My dear CADS,

How are you all? Well I hope! As the season of Advent begins, we see ourselves in both the UK and NL with a whole set of new socialising restrictions. We are being told that being vaccinated isn’t enough and that we now need a booster. The UK have quickly launched a massive booster campaign (the NL is not so fast off the blocks), but as I watched Boris last night, lecturing the UK nation, with no opportunity for questions, I had a niggling feeling that this was a major distraction campaign to steer us away from any talk of 2020 Christmas parties…

Talking of parties, on a more joyful note, CADS is holding it’s annual Jokathon on Friday December 17 th at the K.I.G.C. in Dam Square. That venue takes the new restrictions seriously and has arranged for us to be sitting well apart in a beautiful space-filled room.
I was last year’s winner of the trophy, so I am delighted that so many of you have chosen to come to wrestle my crown off me – I think we will have an absolute blast!

Meet the Board is taking a rest this month and we will return in January with Pete Molloy, our newest Board member

In case this has not already reached you via other channels, I must share the sad news that John Donnelly passed away on 7 December 2021. For those who did not know him, John was a long time and active member of CADS, a Jokathon favourite, and an enthusiastic golf match participant. He had not attended CADS during the past few years due to his ill health, but I am sure he will remain a well-remembered and appreciated fellow CAD amongst our longer standing members.

John was also active in BritSoc and for several years organised the annual Burns Supper at the British School. John leaves behind his dear wife Ria, who regularly accompanied John to CADS luncheons, and was a great support in all of John’s endeavours. John was a sincere and good friend to many CADS members, and he will be much missed.

What are your Christmas plans? I hope the new restrictions do not hamper you too much. My Christmas will hopefully be spent in Amsterdam with my 3 sons, and Otis the dog! I absolutely love this time of year. Not just for the big day itself, but for the greater opportunity to spend more time with family and friends. In our household, we are very laid back to the point of being horizontal in front of the TV. Typically, we spend our time watching Lord of the Rings and Star Wars movies; a huge jigsaw on the dining table; and of course, eating and drinking too much wine and chocolate. I hope that you are all able to enjoy the holiday celebrations in the way that you want, with the people you want to be with!

Wishing you all a very merry relaxing Christmas with your family and friends, and all the best for a healthy and happy 2022!
Looking forward to seeing you at the Jokathon on the 17th!

Warm regards,
Jennie