Harderwijk Rotary Club celebrates it’s 75th Anniversary this year. It is one of Faversham Rotary’s contact clubs, another being Soest-Lippstadt in Germany.
Eight Faversham Rotarians and their partners made the journey to Harderwijk, where they were joined by the same numbers from Soest-Lippstadt, for an enjoyable weekend with a varied programme of activities.
Friday started with a nine hole golf tournament or a visit to Het Loo Palace, a former royal residence. In the evening a delicious Indonesian buffet was served at the Vischafslag, the old fish auction building, where our Dutch hosts welcomed us in song.
Project Waterfront was the topic for Saturday morning, with a presentation about this development of Harderwijk’s harbour followed by a boat trip to see the changes from the water. Fortunately the rain held off, as we were all in open boats!
Saturday evening was the Anniversary Gala Dinner, attended by 75 guests – was that a coincidence? The Club Presidents made speeches and members of the visiting clubs provided some of the entertainment. Faversham presented their version of the two Ronnies ‘Class System’ sketch and Soest-Lippstadt performed Queen’s ‘We Will Rock You’ with lyrics adapted for the occasion. Dancing to a six-piece rock band rounded off the evening.
The survivors met on Sunday morning at Harderwijk Athletic Club where there was a bit of competitive javelin throwing. Not real javelins, of course, but vortex whizz balls used for training purposes. This wasn’t Faversham’s finest moment but we finished in third place!!
All too soon it was time to say goodbye after a great weekend of fun and fellowship where friendships had been renewed, new friends made and memories created.
Next year in Soest-Lippstadt for their 70th anniversary!