danishnews062009

NEWS MAGAZINEISSN 0113-4965 ● June 2009

Skt HansSunday, 21st June, 5.30pm

Come and celebrate this great Danish Midsummer tradition - even if it is the wrong time of year here! We always have lots of fun with a bonfire, witchy songs, hot dogs and snobrød” (damper).

Children’s PartySunday 14th June, 2pm - 4pmCome along to our annual Children’s Party – bring a friend and show them some of the fun things we

do at the Danish House!Some of the activities this year will be baking and

making “konfekt” (marzipan-sweets), do’nut-eating competition, art-work, tug-of-war, and table tennis.All activities and afternoon tea for children are free.

Adults’ tea/coffee and cake $5.00 per person.Registration not necessary – however, you would

help us greatly, if for catering purposes, you could let us know your intention to come along

by sending an email to [email protected] or phone Inger

on 443 5105 by Friday 12th June.Med venlig hilsen, Sara Jæger

CommemorativePlanting - Valhalla

Sunday 14th June, 10amLife Member Knud Kristensen presented several

‘Danske Egetræer’ (Danish Oak Trees) at Valhalla’s 30th Anniversary celebrations.

These are now to be planted to commemorate the foresight, effort and dedication of members thirty years

ago to purchase and establish Valhalla as a coastal retreat for the benefit of members and their friends.

A commemorative plaque will be placed at the entrance to the grove at a later date.

All members are very welcome to attend this important day.

The planting ceremony will be followed by morning tea.Members are encouraged to stay to help with the

planting of further trees on the property (see ad page 7).

Real Danish hot dogs “med det hele” (with all condiments) will be for sale, and the bar will be open. Tea, coffee and hot chocolate. Bring your own sticks, dough and / or marshmallows for cooking over the

embers after we’ve sent the witch off to Bloksbjerg.If you can, come early and help us make the witch and set the fire from about 4.00pm.

Registration not necessary – however, you would help us greatly if for catering purposes you could let us know your intention to come along by sending an email to

[email protected] or phone me on 443 5105 by Friday 19th June. “Hekselige hilsner”, Inger Mortensen

Danish Society News Magazine ● June 20092

THE DANISH SOCIETY (INC)P. O. BOX 12 279 - PENROSE 1642

6 Rockridge Ave., Penrose, AucklandPhone 580 3103

www.danishsocietynz.com

Contact phone numbersThe Danish House 580 3103Valhalla, Leigh 09 422 6194

CommitteePRESIDENTFinn Nielsen 625 5533

Email: [email protected] Stewart 480 8282

Email: [email protected] Knights 021 858 248 Email: [email protected] Mortensen 443 5105

Email: [email protected] MEMBERSAntony Barrett 444 0939Kim Basse 473 6455Keld Burlon 528 1108 Kurt Marquart 476 0244Dawn Nissen 625 7396EDITOR “NEWS MAGAZINE”Pam Logan 480 98839 Puawai Place, Northcote, Auckland

E-mail: [email protected] PRODUCTIONJohn Stewart 480 8282 MAILOUTHelle Scott 521 2844 CHANGE OF ADDRESSKurt Marquart 476 0244

E-mail: [email protected] Other Addresses

ROYAL DANISH CONSULATE GENERALP.O. Box 619, Auckland 1Fax 537 3067 Phone 537 3099www.danishconsulatesnz.org.nzTHE TRADE COMMISSION OF DENMARKHarbour View Building, 152 Quay St, 7th FloorP.O. Box 2154, Auckland 1Fax 307 5207 Phone 379 3119 www.dtcauckland.um.dkTHE LUTHERAN CHURCH1 Harris Rd (P O Box 85-014) Mt Wellington Phone 579 4490DANISH CHURCH NEW ZEALAND INC.Pastor Anja Grønne Mathiassenwww.danishchurchnz.org Ph 03 464 0218

SUBSCRIPTIONS (2008 Financial Year – 1st Oct 2008 to 30th Sept 2009)

Member: $60 per memberSenior rate: (65 & over) $50 per member Youth rate: (18 to 25) $50 per memberChildren under 18 Free Family discount: Less $10 per couple

REGULAR EVENTS

QUICK CHECK CALENDAR

COMMITTEE MEETINGSare held on the second Monday of the

month at 7.30pm

VALHALLA WORKING BEESWorking bees are usually held on the weekend

of the second Saturday of the month.

DANISH HOUSEAn Open House is held on the first Sunday

of each month from 2pm.

CARDPLAYERSmeet on the first and third Wednesday

of the month - 11am to 3pm

DANISH MOTHERS’ GROUP

meets every 2nd Tuesday. Call Christina on 360 4389 for venue.

FOLKDANCERS

meet at 7.30pm on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month.

WEDNESDAY

MORNING GROUPMeets on the fourth Wednesday

of every month at 10.30am.

JuneWed 3 Card PlayersSun 7 Open HouseSun 7 Special General MeetingTues 9 Folkdancing Social NightSat 13 Valhalla Working BeeSun 14 Commemorative plantingSun 14 Children’s PartyWed 17 Card PlayersFri 19 Film EveningSun 21 St HansTues 23 Folk Dancing

JulyWed 1 Card PlayersSat 4 Smørrebrøds PartySun 5 Open HouseTues 14 Folkdancing Social NightFri 17 Film EveningAugustSun 2 Open HouseSun 9 Danish Mothers’ LunchSat 8 Valhalla working BeeSat 15 Winter Warm-UpFri 21 Film Evening

Committee Contact Working Group Convenor PhoneCultural Card Players Lise Jensen 625 8969 Danish lessons Connie Kristensen 0274 757 565 Danish Mothers’ group Christina Bengtson 360 4389 Folk dancing Finn Nielsen 625 5533 Library / Videos Helle Gilderdale 478 7016 Society history Karen Yates 524 6016 Welfare (Cards & Flowers) Vibeke Courtney 576 3150Danish House Bookings Lorraine Nielsen 625 5533 Maintenance Carsten Dansted 524 2047 Members Membership Kurt Marquart 476 0244 email: [email protected] Editor Pam Logan 480 9883 Webmaster Lena Burlon 528 1108 email: [email protected] Bar Finn Nielsen, 625 5533 Socials Keld Burlon 528 1108 email: [email protected] Bookings & Maintenance Marion Stewart 480 8282 Working Bees Erik Nissen 625 7396

Committee Contacts & Convenors for Working Groups

Danish House Hall Hire RatesMembers rates for hiring the hall for the whole day at the Danish House, Penrose.Sunday to Friday inclusive $100Saturday: $150Half a day is $25 less. Funerals – no charge.

The bond is $150.00 per booking. The booking/holding fee of $50.00 is deducted from

the total cost.

Call the Booking Officer: Lorraine Nielsen, Phone 625 5533

RATES FOR VALHALLA Peak Members Guests Adults $18 $30Children $9 $20Off-Peak Adults $12 $30Children $6 $20Whole house daily rate Off-peak $120 Peak rate $270 Christmas season $320Off-peak = Mid-week only excluding Christmas season and school holidaysPeak = All school holidays, Christmas season and all weekends.Christmas season = Christmas Eve to the end of Anniversary weekend.The house can only be hired for 7 days at any one time.

Call the Booking Officer: Marion Stewart,88c Coronation Road, Hillcrest, NSC

P: 480 8282 E: [email protected]

Danish ClassesWednesdays

Beginners 6.30-7.30pmIntermediate 7.30-8.30pmPrivate lessons are available on

Saturday mornings. For more information call Connie Kristensen 0274 757 565

June 2009 ● Danish Society News Magazine 3

We had a great time at the Paaskefrokost. The wonderful food and great company made for a very enjoyable afternoon in the company of friends. The live music added to the fantastic ambiance. The afternoon time seemed to suit many people and is something we will keep in mind when planning other functions.

The Family Dinner and Film was also well attended and the fantastic food was definitely value for money. Most people also attended the movie and some of us took the opportunity to catch up with people.

There are many events coming up in the society, both at Vahalla and at the Danish House. There is bound to be something to interest most people. Plan ahead and book a group for some of the functions. Book your children or grandchildren for the Children’s Party on the 14th June and/or bring them along to Skt Hans on the 21st June.

You will have noted the notice for the Special General

Meeting. All members will receive a posted notice for the meeting, giving the reasons for the meeting. There was also some background information in the last magazine. The committee feels that it will be advantageous for the DDF to register with the Charities Commission to enhance our tax free status and these rule changes are part of the process.

If there are any questions please feel free to get in touch with me or any of the committee.

Please attend the Special General Meeting on Sun 7th June so that the direction of the DDF reflects the views of its members.

I also look forward to seeing you at some future social event.

Finn Nielsen

From the President – May 2009

Film EveningFriday 19th June,

7.30pmFree film plus coffee and cookies for

members - donations welcome.Non-members pay $5.

We will be showing

HVID NAT(White Night) 2007

Director : Jannik JohansenStarring: Lars Brygmann, Robert Price

(for best male actor 2008, in Hvid Nat), Morten Grunwald, Nicolas Bro, Rikke Louise Andersen,

Anne Sophie Byder, Sarah BobergA psychological drama about Ulrich, a

workaholic whose life takes a drastic turn when he is involved in a fatal accident. As his guilt grows, his life slowly crumbles around him.

Next, an unpleasant event from his past rears its unforgiving head.

Come to the

Open HouseSunday, June 7th

from 2pmCome and meet your friends or get some

new ones – Everyone is welcome!Coffee & cake from $2.50

(Next Open House, July 5th)

Special General MeetingNotice of a Special General Meeting

is being mailed to members. The meeting will be held at

1.30pm on 7th June at the Danish House, Penrose.

The purpose of the meeting is to alter rules 3 and 22 (also technical changes to 8.4 & 8.5)

to enable the Society to register with the Charities Commission

(see details in April newsletter).


The Danes again say no to the European Union and the former majority for abolishing the independent defense and judiciary is largely wiped.

Public support for Europe is in retreat while the opponents gaining ground in all areas.

There are now more Danes who say no to the EU in Denmark than the yes-sayers and the previous solid support for abolishing the Defense and Judicial independence has almost crumbled.

So shows a new poll conducted by Rambøll of Morgenavisen Jyllands-Posten.

The poll indicates that 45.2 percent of Danes want to retain the Krone (currency) while 43.7 percent are ready for the EU’s common currency. As recently as January of this year 49.8 percent supported a vote for Danish-Euro participation while 44.6 percent said no.

At least as striking is the decline in support for the lifting of Judicial independance which may be associated with last years debate of the Metock ruling(1) from the European Court and its consequences for the Danish Foreign policy.

Lars Løkke’s Plan (Prime Minister from 5 April 2009)

Also in the case of Danish participation in European Union military cooperation, the Danes have gone into reverse and now are divided into two equal groups.

Despite the declining Euro enthusiasm, Prime Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen (Liberal Party) declared for the first time that “the target is still a vote on the Euro in this legislative period, but only if two basic conditions are in place.”

“The first is that the treaty based fundamentals in the European Union be completely resolved. The second

is that there must be a strong parliamentary reversal and a clear position in Parliament, this situation doesn’t exist now” he said.

Social Democratic EU spokesman, Svend Auken, believes that the novice Prime Minister is largely responsible for the drop in enthusiasm, because the VK (Liberal and Conservative People’s Party coalition) Government is not taking the issue seriously.

“On the contrary, the new Prime Minister has almost canceled the debate.” said Auken.

(1) Metok’s ruling precludes Denmark from using local laws to circumvent Directive 2004/38/EC if it was to join the EU. The Directive 2004/38/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004 on the right of citizens of the Union and their family members to move and reside freely (Freedom of movement for workers) within the territory of the Member States – defines the right of free movement for citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA), which includes the European Union (EU) and the three European Free Trade Association (EFTA) members Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein.

The basic premise of the directive is that EEA citizens have the right of free movement and residence across the European Economic Area, as long as they are not an undue burden on the country of residence and have comprehensive sickness insurance cover. This right also extends to close family members and unmarried partners that are not EEA citizens.

After five years, the right of residence becomes permanent, which means it does not depend on any precondition any longer. This permanent right of residence can be seen as a precursor to a true European Citizenship.

DANISH SUPPORT FOR JOINING THE EUROPEAN UNION IS IN DECLINE


The April Open House at Penrose was well attended and hosted by Inger and her hubby. They provided some yummy apple cake (among other things) and when I asked her if it was from one of Farmor’s family recipes she said “no it wasn’t, it was an English one and even the recipe was written in English!” It is lovely to come along to open house when the cooking is great and the company is friendly. The weather has turned quite cold as I write this and I suspect May 7th will be a great day for you to come along to the next open house so that you can feel warm on the inside.

Påskefroskost Another highlight this month was the Påskefroskost

(Easter lunch) which was held on ANZAC day. Keld Burlon excelled himself in the kitchen and provided a four course meal for 60 or so guests. We started with sild med karrysalat and it was warming to hear ‘skol’ as people enhanced the taste of the herring with akavit. There was time between each course so that people

could chat and enjoy the music provided by Martin Driessen.

The next course had a choice of four dishes. I really enjoyed the rullepølse med italiensk salat but everybody had nice things to say about all the dishes. At this stage everybody was relaxed and had to take time to make room for the next course. Roast pork was the theme of the main dish and the crackling was hungrily sought after! The meal ended with dessert; ris a la mond (one of my personal favourites) and citronfromage. And for those who could fit it in, there was cheese and coffee.

Congratulations to Keld and the team who worked hard for the success of this event. There is another lunch later in the year and if you enjoy good Danish food, I suggest you make a real effort to join the party. Kim Basse

Scenes from Påskefroskost

From the Committee – May 2009

American Independence DaySmørrebrøds Fest/Boston Tea Party

Costume PartySaturday July 4th at 7pm

Please book early for this one, interest is high (see insert).


On Sunday 19th April the Valhalla sub-committee met for its second meeting this year. Palle Olsen, who participates in the meeting as the Reforestation Project Manager, was formally asked to be an official member of this committee, particularly as the reforestation is a good 50% of the Valhalla sub-committee business.

We do have quite a number of projects on the go, which I shall report on progress for you below.

● Reforestation: This is a never-ending project in full force, with the busy planting months ahead of us for the next four months. One project in particular is the planting of the oak trees that were donated by Knud Kristensen at the Valhalla 30th anniversary. Palle has planned a site he would like to plant the oak trees and a tree planting ceremony will take place at the June Working Bee. You are all welcomed to attend this occasion.

● Roading: We have concerns with the deterioration of the tar-seal road that was laid only a few years ago. We have received quotes to have this repaired and we have written to the company who laid the original seal asking for a response regarding our comments. We are currently waiting on a reply.

● Pa Beach Steps: The name plaques that will be placed on the steps, have taken longer to implement than we had planned. With other projects taking up most of the working bees time and the inclement weather in March this job, unfortunately, has not yet been started. Erik Nissen has made this job top priority and we should see some progress after the May working bee. My apologies to those that have gone up hoping to see the name plaques already in place. The bottom set of the steps that are still to be repaired, need extra attention to prevent any further erosion of the bank behind the steps and to adhere the steps firmly in place.

● Water Reticulation: Many thanks to a new member, Jes Mikkelsen. We now have a qualified member in the Society to look at this project and report back his recommendations. Jes’s project is to look at the entire water system we have in place, from the pump to the tank to the house.

● Children’s Playground: Along with the help of Antony, Bjarne and Erik have completed the building of the playground ready for placement on its designated area.

● Viewing Deck: This job has began, with the bearers now all in place. This should be completed over the winter months all ready for summer next year.

● Car Park extension: This is now near completion.

Other projects in the pipeline for a later date are:

● Outdoor Furniture – for the viewing deck and re-vamped court-yard

● Re-vamped Court Yard – A suggestion has been put forward and costings are being obtained.

● Drainage – this is to take the water away from the house, in particular from the low part of the house, Bornholm and the utilities rooms, out under the driveway and down the hill.

● Upgrade Foyer – On hold until other projects are completed.

● New Carpet for the Hall – provided free of charge. To be done over the winter months when outside work is too difficult.

● Sewerage System – to be investigated once the fresh water system has been addressed.

Some of these projects will take us into 2010. It was agreed at the last meeting that no new projects will be started until we have finished the ones we are currently working on, otherwise our manpower gets too thinly spread at working bees and it is difficult to get jobs completed.Marion StewartChair of Valhalla Sub-Committee

Report from the Valhalla Sub Committee

Missing inventory from Valhalla Over the last couple of months Valhalla has “lost” several

items from its new kitchen. A new roasting dish, large stainless steel mixing bowl, orange mixing bowl, new tin opener, small stainless steel pot (for heating butter etc) along with other items.

We must all help to make sure all Valhalla’s’ inventory stays where it belongs – we cannot continue to have items disappear on us.

Please do not use containers from Valhalla to take your left over food home. The party using Valhalla after you may well be relying on it (i.e. a roasting dish).

Please be certain that your guests at Valhalla understand that nothing is to be removed.

Valhalla’s kitchen is kept to a very high standard for everyone’s enjoyment. Please look after it.


The April working bee was cancelled because it was Easter weekend. The week following, a small group held an official working bee to spread gravel on the paths in preparation for the June Working Bee.

Graham arrived with a trailer load of plants and also did some spraying, weeding and baiting of traps. We were fortunate to have Martin (Wright), Fiona and children holidaying at the same time and were grateful for Martin’s help in spreading gravel on the tracks with Palle, Sacha and friend.May Working Bee

A keen group attended both days. Early Saturday morning Lise, Palle, Erik, Sacha, and two newcomers, Peter and Annie, started clearing the area near the viewing platform for a new lawn and some replanting, and also disposed of the rubbish. Antony, Bjarne and Adrienne made good progress on the continuation of building the children’s playtower with the help of Kaius. Graham carried on with spraying and Neville continued spreading gravel on the paths. Pam was on hand cleaning windows and recording progress with her camera. Erik borrowed the neighbour’s tractor and did some mulching and mowing to keep the grass down. Lise did a good job in cleaning the house and other outdoor work, whilst Vibeke and Fanny again did a great job in the kitchen keeping everyone full and happy. Many thanks to all.Erik

We need your help!at the next Valhalla Working BeesSaturday 13th - Sunday 14th June8th-9th AugustWe are seeking your support to carry out a whole range of jobs. Our main focus will be to complete the outside jobs such as the steps, children’s playground, building the viewing deck, etc. Any help is welcome. Lunch is supplied by the society, therefore we need to know by Wednesday 10th June the number of participants.

If you are able to help in any way, please contact Dawn or Erik Nissen on 625 7396

Working Bee Report Planting Day at Valhalla

Sunday 14th JuneCome & help us enhance our forest.

There are lots of shrubs & trees to plant. Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea will be provided.10am Commemorative planting

Morning teaTree planting

LunchMore planting

We will finish planting for the day at 3pm which will be followed by

Afternoon tea.(Please bring a spade plus a coat in case of

wet weather)


ForeningsnytHjertelig til lykke til:

Congratulations to all the members who have birthdays and the couples who have an

anniversary in June especiallyMarama Meldgaard

som fylder 50 år d. 11.6.2009Ole Clementsen

som fylder 90 år d. 21.6.2009Susanna Fisher

som fylder 45 år d. 30.6.2009

Thank You Letters

Contributors

To the Danish Society Many thanks for the elegant floral arrangement I received for my 70th birthday. The flowers were beautiful.RegardsAnne Rankine

Til Bestyrelsen og Medlemer af den Danske ForeningTusinde tak for de skønne blomster jeg modtog til min fødselsdag. Jeg havde en dejlig dag. Alt det bedste for foreningen.Venlig hilsenRuth Kirk

The next magazine deadline is June 15All contributions welcome – in English or Danish (with a short summary in English). The magazine can also be read (in full colour) online at www.danishsocietynz.com.Note: ads for events must be in a calendar month before the event. Pam Logan (Editor) [email protected]

In MemoriamKirsten (Chris) Trenkner, of Coromandel,

passed away on Monday 27th April aged 70. Kirsten did the embroideries in the Danish House and was always sending interesting

Danish news items, especially about the Royal Family, to the Society.

Aere vaere hans minde.

Thank you to Kurt Marquart, Kim Basse, Marion Stewart & Finn Nielsen for articles sent in, and also to Bjarne Elowsson & Pam Logan for photos in this month’s magazine.

Valhalla Working Bee Scenes

Delayed delivery of Sild due to closure of supplier

– expected September instead of June

American Independence Day Smørrebrøds Fest/Boston Tea Party

Costume Party

Venue: The Danish Society

6 Rockridge Ave

Penrose

Saturday 4th July 2009 at 7pm

Come and enjoy

the wonderful, open Danish sandwiches.

Bring cash to buy beer, snaps and other drinks

from our bar.

Live music will be played

Price per member $25

Price per guest $35

Send in the slip or e-mail to [email protected]

latest by Friday 26th June 2009

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -cut here- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Sent in by (print name): __________________________________________

Contact phone number: ____________________

I have enclosed a cheque I have paid online on the date:

_______________

Payment covers ______ guests and ______ members

Please send this slip by Friday 26th June to:

The Danish Society

PO Box 12 279

Penrose

“Soc0407” If you wish to pay online, please credit our account: 12 3036 0671539 000

1st reference (please write): Soc0407

2nd reference (please write): “your name”

danishnews062009

Documents

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phone numbersthe danish

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benefit of members

dedication of members

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