 12 p.m. Do come and enjoy the music and join in the sing-along. We would like to see more participation by members and guests.
60 years of wedded bliss!
We warmly congratulate Christopher and Gladys Anthonisz on the occasion of their 60th wedding anniversary on 4th May 2006. May God grant them many more years of happiness, peace and contentment.
Rev Charles Jansz – 35 years of Ministry Dutch Reformed Church in Sri Lanka.
On 4th March 2006 Rev Charles Jansz commemorated 35 years of Ministry with the Lord. We extend to him our warm wishes and prayers that the Lord will continue to bless his Ministry.
TO THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS WHO CELEBRATE THEIR BIRTHDAYS IN JUNE, WE SEND BIRTHDAY GREETINGS AND WARM WISHES:
Mrs Coralie LaBrooy, Mrs Rozanne Hemdev, Mrs Myfanwy de Silva, Ms Averill Juriansz, Mrs June Boyagoda; Messrs. Godfrey de Kretser, Michael Martenstyn, Reggie Poulier, Monte Holsinger, Bernard Holsinger, George White, Maurice Raymond, Ronald Bakelmun, Brian Forbes, Graham Hatch, Ajitha Madanayake and Tharaka Abeyratne.
(Correction – It was Mrs Carmen Gomez who celebrated her birthday in May and not Mrs Carmen Melder: Our apologies to both ladies)
BEREAVEMENT
It is with deep sadness that we express our sympathies to Gordon Poulier and his family on the loss of Merle Poulier who passed away suddenly. Being a senior member of the DBU and an active member of St. Nikolaas’ Home Committee we will all deeply miss her and her quiet participation in all our monthly functions.
MEMBERSHIP UP-DATE
If you have not sent us your Membership update slip, we send a copy of same. Please use it and send us details of your birthday, your anniversary or any other information which you may like to have published in our Newsletter.
DBU JOURNAL Vol.LXX (70)
A few more Journals are available for sale at the office. Purchase your copy today. Members’ price Rs290/= (incl. of VAT)
HUMOUR CORNER:
Dressing up the husband had just finished reading the book ‘Man of the House’. He stormed into the house and walked directly up to his wife. Pointing a finger in her face, he said, “From now on, I want you to know that I am the man of this house, and my word is law! I want you to prepare me a gourmet meal tonight, and when I’ve finished eating, I expect a sumptuous dessert. Then, after dinner, you’re going to draw me my bath so I can relax. And when I’ve finished with my bath, guess who’s going to dress me and comb my hair?” His wife calmly replied, “The funeral director.”