In March we returned to the Apollo for a traditional ‘end of the month’ lunch, where a record 51 members and guests were addressed by H.E. Sir Geoffrey Adams on the UK timetable and intentions for reform in the EU. This apparently coincides neatly with the Dutch intentions whilst they hold the leadership over the next few years, although the window for any reform process is brutally short.
For April we are at the Apollo for what will likely be our final ‘last Friday in the month’ lunch. More after the board meeting, but it is likely that we will switch to an earlier Friday, to avoid the difficulties some members have encountered with the choice of either attending the lunch, or paying their staff and closing their books that day.
The nuclear summit thankfully passed off without significant terrorist activity, rendering all
the road and business closures nothing more than a fading memory. It was remarkable that the US president required 7 helicopters, an aircraft carrier group, and 27 various other vehicles, whilst the Dutch PM used his normal mode of transport.Both were equally gracious at the Rijksmuseum, where they greeted a crowd of young volunteers at the entrance. In the e
vening they dined at the Palace, where King Willem-Alexander hosted President Obama and Chancellor Merkel at his table, whilst Queen Maxima hosted Messrs Rutte and Cameron. I wonder which of them enjoyed the meal most? (Germany, Benelux and the UK are the top 3 trading partners for The Netherlands).
This month we are celebrating St George’s Day. Please come appropriately and patriotically dressed J
As you may remember, St George was a Syrian, with a Turkish father and Palestinian mother. He never visited England, and is the patron saint of Syria and Russia, as well as England and the Ukraine. Good choice!
After lunch, Gerard Sprenger will address us on the subject of British armour!
Dates for your diary: we have again reserved with the Canal Company for the annual CADS luncheon jaunt around the Amsterdam canals. This will take place on Friday June 20th.