Best of the Binn 5 - BrunssumBrits

THE HE BINN BINN
The Best
of
The Binn 5
2008-2010
Best of the Binn 2008-2010

From Magnums to Jeroboams and beyond……a visit to Champagne
You are probably aware that to have the prestigious word “Champagne” marked on a bottle of wine,
it must have been produced in the region of Champagne. This area represents only 0.5% of the
world’s
On Thursday
vineyards,
18
however
September,
it is
the
like
Canadian
a magnet
delegation
for wine lovers
organised
- perhaps
the annual
that is
JFC
why
Brunssum
we decided
Terry
to
Fox run in aid of local cancer research charities. A total of 88 walkers/runners/cyclists took part,
visit! Epernay is a 3 hour drive from Brunssum and is at the centre of this region. It is a perfect stop-
enjoying either 5 or 10km on foot, or 20km on a bike through the Brunssum Heide. Major Ron
off for visits to Paris or Euro Disney.
Bachinksy, the main organizer of the event commented, “It was great to see so many members of
All the major producers of champagne are keen to attract tourists to their caves (pronounced “carves”
the British community at the event, helping to raise money towards such a worthy cause.” Follow-
and
ing
being
a short
the
address
name given
covering
in French
the inspirational
to the underground
feat of Terry
cellars
Fox,
where
the runners
wine is
and
fermented)
bikers were
and we
chose started to visit by Gen the Mercier Ramms. caves. Terry The Fox Mercier is a legend champagne in Canada. house Below was is founded an extract in 1858 taken by from 20 year-old the
Eugène Terry Mercier. Fox foundation His ambition website was which to bring explains high-quality why. champagne to the masses and the construction
of the Mercier cellars began in 1871. Some 6 years later, the 47 tunnels covering 18 km were
completed. Terry Fox Today’s was born visitors in Winnipeg, are taken Manitoba, 30 metres and below raised ground in Port and Coquitlam, travel around British these Columbia, celebrated a
tunnels community in a train. near Guided Vancouver tours on are Canada's available west in both coast. French An active and English teenager and involved cover the in many history sports, of the
Mercier Terry house, was only the 18 champagne years old when production he was process diagnosed and numerous with osteogenic snippets sarcoma of really (bone interesting cancer) infor- and
mation. forced For to have example, his right we leg learned amputated how Mercier 15 centimetres had a giant (six vat inches) of 1600 above hectolitres the knee (the in 1977. equivalent While of
213,000 in hospital, bottles Terry of 75cl) was built so overcome between by 1870 the and suffering 1881. of Weighing other cancer twenty patients, three many tonnes of (when them young empty),
this children, “Cathedral that of he Champagne” decided to run was across taken Canada to Paris to for raise the 1889 money World for cancer Exhibition. research. However, He would the vat call
was his not journey the most the Marathon popular exhibit of Hope. at the show – that accolade went to the Eiffel Tower which, completed
earlier that year, formed an entrance arch to the fair! The vat is still on show today (above
ground) After 18 at months the champagne and running house over and 5,000 is simply kilometres colossal! (3,107 miles) to prepare, Terry started his run
in St. John’s, Newfoundland on April 12, 1980 with little fanfare. Although it was difficult to garner
We attention greatly enjoyed in the beginning, our time enthusiasm at the Mercier soon house…and grew, and the the money collected along his route began
wine
to mount.
tasting
He
at the
ran
end
a marathon
rounded
(26
the
miles)
visit off
every
very
day
nicely!
through Canada's Atlantic provinces, Quebec
and Ontario. It was a journey that Canadians never forgot.
The underground train journey is both informative for
adults but had a fun element to keep the children happy.
However, on September 1st, after 143 days and 5,373 kilometres (3,339 miles), Terry was forced
You will pass thousands of bottles of champagne; with
to stop running outside of Thunder Bay, Ontario because cancer had appeared in his lungs. An
some dating back to 1923. The cellars are kept at a con-
entire nation was stunned and saddened. Terry passed away on June 28, 1981 at age 22. The
stant
heroic
all-year-round
Canadian was
temperature
gone, but
of
his
10°
legacy
and so
was
make
just
sure
beginning.
you take a coat whatever the season! There is also some
wonderful To date, animation more than as $400 the million lift descends has been to the raised cellars. worldwide for cancer research in Terry's name
through the annual Terry Fox Run, held across Canada and around the world.
We only toured the Mercier cellars but of course there are
many As a others result around of this event, Epernay a similar to pick one from. held We by found 1 NSB the in Maastricht and the sale of t-shirts, €594
champagne was raised. prices These at the funds cellars will go to directly be about into the supporting same as in a cancer project here in The Netherlands
the under French the supermarkets guidance of the and Dutch so if may Cancer be worth Society. buying
from the supermarkets where there is the choice of other grapes. The beautiful city of Reims
(pronounce it “Rrince” and roll the first ‘R’ if you want the French to understand what you are talking
about) is nearby and the Cathedral there is definitely worth a visit.
Tours to the Mercier house cost €16 for adults and include a film, guided tour of the cellars and 3
glasses of different Mercier champagne to taste. The tour is free to children under 12. All visits need
to be booked on +33 (0)3 26 51 22 22 and more information can be found at
www.champagnemercier.fr (with pages in English).
Jo Spinks
Best of the Binn 2008-2010
TRAVEL
T H E B I N N

Best of the Binn 2008-2010
HALF TERM IDEAS
FREE ADMITTANCE FOR CHILDREN TO GANGELT WILDLIFE PARK!
Between 10th and 25th October 2010 Gangelt Wildlife Park is offering children free
entry to the park. (Children’s tickets normally cost €4 Adults still cost €6)
The park offers a very pleasant day out with lots of ‘local’ wildlife: deer, wild boar
and bears!
www.wildpark-gangelt.com
LASER GAMES in the Valkenburg offers a high-adrenalin, exhausting and fun activity to keep
your kids talking about for ages. Open for all ages (min height 1.15m), groups are kitted out with
high-tech robot suits and laser guns and split into two teams and let loose in the caves for 30 minutes.
Points scored for shooting members of the other team, lost for being hit or shooting a teammate!
Score sheets issued at the end lists the winners and the sharp-shooters! €8 per game (cash
only), special offers available for more than one game or combined with CHAIRLIFT AND TO-
BOGGAN RIDES. Telephone to book beforehand, games every half hour.
Neerhem 44, NL6301 Valkenburg an de Geul. Tel: 043 609 0609
MONDO VERDE near Landgraaf is a great day
out with 250,000 m2 of themed gardens, dinosaur walk, children’s
theme-park rides, animals and play areas. Open every
day from 10am until
6pm, winter until 4pm
except weekends when it shuts at 5pm.
Adults €15, children €7.50, Parking €3. Year-round cards
available and worth it if you plan to go more than 3 times.
Kinderstad Tickets on sale in Post Office (8am—3pm)
This fun children’s indoor attraction park is in Heerlen
€7 per ticket (a saving of €2)
For more information contact Liz Doig in Post Office or phone ext 2231
T H E B I N N
P A G E 3

TURNING POINT GYMNASTICS CLUB
If you are looking for a Gymnastics Group for your child, this is highly recommended.
The first two lessons are free to see if they enjoy the classes and to assess which
class they will be put into. All the instructors speak excellent English and are very
friendly. Lessons cost €15 per month, paid either in cash or through direct debit via
your bank and membership is €30 per year. There is a waiting area with coffee, tea
and snacks available at reasonable prices and a fab viewing area so you can watch
your little darlings. Remember to give them a drinks bottle with either water or juice
before the session starts. Sat Nav will take you there—if you don’t have one then
Dave (who runs the classes) can give you directions.
Telephone: 06 30 49 50 45
Address: Turning Point Centre, Sittard, Economy 8b, 6135 KV Sittard
Information: www.turningpointsittard.nl
Best of the Binn 2008-2010
Nicole Marshall

TEN THINGS TO DO IN...AACHEN
Aachen Cathedral (Dom) is one of the most famous
examples of occidental architecture. It is the coronation
church of more than 30 German kings, burial site of
Charlemagne, major pilgrimage church and cathedral
church of the Aachen diocese since 1930.
Open:
Daily 7am - 7pm.
Nov - March: 7am- 6pm.
No visits during services.
The Elisa Fountain (Elisenbrunnen) is the symbol of
the spa town of Aachen. It was constructed in 1827 according
to plans of the architects Cremer and Schinkel. At
the time, the Elisa Fountain served as a drinking hall and
a promenading hall and still today it is possible to try the
healing thermal waters of Aachen from this fountain. Marble
plaques remind us of the names of the famous visitors
that came to the Aachen spa over the centuries, amongst
them Händel and Casanova.
T H E B I N N
Best of the Binn 2008-2010
In the early 14th
century, the
townspeople of
Aachen took over
the ruined palace
of Charlemagne.
On its foundation
they built the gothic Town Hall, which
was converted into a baroque building in
the 17th and 18th centuries. The town hall
was seriously damaged in the two fires of
1656 and 1883. 50 statues of German rulers
adorn the north facade; 31 of the kings
represented were crowned in Aachen.
Inside the town hall visitors can take a look
at the Coronation hall with its famous Rethel
frescoes dating from the 19th century
and copies of the Imperial Crown Jewels as
well as the gothic and baroque furniture of
the building. Open 10-6pm daily, entrance
€5.
Christmas Market Every year before
Christmas the squares and streets round
the Aachen Town Hall are transformed into
a paradise of lights and colours, festive
sounds and seductive smells. This fabulous
market boasts approx. 1.5 million visitors
every year. From 20 Nov until 23 Dec from
11am—9pm except Sun 22 Nov when it is
only open between 6-9pm.
The Cathedral Treasury is regarded as the most important ecclesiastical treasury north of the Alps. It
houses sacral art treasures from the late Antique, Carolingian, Ottonian and Staufian epoch, among them
some unique exhibits like the "Cross of Lothair", the "Bust of Charlemagne" and the "Persephone sarcophagus".
Adults €4. Open Mon 10am-1pm, Tues-Sun 10am—6pm

TEN THINGS TO DO IN...AACHEN 2
Aachener Tierpark
Located in the beautiful regional water conservation
of ‘Drimborner Waldchen, near the international triangle
where Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands
meet, the Aachener Tierpark has developed into a
home for more than 1,700 animals representing 250
different species. From tiny exotic birds to huge
Asian camels and selected western European animals,
the park has a colourful variety
of interesting inhabitants in nearly 9
ha of park. Adults €5, Children €2.50.
Open 0900 until 1830 until end Oct
then until 1600 during the winter
months.
CAROLUS SPA
Opened in 2000, the spa harks back to the days when
Aachen was a celebrated spa town—on a par with Baden
Baden. The hot springs date back to Roman times.
The spa offers an indoor and outdoor pool as well as a
sauna.
NB: this is a textile free, mixed sex sauna!
Open daily from 9.00 til 23.00
No children under 6
Up to 2.5 hours €11.00 inc sauna €22.00
Up to 3.5 hours €12.50 inc sauna €25.00
All day €14.00 inc sauna €28.00
www.carolus-thermen.de
Best of the Binn 2008-2010
COUVEN MUSEUM
The Couven Museum is an 18th Century
merchant house which gives an insight into
Aachen in its Baroque days. As well as
sumptuous furniture, it also houses the Adler-
Apotheke (pharmacy) where chocolate was first
produced in 1857.
Tue - Sun 12.00 - 18.00 h
Mon closed
adults: Euro 5,00
pupils, students: Euro 2,50
Hühnermarkt 17 52062
Aachen
LINDT CHOCOLATE FACTORY
The factory shop at the Lindt Chocolate
factory is a must for all chocolate lovers.
Offering a variety of seconds, firsts and
end-of-line products, particularly postseasonal
(Xmas, Easter etc).
Open Mon-Fri 0900-1800 and Sat 0900 –
1300 with longer hours nearer Christmas.
No credit cards, but Dutch debit cards
accepted.
Süsterfeldstraße 130, Aachen
BAHLSEN BISCUIT FACTORY
Just across the road from the Lindt Factory is this biscuit outlet shop selling Leibnitz biscuits, crisps, some
sweets and other savoury nibbles. Please note you will need cash if you don’t have a German account
card.

T H E B I N N
Best of the Binn 2008-2010
COOKING TIPS
What can I use now!!!
Need to think about seasonal baking and want to check the store cupboard before you hit the shops?
Only got plain flour but need self raising?
For every 225g (8ozs) of plain flour add 15ml (1 level tblsp) baking powder.
What does one use for castor sugar?
Albert Heins currently sell a Fijne Kristalsuiker from a company called Van Gilse for 82 cents for 750grams.
Van Gilse also produce a Witte Basterd Suiker (Yes that is the correct spelling!). 57 cents for 500 grams.
It appears to be slightly heavy or damp, so I would not recommend this for meringues, but cakes and
pastries would be fine.
What is the shelf life of the following ingredients?
Mincemeat – 1 year
Flavouring essences – 1 year
Block chocolate or chocolate chips – 1 month
Food colourings – 1 year
Silver balls, vermicelli and other decorations – 1 month
Evaporated milk – 6-8 months
Cocoa/drinking chocolate – 1 year
Cornflour/custard powder – 1 year
Baking powder/bicarbonate of soda/cream of tartar – 2-3 months
Plain/self raising flour – 6 months
Wheatmeal flour – 2-3 months
Wholemeal flour – 1 month
Currents/sultanas/raisins/prunes/figs/apricots/candied peel/glace cherries –
2-3 months
Herbs/spices and seasonings – 6 months
Faced with an American/Canadian recipe and don’t want to rely on using a teacup?
1 cup measures 8fl ozs. (4 Cup, white plastic measure currently for sale for 99 cents at Ikea)
To set homemade jams jellies and marmalades, boil until they reach 105ºC (221ºF).
Happy cooking!
Now I’m off to check my cupboards!
JH

P A G E 8
Did you know?
Tickets for the
Charity Night
Event are
allocated to each
nation based on
the number of
people per nation
who are listed as
members of the
International
Spouses’ Club?
In other words,
the more paid-up
British members,
the more event
tickets available
for the British
community!
All money raised
by the Spouses’
Club over the
year is donated to
charities. The
charities are
chosen and
approved by the
nations’
representatives.
T H E B I N N
Best of the Binn 2008-2010
INTERNATIONAL SPOUSES’ CLUB
The new season for the International Spouses’ Club has begun.
What is it?
The Spouses’ Club is an opportunity for people of all the nations represented at
JFC Brunssum to get together on a regular basis.
The Club organizes coffee mornings, activities/clubs, day trips, cake sales and
the Charity Night event (usually held in MARCH). Charity Night is THE BIG
EVENT of the JFC Brunssum calendar. Last year Charity night raised over
€47,000 for charities including Combat Stress and Help for Heroes.
Who can go?
Spouses of serving personnel (that means men as well as women!) It doesn’t
matter what rank or job your spouse does—anyone can join!
Members join by paying an annual subscription of €15 which entitles them to
enroll for the Activities/Clubs on offer. The sign up is at the next Coffee Morning
on 15th September.
Coffee mornings are available to all at a cost of €4 for members. Non-members
are also welcome—they will be charged €6 .
Where is it?
A monthly coffee morning is held in the JFC Brunssum Conference Centre
(previously called the International Inn). At each coffee morning there is a
charity raffle and a buffet—the food is provided by whichever nation/nations
hosting the morning.
September 15th 1000 –1200 Sign up for clubs
October 13th 1000 –1200 Hosted by UK
November 24th 1000 –1200 Craft fair
December 15th 1000 –1200
January 12th 1000 –1200
February 9th 1000 –1200
March 9th 1000 –1200
The British delegation would like to invite all spouses — of all ranks — to come
along and see what’s on offer.
If you are interested in helping with the organization of the club, fund-raising or
have any suggestions, please email Antonia Tomoszek: tmoszek@aol.co.uk or
Chrissy Ince: chrissy_ince@hotmail.com
G Fernandes

P A G E 9
Did you know?
To perform in the
Passion Play
actors must have
been born in the
village or have
lived there for at
least 16 years.
Until very
recently, only
unmarried women
under the age of
35 were allowed
to perform.
The local potter
has to make over
100 large water
pots as one gets
deliberately
smashed every
performance.
All the costumes
are hand made by
locals. The fabric
is sourced from
India.
T H E B I N N
Best of the Binn 2008-2010
OBERAMMERGAU
In 1633 the village of Oberammergau was in the grip of plague— villagers
were dropping left, right and centre. In order to stop the carnage the
villagers plea-bargained with God. The deal: ‘stop the plague and we’ll perform
a play about Christ’s last days every decade from now on’. They do
say you should be careful what you pray for and, 376 years later, the
plague villagers’ descendants are still performing the Passion Play once
every ten years.
The Oberammergau Passion Play is, however, no
average amateur dramatic event— it is an
extraordinary spectacle in which over 2000 villagers
take part 5 days a week from May until October
2010. The cast are all ordinary, local people who do
their normal jobs in the morning and from 2.30 p.m.
until 10.30 p.m. perform on stage. Only the leading
30 parts (Jesus, Mary, Pontius Pilate etc) are each
shared between two actors.
As if the six months performing were not enough, the villagers have given
up virtually a year of ‘normal life’ to practice and prepare for the performances.
All male actors have been growing beards since Ash Wednesday this
year! Rehearsals are already taking place.
Tickets for the Passion Play are selling fast. Many have been sold to large
tour companies but it is still possible to book direct with the theatre.
Ticket order forms are available from the box office on +49 88 22 92 31-0.
www.passionsspiele2010.de is the official website.
The play starts at 2.30pm and, including a three-hour interval, ends at
10.30pm.
The 102 performances take place between May 15 and October 3, 2010.
Anyone visiting the beautiful village of
Oberammergau is well-advised to visit
the Passion Play theatre and take the
behind-the-scenes tour which will give
an amazing insight into the Passion
Play. Where else will you learn all the
secrets of how a crucifixion can take
place over 100 times in as many days?
Gillian Fernandes
Basic (performance only) tickets
range from €45 to €150
Performance only tickets
generally only available for
Saturday night performances.
Packages (one or two nights’
accommodation plus
performance tickets) range from
€199 to over €800.

The Frisian Islands – Holland’s Holiday Hideaways
Best of the Binn 2008-2010
North Coast: Frisian Islands
If you’re in search of pristine, sandy beaches for that weekend getaway (or longer!) and don’t want to
drive endless hours to get there, then don’t fret – Holland may have just the answer with the Frisian
Islands nestling just off the North coast!
An archipelago of around 44 small islands in total, most of the Frisian Islands are protected nature reserves
meaning that just 5 of the 15 Dutch-owned islands are
actually inhabited. From West to East these are Texel, Vlieland,
Terschelling, Ameland and Schiermonnikoog but cars are not
permitted on Vlieland and Schiermonnikoog making travel a little
difficult for those with children and the associated baggage! Of
the remaining 3 islands, Texel is by far the largest (circa 60
sq miles) and the most populated resulting in a wide and diverse
tourist industry that is extremely popular with the Dutch. If you
want to avoid the hustle-and-bustle (and who can blame you!)
then we suggest moving East to Terschelling.
With an area of about 34 sq miles, Terschelling is the next largest
of the populated Frisian islands and, although a significant
part has been made into a nature reserve attracting a large
number of ornithologists, there is a thriving tourist industry
geared towards water sport enthusiasts and walkers/cyclists alike. That said, the 2-hour ferry
crossing is enough to dissuade all but the most determined naturalist!
Moving east again and totalling just 23 sq miles, Ameland is the smallest tourist-friendly of the Frisian
Islands but, in our view (and we may be slightly biased as my family come from here!), offers the finest
supervised beaches, most diverse scenery and has a prolific number of great restaurants to justify the
45-minute ferry crossing from Holwerd on the Dutch mainland. Indeed, in 2007 Ameland was voted as
having the cleanest beaches in the whole of Holland, and a trip to what is essentially one huge sandbank
will leave you in no doubt as to why!
(continued on next page…)

T H E B I N N
Best of the Binn 2008-2010
North Coast: Frisian Islands 2
About Ameland. Long and narrow, Ameland resembles a prehistoric club on its side (if you use your
imagination!) being just 24km long by 4km wide; it is orientated east-west such that the white sandy
beaches lay on the west, north and eastern flanks. Depending on how you drive, getting there takes
approximately 3 hours to the ferry terminal at Holwerd. The crossing is not cheap (at about €130
return for a car and four passengers) considering that Ameland lies just 7km off the mainland but, as
you meander through the numerous channels cut into the mudbanks below the Wadden Sea, it allows
you to take in the extraordinarily flat (literally sea-level!) scenery and start to unwind! It should be
noted that your ferry crossing must be booked in advance but the English web pages (www.wpd.nl/?
objectID=5) makes this a breeze. Known as ‘the Wadden Diamond’, you arrive on Ameland just a 3
minute drive from the village of Nes; one of just four villages on the island. With around 1200 inhabitants,
Nes is the 2 nd largest village where you will find historic buildings dating back to the 11 th Century
nestled between modern shopping, dining and entertainment establishments.
In our opinion, Nes also has the best family-friendly beaches where soft, white sand shelves gently into
the North Sea providing a safe and relatively-warm haven for the kids to play. Hollum is the largest
and most westerly of the 4 villages and accommodates a number of holiday villages and associated retail
outlets plus a nine-hole golf course. There is a proliferation of restaurants but the major feature is
one of the most powerful lighthouses in the world (4.5 million candle power for those interested!) that
is easily discernable from anywhere on the island. The smallest village, Ballum, lies between Hollum
and Nes and, apart from the island’s small grass airstrip and a fantastic ‘Friture Shop’, Ballum is very
easy to miss and visitors tend to pass through it often without realising! The final village on the island
is Buren and, despite being almost centrally located on the island, is the most easterly! Buren, however,
is the gateway to two beautifully remote nature reserves offering the opportunity for visitors to
wander through the unspoilt sand dunes, salt marshes and deserted beaches and to truly escape from it
all.
Where to stay. There are plenty of places to stay from guest houses, hotels and apartments to campsites
and even cheap communal barns! The VVV website
(www.vvvameland.nl) offers a wide selection but we suggest that you
use Google language tools to help!
Like all the Frisian islands, Ameland is a unique piece of nature which
offers its visitors modern shops, cozy restaurants, cafes and supermarkets
plus an abundant wildlife and the best Blue Flag beaches in the
whole of Holland. Cycling, wind surfing, golf and long beach walks
(although the latter 2 could be considered a single activity!) are just
some of the activities on offer and, at just over 3 hours drive away, is a
worthy destination for which to sample Holland with a difference!
Sqn Ldr Mark Taylor (& Amy!)

CAROLUS THERMEN—BAD AACHEN
This luxury spa is close by and inexpensive and a wonderful way to treat yourself . A large central pool
offers whirlpools, jets and bubbles on a variety of levels and the chance to swim outside. There are loungers
to relax in and a variety of Jacuzzis.
But this is just the beginning. The Carolus Spa offers over 40 different ’indulgences’ from Ayurvedic massages
to aromatherapy and other beauty treatments. There is a tented solarium where you can lie back in
the warmth on soft sand, along with a huge sauna complex (this is a textile-free area—in other words:
naked!). A choice of gourmet restaurants offers delicious meals and snacks.
Open from 9am to 11pm . Prices per person from €10 for 2½ hours, parking €2.50.
www.carolus-thermen.de
Check the website for children’s age limit.
Best of the Binn 2008-2010

Best of the Binn 2008-2010
TIME FOR YOU—CARP FISHING
Need to relax? Want to get away from it all for a few hours? Why not go carp fishing? But first a
health warning: This is not ‘fishing for pot’ and you would be run off most sites if seen popping your
catch into a plastic bag to take home for your evening meal. No, this type of fishing is more about enjoying
the great outdoors and trying to trick Cyprinus Carpio onto your hook purely for the joy of the
catch.
Limburg offers a wide choice of carp venues – just Google ‘Limburg Carp’ and you will be provided with
all the information you need. You will also be provided with trout, zander, pike and catfish info. if that
tickles your fancy. Locally, there are two carp lakes that stand out. The first is Hoensbroeck (opposite
the castle). This is a very large lake for the more serious angler as fish are hard to catch but huge – I
have had 3 carp there all over 20 Lbs. – on floated breadcrust at a range of about 30 metres close to the
island. Hoensbroeck is a day-ticket water and you can buy your ticket on-site. The second is ‘De Driepoel’
near Geleen (www.hsvmaurits.nl). This is a purpose-built fishing venue with pre-prepared swims,
stocked with a large number of carp (and other fish varieties) to a weight of circa 30 Lbs., although most
fish are in the 6 – 15 Lb. range. Here floated baits are not permitted due to the high likelihood of catching
ducks or gulls! This is a friendly family-oriented water with an on-site cafe (where you can obtain a
fishing ticket) but you will need to avoid the more popular days when match fishing is organised. Here I
have caught up to 3 carp per session but nothing larger than about 14 Lbs. Best time of year is probably
mid-April to early June when the fish are most active.
The only other thing you need is a Netherlands rod licence and this can be purchased from any post office
– 2008 charge was Eur 9,50. If you need any further advice just give me a call (work: 3129), if not,
happy fishing.
Pictures, from left to right:
Friend of the author’s with 32 Lb. Grass Carp caught at Hoensbroeck; the author ‘enjoying a little peace
and solace’ at De Driepoel; typical catch at De Driepoel.

Best of the Binn 2008-2010
EATING OUT—FOCUS ON HEERLEN
EL POPO
If you’re like me and like to take the kids out (occasionally), I can definitely recommend
this Mexican restaurant in Heerlen that I have been to on a number of occasions.
They happily cater for children, and have a small area where the younger
family members can play whilst waiting for the food to arrive.
I feel that if you have not been, you’re missing out on a great meal at a reasonable
price. The service is good and the food even better, although the portions can be
on the large side depending on your choice.
There is a good selection of choices to cover all tastes, including vegetarian options,
as a veggie friend who visited there testified.
If you’re not sure you can visit their website (in Dutch) which includes the menu.
You can use Google to translate the website - http://www.google.co.uk/
language_tools?hl=en
Address: Bongerd 14 – 16, Heerlen, 6411 JM
Telephone: 045 5778080 www.elpopolimburg.nl
Cpl Lee Miller
Cpl Lee Miller
SANCHA’S HEERLEN SHOPPING TIP
A well kept secret in Heerlen is The Bazaar – which is a colourful world of over
20 shops, food stalls and restaurants. The shops range from Oriental to Moroccon,
with clothes, ornaments, food, spices, carpets and gorgeous shoes
(definitely not sensible or expensive!).
The Bazaar can be found at Klompstraat 1/5, 6411 RR, Heerlen
(www.thebazaarheerlen.eu) – which is in the basement of the Q-Park off
Stationstraat. Open everyday apart from Sunday.
Sancha Dicks

TRADITIONS IN THE NETHERLANDS
Best of the Binn 2008-2010
Father Christmas’ increased footprint -
End-of- the-year traditions
In the last fortnight of November and the beginning December (and increasingly earlier),
life in the Netherlands is still dominated by “Sinterklaas”, the celebration on the
evening of the 5 th of December of the birthday of Sint-Nicolaas, a bishop who comes
here by steamer from abroad a week or two in advance with his White Horse and Moorish
helpers, de Zwarte Pieten (Black Peters). Sinterklaas, off duty, resides in Spain according
to current traditions, but earlier versions of the story make him originate in Hellenic
Myrna, in what is now Turkey. Father Christmas meanwhile has strongly increased
his footprint, with many Dutch children now managing to maximise benefit from both
distinguished gentlemen’s generosity…
The Sinterklaas tradition nevertheless remains strong. In many families Sinterklaas’ gifts
go together with poems written especially for the recipient, in which his or her vices and virtues are exposed
or extolled. A lot of work goes into the wrapping and often elaborate disguise of the presents,
called “surprises”. In some families this is taken to the extreme with coded instructions that have to be
deciphered in order to find the present hidden about the house, or with presents enshrouded in unpleasant
slimy or smelly wrappings. Hidden poetic talent can produce epic poems which are mandatorily
read out loud by the recipient with reddening cheeks at the revealed transgressions. The anonymity Sinterklaasgedichten
(poems) provide allows for settling of scores built up during the year… This surge of
talented poetry is often reached but at the last minute. In the hours leading up to the evening of the 5 th
many an office computer screen is filled with basic rhyme rather than the latest company results. Yes,
Sinterklaas is Big Business in all respects. What with the credit crunch crunching, 2008 may witness a
first decline of the Good Holy Man’s (Goedheiligman) spending in years.
Sinterklaas will visit school classes or family homes and there, with his Great Book on his lap, and with
young and old gathered in front of him, will recite a brief paragraph on a chosen persons’ behaviour,
closely followed by Zwarte Piet, ready for instructions to put the naughty boy or girl in the Big Bag (de
Zak van Sinterklaas) to take back to Spain. This thankfully happens rarely.
Sinterklaas, although known to appreciate a glass of Jenever at these occasions when going through the
Book, can manifest himself as a serious pedagogue, and as such is a bit of bore compared to his rotund
colleague Father Xmas. There is an element of fear when toddlers are invited to sit on his lap or if required
to sing solo one of the many ancient “Sinterklaasliedjes” (songs). The Sinterklaas tradition, with
all its strange elements such as the Zak and the Zwarte Pieten brandishing their bunches of tangy twigs,
interestingly has never been seriously challenged by politically correct egalitarian, human rights’ or civil
liberty groups. They seem to know that an attack on this tradition would be received but with howling
scorn. Likewise, it looks as if Father Xmas’ newly found popularity will never be able to oust Sinterklaas
from his unshakable position as the nation’s Most Powerful Personality.
.

for everyone.
Best of the Binn 2008-2010
TRADITIONS IN THE NETHERLANDS 2
Sinterklaas rides his White Horse over the roof tops, while the Zwarte
Pieten descend the chimney with presents, or, in great haste announce
the arrival of the gifts by loud banging on front doors a which
presents are left. In the weeks leading up to the 5 th children are allowed
to “zet een schoentje” at the fireplace or back door, filled with a
carrot for the horse, and they sing a Sinterklaasliedje hoping to find
some sweets or a small gift the next morning in their shoe. Children
must be aware: over-use of the schoentjes method results in many an
early morning disappointment; even Zwarte Piet cannot be everywhere
Christmas in the Netherlands used to be a family and religious affair. Basically
people would have Christmas trees and simple self-made Christmas decorations
around the house. Some families went to a catholic mass or protestant service in
the local church at midnight (Nachtmis) on Christmas Eve, sometimes followed
by a family meal of “pasteitjes”, and a glass of Advocaat (e.g. in Maastricht), the
famous Dutch eggnog nobody dares touch these days because of the massive
calorie bomb it contains. The first day of Christmas family gathered for a festive
meal with turkey or game or something more simple, depending on the state of
the family finances. Father Xmas used to be a lovely old figure known from England
or America, but who had not really started to compete with Sinterklaas, or
conquer Dutch households at Xmas. Few families exchanged gifts at this occasion,
and if they did the gifts would be under the tree and opened on Xmas
Day. Very few Xmas stockings were around. In those days Commercial
Christmas was unknown. Now all this has changed. Father Xmas’ onslaught
is relentless, and Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer is everywhere. Christmas
markets, mainly in the South and a spillover from Germany, are cropping up
all over the country, and there is a growing group of people who have been
introduced to the hitherto esoteric delights of Christmas Pudding. Father
Xmas, this Jolly – Ho –Ho –Ho Maecenas who gives without asking anything
much in return except having been a good boy or girl, seems to appeal to
modern day Dutchmen, who have taken him to heart.
With much thanks to Maarten de Sitter

NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS
If you are staying in the Netherlands for New Year, be prepared for a noisy time! Many
Dutch people stay at home and celebrate quietly with the family until midnight, then dash
out on the streets and indulge in a DIY festival of pyrotechnics.
It is the evening of the great, Dutch doughnut ('oliebol'). These are deep-fried balls of dough in various
flavours, covered with icing sugar. They are only eaten during the New
year period and in the run-up to New Year specialist street stalls appear to
meet the demand. The doughnuts are washed down with coffee and later,
champagne.
On the stroke of midnight, the Dutch toast the occasion with another quick
glass then take to the streets outside their homes with frighteningly large
stocks of fireworks. Holland must be the only country where so many fireworks
are let off in such a short space of time on the public highway. these
are the so-called 'duizendklappers' and they can last for several, deafening
minutes. It sounds like a major war has broken out but luckily there are
also many sky rockets and decorative fireworks. The deafening noise tails
off after an hour or so but sporadic bangs are heard throughout the night
and well into the next day.
During the hours around midnight the streets are deserted, public transport stops running and bars and
cafes close. Some bars open again at 1 a.m. but there is little tradition in Holland of New Year parties
outside the home. This is probably due to the dangers of roaming the streets with so many fireworks
going off! In 2007 the Dutch set off 60 million Euros worth of assorted fireworks. Little chance this will
be much less in crisis time.
GERMANY—Silvester
Silvester is what the Germans call New Year’s Eve. Named after Saint Silvester, said to have been Pope
from 314 until he died in Rome on December 31, 335.
Among the most interesting traditions found still in practice for Silvester is the pouring of lead to predict
the upcoming year. Small leaden figurines are melted in a spoon over a candle and the molten lead is
then poured into a bucket of cold water. The resulting shape is then interpreted to predict what kind of
a year one will have. Traditional interpretations range from an anchor (signifying help when needed) to
such bizarre items as the axe (disappointment in love), a ram (expected inheritance), fish or pig (good
luck), hat (good news), scissors (important decision impending) or spider (your luck is hanging by a
thread). The custom is still in use although not nearly as common as it once was. Other important traditions
often found at parties and larger celebrations include the Feuerzangenbowle, a punch into which
alcohol infused sugar cones drip when set ablaze; shooting handguns to scare off evil spirits (now outlawed
in most cities including Berlin); throwing dice to (again) predict the upcoming year for prizes
ranging from hotdogs through pretzels; and many others.
Best of the Binn 2008-2010
However you celebrate this
year—please do it SAFELY
and don’t drink and drive!!