Dear CADS,
September has brought us glorious sunshine — although unfortunately not on the day we celebrated the King’s birthday at the British Embassy in The Hague. Dee van Doorn and I joyfully joined in both the Dutch and British national anthems, competing with a tent full of dignitaries and the elements overhead. The occasion nevertheless bore fruit for our future programme: Dee has secured an invitation for BritSoc and CADS to attend a reception at the Embassy in November.
CADS Golf Competition returns
On 5 September, we were delighted to reintroduce the CADS golf competition. Mary Gillies kindly hosted us at the European Space Agency’s golf club, where two groups of golf enthusiasts took to the course. You’ll find out who won the famous CADS golf cup at the Jokathon in December!
More Ways to Meet
You may have noticed that CADS has begun adding occasional non-lunch events alongside our regular gatherings at the KIGC. By experimenting with different times and activities, we hope to welcome members who may not always be able to attend our established events. October also offers two CADS events, both of which are going to be highly inspiring – feel free to come to both!
Glenn Schoenn on Hybrid Warfare, 16 October at the KIGC and a sneak peek at the Mirror Collection, Keizersgracht on 30 October. Sign up the usual way…
In the Spotlight: Mediclowns
Our September lunch talk was by CADS member Linda Seewald, who is also secretary of Mediclowns. Linda described her career change from finance to clowning, including her formal training at clown school. She and her clown buddies now visit a range of institutions which look after people in need of long-term care. One of their aims is to help combat loneliness. She told us that by the afternoon some of the people they see can no longer remember what happened in the morning, but the staff often say that the atmosphere has been improved by the visit.
Every person requires an individual approach, so the clowns must respond immediately and sensitively to each reaction. Linda shared several particularly moving stories about people they have supported.
Mediclowns usually asks only for travel and related expenses to be covered. Some institutions cannot afford even these costs, so CADS has decided to make a donation to help. Find out more at mediclowns.nl. We are sure that Mediclowns will make good use of the CADS donation.
Here‘s a report of how a donation CADS made last year is unexpectedly linked to making a difference closer to home:
Greetings from Manchester!
Sorry that I suddenly went off the radar in May. I had a diagnosis of aggressive breast cancer and since then I have had lots of different procedures and now some ongoing treatment. The reason for writing is that I thought you might be interested to know that I have been receiving super care from ‘Maggie’s’ who are based next door to my hospital. You may remember that CADS donated to ‘Maggie’s’ in both the UK and NL last year. The Centre offers all cancer sufferers and their families a full range of care options from a simple cup of coffee and cake to professional counselling for patients and their families in a wonderfully tranquil setting! At the time of Geraint’s presentation, it didn’t cross my mind that I would be a personal recipient, but it is always nice to see where our money is being used!
I wish you all a lively autumn of CADS events. All being well, I hope to be at the Jokathon in December, (I have already bought my flight tickets), but be warned I look a little different!!
Warm regards,
Jennie
…Just to show what goes around comes around! CADS thrives because of the enthusiasm, ideas and involvement of its members. Thank you for helping to make our community so welcoming and dynamic. I look forward to seeing you at the upcoming events.
all the best,
Julia
Julia Heidstra, Chair Commercial Anglo-Dutch Society
