River Lodge 3 residents ‘tour’ the Netherlands

The last trip to the Netherlands in the Ron Smith Care Centre’s Armchair Travel series took place on River Lodge 3 on 12 March.

Residents and staff enjoyed a video which featured the various highlights of Amsterdam and then staff performed the traditional Dutch folk dance, the Hakketoon. Participants had great fun with the Koekhappen (eating a donut hanging from a stick without using your hands), which is a traditional competition often featured at Dutch festivals around the world.

Residents Beth Roberts, Dave Scott, Helen Barlow-Jones and Heather Zipp all had a go at trying to get at least a few bites of their donut and staff members Prudence Mokoena, Pascaline Kamela, Mosima Mojela, Thembi Ndebele and Monica Mcube had everyone in stitches with their body contortions as they tried to come to grips with their donut at the best angle.

Beth, Dave, Helen, Prudence and Mosima all emerged prize winners for their various efforts! 

In another competition, called ‘Chuck the Cheese’, two teams were pitted against each other in a relay race against time, to get all their ‘cheese’ (bean bags) into a pail.

After all the excitement, it was time for a delicious tea which included Dutch specialities stroopwafels, speculaas and Dutch raisin bread, all of which came from De Backery in Edenvale.

It was a most enjoyable morning for all and so good to see the smiles and hear the laughter reverberating throughout River Lodge 3.

Inez Lucas.

Alfred Tromp.

Beth Roberts enjoying her stroopwafel with tea.

A spot of dancing is always a favourite at Ron Smith Care Centre events.

Dave Scott.

Farewell to the Netherlands. We’ve had a wonderful time!

Florence Duncan.

Gordon Ross.

Grace Verster.

Heather Zipp.

Helen Barlow-Jones.

Irene Droste.

Kingsley Fuller.

Marie Diesel.

Noel Tilney.

Norman Cox.

Shirley Abrams.

 ABOVE and BELOW: Staff performing traditional Dutch folk dance, the Hakketoon.