danishnews092008

NEWS MAGAZINEISSN 0113-4965 • September 2008

Film EveningFriday, September 19th, 7.30pm

We are showing

“Unge Anderson”“Young Anderson”

(G) Unrestricted(but not recommended for children under 7 years)

English subtitles.(see review pg 8)

Free film plus coffee and cookies for members - donations welcome.

Non-members pay $5

Come to the

Open HouseSunday, September 7th

from 2pmCome and meet your friends or get some

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

Wednesday Morning GroupWednesday, Sept 24th, 10.30am

Subject for discussion:How do we cope with the changes

taking place in Denmark when our personal perceptions of the country

are so different.Come prepared with your experiences and

share these.10.30am Coffee and chat

11.00am Formal part of our gatheringFor Men and Women of all ages.

Bring your Lunch to enjoy after the meeting.

SmørrebrødsfestSaturday, 27th September

at 7.30pmSee insert for booking details

Jule BazaarChristmas BazaarSunday, 2nd Nov, 2pm

is Open House and the traditional Trading Tables

Please search your cupboards for suitable good items you can donate to sell, or consider

handwork or baking. We all have things that can make our cupboards easier to manage!!

All proceeds go to the Children’s activitiesContact Vibeke Courtney Ph 576 3150

Danish Society News Magazine ● September 20082

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

CommitteePRESIDENTKaren Yates 524 6016

VICE-PRESIDENTRichard Logan 480 9883

TREASURERRoger Knights 021 858 248

SECRETARYRolf Siggard 528 2469

COMMITTEE MEMBERSMia Barr 634 1159Antony Barrett 444 0939Kurt Marquart 476 0244Finn Nielsen 625 5533Marion Stewart 480 8282

EDITOR “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 0244E-mail: [email protected]

Other AddressesROYAL DANISH CONSULATE GENERALP.O. Box 619, Auckland 1Fax 537 3067 Phone 537 3099www.danishconsulatesnz.org.nz

THE TRADE COMMISSION OF DENMARKHarbour View Building, 152 Quay St, 7th FloorP.O. Box 2154, Auckland 1Fax 307 5207 Phone 379 3119 www.dtcauckland.um.dk

THE LUTHERAN CHURCH1 Harris Rd (P O Box 85-014) Mt WellingtonPhone 579 4490

SUBSCRIPTIONS (2008 Financial Year – 1st Oct 2007 to 30th Sept 2008)

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.

SeptemberWed 3 Card PlayersSun 7 Open HouseTues 9 Folkdancing Social NightSat 13 Valhalla working BeeWed 17 Card PlayersFri 19 Film EveningTues 23 Folk DancingWed 24 Morning GroupSat 27 Smørrebrød PartyOctoberSun 5 Open House

Sun 12 Over 60s luncheonFri 17 Film Night + Family Dinner

NovemberSun 2 Xmas BazaarFri 21 Film EveningSun 23 AGM + Family Dinner

DecemberSun 7 Open House +Sun 7 Jule GudstjenesteFri 12 Xmas CarolsSun 14 Children’s Xmas Party

Committee Contact Working Group Convenor PhoneCultural Card Players Lise Jensen 625 8969Karen Yates 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 0244Roger Knights email: [email protected] Editor Pam Logan 480 9883 Webmaster Lena Burlon 528 1116Other Clubs Presidents/contacts Karen Yates 524 6016Karen Yates MarketingSocials Bar Finn Nielsen, Keld Burlon 625 5533 Lena Burlon Socials Mia Barr 634 1159Valhalla Bookings & Maintenance Marion Stewart 480 8282Richard Logan Development Richard Logan 480 9883

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

BOOKINGS FOR VALHALLA RATESOff-peak Adult Child Member $10 $5Guest $30 $20 Whole house daily rate $120Peak Member $15 $7.50Guest $30 $20Whole house daily rate – excluding Christmas seasonFlat rate $270Off-peak = Mid-week only excluding Christmas season & school holidaysPeak = All school holidays and all weekends.Christmas season = Christmas Eve to the end of Anniversary weekend.The Whole House is available during the Christmas season, but will incur an extra $50 a night premium rate, bringing the daily rate to $320. The house can only be hired for 7 days at any one time. Children are 18 and under and under 5 stay free (when in the same room as their parents).Call the Booking Officer: Marion Stewart,

88c Coronation Road, Hillcrest, NSCP: 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

September 2008 ● Danish Society News Magazine 3

Kære Medlemmer,There is a lot going on in the Danish Society.

The Committee and the AGMThere will be a very new appearance to the

committee as over 50% of present members have met their term of office and for good reason need to step down. Some committee members have indicated their willingness to be available for re-election but new people are needed on run the Society and take it into the future. We really need younger people, particularly those with a good knowledge of Denmark and Danish to be involved at this level.

It is YOUR Society and YOU are responsible for the members you vote on to the committee. Read more about that in the Newsletter.

A new Kitchen for Valhalla The long awaited new kitchen

at Valhalla is about to take place. Thanks to Bjarne Elowsson’s great energy and offer of his time free of charge to be involved in planning and organising this project. This is the way the Danish Society was built up and many friendships forged through working together.

In today’s frenetic world where we rush from one appointment to another and our lives are full on, both adults and children have busy lives and there is little extra time to give to projects outside of the home.

For those that have got time, the Danish Society has many responsibilities that require attention. Valhalla has certainly improved with members who have caught the vision of the possibilities and enjoyed weeding, planting trees, carrying wood, creating new steps, designing a new playground for the children (which is the next big project) and so on.

September’s Smørrebrøds Party Smørrebrød is a Danish delicacy and loved by Danes.

These days because of the time required to make them and possibly the trend to eat healthy food, fewer Danes make them in their homes. They may order in (at great expense) for a special celebration to enjoy with family and friends.

We in Auckland are old-fashioned enough to make our open sandwiches and make plenty for

all to be more than satisfied. This is a good opportunity for the many new members that we are happy to accept to come and join in and meet with others in the Society that you have joined. For those of you that have distant roots with Denmark, here is a cultural experience that ought to be tried.

Do come and be involved in making the sandwiches on the day of the party. It is a fun experience and you are guided all the way always working with others. Send in your indication that you are coming to the party, now.

The Storm and Danish House Danish House was

among those buildings and structures that were not spared in the storm at the end of July. On Saturday the 26th July, a big tree near the boundary with Mt Smart Stadium, uprooted and fell on Danish House. It could have cut the house in half but we were fortunate that there was minimum damage. Read about it within the Newsletter.

The Scandinavian Festival in March 2009A lot of my time has been taken up with arranging

the programme for the Festival. Last month you received a newsletter about it so you can keep up-to-date. Very few of you have enrolled. YOUR presence is needed at this festival as well as your help.

Lastly let me share something ”dansk”. It was a great pleasure for me to be at Danish House on Wednesday evening and meet Connie Kristensen and some of her Danish language students. Yes, Danish, the spoken language is still alive in Auckland. Det Danske sprog er levene ogsaa her I Auckland. Det er kun glædelig at høre Danskere tale Dansk og at der er nogle der vil lære sprøget. Lad os blive ved med at dyrke både det gamle og det nye Danske!

Med venlig hilsen Karen

Karen’s CornerFrom the President – August 2008


The Danish Society is in Your HandsVery soon it is that time again, when you vote for a new committee. Time does fly! The AGM has been set for Sunday 23rd of November at 4pm.As a paid up member You have the right to direct the affairs of the Society and one way (among many) of doing that is through being involved in the process of nominating and voting for committee members. The issues the Danish Society faces are those of all clubs but they are not daunting. As we are in the process of change we can only work our way through this period of the life of the Society with YOUR involvement.

You can take steps to assist The Danish Society to the next phase of its life and deal with the issues it is facing now by:

1. Nominating a person for president, secretary and the committee NOW.

2. Voting at the AGM.

3. Contributing to the social and physical tasks of maintaining the Society (as some of You do already but there are many more jobs).

4. Taking a small segment of the responsibilities of the Society (that does not necessarily mean you need to be on the committee).

Vacancies on the Committee:There are several vacancies on the committee.

President: Karen is stepping down as indicated last AGM and a new president is requiredThe constitution states that the candidate must have been on the committee for at least 6 months. We think it is important that the person can speak Danish, knows Danish culture and seeks to maintain links with Denmark. As well as that other skills that would be useful are: management skills, and ease with people and an ability to work with others.

Secretary: Rolf is stepping down and a new secretary is requiredThis position requires skills of: minute taking, meeting organisation, preparing agenda and reports. The job is made easy with computers.

Treasurer: Roger Knight has completed a term of two years and is willing to stand again.This position requires financial management skills, financial reporting, budgeting, time and an ability to work with the book keeper.

There are 2 General Vacancies on the committee for the many responsibilities that the Danish Society have. Richard Logan and Finn Nielsen have completed their terms. Richard is available for re-election.


Issues the Danish Society in Auckland is facing

The Return of the Viking Ships with Anne Rimmer 14th October 7pm in the Sanford Theatre, NZ National Maritime Museum

Cnr Quay & Hobson Sts, Viaduct Harbour, Aucklandwww.nzmaritime.org

Ph. 09 373 0800 or Freephone 0800 725 897

Do nominate members for the committee. Talk to any committee members and other members about suitable people for the committee for the upcoming AGM and elections.

We need a good mix of younger people, even though they are busy, as well as experienced people who may have extra time on their hands.

Do your bit for the Danish Society NOW: Cut along the line> ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Send your nominations in to The Danish Society, PO Box 12 279 Penrose 1642Position: ………………………………………………………………………………………………….…………………………

Name of Nominee: ……………………………………………………………………………….………………………………

Signature of nominee: …………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Seconded by ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Signature …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Short statement of nominees intent.

Must be received by 15th October to be included in the November Newsletter (otherwise nominations can be received on the day).

Remits also need to be received by the 15th October

The Danish Society:● is a cultural and friendship club YET it is a “business not for profit” administering millions of dollars of property● is a business YET it is run by volunteers● has a few volunteers that take care of business YET the membership is over 300.● has a consistent flow of membership applications monthly YET a very small proportion of members participate

in the Society’s activities● has many groups within the Society with satisfying friendships YET participants of groups do not often meet

members outside of their groups● has a need for members to address “What the identity of The Danish Society is in 2008-9” and where the future is ● is at the crossroads and at risk of losing its “Danishness” in the near future if Danes who have strong cultural and

language links with Denmark are not present in the leadership.


We need your help!at the next Valhalla Working Bees13-14 September 2008 (2nd weekend of the month)No working bee in October due to the kitchen upgrade8-9 November 2008 (2nd weekend of the month) 13-14 December 2008 (2nd weekend of the month)We are seeking your support to carry out a whole range of jobs (inside and outside). Our main focus over the next couple of months is on upgrading our wooden steps, repairs to the tracks, weeding and pruning in our forest. Any help is welcome. Some volunteers come for the day whilst others stay the weekend. If you have never been to a working bee, why not come for a visit.

If you are able to help in any way, please contact Richard Logan, 480 9883 (Home)

We had another busy working bee in August with 8 members coming and going over the weekend. The weather varied from overcast/ rain on Saturday to sunny and mild on Sunday. Over the weekend we successfully completed a number of maintenance jobs both inside and outside.

We are removing coprosma that was planted too close to the tracks and is no longer needed for wind protection. This coprosma has grown really well and we have been hedging it but that is not sustainable. By removing the coprosma completely, it opens up the tracks and helps to reduce that ‘closed’ in feeling that many members are uncomfortable with.

We have a busy period up to Christmas for tackling other projects, for example, we hope to complete the upgrade of the steps (Pa Beach), upgrade the kitchen (October), upgrade the Jylland toilets, upgrade the foyer floor and walls and install the children’s playground and assemble some outdoor furniture.

Hopefully we will also be able to get a digger and to dig a deep drain along the road and to use the digger to remove some of the big flax that is now too close to the tracks.Richard LoganValhalla Convenor (Development)15 August 2008

The weather on Saturday the 26th July caused extensive havoc through out New Zealand with floods and damage from falling trees.

Danish House was also affected when a large eucalyptus tree from Mt Smart Stadium was uprooted during a wind gust of over 100 kilometres an hour, landing it on the roof of Danish House.

From initial inspection, it appeared that holes were present in the roof. Miraculously there was no evidence of rain damage to the interior nor were there any windows broken. Instead a section of the guttering was damaged.

Mt Smart Stadium took full responsibility for the damage and arranged for the total repair in the following week. It took a huge crane to lift the tree off the roof. A roofer discovered that there was no apparent roof damage apart from some broken tiles that were

immediately replaced. The guttering has since been replaced.

Valhalla Working Bee - August 9-10

Danish House and the Storm of July 26th


From the Valhalla Booking Off ceriBig changes at ValhallaNew Kitchen

For many years a new kitchen has been discussed and promised at Valhalla. Small modifications have been made to keep the kitchen useable over the past few years but always in mind that a complete new kitchen was needed.

You may remember that the result of the Valhalla Futures Working Group report was to recommend that we progressively upgrade the existing building. One of the main projects mentioned was upgrading the kitchen. Immediately following the last AGM a date and timeline was decided to ensure the house was free for this project.

The committee received designs and requests, quotes were sought and at the open meeting on Wednesday 13th August the final plan was given a resounding tick of approval. During the weeks of 22nd September to 24th October the old kitchen will be pulled out and a new one put in. This work is being done on a volunteer basis with Bjarne and Lise Elowsson as superb project managers. They have taken this project by storm sourcing materials through many avenues getting us high quality materials at an awesome price. We are all very excited.

EnsuiteAt the same time as the new kitchen is being

installed the disabled bathroom at the end of the house is being divided into two bathrooms, both will have disabled facilities. Access to one of the bathrooms will only be accessible via Jylland effectively making this an ensuite. As you will be aware the floor in the original bathroom needed realigning as the water ran down behind the toilet and while the house was out of action this was a good time to tackle this problem. We have been very fortunate as all materials and labour is being provided to the Danish Society at no cost. This will increase the showers and toilets at Valhalla to 4.

New Play GroundThis is another project that has been on hold as

other projects have taken up our precious manpower but now I am happy to advise we have a design and plans in place and this project is now underway.

Thank you to John Stewart and Antony Barrett for taking on the building of this project and Erik Nissen for your expert advice and help. A big thank you to Inger Mortensen for putting me onto the web site that provided such great ideas and plans.

We will be building a Play Fort that will consist of two swings, one slide, and a climbing wall as well as a great fort to provide hours of fun and entertainment for the children. This will be sitting in a boxed area with either bark or artificial grass underneath. The position will be beside the shed where the current swings are sitting. As this is being done during working bees it may take a few months to complete but we do hope to have it all in place after the completion of the kitchen.

Other ProjectsThe steps are on the final stages of being

completed. The name plaques are currently being made and will be ready for installation once the steps are completed. There are still steps available if you would like to purchase a nametag.

The other projects recommended in the Valhalla Futures Working Group are being considered as funding allows.

A new top is being installed on the chimney to prevent wind and rain coming down the chimney. The chimney will also be swept during the time of installation.

TrampolinePlease pick up the Trampoline mats if you find

them lying on the ground. The working bee found these scattered around the trampoline and they had obviously been there for many weeks. They have been put into the open shed, hanging from the rafters to try to dry them out. If the weather is poor, please put the mats back into the shed rather than leave them on the trampoline, as the current weather has not been kind to our equipment.Marion Stewart


ForeningsnytHjertelig til lykke til:

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

anniversary in September especiallyFiona Leigh

som fylder 40 år d. 3.9.2008Guinny Soerensen

som fylder 60 år d. 13.9.2008

The next magazine deadline is Sep 15All contributions welcome – in Danish or English.(Arial Narrow font, size 12) 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)

Welcome to New MembersVelkommen til nye medlemmer: Irena Dahlstrom Annie & Peter Andrewes Susanne Fisher and Isabella & Benjamin

Thank You LettersTo the Danish SocietyThank you very much for the lovely flowers and good wishes we received from the Danish Society on our special days. My flower arrangement is still looking very beautiful.Thank you also to the committee and the many volunteers for the great work you are all doing for the Danish Society. That is very much appreciated!Warm regardsNiels & Rita Jægersborg

Dear friendsI am taking this opportunity to thank you all so much for your kind wishes and most beautiful flowers I received for my 90th birthday. It really made me feel special.Many thanks.Lyn Bentley

To the Danish SocietyThank you very much for the lovely orchid we received on our 60th wedding anniversary. We will enjoy it for a long time. A big thank you to the card players for the beautiful flowers and card you presented to us on our card day, also to everybody who remembered us on our card day.Kind regardsLise & Preben

To the president, committee & members of the Danish SocietyThanks you so much for the beautiful flowers I received for my 60th birthday. Even after 3 weeks I am still enjoying them!Kind regardsAnna-Margrethe Jorgensen

Scandinavian Festival

27 to 29 March, 2009Auckland

Celebrating Scandinavian Culture and Scandinavian History in New Zealand

Now looking for volunteers to help in all areas of the Festival

You can register with the secretary on [email protected]

or write to: The Secretary Scandinavian Festival 2009,

PO Box 12 279, Penrose, 1642, Auckland

Our next movie on Friday 19th September will be

“Unge Andersen”Young Andersen is rated (G) Unrestricted (but not

recommended for children under 7 years)Synopsis: The story begins in 1822 with 17-year-old

Hans gatecrashing a swish soiree in Copenhagen where a mentor detects the scent of genuine talent in the teenager’s trite poetry. He arranges for young Andersen to be educated at a strict school where his talent is refined through a variety of rigours and rebellions.

Simon Dahl Thaulow plays the eponymous hero as a gangly, obsessive geek – verging on the autistic – and it’s to the credit of the filmmakers that they don’t gloss over the subject’s shortcomings in what is a visually attractive film with a flavour closer to Dickensian than to shortbread.

Film Review

The Passing away of a past memberGeorge Nielsen 28th September 1930 – 1st August 2008

George, married to Marta (nee Beck), had been an active member together with Marta in the past. At one stage he was part of the folk dancing group.

The family gave George an honouring farewell celebrating his interesting life.

Are være hans minde.

Smørrebrødsfest

Time again for us to enjoy traditional smørrebrød.

Saturday 27th

September 2008

The Danish Society

6 Rockridge Ave

Penrose

Time: 7.30pm

Eat as much as you can

- and bring cash to buy beer, snaps and other drinks from our bar

Price per member $25.00

Guests $30.00 (Children half price)

If you are able to help prepare food or help with the arrangement please

contact Mia on 634 1159 or [email protected]

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Adults

Children under 15

Total cost

Sent in by: __________________________________Contact ph

number___________________

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

Please send this slip by 18.09.08 to:

The Danish Society

PO Box 12-279

Penrose 1642

“Soc2709”

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

1st reference (please write): ”Soc2709”, 2

nd reference (please write): “your name”

The Annual

Over 60’s Luncheon

The Danish Society

6 Rockridge Ave

Penrose

Sunday 12th

October 2008 at 1 pm

Come and enjoy the wonderful open Danish sandwiches

Bring cash to buy beer, snaps and other drinks from our bar

2 herring sandwiches +

4 scrumptious sandwiches per person

All plated

Price per person $15.00

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -cut here- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Number of “over 60s”______________Total cost__________________

Sent in by (print name): ______________________________________

Contact phone number: ____________________

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

Please send this slip by Friday 3rd

October to:

The Danish Society

PO Box 12 279

Penrose

“Soc1210”

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

1st reference (please write): Soc1210

2nd

reference (please write): “your name”

danishnews092008

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