Hollandse Club Magazine: March / April 2016

the

Magazine MARCH / APRIL 2016 ISSUE

A bi-monthly publication by the Hollandse Club

Visit us online @ www.hollandseclub.org.sg

Kids & Teens

Our Easter Celebrations!

Easter Special Recipes Easter in Norway

r e v o c s i D un the FClub! at the

Members' Stories The Gang of the Club Keep Moving!

‘Ida & Ernest’

Y

A R E I NV IT U ED O

ORGANIZED BY EXPAT TRADERS ASIA

GRAND LUCKY DRAW

BY LUXLY SINGAPORE

March 8 & 9, 2016 9.30AM-5PM

GETAWAY FOR 2!

LUXLY GIFT BOX VALUE @ SGD 198.00

HOLLANDSE CLUB 22 Camden Park, 299814 FREE! SPECIAL GIFT SET FOR THE FINDERS READERS & COFFEE TASTING & SAMPLING BY ANCHOR CAFE & ROASTERY

CINDY 90122883 | KATE 96710454

PLATINUM SPONSORS

GOLD SPONSOR

SILVER SPONSORS

EDITORIAL COMMITTEE Editor: Nina Gunasingham (editor@hollandseclub.org.sg) Writers: Claire Wintraecken Karien van Ditzhuijzen

Proofreader & Copy-Editor: Nedda Chaplin

Art & Creative Editor: Mohd Izzat (news@hollandseclub.org.sg)

Photographers: Inge Kuipers Bernhard Wamelink

22 Camden Park, Singapore 299814 | Tel: 6464 5225 | Fax: 6468 6272 | www.hollandseclub.org.sg Email: info@hollandseclub.org.sg | Court Bookings: reception@hollandseclub.org.sg The Hollandse Club Magazine is published bi-monthly and distributed free to members of the Club.

For advertising enquiries, please email marcom@hollandseclub.org.sg Views and opinions expressed may not necessarily reflect those of the Club, its committee or editorial staff. Š All Rights reserved.

MICA (P) 156/04/2009.

WWW.HOLLANDSECLUB.ORG.SG | HOLLANDSE CLUB 3

FACILITY INFORMATION

Club Opening Hours Sunday - Thursday: 7am - 11pm Friday - Saturday: 7am - 1am General Office Hours Monday - Friday: 9am - 6pm Tel: 6464 5225 (Reception) Fax: 6468 6272

SPORTS & RECREATION

Lost & Found Items Please contact the Housekeeper on 6461 1114 or Reception on 6464 5225.

Library Tuesday - Saturday Facility information for the library will be different every week.

Gymnasium Daily: 7am - 10pm

Multi-Purpose Sports Court Daily: 8am - 10pm Please check availability with Reception before using.

FOOD & BEVERAGE OUTLETS Terrace Daily: 8am - closing (Last food order for the kitchen 9pm) Beverages are available until closing.

Serambi Bar Daily: 6pm - 11pm (on request) The Lounge (Outdoor) Daily: 8am - closing (Last food order for the kitchen 9pm) For reservations, please call Reception 6464 5225 or email reception@hollandseclub.org.sg Tennis Pavillion Monday - Friday: 8am - 12pm Tuesday & Thursday: 4pm - 6pm Wednesday: 6pm - 10pm Saturday, Sunday & PH: 8am - 12pm

4pm - 6pm For special events opening hours, please ask Reception.

During opening hours a limited menu is served.

Tradewinds Bar Sunday - Thursday: 11am - 11pm (Last food order for the kitchen 9pm) Friday - Saturday: 11am - 1am (Last food order for the kitchen 9pm) Eve of PH & PH: 11am - 1am (Last food order for the kitchen 9pm) Pool Bar Monday - Friday: 11am - 7pm Saturday: 8am - 6pm Sunday & PH: 9am - 5pm

4 HOLLANDSE CLUB | WWW.HOLLANDSECLUB.ORG.SG

Squash Courts Daily: 7am - 11pm For court bookings, please call Reception on 6464 5225 or email reception@hollandseclub.org.sg.

Swimming Pool Monday - Friday: 8am - 10pm Closure times for competitive swimming: Monday / Tuesday / Wednesday / Thursday 5pm - 7.30pm (Two lanes will remain open) Last Friday of the month: 5pm - 7pm *At least two lanes will remain open on school holidays between Monday to Friday.

Tennis Courts Daily: 7am - 11pm Booking is required.

For court bookings, please call Reception on 6464 5225 or email reception@hollandseclub.org.sg.

Childminding Service Monday - Friday: 8.30am - 12pm For toddlers aged from 1 to 3 years.

Tel: 6461 1150 Kids’ Rooms Monday - Thursday: 12pm - 8pm Friday, Saturday & PH: 10am -10pm Sunday: 10am - 8pm For children aged 1 - 11 years.

The Chill Out Room Monday - Friday: 4pm - 10pm Saturday & Sunday: 10am - 10pm For children aged 11 years and above.

CONTENTS

6

7

8

11

12

13

President’s Message

GM’s Message

Staff Updates

WeAreTheClub

The Gang of the Club

A New Member at the Club

14

16

18

25

27 Chicks!

28

Our Easter Celebrations!

40

54

‘Ida & Ernest’

A Member’s Story

Keep Moving!

Easter Colouring Contest

29

31

34

36

Easter in Norway

Traditional Easter Recipe

55

56

Scuba Diving & CPR Training

Off the Beaten Track goes to Coney Island

57

Artist Insights: Mishell Leong

Mar/Apr Events Calendar

New Year Drinks & Comedy Cafe

61

62

67

World of Bubbles & Glamorous Giving

Swimming Report

Squash Report

Tennis Report

70

72

76

78

March Chef’s Specials

April Chef’s Specials

New Jan/Feb Library Books

Hockey Report

The Hidden Stories by Mark Zegeling

EDITOR’S MESSAGE Welcome friends old and new, to another great issue of the Hollandse Club Magazine!

With the Easter holidays around the corner, the northern hemisphere is looking forward to spring, the southern hemisphere is enjoying the last of the summer and here in tropical Singapore, it’s as balmy as ever, so make the most of the weather. Find out all about the activities the Club has to offer: beach tennis, film nights, Kingsday, the Club swimming championships, discos, Easter brunch, Comedy Club, new books in the Library, hockey tournaments ... it’s all happening here!

We welcome a new General Manager and a new President and bid farewell to some old friends. Remember that the Club is of the members, by the members, for the members; if you think you can do it better, volunteer and show us how. We are the Club! And we always extend a warm welcome to new friends. Read about how other members enjoy the Club, and the different ways they use their memberships, from one and six month trial memberships to members who live overseas and reactivate their memberships when they visit Singapore.

Discover how different nationalities celebrate Easter, and what finicky eaters Karien’s baby chicks are. Get lost with Claire as she explores Coney Island. And don’t forget to turn off your lights for Earth Hour from 8.30 to 9.30p.m. on the 19th of March.

See you at the AGM! Nina Gunasingham Editor WWW.HOLLANDSECLUB.ORG.SG | HOLLANDSE CLUB 5

MAIN COMMITTEE President: Anneloes van Haaren president@hollandseclub.org.sg First Secretary: Anne Zwart firstsecretary@hollandseclub.org.sg Second Secretary: Paul Roberts secondsecretary@hollandseclub.org.sg Honorary Treasurer: Jan-Willem Buist treasurer@hollandseclub.org.sg Member for Food & Beverage: Filip Olde Bijvank fnbmember@hollandseclub.org.sg Member for Sports & Recreation: Patrice Plet sportsmember@hollandseclub.org.sg Commercial Affairs: Henk Jan Bakker commercial@hollandseclub.org.sg Ordinary Member: Cecile Sturm Daniel Gelinas member.maincommittee @hollandseclub.org.sg

COMMITTEE MEMBERS Kids’ Committee Members: Patricia Joris, Alina Manicea Teens’ Committee Member: Maree Roberts Sports Committee Chairperson: Patrice Plet Library Committee Convenor: Hian Tan (6468 4004) Members: Susanne Westerbeek, Nina Gunasingham, Yvette Filipiak, Nihilan Finance Committee Chairperson: Jan Willem Buist Members: Then Wee Lin, John Williams, Wietske Helle, F&B Committee Members: Patrick Tan, Filip Olde Bijvank, Le o n i e v a n W i l l i g en b u rg , K a te Va n Schuijlenburg, Claire Wintraecken Magazine Committee Members: Nedda Chaplin, Karien van Ditzhuijzen, Nina Gunasingham, Claire Wintraecken, Inge Kuipers, Bernhard Wamelink

6 HOLLANDSE CLUB | WWW.HOLLANDSECLUB.ORG.SG

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Dear fellow Members,

These are challenging times. We are currently drafting the plans for the future of our Club. They will be presented at the upcoming AGM on Tuesday 22 March 2016 and we are currently briefing you on a regular basis about the progress to date. If you have not received such email updates, please contact our membership executive via membership@hollandseclub.org.sg to update your email address in our system.

There is a clear sense of urgency within our community. We feel strengthened and supported by your suggestions and ideas and we highly appreciate the expertise that is being offered. We need all the support we can get and there is still work to be done. Please step up to join one of our committees if you want to contribute to our social community. It is good fun and you will get a lot back from giving a little of your time and energy to our common good.

As of 1 January 2016, I have stepped up from my previous role as vice president in the Main Committee into the shoes of my predecessor, Nienke Nauta-Kuipers and will be acting as president until the upcoming AGM. Nienke relocated to Dubai at the end of December. We would like to thank Nienke for her dedication and commitment to the Hollandse Club.

Before joining the Main Committee, I was in the finance and tennis committee of the Club. I have a background in corporate finance and competition law and moved to Singapore in 2012, together with my husband and our three children.

Because some members of the Main Committee are relocating this summer, we will also be looking for new members to join the Main Committee after the AGM. If you are up for a nice challenge, please indicate your interest by sending an email to president@hollandseclub.org.sg.

It is good to see that day to day life at the Club has been very vibrant lately. The terrace has been very busy, F&B is doing better than before, we have seen a great Davis Cup tournament on the tennis courts, a kids’ hockey clinic at our premises by the Dutch national ladies’ hockey team, a very lively UN women fair, many entrepreneurs working with their laptops and many other events and gatherings. Our six-month extended trial membership is selling well. As always, you are invited to help promote this and other memberships. Successful efforts are being rewarded with F&B vouchers.

I hope to see you all at the AGM on Tuesday 22 March 2016.

See you at the Club!

Kind regards, On behalf of the Main Committee, Anneloes van Haaren President

CLUB MANAGEMENT

GM’S MESSAGE Dear Members, A brand new year and a brand new GM for the Hollandse Club . It’s an honor to start serving you as general manager of this beautiful club.

At the age of 14, I was infected by the ‘hospitality virus’. My mother was part of the management team of a major Dutch event corporation and the owner himself taught me, at a family gathering, how to tap a beer and that was it - I was hooked. After finishing my Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management at the Hotelschool, The Hague, I have worked in various positions both in the for-profit and not-for-profit sector, always with the focus on association management and hospitality. Before moving to Singapore, I thought I found my job for life as a managing partner at an association management company in the Netherlands. I was supposed to take my husband and three kids with me to lead the branch in the United States. However, things turned out slightly differently; my husband got an offer he couldn’t refuse and we have been living in Singapore since December 2014. As a family, we made the choice from the start to look for a house without a pool and for a pool with a community. The Hollandse Club.

The Hollandse Club gave us the soft landing in Singapore we were looking for.

The Hollandse Club has been a second home for many members for years and that is what I am planning to accomplish together with staff, committees and with you. It is clear that arduous measures and decisions must be taken to reverse the negative cash flow of the Club. I believe in transparency, visibility, accountability and clear communication to and with all of our stakeholders.

The Main Committee will update you frequently about the measures taken: not only which cost-saving measures we have accomplished, but also which scenarios we have tapped into to make this club sustainable. Together we can save the Club for the next 108 years to come. Everybody, however, is responsible for their share of commitment and involvement. A nice example is the great input we received during the WeAreTheClub brainstorming sessions, organized by a member. The first events from the sessions’ outcomes are in the works already.

I invite you to read this edition of the Club magazine and find out which dishes the F&B Committee has picked for the new menu and as monthly specials.

The Hockey Committee is organizing some great events in April, the Tennis Committee is very active in the coming months, and the Events Committee is organizing some awesome kids’ and teens’ events.

General Manager: Annemiek van Leeuwen – Kuijsten 6461 1103 gm@hollandseclub.org.sg HR Executive: Aafra Dikhoff 6461 1160 hr@hollandseclub.org.sg F&B Manager: Alejandro Puno 6461 1136 fnbmgr@hollandseclub.org.sg Sales & Marketing Manager: Marloes Schoonenberg 6461 1139 sales@hollandseclub.org.sg Membership Executive: Rex Gillera 6461 1111 membership@hollandseclub.org.sg Marketing Communications Executive/Designer: Mohd Izzat 6461 1117 marcom@hollandseclub.org.sg Sports & Events Manager: Marilou Groot Nibbelink 6461 1110 events@hollandseclub.org.sg Sports & Events Executive: 6461 1127 sports.exec@hollandseclub.org.sg Finance Manager: Vangel Neo 6461 1108 finmgr@hollandseclub.org.sg Accountant: Zoey Lee 6461 1106 a.r@hollandseclub.org.sg

It just leaves me to thank my predecessor, Mr. Daniel van Dijk, for introducing me to the team and assisting me in the on-boarding at The Hollandse Club. I wish him all the best in his future endeavors.

We look forward to welcoming you at the Club and we are always open for suggestions, remarks and feedback. I believe in self-fulfilling prophecies. Let’s start by working together towards the Hollandse Club’s 110th year anniversary!

With kind regards, Annemiek Kuijsten General Manager

WWW.HOLLANDSECLUB.ORG.SG | HOLLANDSE CLUB 7

Staff Updates

By Annemiek Kuijsten

Sometimes I compare my job to that of a sports coach. A coach trains, guides and stands firm for the team, but, in the end, it is the team that counts.

This is also the case with the team here at the Club.

Due to the nature of our Club, a lot of staff members have seen Main Committee members and staff come and go over the years. But these changes didn’t affect them. They kept their loyalty towards the Club. One of these staff members is Michael Yap. Michael is celebrating 20 years of service at the Club 26th February.

Michael is our speciality chef for Western food; is also a loving father of three children in their teens.

A coach, as with everybody, has to play by the rules of the game. These employment rules in Singapore are tough. And that is an understatement. The Singapore Ministry of Manpower dictates that you can only hire a foreign employee if you have enough Singaporean staff. Singapore is known for its finance and maritime sector, not for its hospitality sector. So when several of our Singaporean staff members left last December and January, we knew it was going to be extremely difficult to renew the employment pass for one of our staff members, who just received the award for best employee of the past six months. I am talking about Loo Lai Yee; despite two appeals by us, her work pass was rejected.

Lai Yee is Malaysian, though she now lives in Singapore.

Originally from Ipoh, from a family of ten siblings, she went to work in Kuala Lumpur at the age of 17 and then came with friends to Singapore a few years

8 HOLLANDSE CLUB | WWW.HOLLANDSECLUB.ORG.SG

later, where she has stayed for the last five years. She prefers the safety of Singapore where she can be independent and make her own way in life. She sends money home every month to her family and travels home to visit them, which is a five-hour trip by bus.

Lai Yee joined the Hollandse Club in 2012 when her friend Khong Mum Tat, who also works at the Club, let her know they were looking for a waitress. She became assistant captain in January 2015 and was promoted to captain in November 2015. We didn’t let Loo Lai Yee just go and leave it as it is. I have actively connected with the Singaporean Club network and by the time you read this, she would have had several conversations for new employment. I am confident that Lai Yee will find employment soon and I wish her all the best in her future endeavours.

Last but not least I would like to inform you that, after 46 years of committed service to the Hollandse Club, our beloved Mr. Boon has retired at the age of 67.

When I ask colleagues what makes them smile about Mr. Boon they tell me he always has a friendly word for them, he loves food (especially bitterballen) and his favourite drink is apple pineapple juice. They also told me he loves gardening and we even have our very own Mr. Boon orchid garden here at the Hollandse Club! He now has more time to spend with his wife, three children and two grand children, and the dog he recently added to the family. Dear Mr. Boon, thank you so much - you will always remain Mr. Hollandse Club himself!

Wet Stuff

DO YOU KNOW?

• Do you know that we have a Monday morning tennis social? You do not have to be an A-player to join!

• Do you know that in March and April we have lots of staff birthdays to celebrate? Happy birthday to:

• Do you know that you can learn to swim freestyle in three months? Join in on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 9:00am.

Abdul Rahim Bin Patwi Ho Soo Luan (Kiki) Khong Mun Tat Annemiek Kuijsten Lee Chia Hui (Zoey)

• Do you know that we are looking for a triathlon convener? Special swim classes on Monday evenings at 8:00pm.

• Do you know that a special sport’s account number is available for sport teams for F&B purposes?

• Do you know that a member’s guest can only be introduced once a month to use the Club sports facilities?

• Do you know that guests can be introduced to make use of the Food and Beverage outlets an unlimited number of times?

• Do you know that we have new “junior” Hollandse Club members?

We would like to welcome: Maxe Marlise Elisabeth Timmerman daughter of Anne Zwart (Born on 30th Nov 2015)

To all members: Do let us know when a new junior member joins our international family so we can send you our exclusive Congratulation’s card!

10 HOLLANDSE CLUB | WWW.HOLLANDSECLUB.ORG.SG

3rd March Housekeeping th 19 March Terrace 26th March Kitchen Office 15th April 22nd April Finance

• Do you know that we have a new menu on the Terrace and limited menu during certain hours?

• Do you know that we are looking for new committee members for the Events Committee, Tennis Committee, Hockey Committee, and Main Committee?

• Do you know that the next AGM is coming up on 22nd March 2016?

• Do you know that we make beautiful cards and tasty birthday cakes that don’t break the bank?

Celebrate the Joy!

MEMBERSHIP

‘WeAreTheClub’

Brainstorming - Thank You

By Marte van der Hoeven

Sharing thoughts and ideas, discussing opportunities

for our Club in a welcoming, open and positive atmosphere is what the WeAreTheClub brainstorming sessions (held at the end of January) were all about.

A diverse group bonded over a mutually shared concern (Save Our Club) creating numerous fresh ideas and unlocking new energy. Change is already in the air and the synergy is tangible, building day by day, with new initiatives and friendships arising and enthusiastic trial members appreciating the vibrancy. So thank you all for joining in. Together, WeAreTheClub.

And We Are Synergy Poem by Mark R Slaughter

Here we see Minds

Cloud floes Slow shadows Cast upon the green-blue range of seas Random hues merge In ways thought evokes

We need the more For coalescence, Offer up the blossom Of epiphanies

Notions – Inner threads – Slide through arching lines Of time

And then we’ll all Command the outreach of sky

Would I end as me? – Or might the two be three?

And WE! – We’ve ousted fear!

Opposites – They intertwine, Seek out a way to meld, Synergise – Singletons Are only good for nascence

And so might you!

Those giant plumes are here

We’ve all so much – So much to do Copyright © Mark R Slaughter 2013

WWW.HOLLANDSECLUB.ORG.SG | HOLLANDSE CLUB 11

MEMBERSHIP

We are the Members Read the following stories from a trial member, a new member and an established members

The Gang of the Club

By Elizabeth Oei

The following article is written from the completely biased perspective of a working mum of three, approaching her fortieth birthday.

Meet the Gang I’m Elizabeth Oei, and I have been married to Peter for nine years. Having both parents away at work means that our three kids Sarah, aged 7, Thomas, aged 4, and Hannah, aged 2, have the run of the house.

We do our best to send them to a zillion classes, so that grandmother’s dementia is not accelerated, and grandfather does not lose his hearing in the other ear.

Rediscovering Singapore The whole gang is Singaporean. However, I was sent away to boarding school in the United Kingdom at the age of 13, and only returned to Singapore at the age of 30. I probably should have spent all 17 years at school, but the fees were prohibitive, and I had to earn my keep working for the National Health Service after I graduated from the University of Edinburgh.

My husband was a holiday fling that unexpectedly worked out rather well. I met him whilst on holiday in

12 HOLLANDSE CLUB | WWW.HOLLANDSECLUB.ORG.SG

Singapore and he proposed five weeks to the day we met. It wasn’t love at first sight, but we got along so well, it was unthinkable not to spend forever together.

It took us one year to book the hotel of our parents’ choice though. After he proposed, I had to return to work in the United Kingdom, and we realised that it would cost too much to keep travelling between the two countries. Please note this was before the advent of WhatsApp, FaceTime and mobile phones that weighed less than a bottle of water.

I was really accustomed to life overseas, and was in the process of applying for British citizenship. We thought hard, and decided that it was better for me to return to Singapore, as my in-laws were quite elderly, and would have no one to look after them. I still miss many things about the United Kingdom, and most of my friends are still there. I liked the rain, the cold, and the grey skies; they really made for a satisfying cup of hot tea.

MEMBERSHIP Coming back to Singapore was a cultural and climatic shock. I don’t think I drank anything hot for the first two years. People work hard in the United Kingdom, but they work even harder in Singapore (and for longer hours, too). In spite of all this, our marriage flourished, and I think that was because we were working at the same hospital 12 to 36 hours per shift, 6 to 7 days per week.

We didn’t really get out much beyond the hospital and the nearby mall. It was only when our kids arrived that we had to start exploring more of Singapore, for their sakes. Due to my aversion to heat and mosquitoes, we largely hung out at indoor playgrounds, with the occasional reluctant trip to the zoo.

The Hollandse Club When my husband first received the flyer advertising the trial membership, he had not heard of The Hollandse Club. We decided to join up, as it was quite close to where we lived, and the kids have been hounding us for more swimming and tennis lessons.

We have already visited the club three times so far, and had so much fun every visit.

Here’s a little chart of top ten things we loved on our first day at the Club.

1. Divine rendang 2. Great water slide and kiddy pool 3. Amazing view of the tree tops from the gym 4. The lush Grohe bathroom fixtures 5. Complimentary mosquito repellent 6. Relaxing under the fans at the Terrace 7. Getting to play tennis on the first day 8. Extremely helpful receptionist 9. Warm, cosy and friendly atmosphere 10. Kids having fun everywhere We felt very honoured to be included in the Save the Club dialogues, even though we were only trial members. We know the Club is facing a tough time, but such openness and ambition to see the continued success and growth of the Club is a powerful testament to its committee and members.

Even though we have only been (trial) members for 11 days, we have fallen in love the family-friendly ambience, the location, the facilities, and all the friendly folk. We can see so much potential, and look forward to much more.

Recommendations Join the Hollandse Club! And apply your mosquito repellent.

I will stop here, otherwise I am going to miss my ride to the Hollandse Club!

A New Member at the Club

By Samantha Hickman & family

One of the great things about the Hollandse Club is getting to meet people from all around the world.

I interviewed one of our new members, Samantha Hickman.

• Please introduce yourself.

My family and I recently relocated from Hong Kong, where my husband and children were born and where most of our family lives. It was my home for a total of 19 years. I am English but have lived “abroad” most of my life. My father was an airline pilot and so we moved around a lot - I was born in Lebanon, and lived in Morocco, the UK and Saudi Arabia before moving to Hong Kong. Before kids, I worked in advertising and marketing, and have always had an interest in the arts.

Emily (7), attends Dulwich College and our son, Matthew (5), is at Melbourne Specialist International School (MSIS). Emily is loving her new school, where there is a good emphasis on Mandarin, which we were keen for her to continue after years of learning in Hong Kong. Our son is thriving at his school where his needs are being specially met - Matthew is severely autistic and non-verbal and yet he is saying a lot of words and understanding/communicating with us much more since arriving. It is a combination of a school that understands him and the wonderful green and open environment here - as well as everyone speaking English and being so welcoming. We love so much about Singapore. There is so much to enjoy with the children and generally it is very relaxed. I find it very inspirational and creative and have met some wonderful artistic people here.

• What brought you to Singapore?

We moved to Singapore in August 2015 specifically for our children to go to schools here. Our daughter,

(continue on next page) WWW.HOLLANDSECLUB.ORG.SG | HOLLANDSE CLUB 13

MEMBERSHIP

• How did you discover the Hollandse Club and what do you feel is special about it?

A few friends and family recommended we look at the Hollandse Club - even though they are not members themselves! They felt it would suit us as a family. We did a tour with Rex Gillera and were offered a month trial membership, which gave us a good feel for the Club, the service, the food and the facilities. Overall, the Club has an international feel and other members have been very friendly - being chatty by the poolside, for example. We especially like the newly refurbished Terrace and the beautiful furniture. I want it for my rooftop! The menu is extensive and we’re yet to have a bad meal - I will need to get to the gym more if we keep eating there! So yummy! The funky lounge music is also fabulous, and really adds to the atmosphere. The indoor playroom is a big hit with both of our kids and, considering that our son has special needs, the staff have been very kind and managed him well. He enjoys

being in the space as much as our daughter, which is so great for me to be able to have somewhere for them to play whilst we order and wait for food.

• We hope you are enjoying living in Singapore.

We have found our move to Singapore to be mostly seamless and that is thanks to the people we already know here and the new people we have met through the Club and our children’s schools. Singapore is allround easy - to navigate, get around and live in. We feel very fortunate to be here and intend for it to be a long-term home for us. With so many family and friends coming to visit, we will soon be utilising the Club’s hotel rooms to the full, too.

’Ida & Ernest’

By Sophie March

M y name is Sophie March and I’m from the UK. My husband Nick, my daughter Emilia (5), my son Eddie (1) and I have been members of the Hollandse Club since 2012 when we moved to Singapore from Bahrain. We feel very lucky to have the Club as our second home and we can mostly be found by the swimming pool, where at least one of us will be having lessons. I am currently the Adult Swim Conveynor, so I am always happy to have a chat about anything swim-related! We really appreciate the community of the Club, the beautiful surroundings and the friendly staff.

14 HOLLANDSE CLUB | WWW.HOLLANDSECLUB.ORG.SG

MEMBERSHIP

When we moved to Singapore, I got involved with a number of different organisations to meet people, settle in and to get to know Singapore. Before my son was born, I was volunteering with the National Library Board KidsREAD programme (for low-income and disadvantaged children in Singapore - it’s really worth checking out if you have a spare hour or two in the week). I also worked with a social enterprise, SoCh in Action, hosting social innovation workshops in local schools across the island. I currently volunteer with the New Mothers’ Support Group, which organizes talks, walks, socials, and play dates for expectant mums, new mums and mums new to Singapore (www.nmsg-singapore.com).

Obviously, one of the great things about being in Singapore is having so much of Asia on our doorstep. I was excited to get out and explore and found myself avidly reading travel blogs to get ideas and advice, especially with regards to travelling the unknown with young children. I realized that the most useful travel advice came from parents who were writing about the country they lived in, rather than a brief snapshot from someone’s one-week trip or long weekend away. I had thought about writing my own travel blog, as we have so many tales (good and bad!) from our trips as a family but any blog I wrote was always going to be limited to the places we had been. As much as we love to travel, it is going to take us a while to cover the globe, although I am going to try!

And so that’s where the premise of Ida & Ernest, my travel website came from.

Ida & Ernest combines family-friendly destination information from local parents with fun, age-appropriate activities to spark the young traveller’s imagination and enhance the family travel experience. Our contributors, both local and expatriate parents (including one Karien van Ditzhuijzen – you might have read some of her stuff in the magazine before!), offer direct, helpful and quick travel advice and information. As well as articles from local insiders we also have helpful travel tips, reviews on kid-friendly travel gear and recommendations on books and apps for kids. Plus, if you are looking for something to entertain the children with on your next trip, we have loads of free travelthemed printables.

It’s been a real learning curve setting up my own website and getting involved with the world of social media – something quite unknown to me before. But it’s been a brilliant way to meet people, learn new things and get inspired for our next family travel adventure.

We get a lot of questions about our company name.

Ida and Ernest are the company mascots. They are two intrepid, young adventurers, travelling the world, looking, listening and learning about all the exciting stuff they see. They love trying new things and meeting new people from around the globe – actually, they sound like a lot of the kids at the Hollandse Club!

Their names are quite traditional - just like some of the old-fashioned (but FUN!) games and activities on our website. In fact, they share names with two early explorers. Any guesses who...?

Ernest Shackleton and Ida Pfeiffer. I am sure you have heard of Ernest Shackleton but Ida Pfeiffer is less well known. She was born in Austria in 1797 and was one of the first female explorers. When she was a very young child she had travelled with her parents but as she grew older her family responsibilities meant she was unable to fulfill her travel dreams. However, once her sons left home she set off on her adventures.

She travelled around the world TWICE, including eighteen months in the Malay Archipelago, and wrote seven books all about the things she saw along the way. She bucked convention and went out to see the world as she had always wanted to do as a child.

Ida and Ernest is a constant work in progress and always evolving so if you get the chance to visit the website (www.idaandernest.com) we would love your feedback.

Or just drop by to check out the articles and grab a free printable. Plus, we are always looking for contributors based around the world so feel free to spread the word.

Happy travels!

WWW.HOLLANDSECLUB.ORG.SG | HOLLANDSE CLUB 15

MEMBERSHIP

A Member’s Story Sharan, Amar, Eysha & Elyna Gill

Recently at the Club, I bumped into an old friend, Sharan Gill. Sharan and I originally met when we took our younger children (her Elyna and my Rohain) for swimming classes and Mums and Tots. She has since relocated to Hong Kong with her family, but comes back to visit Singapore, when she stays in the Rooms at the Club and reactivates their membership. I asked her to tell us why she loves the Club: I am originally from Malaysia, but moved to Singapore in 2008 after seven years in Hong Kong. I have 2 kids: Eysha, age 13 and Elyna (fondly referred to by an old friend’s son as Enina), age 8. My husband, Amar Gill, is a stockbroker who keeps moving his family around, hence yours truly being featured as an absent rather than present Member.

I came to Singapore in 2008, and acquired permanent residence at the Hollandse Club circa 2008/9 where I met my madcap group of friends who also made the Club their second home: Nina, Susan and Marga. I also made the acquaintance of an extremely dedicated group of volunteer librarians, who refused to give up on an old Club institution: its library.

Did I enjoy my time in Singapore? Yes I did, and had to be dragged back to Hong Kong in 2013 kicking and screaming. It was initially lonely when we first moved here as we stayed in a little modern apartment block with no other kids and, hence, very little opportunity to make friends. But a chance introduction to old Members, Aziz and Anna, pretty much changed that.

We were given a tour of the Club, fell in love with it, and were Members within the week. It pretty much changed our social scene, particularly after joining Mums and Tots, where I met two of my dearest friends. Mums and Tots sessions at the Club would continue into long play dates at each other’s homes, and I began to finally enjoy my life in Singapore. The Club quickly became our second home. Even when the kids did not have an activity, we would often still head there because we knew we would bump into the friends and have a lovely time.

The Club was one of the reasons it was difficult to leave Singapore, so we were really happy when the accommodation wing was built. Though we lost the bowling alley (a convenient venue for birthday parties), we were now able to enjoy the Club whenever we came to Singapore on holiday. We make it a point to come at least once a year, and the kids love it.

16 HOLLANDSE CLUB | WWW.HOLLANDSECLUB.ORG.SG

The staff is amazing; whenever we walk in after our flight, we are greeted so warmly by the old staff that it almost feels like coming home. It is sad though to discover each time that someone has left; it would be nice if we could find some way to keep them longer. For the absent Members, at least, it does make the difference between indifferent staff at a hotel and these lovely individuals who are so much of the Club we fell in love with and still love.

The library, well, that is in a class of its own. I have lived in so many places, joined several Clubs and there are none that have anything even remotely resembling what the Hollandse Club library has. I know the volunteers struggle to hold it together, but they have done an amazing job. Many of the books the kids have enjoyed growing up were picked up in that cosy corner of the Club, and it is the first place we head to whenever we arrive from Hong Kong.

Keep it going - it is a credit to the Club.

And finally to new Members, I would just say, enjoy this place - let your kids join as many of the activities as they can, they will only benefit from it. You will make friends that will stay with you for life and you will look back on your expat days with nostalgia and happy memories.

Sign up now for a 6-month membership!

Don’t pay any entrance fee, only: - monthly subscription fees: $211 (F)* or $134 (S)+ - minimum F&B spend: $100 per month - refundable deposit: $500 (F)* or $350 (S)+ * Family + Single

Sign up now at membership@hollandseclub.org.sg | 6461 1111

MEMBERSHIP

Keep Moving!

Scott Johnston & Michael Bromley So you’ve made a good start to 2016; maybe you’ve joined the gym or done some laps in the pool. Or maybe you haven’t quite got around to it.

What else can you do at the Hollandse Club?

Have you thought about tennis? I talked to a couple of our tennis coaches at the Club, Scott and Mike, from Savitar Tennis.

Hi Scott. Could you tell us a bit about yourself?

My name is Scott Johnston from Australia. I’ve been a tennis coach for 20 years and I’m currently employed

by Savitar Tennis, working as Director of Tennis at the Hollandse Club.

When did you come to Singapore, and what do you like especially about being here?

I moved to Singapore in 2011 to start as the director of tennis; this is my sixth year at the Hollandse Club.

What I like is that Singapore and the people that live here have a can-do attitude; how often do you see a change to the city skyline or attraction. It really is the place to be in Asia. Since living here I have discovered that, as much as I have explored, there is still so much more to see. As the saying goes: “Never stop exploring”.

What do you feel is special about the Hollandse Club?

The Hollandse Club has a friendly atmosphere. I’ve met so many great people over the years. The Club itself has so many great facilities, including the tennis courts, which have a stadium-feel with the pavilion and bar overlooking the courts - no other club has that in Singapore. The tennis pavilion is a great place to enjoy a post-match drink and/or catch up with friends.

What has been one of your highlights so far while at the Hollandse Club?

A few years ago, we had Dutch Wimbledon Doubles Champions Jacco Eltingh and Paul Haarhuis visit the Club. We had a wonderful morning of clinics for adults and children, and finished off with an exhibition match. They were so friendly and encouraging to the players. Everyone had so much fun. They challenged some of the coaches in an exhibition match, and gave them a tennis lesson in doubles play! Over one hundred adults and juniors participated; members still mention it today.

18 HOLLANDSE CLUB | WWW.HOLLANDSECLUB.ORG.SG

Please tell us a bit about your work.

You will find me at the tennis courts six days a week; I coach players of all abilities from the age of 4 years and up. For anyone thinking about trying tennis for themselves or their children, I tell them tennis really is a sport for life: it takes effort and perseverance at the beginning to get the correct technique, then the rewards are to enjoy tennis for years to come.

Can you give us some advice for starting a new exercise program?

Start an activity you enjoy (hopefully, tennis!). More importantly, don’t let excuses get in the way of starting it. Once you get started in your new activity, schedule it in your diary as a part of your week. Creating momentum is key to making it become a part of your lifestyle.

How can I fit exercise into my busy schedule?

Asia is a busy place; with work and making time for families, it’s hard to make time to look after yourself.

I believe that something is better than nothing!

Remember there are 24 hours in a day, so make the time to do something! Before work, during lunchtime, or after work are all times we could schedule some exercise for ourselves.

What can you do to help us?

We have a great team of coaches that can help you improve and enjoy your tennis. We always ask questions to find out exactly what your goals are and then go about helping you achieve them. Tennis has so many benefits, including improved fitness, better concentration, improved co-ordination, meeting new people, and many more.

What can you do to help us?

We have a great team of coaches that can help you improve and enjoy your tennis. We always ask questions to find out exactly what your goals are and then go about helping you achieve them. Tennis has so many benefits, including improved fitness, better concentration, improved co-ordination, meeting new people, and many more.

MEMBERSHIP by the tropical forests and frequent visiting wildlife!

What advice can you give us to improve our fitness?

Firstly, pick an activity you enjoy so you can remain active and motivated, as this requires commitment and effort. Then make realistic short and long-term goals that are monitorable so you can measure your success or address areas that need improvement.

What can you do to help us?

Lately, I have seen stories in the Magazine about beach tennis. Can you tell us more about that?

Beach tennis is so much fun, and has become a real hit amongst the members at the Club. We have held a number of beach tennis events at Sentosa in the last 12 months. It’s incredibly easy to cross over, for any tennis or squash player to pick up, and the doubles format keeps it very social. We already have a number of events planned this year, so stay tuned.

Thanks, Scott, for your time.

Thank you, I look forward to seeing all the members playing tennis, and please don’t hesitate to contact us if you want help to improve your game.

We have a fantastic coaching program and very active tennis section at the Club. We cater to all ages and levels, and will tailor our lessons to the needs and choices of the player. One great aspect of tennis at the recreational level is that it is low-impact on the body but conditions stamina, speed, agility and strength without risking major health issues (therefore, it can be a game for life).

One other benefit I feel is overlooked is the de-stressing value of tennis or exercise, especially in adult life (but also for the youth with school pressures nowadays).

Tennis is mostly an outdoor sport, which in itself is quite therapeutic after being inside for most of our day!

To summarise, enjoy your chosen activity, apply your efforts and reap the benefits in all aspects of your life.

Michael, thanks for taking the time for the interview.

My pleasure. Hope to see you on the tennis courts or at least above the courts in the gym. Keep healthy!

Hello Mike. Please tell us a little bit about yourself.

My name is Michael Bromley, from London, England.

I live here with my Singaporean wife, Sharifah, and son, Reis Haider, who is seven years old. We have lived in Singapore for the past two years.

Why did you choose Singapore and the Hollandse Club?

I had been working in the Middle East for thirty years, got married, had our son, and spent some wonderful years together there. Then, from our family’s perspective, we felt the need to have more roots as a family, so we decided to relocate to Singapore. I was very fortunate to be placed at one of the most familyfriendly and hospitable clubs here, and the tennis section and coaching must be among the busiest and most active in Singapore.

One would never believe that we’re on a tiny island with four million people when you play tennis surrounded

WWW.HOLLANDSECLUB.ORG.SG | HOLLANDSE CLUB 19

MEMBERSHIP

20 HOLLANDSE CLUB | WWW.HOLLANDSECLUB.ORG.SG

welcome

MEMBERSHIP

EXTENDING A WARM

TO OUR NEW CLUB MEMBERS!

• Andrew Douglas Watts • Elizabeth Jane Watts • Georg Zielinski • Annette Zielinski • Peter Andrew Klok • Julia Burns • Ilona Van Daelen • Chiel Van Daelen • Niels Willem Huve • Sara Huve • Iain Stuart Allison • Jella Segers • Heinz Esser • Matthew Brandon • Marie-Charlotte Brandon • Luc Driessen • Mirjam Van Rooij • Stuart Barron

• Sarah Barron • Corine Eva Hepkema • Maarten Gerrit Hepkema • Steven Joachim Lohman - Funke • Catrien Maria Funke • Stuart Harry Clark • Katherine Clark • Heiko Steinmetz • Maren Steinmetz • Robert Pastoor • Nina Scharwachter • Saskia Boer Ev Kops • Arno Kops • Xavier Stucki • Pamela Walshe • Richard Philip Mackender • Suzannah Louise Mackender • Janene Karyn Johnson

• Jason Edward Johnson • Manuel John Riezebos • Petronella Wilhelmina Meekers • Simon Lowes Collinson • Sarah Kate Collinson • Goh Ling Ling • John Robert Upton • Sarah Louise Costello Reynolds • Justin Halford Reynolds • Adrian Graham Canning • Eleanor Charmaine Canning • Danielle Nicole Britten • David Charles Britten • Jan Christian Karssiens • Paula Ann Karssiens • Juliet Anne English • Aarthur Alexander English

WWW.HOLLANDSECLUB.ORG.SG | HOLLANDSE CLUB 21

MEMBERSHIP

We have partnered up with a selection of merchants to bring you some of the best deals beyond the Club! * Please show your membership card to enjoy these promotions

First authentic Japanese spa in Singapore specialized in the traditional Japanese bath, massage and more. 25% discount on spa services, 15% discount on subsequent visits.

For more info: http://www.ikedaspa.com

proof of identity to enjoy the discount. a la

For more info log on to http://www.ikedaspa.com

Vedure Face, Body & Nail MediSpa 501 Orchard Road, #04-06 Wheelock Place, Singapore 238880 Tel: 6732 6448 info@vedure.com | www.vedure.com

Vision of retaining youth & beauty for everyone. 20% discount on your first face, body or spa services.

For more info: www.vedure.com Email: info@vedure.com Like Facebook page: INQDesign.sg

Receive $200 worth of product credit* for every booking of studio session. *Quote “Hollandse Club Promo” to enjoy the additional product credit.

Email us for more info!

For more info log-on to www.tomatophoto.sg Email: info@tomato.sg

For more info on party packages, log-on to www.azzotiq.com Email: celebratiq@azzotiq.com

20% off collagen eye treatment (U.P. $59), refreshes tired eyes and reduces fine lines. T&C apply.

For more info: www.thebodyfirm.com.sg Email: hello@thebodyfirm.com.sg For more info log on to www.tennishub.com

Enjoy a special package stay at our resort at 15% off published rate and treat yourself to a one hour free stand up paddling activity daily!* * Promotion valid till 31st May 2016 (except public holiday)

For more info: www.trikorabeachclub.com Email: info@trikorabeachclub.com

Special offer for Hollandse Club Members: 20% off ACE Travel Insurance For more info contact Conny Pfeiler conny.pfeiler@flightcentre.com.sg

Early bird Spa Indulgence: 30% off normal rates for 80-mins spa treatments* * Booking & travel period till 31st March 2016.

Booking code:YTLTHCRP

For more info email travelcentre@ytlhotels.com.my 22 HOLLANDSE CLUB | WWW.HOLLANDSECLUB.ORG.SG

MEMBERSHIP

For more info: www.bagusplace.com Email: reservations@bagusplace.com

Pay a group price for 6 instead Call (+65) 6705 7825 to reserve your seats Email: originsoffood@onefarrer.com

For more info: www.interior-affairs.com

“Allow yourself to BLOOM!” Workshop.

Enjoy 20% discount for members.

For more info: www.bloomdevelopmentfactory.com

For more info: www.twobros.com.sg

For more info: www.tennishub.com

For more info: www.tomato.sg Email: info@tomato.sg WWW.HOLLANDSECLUB.ORG.SG | HOLLANDSE CLUB 23

Easter

Colouring Contest

Hey kids!

Join our Easter Colouring Contest and win many cool prizes! Submit your best colouring at the Reception by 4th April. Winners will be featured in the May/Jun 2016 issue. Ready, steady, go!

Name:_________________________________ Membership No.:__________________ Age:____________ HP:___________________ Email:_____________________________ *extra copies of this colouring page are available at the Reception.

WWW.HOLLANDSECLUB.ORG.SG | HOLLANDSE CLUB 25

Easter

Moments Inspiring stories . Delicious recipes . Interesting facts

Chicks!

By Karien van Ditzhuijzen

Easter time is baby time. In the northern hemisphere spring has sprung; lambs frolic in the meadows; calves suckle at their mothers’ udders; and which are the cutest of all? Of course, baby chickens. The fluffy yellow down-balls are, together with the eggs they hatched from, the greatest symbol of Easter.

But if you don’t live on a farm, it is quite difficult these days to see some real, live baby chicks.

So how lucky am I, that as I am writing this, I am doing so with the soft cheeping sound of three four-week-old chicks in the background?

Real babies Our babies act just like human babies: they eat a lot, they poo a lot, and when they don’t sleep, they are inquisitive and exploring. It is a shame they don’t stay cute and little for very long, because the other thing they do, is grow a lot.

When they arrived at our house two weeks ago, they easily fitted in the palm of my hand and they were covered in soft, yellow down. Only two weeks later, they have more than doubled in size. They have started to grow, thick, adult feathers. The combs on their heads are turning more pronounced. And, they eat and poo even more.

Off to school Are you curious to learn more about chicks? You are not the only one; so we brought the chicks to school, more precisely, to my daughter’s kindergarten class that wanted to learn all about the chicks.

They had prepared some great questions. My five-year-old daughter and I were proclaimed ‘chick experts’, and tried to answer them as best as we could. Shall we share the answers with you, so you can learn too?

The first question was: what do they eat, and how much? That one was easy, and my daughter gave it instantly: Everything. And a lot. She was right.

Chickens, and chicks, too, can eat everything that we can eat. They like vegetables, grains, fruit, and meat and fish, too. Out in the garden, they love nothing better than snapping up a big fat worm or bug. Did you know our chicks’ favourite food is spaghetti bolognaise? They pick up a string and slurp it up, just like they’d do with a chubby worm.

Laying hens need to eat a lot to produce eggs every day, and little chicks need to grow like crazy, so apart from special chicken food they enjoy fresh greens and scraps from our kitchen every day. (continue next page) WWW.HOLLANDSECLUB.ORG.SG | HOLLANDSE CLUB 27

On a stick?

Another really good question was: how do they sleep? Most children thought chickens would prefer a nice, comfortable box with some bedding like hay or sawdust. They were surprised, as I think you will be, to learn that chickens sleep on a stick! In the wild, chickens sleep in trees, to be safe from predators that want to eat them at night. In a chicken coop, they sleep on a ladder of sticks called a roost, or perch.

When we let the baby chicks run freely through the classroom, my daughter demonstrated the answer to another of the questions: how do you hold a chick? As chicks are very little and fragile, the best thing to do is to make a cup of your hands to enclose them, and make sure you don’t squeeze.

Can they fly?

Whilst the chicks were trying to escape seventeen kindergarteners’ groping hands, they demonstrated the answer to the next question themselves: can chickens fly? The chicks spread their wings for a good amount of flapping and fluttering, but no take-off ensued.

Our Easter Celebrations!

By Julius Leendertz

Easter is always a nice time. Sometimes we celebrate it in Singapore where we live and sometimes in Europe where we go on holiday. It is always the Easter bunny who brings the Easter eggs – coloured chicken eggs and, of course, chocolate eggs in all sizes. He ususually hides them in the garden. In Singapore, we have to be very quick to find all the eggs because otherwise they melt or the monkeys, who come to our garden almost daily, have a good Easter celebration, too!

In Europe, we can take things a bit easier and sometimes there is even snow to keep the eggs cool.

28 HOLLANDSE CLUB | WWW.HOLLANDSECLUB.ORG.SG

Wild chickens, like the jungle fowl we see in Singapore, are reasonable flyers, but even they cannot fly long distances, nor much higher than up to the trees to sleep at night, hopping from one branch to another to get up high. Our own little ones are bred to be good at laying eggs, but are too fat to support their own weight in flight.

After some frantic running and flapping, some petting and cuddling, we decided it was time for the chicks to return to their hutch. Back at home they lay down for a good nap, exhausted after the excitement of the morning. Then, of course, they ate. And ate some more. Now they are cheeping away in their hutch, and it won’t be long until they will have outgrown it, and can move to join their big sisters in the outside run.

One of our Easter traditions I particularly like is “koeppen�. It comes from the Rhineland region in Germany and goes like this: Each family member takes one of the coloured, hard-boiled eggs from the Easter basket. We choose a partner and first knock the pointy ends of the eggs against each other, then the flat ends.

The eggs that do not have broken shells after the first round compete against each other again.

We move on like this until there is only one winning egg left. Guess who likes to win!

Easter In Norway: PĂĽske i Norge

By Elise Molenaar-Kristiansen

My childhood Easter holiday memories are of sun-filled skiing holidays in Norway, the country of my father.

After the long dark winter, the Easter holiday is very much welcomed to celebrate the arrival of longer days and to spend time with friends and family. Imagine short, cold, snowy winter days where the sun only rises at 9.30am and sets again at 3pm; this is what winter days in the relatively southern city of Oslo are like. By the time Easter comes around, the days are getting longer and longer - much longer than in Singapore. In June, the sun rises at 4am and sets at 11pm. Each year, everyone looks forward to the lengthening of the days!

Norwegians are predominantly Lutheran but very secularized, so Easter is also a religious festival. For me, personally, it was more about seeing friends and family and skiing, eating oranges and Kvikk Lunsj!

Norwegians also eat things like chocolate Easter eggs, but Kvikk Lunsj, a chocolate wafer much like Kit Kat is a matter of national pride. The average Norwegian eats about nine Kvikk Lunsj a year. Its manufacturer, Freia, once tried to change the wrapping into more up-to-date colors and was (continue next page)

WWW.HOLLANDSECLUB.ORG.SG | HOLLANDSE CLUB 29

met by strong opposition, so they quickly changed it back to its old-fashioned-looking red, yellow, and green wrapper. You simply cannot go on a ski tour without a Kvikk Lunsj in your pocket.

My family would go to the mountains, as we love all types of skiing: downhill, Nordic style or tourskiing and telemark. When I was little, we mostly did cross-country skiing, which in Norway is simply called skiing. When I was eight months old, my father took me in a pulk (a sort of sleigh) wrapped in a sheepskin into the mountains. He pulled me uphill and we would speed telemarkstyle downhill!

The Norwegian word for Easter is P책ske, which comes from the Hebrew word Pesach. The traditional Easter lunch would be boiled potatoes, and vegetables, lamb and beer. Followed by sweets and desserts.

Most of you have heard of the success of Scandinavian detective series, be it novels or on TV. Well, during Easter, nearly every TV and radio channel will produce a crime series. Norwegians call it P책skekrim. It is a tradition that started in 1923 and is still going strong.

COLOURING CONTEST WINNERS!

Inke (3 years old)

Olivia (7 years old)

Liberty (7 years old)

Congratulations to the winners of the Lunar New Year Colouring Contest!

Winners will be notified by email. Keep up the good work, kids!

30 HOLLANDSE CLUB | WWW.HOLLANDSECLUB.ORG.SG

Easter Tradition Recipe: Chocolate Easter Nests

By Emilia March, UK, age 4

At Easter, I like that you can have lots of chocolate and I like to find the Easter eggs that my Mummy and Daddy have hidden. My Daddy likes hot cross buns. He gobbles them up.

This is an egg-cellent recipe for young kids to help with. A classic favourite from childhood, super-easy to make and very tasty. This recipe makes 12 nests.

Ingredients • 225g plain chocolate, broken in to pieces (you can use milk chocolate for a less rich taste) • 2 tbsp golden syrup • 50g unsalted butter • 75g cornflakes or rice crispies or crushed shredded wheat • 36+ mini sugar-coated chocolate eggs

Preparation method • Line a 12-hole muffin tin with paper cases.

• Melt the chocolate, golden syrup and butter in a bowl over a pan of gently simmering water.

Do not let the base of the bowl touch the water. Keep stirring the mixture until it is smooth.

• Remove the bowl from the heat and gently stir in the cornflakes/crispies/shredded wheat until all of the cereal is coated in the chocolate mixture.

• Divide the mixture between the paper cases, make a small dent in the middle of the nest and put in three (or more!) chocolate eggs into the centre. Chill in the fridge for 1 hour, or until completely set.

WWW.HOLLANDSECLUB.ORG.SG | HOLLANDSE CLUB 31

For a Singaporean Easter: Sambal Eggs

By Karien van Ditzhuijzen

What do we eat for Easter? Eggs! But since we are in Singapore, why not try a local classic?

These spicy eggs are great for a vegetarian dinner or lunch, served with rice and some vegetables; or, if you are more adventurous, perhaps for Easter brunch? Believe it or not, they are the favourite food of my 6-year-old daughter. The sambal is sweet, sour and spicy at the same time, just a perfect balance. For more fussy children, you can vary the amount of chili you use.

Ingredients • 6 eggs • 2 large tomatoes • 2 onions • 4 shallots • 7 large chilis • 2-3 chili padi (small, string chili) to taste • 4 cloves of garlic • ½ tablespoon tamarind paste (seeds removed) • 2 tablespoons gula malaka (palm sugar) • 2 salam leaves (Asian bay leaves) • 2 jeruk perut leaves (kaffir lime) • cooking oil

Preparation method • Boil the eggs hard, and set aside to cool. Take one large onion, and cut into thin strips. These will add texture to your sambal. Chop the rest of the onion, shallot, garlic, tomato, and chilli, roughly.

You can use more or less chili depending on your taste. The large chilis are usually not that spicy, the chili padi are, so use less, or none, of those if you prefer a lighter version. Blend all of these ingredients together in a blender or food processor. Or, if you want to, go old school and grind them with a pestle and mortar.

• Peel the eggs and dry them. Heat about a cm of oil in a wok, and fry the boiled eggs on all sides until they are golden, which should take just a few minutes. You can omit this step if you prefer, but the sambal will not stick to the eggs very well.

• Set the eggs aside on some tissue. Now take the blended sambal mixture, and add the tamarind and palm sugar. Fry the sambal in the hot wok for a few minutes, until fragrant, and until some of the moisture has evaporated. We don’t want the sambal to be too wet. Then add the sliced onion and salam and jeruk perut leaves, and a pinch of salt. Fry until the onion is soft.

• Then add the eggs, and heat everything through.

• You can eat them straight away, or let them cool down first.

32 HOLLANDSE CLUB | WWW.HOLLANDSECLUB.ORG.SG

FEATURES

Article provided by Kundalini Yoga by Pamela Kaur

KUNDALINI WELLBEING

By Pamela Kaur

Kundalini Yoga was taught for over 5000 years in India and Tibet, passed down privately from teacher to student. Yogis, saints and sages developed what they considered a ‘technology’ to allow individuals to experience and express their highest self, to attain and maintain a level of higher consciousness.

Coming from the Sanskrit word ‘kundal’, meaning ‘lock of hair of the beloved’ the uncoiling is the awakening of the kundalini – the latent energy force in us, which is the catalyst for all forms of self-healing, intuition, creativity and wisdom. This energy is the creative potential that already exists in all of us, but usually lies dormant. The purpose of Kundalini Yoga is to release the energy gradually and gracefully in order to connect you to your true path.

It is a technology and a science for all aspects of human living. Based on the realization that our true strength comes from within, Kundalini Yoga deepens and expands our awareness on all levels so that we may awaken our full potential and grace. It is a transformational practice using dynamic posture, breath, mantra, sound, meditation, and deep relaxation.

Pamela is a K.R.I. (Kundalini Research Institute) certified Kundalini Yoga Instructor. Passionate in sharing her knowledge and love for Kundalini Yoga, she now teaches in Thailand and Singapore. As a Kundalini Yoga teacher she teaches with enthusiasm and humor.

She hopes to inspireand uplift her students. She believes in healing beyond medicine: we all have it in us to be strongand healthy. The way to achieve this is by taking responsibility for our own physical and mental health. We can develop more consciousness through working with yoga, meditation and breath work.

To find out more about the class and book a place, please contact: +65 91527771 or email: yogalotus8@gmail.com Health and Lifestyle site: www.almondsandraisins.com

Kundalini Yoga

With Pamela Kaur Kundalini Yoga as taught by Yogi Bhajan, is a holistic philosophy that brings practical benefits of rejuvenation and healing. It is a comprehensive system of exercises, breathing, meditation and a healthy mental projection. In this way we develop conscious dynamic relationship between our personal life energy and the universal flow of Prana. The overall result is the balancing of our chakras and the alignment of our ten spiritual Bodies.

The word Kundalini means spiral of hair and later came to be known as coiled potential energy and consciousness which is thought to lay at the base of the spine waiting to be awoken by various practices, moving and breathing techniques.

Pamela is a K.R.I. certified Kundalini Yoga and Conscious Pregnancy Instructor.

Passionate in sharing her knowledge and love for Kundalini Yoga, she now teaches in Thailand and Singapore. Pamela is a Reiki Healer training at the Somatic Experiencing Institute Australia, where her knowledge of trauma and its effects in the body was gained.

_________________________________________________________________________________

To find out more about the class & book a place Contact: +65 91527771 Email: yogalotus8@gmail.com

Health and Lifestyle site: www.almondsandraisins.com

WWW.HOLLANDSECLUB.ORG.SG | HOLLANDSE CLUB 33

OFF THE BEATEN TRACK GOES TO CONEY ISLAND

By Claire Wintraecken

No spirit; lack of ideas for my “off the beaten track” item in the Magazine; nothing on my radar so far. During our Committee meeting, Karien mentioned “Coney Island” had just reopened. Coney Island sounds to me like hot dogs and a rundown amusement park in New York.

Coney Island Singapore was (and still is) alternatively known as Pulau Serangoon when the Haw Par 34 HOLLANDSE CLUB | WWW.HOLLANDSECLUB.ORG.SG

FEATURES brothers bought it in the 1930s. They built a beach villa there, which fell into disrepair after World War II. The island remained uninhabited until 1950, when Ghulam Mahmood bought the island. This Indian businessman wanted to turn the island into a resort.

He named it after Coney Island in New York. Ghulam Mahmood could never finalize his plans, as he was fined for corruption. The land fell back to the government in the seventies.

I decided to investigate this further, since I had no other good alternatives, and I had just read an interesting article in The New York Times: “A walk in the park” may soothe the mind and, in the process, can even change the workings of our brains. It was going to be a walk in the park for this city-dweller girl.

The travelers at my side were my mom and dad, as they were visiting us. As we are early birds on my side of the family, we set off early on a Monday morning.

animals. Lucky visitors may even come across a bull, which is roaming freely across the island. Nobody knows how the bull got on the island. Thankfully, we were not that lucky. Families can roam freely as well with their bikes down the main Coney Island spine.

Unfortunately, the Urban Redevelopment Authority’s recent plans reveal that a part of Coney Island (about half) will also be redeveloped for recreational and residential purposes. Despite these plans, Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure Khaw Boon Wan hopes that the park will serve as a symbol of sustainability.

For example, the timber of fallen Casurina trees are used to make the signs and benches you can find in the park. Rainwater is collected to flush toilets.

Is it worth the visit? Yes, for your inner-self, for a good walk, some exercise, or just some fresh air for the kids. I think this place can get crowded at weekends, as more and more people find out the park is open again. So take your chance now and go.

The park is situated off Singapore’s north east coast, and is a 45-hectare island. I relied on my navigation instinct. We took the car and stopped somewhere down Punggol Road. We found ourselves walking in a park but to say we reconnected with Mother Nature, no. Construction was going on everywhere around us. Soon we found out we were walking in the other park, namely, Punggol Waterway Park.

If you want to travel by public transportation, take the bus to Punggol Point Park and walk 500 metres to enter the park’s western entrance.

By the way, did you know that the name “Coney Island” comes from the Dutch word “konijn”, according to legend. The Dutch settled Manhattan in 1624 and inhabited Coney Island soon afterwards. The island had a large population of wild rabbits, which may have given it its name.

We had a nice stroll along the promenade but since I wanted a ‘real nature haven’ we headed out to our planned destination.

Coney Island Park is connected to the mainland and access is easy via two bridges. We drove down the Tampines Expressway to Pasir Ris Industrial Drive 5 to the park’s eastern entrance.

We had a lovely walk and went home after spending almost two hours in the park. According to my dad, it is a perfect place for bird watching. Unfortunately, I am not able to share the names of the birds we saw with you (lack of knowledge) but it was quite a handful.

You will see many different types of plants and

”A walk in the park” may soothe the mind and, in the process, can even change the workings of our brains.

WWW.HOLLANDSECLUB.ORG.SG | HOLLANDSE CLUB 35

FEATURES

Artist Insights: Mishell Leong

By Marilou Groot Nibbelink

Mishell grew up in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and

left home at the age of 18 to pursue her degree in Maths, Operational Research, Statistics and Economics (MORSE) in the UK. She is a Chartered Accountant with KPMG London and had a career in financial services, which brought her to Switzerland as well as other parts of the world. Newly married, Mishell and her husband decided to move to Singapore fiveand-a-half years ago to experience living in Asia.

Mishell discovered her passion for painting when she was pregnant with her firstborn, Marc. When she struggled to find anything colourful, adorable and vibrant for her baby’s room, she decided to paint her own and friends started asking if she could paint for them, too. Her work can now be seen adorning the walls of homes across the world.

Mishell’s style is to paint through the eyes of a child for most of her work because she loves the simplicity

36 HOLLANDSE CLUB | WWW.HOLLANDSECLUB.ORG.SG

and purity of a child’s heart. She likes to create paintings that make the viewer dream and imagine stories from them, and her passion for colours comes through in her artwork. In her own words: “How wonderful would it be to lie back and look at the painting on the wall and create little stories together as a family?”

Mishell only takes limited commissions per year in order to spend time with her two young children and family. Her portfolio of work can be viewed online on www.milcbymishell.com.

MilcbyMishell, a business started by Mishell, is all about affordable, customised and personalised prints and other products derived from Mishell’s artwork.

Mishell will be displaying her artwork in the Tradewinds bar in April.

Family, Paediatric & Travel Medicine

Our people make the difference • Caring for the expatriate community since 1999 • A diverse international team of medical professionals • A caring, friendly and familiar environment Camden Clinic | 1 Orchard Boulevard, Camden Medical Centre #14-06 | 6733 4440 Jelita Clinic | 293 Holland Road, Jelita Cold Storage #02-04 | 6465 4440 Paediatric Clinic | 1 Orchard Boulevard, Camden Medical Centre #11-06 | 6887 4440

www.imc–healthcare.com

10% Discount to Hollandse Club Members: Parties & Camps and Rugby & Touch Memberships

WWW.HOLLANDSECLUB.ORG.SG | HOLLANDSE CLUB 37

Look better and feel better about yourself The best salon for: . Facials . Permanent Hair Removal . Waxing . Anti Cellulite massage . Body Shaping

38 HOLLANDSE CLUB | WWW.HOLLANDSECLUB.ORG.SG

Hollandse Club (125x175mm).indd 2

19/2/16 4:04 PM

UPCOMING SPORTS & SOCIAL EVENTS

MARCH

at a gl

4

Best Dance Teenz Party

March

Fri, 8pm - 11pm, Chillout Room (M) $6 | (NM) $10 | Door Ticket $10

6

Sunday Tennis Social

March

Sun, 3pm, Tennis Court (M) $15 | Kids’ Club: (M) $7.50 | (NM) $12.50

12

Comedy Club Asia

March

Sat, Doors open at 8pm, Main Hall (M) $30 | (NM) $50

18

Easter Art Workshop

by Abrakadoodle

March

Fri, 4pm - 6pm, Brabant Room (M) $30 | (NM) $50

20

ABC Swimming

March

Sun, 8am - 4pm, Swimming Pool Free Admission

40 HOLLANDSE CLUB | WWW.HOLLANDSECLUB.ORG.SG

5

Beach Tennis

March

Sat, 1pm - 4pm, Sentosa Beach (M) $25

11

Friday Kids’ Club: Bingo & Crafts

March

Fri, 4pm - 6pm, Brabant Room (M) $15 | (NM) $24

13

Club Championship Swimming

March

Sun, 9am - 2pm, Swimming Pool (M) $12

18

The Buddenbrooks Dinner

March

Fri, 8pm, Indoor & Outdoor Lounge (M) $87.50

27

Happy Easter Family Brunch

March

Sun, 11am - 2pm, Indoor Lounge (M) $30 - Adults | $25 - Kids (4-10 years old) (NM) $50 - Adults | $40 - Kids (4-10 years old)

UPCOMING SPORTS & SOCIAL EVENTS

APRIL

CALENDAR

glance...

15

Quiz Night

April

Fri, 8pm, Main Hall (M) $10 | (NM) $30

22

Friday Kids’ Club: Movie & Crafts

April

Kingsday

April

Sun, 10am - 3pm, Hollandse Club Save the Date!

30

16

Family Disco Swim Party

April

Sat, 6.30pm - 8.30pm, Swimming Pool (M) $10 | (NM) $25

Fri, 4pm - 6pm, Brabant Room (M) $2 | (NM) $10

24

Events not to be missed in the months of March and April!

Please do remember to register early to avoid disappointment!

Registrations can now be made online at www.hollandseclub.org.sg

23

Kids’ Hockey Tournament

April

Sat, 10am, Hollandse Club Save the Date!

29

Friday Kids’ Club: Games & Crafts

April

Fri, 4pm - 6pm, Brabant Room (M) $2 | (NM) $10

Teens Pool Movie

April

Social events

(M) Members (NM) Non-Members

Sat, 7pm, Swimming Pool (M) $10 | (NM) $15

Sports events

*Events Cancellation Policy: For fee-based events, cancellation (and refund) will be accepted up to maximum 48 hours in advance of the event.

If the cancellation request is received after the deadline, we cannot issue a refund and the event will be charged.

WWW.HOLLANDSECLUB.ORG.SG | HOLLANDSE CLUB 41

UPCOMING SPORTS & SOCIAL EVENTS

Kids aged 4 and 5 should be accompanied by 1 parent and the bingo only runs if a minimum number of participants is reached. The bingo starts around 4.15pm. Movie starts at 4.15pm. * Event Cancellation Policy applies (refer to pg 41).

42 HOLLANDSE CLUB | WWW.HOLLANDSECLUB.ORG.SG

UPCOMING SPORTS & SOCIAL EVENTS

You can sign up until Wed, 2nd March. * Event Cancellation Policy applies (refer to pg 41).

WWW.HOLLANDSECLUB.ORG.SG | HOLLANDSE CLUB 43

UPCOMING SPORTS & SOCIAL EVENTS

* Event Cancellation Policy applies (refer to pg 41).

44 HOLLANDSE CLUB | WWW.HOLLANDSECLUB.ORG.SG

UPCOMING SPORTS & SOCIAL EVENTS

The workshop only runs if a minimum number of participants is reached.

You can sign up until Mon, 14th March. * Event Cancellation Policy applies (refer to pg 41).

WWW.HOLLANDSECLUB.ORG.SG | HOLLANDSE CLUB 45

UPCOMING SPORTS & SOCIAL EVENTS

You can sign up until Mon, 21st March. * Event Cancellation Policy applies (refer to pg 41).

46 HOLLANDSE CLUB | WWW.HOLLANDSECLUB.ORG.SG

UPCOMING SPORTS & SOCIAL EVENTS

The Quiz Night only runs if a minimum number of participants is reached.

You can sign up until Mon, 11th April. * Event Cancellation Policy applies (refer to pg 41).

WWW.HOLLANDSECLUB.ORG.SG | HOLLANDSE CLUB 47

UPCOMING SPORTS & SOCIAL EVENTS

* Event Cancellation Policy applies (refer to pg 41).

48 HOLLANDSE CLUB | WWW.HOLLANDSECLUB.ORG.SG

UPCOMING SPORTS & SOCIAL EVENTS

* Event Cancellation Policy applies (refer to pg 41).

WWW.HOLLANDSECLUB.ORG.SG | HOLLANDSE CLUB 49

UPCOMING SPORTS & SOCIAL EVENTS

The Teens Pool Movie only runs if a minimum number of participants is reached.

You can sign up until Mon, 25th April. * Event Cancellation Policy applies (refer to pg 41).

50 HOLLANDSE CLUB | WWW.HOLLANDSECLUB.ORG.SG

WWW.HOLLANDSECLUB.ORG.SG | HOLLANDSE CLUB 51

SPORTS CONTACT LIST

CLASS

DAY

TIME

VENUE

POINT OF CONTACT

CONTACT

A Aerobics (Step)

Monday

2030 - 2130

Rotterdam

Ann Yang

9815 0239

Wednesday

0900 - 1000

Rotterdam

Ann Yang

9815 0239

B Basketball (7 – 10 years)

Sunday

1000 - 1100

Multi Purpose

Bernard Williams

9437 6252

Tuesday

1930 - 2300

Amsterdam

Franciska Ho

6259 3864

Bridge (Duplicate)

Friday 0900 - 1230 Amsterdam Franciska Ho 6259 3864 C Cardio Sculpt

Mon & Fri

0900 - 1000

Rotterdam

Ann Yang

9815 0239

D Domestic Helper Swimming

Tuesday

1100 - 1200

Swimming Pool hollandse@aquaducks.com.sg

H Hockey (Ladies)

Wednesday

2000 - 2100

CCAB*

Willemijn Hamaker-Dorrepaal 9715 0938

Hockey (Men)

Wednesday

2100 - 2200

CCAB*

Titus de Greeff

Hockey (Youth)

Tuesday

1900 - 2000

CCAB*

Su Yin Timp

9839 9771 9142 9233

Sunday 0900 - 1100 CCAB* Wietske Teunissen

9423 6374

J Judo (Children Intermediate)

Friday

1700 - 1800

Rotterdam

Gerard Lim

9750 6305

Judo (7 years & under)

Saturday

0930 - 1030

Rotterdam

Gerard Lim

9750 6305

Judo (10 years & under)

Saturday

1030 - 1130

Rotterdam

Gerard Lim

9750 6305

Judo (10 years & above)

Saturday

1130 - 1230

Rotterdam

Gerard Lim

9750 6305

K Karate

Sunday

1630 - 1730

Rotterdam

Peter Robertson

9681 1927

Kickboxing

Tuesday

1930 - 2030

Rotterdam

Peter Robertson

9681 1927

P Personal Training By Appointment Gym Ashraf 8180 6610 Youri Kruse 9739 7610

Pilates

Tuesday

1200 - 1300

Rotterdam

Ann Yang

9815 0239

Thursday

2000 - 2100

Rotterdam

Ann Yang

9815 0239

S Squash (Training)

Tuesday

1900 - 2100

Squash Court

Daniel Gelinas

9725 4198

Thursday

1900 - 2200

Squash Court

Daniel Gelinas

9725 4198

Saturday

1400 - 1700

Squash Court

Daniel Gelinas

9725 4198

Various

Swimming Pool

hollandse@aquaducks.com.sg

Squash (Social)

Swimming Lessons/Competition Mon – Sat

T Taekwondo

Thursday

1700 - 1800

Rotterdam

Raymond Chin

9181 0827

Saturday

1500 - 1600

Rotterdam

Raymond Chin

9181 0827

Tennis (Ladies Social)

Monday

0900 - 1200

Tennis Court

Maja Duyverman

9750 7124

Tennis (Mixed Social)

Sunday

1600 - 1800

Tennis Court

Klaus Wulf

8118 0300

Tennis (Ladies Competition)

Friday

0900 - 1200

Tennis Court

Pauline Welten

8168 2084

Tennis (Men’s Social)

Saturday

1400 - 1700

Tennis Court

Patrice Plet

9833 4038

Tennis (Free Family Courts)

Sunday

0900 - 1200

Tennis Court

Reception

6464 5225

Tennis Lessons (Savitar)

Mon – Sat

Various

Tennis Court

Scott Johnston

9038 9348

Tennis Lessons (Mr Wee)

Mon – Sat

Various

Tennis Court

Mr Wee

9673 4851

Tinytots (18-36 months)

Thursday

1500 - 1600

Rotterdam

Fernando

8189 4205

Tinytots (3 and 4 years)

Thursday

1600 - 1700

Rotterdam

Fernando

8189 4205

W Water Polo (8 - 16 years)

Thursday

1800 - 1900

*CCAB (Co-curricular Branch, MOE Hockey Field)

52 HOLLANDSE CLUB | WWW.HOLLANDSECLUB.ORG.SG

Swimming Pool hollandse@aquaducks.com.sg

Monday & Friday Classes Term dates: TBA

Monday & Wednesday Classes Term dates: TBA

Tuesday & Thursday Classes Term dates: TBA

Thursday Classes Term dates: TBA

Wedneday Classes Term dates: Wed, 13th January to Wed, 23rd March 2016

Sunday Classes Term dates: TBA

Friday & Saturday Classes Term dates: TBA

Tuesday & Saturday Classes Term dates: TBA

Sunday Classes Term dates: TBA

CLASSES

CLASSES ARE PRO-RATED FROM TIME OF JOINING.

Register your interest via the Reception. For new courses, you will receive a confirmation email three days before class starts to confirm the course is commencing.

If you have specific questions about the class, please contact the respective instructor listed in the Activities Contacts page.

WWW.HOLLANDSECLUB.ORG.SG | HOLLANDSE CLUB 53

SPORTS & SOCIAL EVENTS REPORTS

New Year Drinks

Sun, 17th January

Look at the fun we had at our first pool party of the year!

Comedy Café

Photos by Inge Kuipers

with Kristel Zweers & Joanna Sio Wed, 20 January th

In preparation for their shows in Perth, both Joanna and Kristel performed at the Hollandse Club on Wednesday 20th January. They approached the Hollandse Club, as they wanted to do a preview to find out if their show was good, if they felt ready, and to check how the crowd would react to their stories and jokes. It’s quite interesting to sit in the crowd and be part of the process of ‘making a show’. You feel how vulnerable a comedian is; the feeling when you lose your story or a joke isn’t that funny in practice. And, for Kristel, there’s also the challenge of performing in English, since she’s Dutch by origin. In her show, she shares stories about her childhood, family and how she feels about getting older. Kristel also compares Dutch people living in Holland with Singapore and being an expat over here. A theme that always comes back in her shows is men versus women.

According to the Dutch comedian, all ladies have a

54 HOLLANDSE CLUB | WWW.HOLLANDSECLUB.ORG.SG

By Marilou Groot Nibbelink

second, nagging voice in their head and guys can’t keep up with feminism.

After an impressive pole dance act, she hands over the stage to Joanna Sio, a comedian originally from Hong Kong, and who has been living with her European husband and two kids in Singapore for a few years now. Her common theme is family; she makes you laugh with stories about her angry father who smashes watermelons and the safe way she was raised.

Joanna’s appearance is very eye-catching and her stories extremely recognizable. That makes her performance very entertaining.

We hope (and believe) that both ladies are ready for the Fringe World shows in Perth and wish them good luck.

SPORTS & SOCIAL EVENTS REPORTS

Scuba Diving

By Marilou Groot Nibbelink Sun, 24th January & 21st February

Orca Scuba came to the Club again on 24th January and 21st February. After two successfully organized Try Dives at the end of the year, and requests from more people to join, we’ve decided to hold two more Try Dives. Over 40 people (kids aged 8 years and over, and adults) signed up to join; all interested

in exploring diving! After the safety briefing in the Brabant Room, the participants, divided in groups, got into the swimming pool to dive! The pictures say more than a thousand words! Thanks to all participants and Orca Scuba for conducting the Try Dives.

CPR Training

By Marilou Groot Nibbelink Tues, 26th January

A group of six participants gathered at the Main Hall on Tuesday 26th January to learn CPR and how to use the AED, from trainer Anne-Marie Willems. The most common reason for attending the training was to be able to act if someone was having a heart-attack.

These participants felt it was necessary for them to have the know-how; they really wanted to have the skills to save a life. During the introduction, a special request was to learn how to perform kids’ CPR. Normally, this training focuses on adult CPR, but Anne-Marie added this element since there was a huge interest.

The participants also learned what to do if a child is choking. Because Anne-Marie listened carefully to the wishes of the attendees, they felt that the training was invaluable. They were all very enthusiastic about the way Anne-Marie conducted the training: concrete and to the point, with a lot of practice. In only twoand-a half-hours, they gained expertise as well as awareness that they really could save someone’s life.

WWW.HOLLANDSECLUB.ORG.SG | HOLLANDSE CLUB 55

SPORTS & SOCIAL EVENTS REPORTS

The Wonderful World of Bubbles Show

By Marilou Groot Nibbelink

Sun, 31st January

The Hollandse Club invited Caroline, the bubble artist, to perform at the Main Hall on Sunday 31st January.

Look at the number of kids, all keen to discover what you can do with bubbles! And that’s what Caroline revealed! She showed how simple breath control could make a bubble spin and dance, how to use

foam to create amazing sculptures and the way you can produce a cyclone inside a bubble. Caroline created her own ice kachang bubble and even trapped people inside the giant bubbles! Kids were blown away by all the tricks with soap bubbles!

Photos by Inge Kuipers

Glamourous Giving Thurs, 3rd February

This fair was held at the Hollandse Club in support of the Singapore Committee for UN Women.

Photos by Inge Kuipers 56 HOLLANDSE CLUB | WWW.HOLLANDSECLUB.ORG.SG

SPORTS & SOCIAL EVENTS REPORTS

SWIMMING

By David Verlinde

Dear Members, Swimming is an important lifesaving skill that everyone should possess.

Swimming is also healthy for your body and lots of fun. It’s very important for everybody to master these skills and to maintain them, especially for children.

Everything that a child learns before they turn 9 can be lost if the strokes are not maintained and settled into the muscle memory. We at Aquaducks believe in fun lessons. We will always try to structure the lesson in the most fun and professional way possible. We have taught over 10,000 kids at the Hollandse Club since 1989.

Parent and Child Level 1 - 6 (age 6-48 months) Babies are not strangers to water as they’ve spent nine months submerged in the womb. Our infant classes are a great way to reintroduce your little one to an aquatic environment. This is a parent-accompanied programme that also fosters parent and child bonding.

Children have lots of fun building their water confidence through songs and games in this programme. Submersion and personal survival skills are also practiced when your child displays his/her readiness. The main aim of

this programme is for infants to be happy, ‘free’ and safe in the water.

Pre-school Level 1- 6 (age 3-5 years) Personal safety is key to this programme. Our programme is child-centered and we believe in children learning at their own pace with lots of encouragement and fun. Children will develop water confidence, breath control and stamina through games, repetition and positive reinforcement. Children will also learn basic survival strokes, such as the breaststroke and freestyle, gradually increasing in distance and techniques.

Learn to Swim (LTS) level 1 - 5 (age 5 and above) In the Learn to Swim programme, we focus on refining all four stroke-techniques: freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke and butterfly. Water safety, stamina building and excellent stroke-technique stand paramount in this programme. This programme also offers the Dutch children the opportunity to get their ABC diploma as well.

WWW.HOLLANDSECLUB.ORG.SG | HOLLANDSE CLUB 57

SPORTS & SOCIAL EVENTS REPORTS

Fun Class This class is for children who have already completed their Dutch C Award or Proficiency 4 Award. After receiving these awards, it is important to keep the children swimming to maintain good stroke-technique (for long-term muscle memory to set in) and build more stamina and good health. During this class kids will receive a combination of swimming techniques, survival training, junior lifeguard, and water polo subjects.

Dutch children will be able to get the Zwemvaardigheid/Survival/water polo 1,2,3.

Development Squad (the Dutch Dolphins) For placement in this class, swimmers must qualify with certain criteria. It focuses on perfecting the techniques of all four strokes: freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke and butterfly, as well as proper racing starts, turns and finishes. Children also train to swim longer distances; there are also many swimming competitions throughout the year. The Dutch Dolphins compete in events in the Neptune League and the Triton League.

Adults Programme Whether you are an adult beginner or a competent swimmer looking to improve your stroke-techniques or personal best, or if you are a triathlete or you want

58 HOLLANDSE CLUB | WWW.HOLLANDSECLUB.ORG.SG

to do an Iron Man, our coaches will work with you to achieve your personal goals.

Aqua Fit Our coaches will prepare a fun training programme for each level. We will help you train your body in the water with music.

Water Polo (The Dutch Merlions) This class will help the children to develop in water polo, learning the rules and having fun playing the game. Our coaches will help the kids with technique correction and tactics correction, with friendly competition against other teams.

Events Coming Up - Neptune League Round 1 @ The Tanglin Club: Sun, 6th Mar - Hollandse Club Championships: Sun, 13th Mar - ABC Swimming Awards 2014, Round 1: Sun, 20th Mar - Neptune League Round 2 @ The British Club: Sun, 8th May Best regards, Aquaducks team.

Hollandse Club

SPORTS & SOCIAL EVENTS REPORTS

TAKE THAT 10% discount for Hollandse Club Members For further information and to purchase tickets please contact events@hollandseclub.org.sg

WWW.HOLLANDSECLUB.ORG.SG | HOLLANDSE CLUB 59

Dutch education with an international dimension

IPC

The HSL is a thriving Dutch school with an international dimension.

We offer an excellent educational program with a combined Dutch and international curriculum.

IPC is an integral, thematic and creative primary curriculum where children gain an international perspective while learning to work together, to investigate, to make connections and to find solutions. HSL is accredited at mastering level.

SCL Structural Cooperative Learning is an inviting, interactive and effective teaching approach, where students of different aptitude levels work together to achieve the lesson’s objective.

ICT Our program encourages students to manage, discover and create while using the computer and other digital media. This benefits our academic curriculum and helps prepare our students for secondary education.

English The English language curriculum runs concurrent to the Dutch language program and aims to teach children English as a first language.

65 Bukit Tinggi Road (65) 6466 0662 www.hollandseschool.org

SPORTS & SOCIAL EVENTS REPORTS

SQUASH

By Paul C W Roberts

Saket showing once again that he and style are very uneasy bedfellows

Captain James does it again. The Hollandse Squash Club was kindly invited to an afternoon squashathon at the Singapore Swimming Club on the 16th January. To set the scene for you all, after a somewhat extended winter break for our elite players, many returned to service in early January looking somewhat haggard and worn (and these were the good ones). Training sessions were akin to high altitude training if one were to look at the state of play: constant wheezing, copious volumes of sweat, and aching muscles in places no one knew existed. The Singapore Swimming Club required 15 players and we managed to scrape together 20.

To say that it was a bit of a one-sided affair would be an understatement to end all understatements. We lost count in the end but I think it may well have been 18-2. Captain James, the true British gentleman that he is, felt obliged to take one for the team and lost his match, and the other selfless fool was our second Kiwi, Mr Bird. Aside from that, it was a walk in the park for the current Cosmo and National Squash League (Vets) champions. We are so in demand these days, with matches organised against Tanglin, the American Club and the Cricket Club because it seems that everyone wants a piece of Dutch action.

So, what next?, Well, we have entered five pairs into the Tanglin Doubles Tournament scheduled for the end of January. From some we expect great things, and from others we expect an early, elegant, exit (yours truly may well be in the latter grouping).

Next up will be the Hollandse Club Racketlon, where our poorer, less-talented cousins from the tennis section will try to wrestle the crown off the best racket players of the Hollandse Club. We will put 20 players forward to

do battle in tennis, squash, table tennis and speedminton. A plea will be sent out to any tennis players because they will need all the help they can get.

We will also start playing in the National Squash League around the same time and, this year, we have entered five teams, which shows our continued growth in both numbers and quality.

The annual in-house handicap event will also start in March and we cordially invite all those interested to sign up. Daniel G has mastered the handicap system and we have seen some outstanding results over the last couple of years. There have, of course, been some hugely embarrassing moments but these I won’t mention.

We also have our Box leagues in, which Captain James is perched on top of, mocking those beneath him as only a Brit can do.

And, finally, we have yet another Jumbo Doubles Event but this time in Bangkok. The Hollandse Club will send a squad over. A squad of extremely focused individuals whose only aim will be to compete to the best of their abilities and to make the Hollandse Club proud.

As I say each and every time I write this report, if anyone has any interest in the game of kings then please join us in our prime site, located just through the terrace restaurant, down the stairs, left at the bottom, past the Pilates room, and all the way to the end just before the car park! It takes a special breed to play squash at the Hollandse Club and we are always on the look out for more.

WWW.HOLLANDSECLUB.ORG.SG | HOLLANDSE CLUB 61

SPORTS & SOCIAL EVENTS REPORTS

TENNIS Tennis Committee Updates

By Danielle van Wees First of all, a warm welcome to all new members! If you are interested in playing tennis, please send us an email at tenniscommittee@hollandseclub.org.sg so that we can keep you up to date with the upcoming tennis events.

We have already planned some events, and also the ladder has started, so please mark your calendar with the dates below.

If you would like to play a weekly social, we have the morning socials for ladies on Mondays and Fridays, and for men on Saturday afternoons. All levels can join. For more information, send us an email.

Last but not least we had to goodbye to our committee member Annemiek van Leeuwen because of her new role as the GM of the Hollandse Club. We all wish you good luck, Annemiek!

And we welcome Susanne Geerdink and Eva Hanegraaf to the tennis committee!

The present tennis committee: Danielle van Wees (Convener), Marina Aarts, Sheila Bouwman and Susanne Geerdink.

So if you have any questions or ideas, please let us know!

Save these important tennis dates!

- Sun, 6th March

Afternoon adult social

- Sat, 19th March

Afternoon parent/child event

- Fri, 13th, Sat, 14th Adults Club Championship & Sun, 15th May Club Championship Youth - Fri, 20th & Sat, 21st May

62 HOLLANDSE CLUB | WWW.HOLLANDSECLUB.ORG.SG

SPORTS & SOCIAL EVENTS REPORTS Champions Ladder 2015 We proudly present you the winners of the floating ladder trophies 2015.

The 2016 Ladder has started in February.

Hollandse Club Men’s Single Ladder: Wouter Moorman

During the course of the Ladder you are still able to sign up.

Hollandse Club Ladies Ladder: Anneloes van Haaren and Hester Moormann.

For more information or a registration form you can send an e-mail to

They all worked very hard to reach the top of the ladder.

So well deserved and congratulations!

Marina Aarts or Danielle van Wees at tenniscommittee@hollandseclub.org.sg

Davis Cup Friday 29th and Saturday 30th January were the new dates for the postponed Davis Cup 2015, due to the haze in October. The Davis Cup is always a very successful annual tennis event, and each team fights for the big Davis Cup trophy, and their team name on the wall of honor in the tennis pavilion.

We are pleased to say that we had eight enthusiastic teams with more than 55 players! A team consists of men and women of different levels. Over a period of two days, these teams competed against each other, playing women’s doubles, men’s doubles and mixed

doubles.

It was a great event with lots of sportive fun, snacks, drinks and great weather! At the end of the day, we played the finals between the pools.

The “Melting Pot” team can call themselves Davis Cup Champions 2015! Congratulations Hang, Greg, Joe, Tara, Lambrecht, Ling and Sarah - you are the proud holders of the Davis Cup Trophy 2015!

Thanks, everybody, for joining the Davis Cup!

WWW.HOLLANDSECLUB.ORG.SG | HOLLANDSE CLUB 63

SPORTS IN FOCUS Coaches’ Corner:

By Scott Johnston Doubles Positions, Part One The Server and the Receiver As most players at the Club play doubles, it is very important you understand the basic “job duties“ of each player based on their position. This tennis tip will come in two parts.

Part One The Server: If you are serving, the first word that should come to mind is “consistency”. You should try to achieve a high percentage of your first serves in, to prevent your opponent from attacking the second serve. Think placement, not power, so that you are in control of the point from the start. The next time you practice your serve, place the ball to the corners of the service box. As much as possible, serve and volley.

The Receiver: The return of serve for doubles is as important as the serve. First of all, recognize whether the server is coming in for the volley or stays back.

The safest return is cross-court, low if possible, without a lot of pace. This will make it difficult for the incoming server to volley. If the server decides to stay back, you should take the opportunity to chip and charge, which means come to the net using your return as an approach shot. If you notice the server’s partner is asleep at the net, nail one down the line to get a free point.

When playing against a hard server and you are having a tough time hitting an effective return, lob, a good offensive or defensive lob neutralizes the opponent’s attack.

Look out in the next magazine issue for Part Two. For more tips, please don’t hesitate to contact any of the Savitar Coaches.

Good luck!

64 HOLLANDSE CLUB | WWW.HOLLANDSECLUB.ORG.SG

BEACH TENNIS: The hottest sport on the beach!

Another fun afternoon of beach tennis was played at Sentosa recently. Every round, players were teamed up with a new partner using a fast-scoring system of play with a no-bounce rule. We had many close matches, with everyone playing lots of matches.

We had some rain, which turned into a well-earned drinks break. Soon after, the sun broke through the clouds again and the matches were back on. On the day, everyone was a winner, including the kids who played mini-beach tennis and built sandcastles. A great effort by Rogier Lankamp, who just edged out the competition to take home the coveted Beach Paddle 1st prize. We are running more beach tennis events this year; please contact Scott Johnston scott@savitar.sg for details of our next event.

SPORTS IN FOCUS

Savitar March & April Junior Tennis Camp

5th - 7th January 2016 (Tuesday - Thursday) 10th - 12th February 2016 (Tuesday - Thursday)

Term 3: Monday, 11th January to 24th March 2016 Term 4: Monday, 11th April to 13th June 2016

IMPORTANT DATES 5th March Beach Tennis, Sentosa Island (1pm to 4pm) Hollandse Club Under 12 Junior Team Tennis Finals (Season 1) 18th March th Last Day of Junior Group Tennis Programme Term 1 19 March Savitar Junior Tennis Camp 1 (9am to 12pm daily) 29th - 31st March Savitar Junior Tennis Camp 2 (9am to 12pm daily) 5th - 7th April New Term of Junior Group Tennis Programmes Begins Term 2 11th April th Hollandse Club Under 10,12,14 Junior Team Tennis 15 April

Competition (week 1 new season) For any more information or to register for any of the above activities, please contact Scott Johnston on 9038 9348 or email at scott@savitar.sg WWW.HOLLANDSECLUB.ORG.SG | HOLLANDSE CLUB 65

SPORTS IN FOCUS

Meet Our New Tennis Coach: Steve Verkouter

We are pleased to welcome Steve Verkouter to the Savitar Team at the Hollandse Club.

Born in 1984 in Belgium, Steve has grown up with a passion for tennis. He played at a high junior level and played ITF tournaments throughout Europe. His coaching career started at the age of 20 and it has developed in many ways since.

Other than coaching in academies and clubs in Belgium, Steve worked with the Sunball Tennis Company and coached in numerous exotic and adventurous locations, such as Sardinia, Ibiza and resorts in northern Africa.

He has also coached at the International Tennis Centre at Zayed sports city in Abu Dhabi.

One of Steve’s greatest achievements in his tennis coaching career is setting up Tennis 4 Africa. This tennis development organisation, Steve founded, has collected funds and equipment for distribution to under privileged kids in Africa. Tennis 4 Africa currently has around 4000 kids playing tennis regularly in different schools across Africa. This takes true passion and determination.

Hollandse Club BEACH TENNIS Let’s hit the beach

His tennis coaching qualifications are from the Belgium Tennis Association equivalent to PTR Professional and ITF Level 2.

Steve speaks five languages fluent including Dutch (native), English, French, German and Spanish.

HOLLANDSE CLUB

Junior Team Tennis Competition

Age Groups: 10/U, 12/U, 14/U

Location: Palawan Beach, Sentosa Island Date: Saturday, 5th March 2016 Time: 1pm to 4pm Format: Doubles Register early as places are limited.

Paddles are provided.

Fee: S$25 per person.

Register by the 26th February to: Scott@savitar.sg.

Come and enjoy a great afternoon of beach tennis.

Start Date: April 15th, 2016 Finals: June 10th, 2016 Day/Time: 10/U: Fridays 5-7pm 12/U & 14/U: Fridays 5-7pm/7-9pm

To Register interest please contact Director of Tennis, Scott Johnston at scott@savitar.sg or call 9038 9348 * Minimum standard required - Must be able to rally and serve 10/U Age group will be using lower compression Green Dot balls

*Registration closes Friday, April 1st, 2016, places are limited so register as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

66 HOLLANDSE CLUB | WWW.HOLLANDSECLUB.ORG.SG

SPORTS IN FOCUS

HOCKEY

By Steef Janssen

During the second half of January, the Dutch, Australian and German ladies’ national hockey teams were in Singapore to have training sessions, practice matches and some official FIH matches between each other.

On 15th January, the Hollandse Club hosted a great hockey event. The complete Dutch national team came to the Club to provide a hockey clinic for 100 Dutch Youth Hockey kids.

The tennis courts were used as hockey pitches as the kids were taught the latest tricks and techniques by the whole Dutch team. After the kids had collected all the players’ autographs, dinner was served.

During the following week, there was an international competition each night at the Seng Kang Stadium.

The DYH ball girls and boys did a great job!

It was a great way for everyone to see the best ladies’ hockey in the world.

Dutch Youth Hockey organized buses for the NetherlandsGermany (0-0) match on Tuesday. On Saturday, buses were arranged by the Hollandse Club for the The Netherlands-Australia match (4-1). Afterwards, drinks were served at the Club.

Thank you to all those involved in organizing such a great event for everyone, both young and old.

WWW.HOLLANDSECLUB.ORG.SG | HOLLANDSE CLUB 67

Hollandse Club MONDAY Time

Kids

Family

TUESDAY

Ladies

Mixed

Men

Kids

Family

Ladies

WEDNESDAY Mixed

Men

Kids

Family

Ladies

Mixed

Men

Kids

8 - 8.30am 8.30 - 9am Cardio Sculpt & Adults

9 - 9.30am 9.30 - 10am

Swim Class

Tennis (Ladies Social)

10 - 10.30am 10.30 - 11am

Aerobics (Step) & Adults

Adults Swim Training

Swim Class

Aqua Fit

11 - 11.30am 11.30 - 12pm 12 - 12.30pm Pilates

12.30 - 1pm 1 - 1.30pm Parent and Child / Preschool / Learn to Swim

Parent and Child / Preschool / Learn to Swim

1.30 - 2pm 2 - 2.30pm 2.30 - 3pm 3 - 3.30pm 3.30 - 4pm 4 - 4.30pm 4.30 - 5pm 5 - 5.30pm 5.30 - 6pm 6 - 6.30pm 6.30 - 7pm

Preschool / Learn to Swim Higer level LTS /b/c Preschool / LTS Higer level LTS /b/c

Preschool / Learn to Swim Preschool / LTS Higer level LTS /b/c Stroke and developme nt / fun class swim

Stroke and development

/ fun class swim

7 - 7.30pm

Hockey (Youth)

7.30 - 8pm 8 - 8.30pm

Adults Swim Training

8.30 - 9pm

Bridge

10 - 10.30pm 10.30 - 11pm 11 - 11.30pm

Legend: Ladies'

Mixed

68 HOLLANDSE CLUB | WWW.HOLLANDSECLUB.ORG.SG

Preschool / Learn to Swim

Preschool / LTS Higher level LTS /b/c

Stroke and

Stroke and

development

development

Dutch Dolphine's

Waterpolo 8yr- and above

/ fun class swim

Squash Training

(Duplicate)

9.30 - 10pm

Families

Preschool / Learn to Swim

Hockey (Ladies)

Aerobics (Step)

9 - 9.30pm

Preschool / Learn to Swim

/ fun class swim

Waterpolo 8yr- and above

Dutch Dolphine's

Kids/Teens

Parent and Child / Preschool / Learn to Swim

Men's

Hockey (Men)

Sports Schedule Table 1

THURSDAY Family

Ladies

FRIDAY Mixed

Men

Kids

Family

Ladies

Adults Swim Training

SATURDAY Mixed

Cardio Sculpt Tennis (Ladies

Parent and Child / Preschool Swim

Competition)

Bridge

(Duplicate)

Adults Swim Lesson

Men

Kids

Judo

(Children Intermediate)

Dutch Dolphine's

stroke and development / fun class swim

Taekwondo

SUNDAY Mixed

Men

Judo (7 years & below) Judo (10 years & below)

Kids

Family

Dutch Dolphine's

Tennis Family Social

Hockey (Youth)

Parent and Child / Preschool / Learn to Swim

Parent and Child / Preschool / Learn to Swim

Preschool / Learn to Swim

Ladies

Dutch Dolphine's

Judo (10 years & above)

Parent and Child / Preschool / Learn to Swim

Family

Ladies

Mixed

Parent and Child / Preschool / Learn to Swim

Squash (Social) Parent and Child / Preschool / Learn to Swim

Taekwondo

Tennis (Men's Social)

Karate

Tennis (Mixed Social)

Squash (Social)

Pilates

WWW.HOLLANDSECLUB.ORG.SG | HOLLANDSE CLUB 69

Men

CHEF’S SPECIALS

March

DEEP-FRIED WHOLE SEA BASS IN HOT BEAN SAUCE

$17.00

Butterfly Sea Bass with Lettuce & Hot Bean Sauce.

Served with Rice & Baby Kailan.

ITALIAN TOASTI

$11.50

Germen Volkorn, Parma Ham, Mozzarella Cheese, Fresh Basil, Tomato & Pesto.

Served with Mixed Salad.

70 HOLLANDSE CLUB | WWW.HOLLANDSECLUB.ORG.SG

PRAWN & MIXED FRUIT SALAD

$12.50

Boiled Prawns, Lettuce, Melon, Mango & Orange Papaya.

Served with Orange Vinaigrette Dressing.

*Add $2 for a bottle of Strongbow Cider in all main dishes (except for kids) and add $1 to the Chef’s Kids’ Menu and get a pack of Marigold Apple or Small Shirley Temple.

ROAST DUCK IN THAI CURRY $15.00

Roast Duck braised in Thai Red Curry, Onion, Chilli & Eggplant.

Served with Steamed White Rice.

ZUURKOOL

$16.00

Smoked Sausage, Mashed Potato & Sauerkraut.

Served with Pepper Sauce.

SWEDISH-STYLE MEAT BALLS WITH MASHED POTATO

$10.50

Minced Pork & Beef Balls in Brown Sauce.

Served with Mashed Potato, Broccoli, Baby Carrots & Cranberry Sauce.

Photos by Bernhard Wamelink WWW.HOLLANDSECLUB.ORG.SG | HOLLANDSE CLUB 71

CHEF’S SPECIALS

April

LAMB SHANK IN RED WINE SAUCE

$24.50

Braised Lamb Shank, Mashed Potato & Baby Carrots.

Served with Green Beans.

R ULA P O P

BEETROOT & PUMPKIN SALAD

$13.50

Baby Spinach, Cooked Beetroot, Pumpkin, Feta Cubes, Walnuts, Sunflower Seeds & Pine Nuts.

Served with Orange Vinaigrette.

72 HOLLANDSE CLUB | WWW.HOLLANDSECLUB.ORG.SG

SALMON SALAD SANDWICH

$11.50

Cooked Salmon, Onion, Gherkins & Capers.

Served in Ciabatta Bread.

*Add $2 for a bottle of Strongbow Cider in all main dishes (except for kids) and add $1 to the Chef’s Kids’ Menu and get a pack of Marigold Apple or Small Shirley Temple.

SALTED, EGG-COATED SAUTEED PRAWNS $15.50 Prawns, Butter, Curry Leaf & Chilli.

Served with White Steamed Rice.

AYAM PENYET

$14.00

Indonesian-Style Crispy Half Chicken.

Served with Sayur Lodeh & Rice.

PAN-FRIED DORY FILLET & MASHED POTATO

$10.50 Served with Baby Carrots & Broccoli Photos by Bernhard Wamelink WWW.HOLLANDSECLUB.ORG.SG | HOLLANDSE CLUB 73

74 HOLLANDSE CLUB | WWW.HOLLANDSECLUB.ORG.SG

LIBRARY

Fri, 18th Mar | 8pm | Indoor & Outdoor Lounge **Members Only**

Four-course quality dinner party $87.50 pp

The Japanese Association, Singapore 120 Adam Road Singapore 289899

WWW.HOLLANDSECLUB.ORG.SG | HOLLANDSE CLUB 75

NEW BOOKS MARCH / APRIL 2016

__________ ENGLISH BOOKS (ADULTS) _________ by

“Kitchens of the Great Midwest”

by Ryan Stradal

Joyful,quirky and heartwarming.

It is about the family you lose, the friends you make and the chance connections that can define a life.

“Counting by 7s”

by Holly Goldberg Sloan

Has written a delightful tale of transformation that’s a celebration of life in all its wondrous, hilarious and confounding glory.

“The Danish Girl”

“Euphoria”

by David Ebershoff

by Lily King

In 1933 three young gifted anthropologists are thrown together in the jungle of New Guinea.

Within months the trio is producing their best work, but soon a firestorm of fierce love and jealousy burns out of control, threatening their bonds, their careers and ultimately their lives.

Loosely inspired by a true story, Lily Elbe, a pioneer in transgender history and the woman torn between loyalty to her marriage and her own ambitions and desires.

“The Narrow Road to the Deep North”

“H is for Hawk”

by Richard Flanagan

by Helen Macdonald

Is an unflinchingly honest account of her struggle with grief during the difficult process of the hawk’s taming and her own untaming.

This is a book about memory, nature and nation and how it might be possible to reconcile death with life and love.

An immensely moving novel.

Written as a tribute to his father, a survivor of the Burma “Death Railway”, who died on the day this novel was finished.

His son could not have done him a greater honour.

___ DUTCH BOOK (ADULTS) ___ “Postscriptum” van Pieter Aspe

“The Guilty”

by David Baldacci

His new Will Robie thriller. ”Going home can kill you” 76 HOLLANDSE CLUB | WWW.HOLLANDSECLUB.ORG.SG

Een pilgrim die te voet onderweg is naar Santiago de Compostella, wordt vermoord in Frankrijk. Zijn hebberige familie komt in bizarre omstandigheden om het leven.

Dan ontdekt hij het verband tussen de moorden en een zaak uit het koloniale verleden van Belgie.

LIBRARY

___________ DUTCH BOOKS (ADULTS) ___________

“De Boodschapper”

“Het Recht Op Terugkeer”

een vertelling geschreven door Kader Abdolah

by geschreven door Leon de Winter

De lezer krijgt een bijzonder eigentijds beeld van de periode waarin Mohammed opgroeide, hoe hij zijn stad Mekka van de morele ondergang wilde redden en hoe hij zich van profeet ontwikkelde tot een machtig leider.

Het jaar is 2024, de plaats is Tel Aviv, Israel. Een zinderende roman over hoop en wanhoop, waanzin en zelfbedrog op de puinhopen van een mensenleven.

“De Indiase Bruid” by literaire thriller van Karin Fossum

Is tegelijkertijd een spannend mi s d a a d ve rh a a l en e e n trieste liefdesroman.

_________ ENGLISH BOOKS (CHILDREN) _________

“The Good Dinosaur”

by Disney Pixar

Arlo feels safe on the farm with his family. When he gets lost in the wilderness he must finally face his fears. Will a little boy turn out to be the friend he really needs?

“Asterix and the Missing Scroll”

by Jean -Yves Ferri

A new Asterix adventure written

by Jean -Yves Ferri and illustrated

by Didier Conrad.

“The 5th Wave” “The Phoenix of Destiny”

by Geronimo Stilton

In a kingdom of fairies and giants and dragons, a daring, exciting, amazing adventure awaits.

by Rick Yancey

Prepare to set everything else aside when you launch into this one.

The break-neck pace and high stakes will draw you in, but it’s the characters who will keep you turning pages.

“Star Wars Annual 2016”

by Frank Tennyson

Inside you will find information on some of the galaxy’s most famous heroes, villains, battles and planets.

“The Raven Boys”

by Maggie Stiefvater

A character driven novel about Blue and the Raven Boys’ search for the supernatural, ley lines and a legendary Welsh king.

WWW.HOLLANDSECLUB.ORG.SG | HOLLANDSE CLUB 77

The Hidden Stories Behind KLM’s Delft Blue Houses

By Mark Zegeling

Ever since the 1950s, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has given away Delft Blue miniature houses to its business class passengers. The replicas of these real monuments are considered to be iconic of the Netherlands.

Last year, a beautiful and richly illustrated high-end coffee table book was published about the secrets behind the facades of the miniatures. Kingdom by the Sea, a celebration of Dutch cultural heritage, reveals the entertaining stories of the historic buildings which modelled for the 96 KLM houses. It’s a great addition to your collection!

Dutch Pioneers In his books, author Mark Zegeling offers his readers an exclusive peek into the extraordinary lives of the inhabitants of the original ‘Delft Blue miniatures’; from pioneers like the Dutch Marco Polo and Hendrick Hamel, to innovative entrepreneurs like Gerard Heineken, colourful world-class old Dutch masters Rembrandt, Frans Hals and Johannes Vermeer to historic figures like Anne Frank and Mata Hari who left their mark on Dutch history.

A Talk at the Hollandse Club The author visited Singapore on January 29, and gave an entertaining talk at the Hollandse Club about the secrets behind our KLM collection for members of the Association of Dutch Business People and DutchCham. Mark Zegeling also presented his book to pupils at the Hollandse School, after he discovered that a lot of expat families in Singapore own a collection of Delft Blue KLM houses. He gave an inspirational talk about the lives and dreams of extraordinary children from the 17th century onwards, who once lived in the Delft Blue houses, such as the giantess Trijntje Kever (a girl born in 1616 who grew to an incredible height of 2.36m) to Anne Frank. Her short life and thoughts still have an impact on people around the world, and the author reveals some unknown details about the world-famous Jewish girl.

Extensive archive research and interviews with (architectural) historians and current residents of the properties have yielded a wealth of great anecdotes, and unique and moving stories. The tales are all based on facts, even though some extraordinary stories seem too good to be true.

78 HOLLANDSE CLUB | WWW.HOLLANDSECLUB.ORG.SG

Exclusive Members Offer The Hollandse Club is proud to offer its members the Dutch language book Sterke Verhalen (until KLM house number 94: S$50) and the high-end English coffee table book Kingdom by the Sea (including the stories of 96 houses: S$110). The deluxe edition of Kingdom by the Sea contains more than 1,800 images, art from museums around the world and intimate photos of the inhabitants of the Delft Blue KLM collection.

Limited Edition Porcelain Cover We also present you the small pocket edition Little Kingdom by the Sea (S$35), without the wealth of photos but with maps of the location of the houses.

On top of that, a limited edition of only 250 copies was made of Kingdom by the Sea with a cover made

LIBRARY

from real Delft blue porcelain (S$375). This world-exclusive is numbered and signed by the author, comes with a certificate of authenticity and is delivered in an exclusive gift box.

Sterke Verhalen – S$50/30 EUR Little Kingdom by the Sea – S$35/20 EUR Kingdom by the Sea – S$110 /70 EUR Limited Edition (porcelain cover) – S$375/240 EUR

To purchase one of these four books, send an email to: info@markmedia.nl, or visit kingdombythesea.nl.

Your copy can be picked up at the Hollandse Club reception.

We are trying something new at the Library!

From 9am - 3pm you can collect the key from Reception to borrow books, if there’s no librarian present.

After 3am, the Library will be open if there is a Librarian present.

As always, if the Library is closed, books can be returned via Reception.

WWW.HOLLANDSECLUB.ORG.SG | HOLLANDSE CLUB 79

Dress for Success!

What do we in Singapore mean by Business Casual, Smart Casual, Lounge Suit, Business Standard?

What do we wear in the various industries like Banking, Insurance, FMCG, Consulting etc?

During an interactive workshop Suitsupply will take us by the hand and “educate” us how we should dress in various settings: “the Do’s and the Don’ts”.

In an informal setting, with drinks and canapes, the workshop will show us the latest trends in this trendy city.

Why should you join the AdB? ADB offers not only a platform to share knowledge and experience of doing business in Asia, but also:

• Inspires through company visits, cultural visits and lectures;

• Encourages personal development through panel discussions held by members, prominent Dutch and non-Dutch business people and industry experts;

• Facilitates networking at our monthly events,

Venue: Suitsupply ION Orchard #03-15

annual dinner & dance and during casual drinks;

• Gives the opportunity to converse with Dutch politicians, visiting Singapore;

Date: 10th of March 2016

• Keeps you informed through our bimonthly ADB Magazine full of Dutch news with a

More informaton: adb.org.sg / adb@adb.org.sg

Singaporean twist.

°°°

“Connecting Dutch business people in Singapore”

°°°