Early signs show Tripartite 2019 in Holland was a big success - well attended and well organised - those involved had a great time- see below for the full story
17 – 19 May 2019
28 Departed from England and 27 from Germany. They came by car, train, boat and plane - all heading to our twin Dutch club Voorschoten - Leidschendam to celebrate the 60th anniversary Tripartite weekend. One or two members will have to invest in new sat navs – but eventually all arrived.
Some came early to take a lovely walk spoiled only by the occasional stop to hit a ball with a stick but this process seemed to be enjoyed by all who took part.
By 17.30 on Friday everybody had arrived at the Hotel, the Gouden Leeuw, an excellent choice, although some were not quite ready for the official welcoming. The official start of the renewing of long standing friendships and the starting of new ones. Soon we were on our way to various dinner parties around the area, 12 in total, everyone a great success from what I hear, Around midnight most people had returned, well fed, watered and exhausted by interesting conversations, in various languages and for some a long walk home.
On Saturday our day of culture was a visit to Gouda
and most particularly to the Saint John Church with its amazing array of stained glass windows. This required three coaches as over 100 people attended. A quick tour of the old city and then a break for lunch. In the afternoon we split into groups to visit the Town museum or the cheese museum or the waffle factory or just to stroll the streets of the town. Suitable guidance and explanation given for each choice and again greatly enjoyed by all.
We then returned to the Hotel for a short rest before partying started in earnest at a beachside restaurant. An informal evening with numerous courses of food and continual supply of beverages. Speeches were made by all Presidents and then a gypsy towing a small cart made his way into the restaurant. He stopped, brought out an accordion and started to play and sing. Within minutes he had everybody singing and swaying, (you could not call it dancing). An occasion where everybody joined together to enjoy themselves. By midnight we returned to the Hotel, but this was not the end for the hearty few who continued into the small hours.
Surprisingly on Sunday everybody was up and at the breakfast venue by 09.30, for a substantial breakfast , some short speeches and the saying of farewell to friends old and new with the promise that we would all meet again next year in England.
We have much work to do to ensure that we can provide the relaxed and informal atmosphere that made this into a great weekend for all who attended.
Many thanks to all in Holland who created another brilliant weekend, which despite the large numbers ran like clockwork.