The Dutch Burgher Union
114, Reid Avenue, Colombo 4.
Telephone No. 2584511
Newsletter - November 2005
President's Founder's Day Message
Your Excellency, Mr. Raynout van Dijk, Distinguished invitees, fellow Members, Ladies and Gentlemen.
The Dutch Burgher Union, as you know was founded in 1908 through the pioneering efforts of Richard Gerald Anthonisz and, as we do every year, we are assembled here today to commemorate the event.
R.G. Anthonisz' achievement in establishing the DBU was made possible by Dutch Burgher greats like F.C. Loos, the first President of the Union, Dr. W.G. van Dort, L.E. Blaze, J.H. Grenier and a host of others too numerous to mention. His intention was to bring together the scattered families of the Dutch Burgher Community that were fast disappearing. United by a common bond, he believed they could not only be strong but also serve as an example to other communities in the country.
Anthonisz himself defined "Dutch Burgher" as far as the Union was concerned, and set the parameters for membership as being for those who could trace their ancestry back to 1796 (being the year in which the Dutch capitulated to the British). Unfortunately, many Burghers who could not or would not trace their ancestry were as a result excluded from the Union. This led to charges against Anthonisz and the DBU itself of elitism, snobbery and downright racism. In reality, I don't believe that any of these charges are fair. The simple fact was that all our illustrious Founder was really trying to do was to get the Dutch Burghers together and unite them. Unfortunately, in creating the parameters for admission, he did, I daresay, overlook the fact that there were 910 Burgher families in 1796 whilst the DBU had genealogies for only about 200; this begged the obvious question - were there in fact more Dutch Burghers outside the Union than within it? This question and the said criticisms have been going on for 97 years but this year I am proud to say that the Union has made some significant progress in addressing them. It has done so by means of constitutional amendments designed to broaden our membership accordingly.
The Burghers, Dutch or otherwise, have made an enormous contribution to this country in every field of human endeavour. A contribution that is way out of proportion to our tiny number. We produced the first Ceylonese Chief Justice, in Sir Francis Soeltz, the first Ceylonese Mayor in Colombo. The country's greatest Artist in George Keyt, greatest writer in Michael Ondaatje (no matter that the Ondaatjes don't call themselves Burghers, anymore!), greatest athlete in Duncan White. We have produced great Historians, Professors, Doctors, Judges, Lawyers, Businessmen, Entrepreneurs, Civil Servants, Administrators, Impresarios, Musicians, Sportsmen and, lest we forget, the best railway-men in the British Empire. '
One of the British Governors, Sir Henry Ward referred to the Burghers as "The brazen wheels, upon which, sight unseen, the Golden Hands of Government run".
Indeed, so diverse is the "Burgher Connection" that we have decided to have a mini "HaIl of fame" with a small write-up and portrait of each outstanding member of our community in our rooms upstairs so that our young generations will know and realize the huge contribution of their community to this country.
I should like to conclude by quoting RG. Anthonisz himself – "You cannot live your life worthily if you spend it for your own advancement. Your life must be spent as far as possible for the good of the community that you belong to and for all communities with whom you associate."
I would like now to thank His Excellency, Mr. Van Dijk for gracing this occasion with his presence, our invited guests and you my fellow members for continuing to support this anniversary.
SPOOKY NIGHT
Fabulous disco lighting with Music provided by "OUTBURST " on Saturday, 26th November, 2005 Entrance: Members/Guests Rs.200/= p.p
Come dressed in your Spookiest outfit and win fantastic Prizes!
SHORT EATS & SNACKS A variety of short-eats and snacks will be available at very reasonable prices.
For reservation of tables comprising 8-10 pax. Please book before 23 Nov. 2005
DATES TO REMEMBER
5th December 2005 - St. Nikolaas' Fete - The kids will be in for a fabulous treat with pony rides, a bouncer, plenty of games and prizes with yummy eats. To join in the fun will be St. Nik himself! Tickets will be priced at Rs.I00/= per kid and Rs.150/= per adult. Book early!
11 th December 2005 - DBU Christmas Sale -A Special Food Stall with Burgher Sweets, Savouries, Home made Ginger Beer, Milk Wine & lots more 1 ih December 2005 - DBU Christmas Dinner
MEMBERS who have joined us this year
We cordially welcome to our membership ......
Members: Mr Lester Weinman, Mr Dallas Martenstyn, Ms Maeve Martenstyn, Ms Coralie La Brooy, Ms Amanda Tanghe, Mr Stephen Anthonisz and Lt Col Rohan Anthonisz.
Overseas members: Ms Vanessa La Brooy, Mr Wilhelm Ohlmus and Mr REH Armstrong.
Associate Members: Ms Jeanne de Vas, Mr Ajithe Madanayake, Ms Kishnie Madanayake, Mr Kevin Pinto, Mr Shiran Samuel, Mr Jerome Fernando, Mr Paul Ramesh Pillai, Mr Hirantha Pereira and Mr Tharaka Abeyratne
BAR CREDIT FACILITY
We are pleased to announce that Members may make a minimum cash deposit of Rs 5,000/= and avail themselves of credit facilities at the Bar. For more information, the Office (Tel:2584511 ) or the Bar Secretary Mr David Joachim (Tel: 0773-022278) may be contacted.
GUESTS & GUEST FEES
Members may now bring in up to 6 guests, without having to pay a guest fee.
However for each additional guest over 6 , the guest fee of RS.100/- per head, up to a maximum of 4, is payable. Members are also reminded that the name~ of guests should be entered in the guest book, for record purposes and the information of the General Committee.
MEMBERSHIP UPDATE PROFORMA - A Reminder.
Another blank proforma is being sent with this Newsletter to those Members and Associates who have still to send in the particulars needed to enable the Office to update the Members' Computerized Data Base: Please send in the duly completed form before 19th November 2005. Thank you.
