NEWS MAGAZINE ISSN 0113-4965 ● February 2010
Film Evening Friday February 19th, at 7.30pm Come and watch
BLEKINGEGADEBANDEN 2009
Directed by Anders Riis-Hansen A movie showing the authentic story about a group of young idealists that did several infamous robberies in Copenhagen from 1975 to 1988. Coffee/ cake and a hyggelig aften Free film plus coffee and cookies for members – donations welcome. Non-members pay $5.
Høstgudstjeneste Danish Harvest Service Sunday, March 7th, 4pm
With Pastor Anja Groenne Mathiessen
Come to the
Open House
Sunday, February 7th from 2pm & 4pm
Fastelavnsfest Sunday,
February 21st, 2pm. Children, dress up and come along to “slå katten af tønden”
(no cats will be harmed during this fun Danish tradition)
Refreshments for children, coffee for adults – a fun day for the whole family. Enquiries to
Inger Mortensen 443 5105 or
email: president@danishsocietynz.com
Come & Celebrate 10 years
of the Danish House in Penrose Saturday, 27th February
Dinner & Dance, 7pm Sunday, 28th February
Come and meet your friends or get some new ones – Everyone is welcome!
Birthday celebration, 2.30pm
(Next Open House - March 7th)
(see page 3 & insert)
Coffee & cake from $2.50
There will be a Jumping Castle for the children
THE DANISH SOCIETY (INC) P. O. BOX 12 279 - PENROSE 1642 6 Rockridge Ave., Penrose, Auckland Phone 580 3103 www.danishsocietynz.com
Contact phone numbers
The Danish House Valhalla, Leigh
Committee
Member: Senior rate: (65 & over) Youth rate: (18 to 25) Children under 18 Family discount: Less
580 3103 09 422 6194
PRESIDENT Inger Mortensen 443 5105 Email: president@danishsocietynz.com VICE-PRESIDENT Marion Stewart 480 8282 Email: vicepresident@danishsocietynz.com TREASURER Roger Knights 021 858 248 Email: treasurer@danishsocietynz.com SECRETARY Rolf Siggaard 528 2469 Email: secretary@danishsocietynz.com COMMITTEE MEMBERS Antony Barrett 444 0939 Kim Basse 473 6455 Kurt Marquart 476 0244 Finn Nielsen 625 5533 Dawn Nissen 625 7396 EDITOR “NEWS MAGAZINE” Pam Logan 480 9883 9 Puawai Place, Northcote, Auckland E-mail: editor@danishsocietynz.com PRODUCTION John Stewart 480 8282 MAILOUT Helle Scott 521 2844 CHANGE OF ADDRESS Kurt Marquart 476 0244 E-mail: membership@danishsocietynz.com
Other Addresses
ROYAL DANISH CONSULATE GENERAL P.O. Box 619, Auckland 1 Fax 537 3067 Phone 537 3099 www.danishconsulatesnz.org.nz THE TRADE COMMISSION OF DENMARK Harbour View Building, 152 Quay St, 7th Floor P.O. Box 2154, Auckland 1 Fax 307 5207 Phone 379 3119 www.dtcauckland.um.dk THE LUTHERAN CHURCH 1 Harris Rd (P O Box 85-014) Mt Wellington Phone 579 4490 DANISH CHURCH NEW ZEALAND INC. Pastor Anja Grønne Mathiassen www.danishchurchnz.org Ph 03 464 0218
RATES FOR VALHALLA
Peak Members Guests Adults $18 $30 Children $9 $20 Off-Peak Adults $12 $30 Children $6 $20 Whole house daily rate Off-peak $120 Peak rate $270 Christmas season $320 Off-peak = Mid-week only excluding Christmas season and school holidays Peak = All school holidays, Christmas season and all weekends. Christmas season = Christmas Eve to the end of Anniversary weekend. The house can only be hired for 7 days at any one time. Call the Booking Officer: Marion Stewart, 88c Coronation Road, Hillcrest, NSC P: 480 8282 E: valhalla@danishsocietynz.com 2
SUBSCRIPTIONS (2010 Financial Year – 1st Oct 2009 to 30th Sept 2010) $60 per member $50 per member $50 per member Free $10 per couple
REGULAR EVENTS COMMITTEE MEETINGS
DANISH MOTHERS’ GROUP
are held on the second Monday of the month at 7.30pm
VALHALLA WORKING BEES
meets every 2nd Tuesday. Call Christina on 021 161 3159 for venue.
Working bees are usually held on the weekend of the second Saturday of the month.
FOLKDANCERS
DANISH HOUSE
meet at 7.30pm on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month.
CARDPLAYERS
WEDNESDAY MORNING GROUP
An Open House is held on the first Sunday of each month from 2pm. meet on the first and third Wednesday of the month - 11am to 3pm
Meets on the fourth Wednesday of every month at 10.30am.
QUICK CHECK CALENDAR February 2010 Wed 3 Card Players start up Sun 7 Open House Tues 9 Folkdancing start up Sat 13 Valhalla Working Bee Wed 17 Card Players Fri 19 Film Evening Sun 21 Fastelavn Tues 23 Folkdancing Sat 27 10th Anniversary Sun 28 10th Anniversary
Danish Classes Wednesdays
Beginners 6.30-7.30pm Intermediate 7.30-8.30pm Private lessons are available on Saturday mornings.
For more information call
Connie Kristensen
0274 757 565
March Sun 7 Sun 7 Fri 19 Sat 20 Wed 24
Open House 2pm Danish Service 4pm Film Evening Valhalla Working Bee Morning Group
April Sun 4 Sat 17 Sat 24 Wed 28
Open House Valhalla Working Bee Frokost Morning Group
Danish House Hall Hire Rates
Members rates for hiring the hall for the whole day at the Danish House, Penrose. Sunday to Friday inclusive $100 Saturday: $150 Half a day is $25 less. Funerals – no charge. The bond is $150.00 per booking. The booking/holding fee of $50.00 is deducted from the total cost.
Call the Booking Officer: Antony Barrett, Phone 444 0939
Committee Contacts & Convenors for Working Groups Committee Contact Working Group Cultural Card Players Danish lessons Danish Mothers’ group Folk dancing Library / Videos Society history Welfare (Cards & Flowers) Danish House Bookings Maintenance Members Membership Communication Editor Webmaster Socials Bar Socials Valhalla Bookings & Maintenance Working Bees
Convenor Phone Oluf Basse 534 2798 Connie Kristensen 0274 757 565 Christina Bengtson 021 161 3159 Finn Nielsen 625 5533 Helle Gilderdale 478 7016 Karen Yates 524 6016 Vibeke Courtney 576 3150 Antony Barrett 444 0939 Carsten Dansted 524 2047 Kurt Marquart 476 0244 email: membership@danishsocietynz.com Pam Logan 480 9883 Lena Burlon 528 1108 email: webmaster@danishsocietynz.com Finn Nielsen, 625 5533 TBA email: socials@danishsocietynz.com Marion Stewart 480 8282 Erik Nissen 625 7396
Danish Society News Magazine ● February 2010
Celebrating 10 years of Danish House in Penrose, Auckland Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th February 2010
It is hard to believe that it is nearly ten years since Danish House was opened with great ceremony. Presently a small history is being written about this project by those directly involved, recording this interesting period of the Danish Society in Auckland. This is a really wonderful occasion for all Danes to celebrate – young and old.
Jubilee Dinner and Dance in Danish House Saturday 27th February, 7pm
Complimentary “Champagne” on arrival, Three Course Dinner Dance till Midnight with Live music by Martin Driessen Speeches and Entertainment Cost: $65 Members of Danish Society, Non Members $75 – when booking in February Dress: Black tie or lounge suit.
Sunday Afternoon 10 year Birthday Celebration Sunday 28th February, 2.30pm – for all ages
Presentation of the History of Building the Danish House, Kaffee Bord, Danish Afternoon Coffee, Singing and Entertainment Special Programme for the children during coffee Cost: Adults $7.00 Children under 12 free. Please book to let us know that you are coming – see insert in the magazine. ***Last day for booking for Saturday or Sunday’s events – Friday February 19th
Volunteers and helpers required to run this event for the Society Saturday evening: kitchen support and hall cleaners, Sunday afternoon: baking, hall preparation before and after the event, child minders and much more Please contact Karen Andersen Yates - 524 6016 to let her know you what you can do for this great occasion.
February 2010 ● Danish Society News Magazine
3
New Danish House Booking Officer Antony Barrett is the new Danish House Booking Officer. If you want to book the Danish House for your party or meeting, call Antony on 444 0939.
Charities Commission Status 09 January 2010 Re: Registration of Danish Society Incorporated I am pleased to advise you of the success of your application to register Danish Society Incorporated as a charitable entity. Your official Registration Number is CC43320 and your Registration Certificate is enclosed. Details about Danish Society Incorporated will soon be available on the Charities Register at www.charities.govt.nz Danish Society Incorpo
rated
At the Carol Singing
This is to certify that Danish Society Incorporated was registered as a charitable entity under the Charities Act 2005 on 30 June 2008. Registration number:
CC43320
Dual Citizenship Below is a link to a very interesting article (leader) in the Danish newspaper, Kristeligt Dagblad, regarding dual citizenship for Danish citizens. This is a topic which is very hotly debated at the moment. http://www.kristeligt-dagblad.dk/artikel/351833:Kronik-Loven-om-indfoedsret-skal-aendres?page=1 Med venlig hilsen Inger Mortesen
The Mark of Denmark Carl August Nielsen, June 1865-October 1931 was born just South of the city of Odense and was the seventh of twelve children. He came from a working class family and his father was an amateur musician. As a child Carl experimented with sounds and pitches he heard when striking logs as he was stacking them into a pile. His mother would often sing at weddings and other events where his father also played violin and the cornet. All these became Carl’s formative musical experiences. Other inspirational sources for his music were the underlying animating forces of nature and the human character. Carl Nielsen learned the violin and piano as a child and wrote his earliest composition at the age of only nine. He obtained a position as a bugler in the 16th Battalion of the Danish Army, and studied music at the Royal Academy of Music in Copenhagen. 4
Due to the very limited formal education he had received in earlier years, Carl Nielsen was left curious about the arts, philosophy and aesthetics and often viewed these subjects from a very basic perspective. One of his better known works is the Suite for Strings which was first performed in 1888. He met Anna Marie Brodersen in Paris, and they travelled together in Italy where they married in Florence in 1891. The marriage was both a meeting and clash of minds, and they lived apart for many years, but never divorced. He suffered a serious heart attack in 1925, and died in Copenhagen in 1931. Carl Nielsen is often regarded as the more artistic of his contemporary Nordic composers, such as Edward Grieg, 1843-1907 from Norway, Jean Sibelius, 18651957 from Finland and Hugo Alfven, 1872-1960 from Sweden. The music of Carl August Nielsen is performed by conductors and musicians throughout the world today. He also appears on the Danish hundred kroner note, and may it long remain that way. Sent in by Carlo Mikkelsen Danish Society News Magazine ● February 2010
From our new President - Inger Mortensen Dear Members, Welcome back, as they say on the news. I hope you have all had a wonderful Christmas, New Year and holiday-period. At this time last year, I was still buzzing over the fact that Danish tennis-wonder, Caroline Wozniacki had played right here in Auckland, in the ASB-Classic. Since then, she has moved up to an amazing placing of number 4 in the world rankings, and apparently we can no longer afford to have her here. She really should have come – we gave here such great support last year, I thought – and she didn’t do too well in the tournament in Hong Kong which she chose to play in instead! Oh well, we can still follow her in the upcoming Australian Open. Later on this year, we’ll be able to get all excited about the Danish – and New Zealand – involvement in the soccer world cup. I’m hoping some enthusiasts among our members will be up to organising some fun events around this? Meanwhile, the Society has plenty of fun events for you to attend and get involved with already this month. We start out with open house Sunday the 7th
February. Come along and catch up with everyone – find out what they’ve been doing over the holidays. There’s also an opportunity to buy herrings and cheese. Later in the month, on Sunday the 21st, we have Fastelavnsfest which is always great fun for both children and adults. On Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th we have our big celebration of our ten year anniversary, and I look forward to seeing a lot of members at these two great events. Dinner and dancing on the Saturday night, and a good old-fashioned Danish “foedselsdagsfest” on the Sunday, which will also include entertainment for and by children. Of course, a lot of groups such as the Wednesday Morning Group and the Cardplayers and Folkdancers are also starting up again, so check out this magazine for all the details. Do you have ideas, thoughts you’d like to share, news? I’d love to hear from you, so please feel free to contact me. Med venlige sommerhilsner Inger Mortensen
Committee News It is with regret that we have accepted Keld Burlon’s resignation from the committee. We thank him for all the hard work he has done while on the committee. He has shown a lot of enthusiasm and energy. We have asked Antony Barrett who was elected as one of the suppleanter at the AGM to come back onto the committee (to finish Keld’s term), and he has accepted. Med venlig hilsen, Inger Mortensen At the Julefrokost party
February 2010 ● Danish Society News Magazine
5
Valhalla News Fire ban in the Rodney district It is illegal to light any fires without permission including BBQ of the non-gas type from the 14th January. Please note any fires that require the fire service to attend will be charged to the person responsible (and that could run into tens of thousands of dollars). This is good time to remind you that Fireworks are banned at all times at Valhalla.
Gas Bottle
Please refill this if it is emptied during your stay. You can deduct the cost off your rate. You can refill the bottle at Matakana or the Leigh Service Station does a ‘Swap-a-bottle’ for which there is a $38 charge. Going by the occupancy sheets returned to me Valhalla is being enjoyed by a record number of occupants. By the end of January I estimate we should receive over 55% of our annual income for Valhalla. The comments I have received reveal that the care and work by Erik Nissen and his hard working team is greatly enjoyed by our members. Thank you all for your comments; it is pleasing to receive them. I’m glad to hear the new deck and playground are getting such good use. The Valhalla Sub-committee met in December for our 2010 project planning. The main projects at the top of the list are: 1 To continue upgrading the Water Reticulation. We
will reconfigure the pipes between the bore, tank and house and to concrete around the bore to stop any run-off contaminating the water in the bore. 2 We met with a Septic Tank consultant to look at our options. A report will be presented to the Valhalla Sub-committee on best fit for us. Due to the new regulations about to come into force we need to address this urgently. 3 Continue with the Planting in particular the coastal planting with the help of the $15,000 ARC grant. This also includes weed control in particular along the footpaths. 4 Drainage around the house. 5 Re-build and enhance the Courtyard including the Foyer. Cost and available funding naturally impact on these plans therefore some projects may not be completed this year but we will do our best to continue to enhance Valhalla to make your stay enjoyable. In and around these projects the general maintenance of the property must also be continued. I will keep you informed of these projects and their progress through this newsletter. Marion Stewart, Valhalla Convenor
At the Children’s Christmas Party
6
Danish Society News Magazine ● February 2010
We need your help!
at the next Valhalla Working Bees 13th-14th February 20th-21st March
We are seeking your support to carry out a whole range of jobs. Our main focus will be to do outside jobs such as completing the steps, cleaning and weeding, etc. There is always house-cleaning to do as well. Any help is welcome. Lunch is supplied by the society, therefore we need to know the number of participants by Wednesday 10th February.
If you are able to help in any way, please contact Dawn or Erik Nissen at Valhalla on 09 422 6194
Valhalla Working Bee Report – January 10 A team of Graham, Vibeke, Neville, Tove, Neil, Dawn and Erik arrived on Friday to start the weekend. Erik and Neil completed the children’s playground, fitting a capping on top of the edging around the play area and made a ladder for the play tower. Tove, Pam, Richard and Philip cut and trimmed weeds on the sides of the walking tracks. Graham rebaited the bait stations, sprayed the tracks for weed, finished planting renga-renga plants and weeded the new areas. John, Kurt and Antony arrived with two BIG!! loads of firewood donated by Palle from his property. Work continued for some of us until Sunday afternoon with
The 2010 Committee
more spraying, weeding, putting name plaques on the steps, replacing a rotten step on the deck and cleaning the shed area. A new basket ball hoop, volleyball, badminton and dart-board set were purchased for visitors to enjoy. We have a new New Zealand flag generously donated by Lise and Bjarne Elowsson to complement the new Danish flag which Palle purchased when he was last in Denmark. Once again, thank you to all for your commitment to the working bees during 2009. Dawn and I wish you all a Happy New Year. Regards, Erik
New Children’s Books for the Library
The Siggaard family has donated a great collection of Danish children’s books to the library. They should be ready to take out at the next Open House. It’s a wonderful addition to the library, and there should be plenty of good reading material there for children and adults alike. Remember, children’s books are very useful for learning Danish! So thank you to the Siggaard family for this generous donation. Venlig hilsen, Helle Gilderdale
Keld Burlon, Kurt Marquart, Marion Stewart (vice-president), Dawn Nissen, Finn Nielsen, Kim Basse, Inger Mortensen (president), Roger Knights (treasurer), Rolf Siggaard (secretary) February 2010 ● Danish Society News Magazine
PIET HEIN
Folk, som ved hvad der er bedst hærger verden som en pest.
People who know what is best mar the world like a pest. 7
Jesper Nielsen 1925-2010
Congratulations to all the members who have birthdays and the couples who have an anniversary in February. David Nelson som fylder 30 år d. 8.2.2010 Grant Phillips som fylder 60 år d. 19.2.2010 Randi & Roger Knights som d. 20.2.2010 har været gift i 45 år
Welcome to New Members
Velkommen til nye medlemmer: Dorte & Thomas Harboe Hald (and their children Tobias & Anders) Mette & Kenneth Larsen (and their children Caroline & Julie)
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In Memoriam
Foreningsnyt
Jesper Nielsen, who died in Perth on 2 January, aged 84, was a member of the Danish Society for over 40 years. He had a great enthusiasm for a wide range of activities. With his late wife Inger he ran the Youth Club for some years, he was a popular Santa at the Children’s Christmas party, and he loved calling the numbers for Bingo at the Andespil events. Jesper was a great folk-dancer all his life, and took part in many Scandinavian Gatherings with the Danish folk-dancing group, as well as the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony in 1990. He was a great believer in keeping Danish traditions such as making an Æresport for special anniversaries, and singing Danish songs. Jesper put his skills as a brick-layer to the task of building the stone fireplace at Valhalla, and he was chosen, as one of two Danish murere, for the honour of laying the foundation stone when Danish House was built in 1999. His cheerful good humour and sense of fun will be missed by all who knew him. On behalf of the members of the Society, I extend our sympathy to Finn, Helle, Lene, Lars and their families. ���������� Ære være hans minde Inger Mortensen, President. ��������������
There will be a Memorial Service for Jesper Birch Nielsen on Saturday 6th February, Waitangi Day at 2pm in the Danish House, Penrose. If you would like to, wear your Danish costume. ������������ ��������������������� Thank you to Kurt Marquart, Erik Nissen, Carlo Mikkelsen, Marion Stewart & Inger Mortensen for articles sent in, and also to Rita Jaegersborg & Pam
Contributors
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Logan for photos in this month’s magazine.
The next magazine deadline is Feb 15
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All contributions welcome – in English or Danish (with a short summary in English). The magazine can also be read (in full colour) online at www.danishsocietynz.com. Note: ads for events must be in a calendar month before the event. Pam Logan (Editor) editor@danishsocietynz.com
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Danish Society News Magazine ● February 2010
Booking form for the 10 years Celebration
Jubilee Dinner and Dance in the Danish House
On Saturday 27th February 2010 at 7pm Come and enjoy:
Complimentary “Champagne” on arrival – mix and mingle Three Course Dinner, served at the tables – drinks to be purchased from the bar Speeches and Entertainment Dance till Midnight with Live music by Martin Driessen Dress: Black tie or lounge suit. We have been able to keep the price for this grand ball at the same level as ten years ago: For Members of the Danish Society $60, Non Members $70 – when booking before Christmas!
✁ Fill in below and post to Danish Society, PO Box 12 279, Penrose 1642. State ”Celebrations” Yes, I/We want to book for the Saturday Jubilee Dinner and Dance at the Danish House Name(s) of participant(s): .................................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... Address ....................................................................................................................................................................................... Email Address ......................................................................................................................................................................... Members
No. attending the Dinner & Dance
...........@ $ 60 pp = $..................
Non members
No. attending the Dinner & Dance
...........@ $ 70 pp =
$..................
Adults
No. Attending_Sunday afternoon
...........@ $ 7 pp =
$..................
Children u. 12
No. Attending_Sunday afternoon
...........
Free
TOTAL to be paid
$..................
Please enclose your cheque made out to “Danish Society Inc” and a self addressed pre-paid envelope for the tickets OR Pay on-line by crediting the account of the Danish Society # 12 3036 0671539 000, first reference please write “Soc 2702” and second reference write your name. Paying on line still requires you to post the above form and a self-addressed and stamped envelope. Booking only accepted once payment has been received. First come first served!