In 2005, PA0ABM did again organize the CONDIN, a get together of FOC members. Each year the get
together weekend is organised in a different country, and the 2004-CONDIN was organised by DJ6SI,
Baldur. Annie and I did take the organization for the 2005 happening. This time the CONDIN was
organized in Ossendrecht, a border-village in the province of Noord Brabant. Below you find a report of
what happened during the weekend of May 14, 2005
Introduction
Ossendrecht is one of the five villages of the municipality of Woensdrecht. Huijbergen our new QTH
belongs also to Woensdrecht. The village of Ossendrecht lies on the Dutch-Belgian border, just 25
kilometers north of Antwerp, Belgium. The area is surrounded by forest, a typical water catchment area.
Annie and I watched the weather forecast each day of the week
before the ConDin. It was very depressing and Jules, ON4WD, our
Antwerp city guide advised us to bring umbrellas. In fact we could not
have wished for better weather, it was an unforgettable sunny day!
Ossendrecht lies in the Southern part of the Netherlands and those
traveling North, via Antwerp had
no problem in finding their way,
even the road works caused
them no difficulties.
It was not long after the early guests arrived, at the Hotel, before
old friendships were renewed and conversations began. The ladies
also seemed to have no problems in this respect!!
Nigel, G3TXF, and Anneliese, phoned from the railway station in
Essen to say there were no taxis available but I soon had that
problem solved. The conversations caused much hunger and thirst but the Hotel staff quickly remedied
that problem. The program for the weekend was distributed, together with the railway tickets for the
Saturday trip to Antwerp.
On Saturday morning we drove in a string of cars to Essen where we were to catch the train. There
were many speed restrictions on the road and the journey took quite a time but we still had time to spare
to find a parking place before we boarded the train to Antwerp.
Everyone enjoyed their first view of Antwerp as they drew into the station. The station is a magnificent
building and was built in 1905. We visited the famous diamond museum. This is a popular place to visit
and that became apparent to us when we saw the many bicycles parked at its entrance. We each
received a personal electronic guide so we were able to go through at our own speed and received
additional information from the attendants who readily answered any of our requests for further
information.
When we left the museum, Jules, ON4WD took over to be our guide through his home-town, the place
of his birth. He first led us to a sunny avenue where we quenched our thirst and enjoyed the food of the
area. The journey continued and it was apparent that this was not just a big shopping area but it was like
a journey back into history. Some visited 'The Reuben's House' while others took the risk of a hike into
'The Vlayekensgang' the smallest street in the town centre. The Grote Markt, with its Guild Houses, built
in the sixteenth and seventeenth Century, was most impressive. Even statues came to life.
Time was running short so we had to terminate our visit to Antwerp and head back to Ossendrecht but
some were keen to return at a later date to continue their site-seeing of this amazing town. One member
was even prepared to climb the 661 steps of the majestic and imposing high tower of the ' Onze lieve
Vrowe' Gothic Cathedral.
The dinner was super and there was sufficient food to refill the plates as often as desired. Everyone
enjoyed the Hot and Cold Buffet. Unfortunately Ken GW3KGV and Margaret were unable to attend this
years ConDin. It was the first time they had missed out in about twenty years but they sent me an e-mail
explaining their position which I read out to those attending. During the course of the conversations Ken,
DL8LBK and Alex let it be known that they were prepared to organize the ConDin 2006 in Kaltenkirchen
in Germany. It was quite late before the last person headed for bed or went home..
Annie and I held open house on the Sunday morning. It was rather chilly outside in the garden but those
attending stayed outside to listen to Frans and Lianne play their bagpipes. We then headed inside and it
wasn't long before the men had found my roomy shack in the attic. The ladies took a close look at
Annie's hobbies of quilt making and gem stone collecting etc. Naturally everyone found something to
interest them and to talk about.
All good things soon come to an end and this was true of the ConDin
weekend. It was a pleasure for us to see all the happy faces and we
would like to thank all those who were with us in our new home in
Ossendrecht and Huijbergen
161, Annie and Wino, PA0ABM
FOC - CONDIN
Every year there is a FOC
Dinner somewhere in
England.
And Oversea members of
FOC do organise also a
Continental-Dinner, the
CONDIN.
The Dinners are the social
events of the FOC club
members and their parters
and invitees.
The American members
have their own American
Dinner.
ConDin 2005, Ossendrecht-Netherlands