On the advice of Emily and Teun de Waard, this time the winter meeting was in Hellevoetssluis. Despite the fact that it was an early start for many of us, the turnout was certainly good with 45 participants. Unfortunately we had 1 sick report. At 10.00 am we were warmly welcomed in restaurant De Ruyterhuys. The coffee and cake went well after (for most of us) a long drive. For the car of Jan Dirk and Dorine Heijnis the car journey was too long, because near Rotterdam the car broke down.
During the 2nd or even 3rd cup of coffee, the chairman Wout Kraaijeveld welcomed everyone, especially the new members. Wout updated the members about the latest development within the Gillissen foundation and in particular the changes of the website. Afterwards he explained the program was for this day.
After coffee wo got some fresh air by walking to the naval ram ship De Buffel. This ship is definitely worth a visit. After a short introductory talk, the group was divided into three and we were given a tour of the ship. The ship is currently owned by a foundation and is being “operated” by between 40 and 60 volunteers. And that is admirable to say of these volunteers; phew, what a job.
After the tour back to the restaurant where a good lunch was ready. During lunch there was a nice chat with each other and the smartphones with photos of ships almost went from table to table and that is also the intention of the meeting in the winter.
There was some afterthought, but because of the long journey back, we soon heard “until the summer in Hattem.”
Hellevoetsluis was certainly a bull’s eye.
Thanks Emily and Teun