APPLESITE

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CONTENTS DE APPEL Nr. 36, JUNE 2005
  * Life goes on                             - Editor                1  
  * In memoriam Diane Soet-Mishal            - Miriam Soet           2  
    Memorial by                              - Richard Soet          2  
  * Good-bye to Theo: 
    - Theo's life in short                   - Piet                  3  
    - Last messages from Indonesia           - Piet                  3  
    - Memorial in The Netherlands            - Editor                5  
    - Eighteen years mateys                  - Ton                   5  
    - Address at Theo's funeral              - Father P. Suparno     6    
  * The Familie of Henny and Ad:
    - What is wisdom ?                       - Henny                 9  
    - Those born before 1945                 - Ad                   10  
    - Message from Leidschendam              - Walter/Cristel       11  
    - Osteopathy and electro-acupuncture     - Erik and Ingrid      11 
    - Summer in Bangladesh                   - Michel van Winden    14
    - Glimpse into a contemporary family     - Robert van Winden    15 
  * The family of Frans:
    - As the tree, so the fruit              - Frans                18 
    - What to write, what not ?              - Marijn               19  
  * From six to twelve                       - Wim Schalke          20 


SUMMARY DE APPEL Nr. 35, MARCH 2005
  • News in brief
    • Annie is 80!
      Annie became 80 on 25th February. There were a lot of well wishers but Koos and Annie have decided to celebrate their 80th birthdays together on 16th May. 
    • How is Mies ?
      Mies is now staying in a care home: Willingdon Park Hospital, 4435 Grange Street in Burnaby BC, Canada. Her telephone number is 001-604-437-5163. Her bed is adjacent to the window in a room for two people. Her health has remained relatively stable since our previous report in the middle of November (Appel no 34, Dec. 2004, p 17). She is still weak and suffers some pain but that didn't prevent her spending Boxing Day with the children and celbrating her birthday on 8th January. Her consultant was also happy with her condition. She spent a weekend at Miriam's house in the middle of February and excursions like these cheer her up.   She enjoys receiving the letters, cards and telephone calls from abroad and Miriam passes on her thanks. We are indebted to Miriam for keeping us all up to date.
    • News about Diane
      Miriam, in her emails, also keeps us informed about Diane, Richard's wife. We reported on her illnes in the previous Appel (34). Currently she has stopped with the chemotherapy. It is extremely difficult for Diane but she is bearing up well and, in Miriam's words, is: "an inspriration to us all." Everybody is supporting her through these testing times.
    • Theo in hospital
      Theo consulted a specialist as a result of a number of symptoms. Follwing investigation it appeared that the problem was the result of a swelling (aneurysm) in the aorta (the most important artery from the heart to the rest of the body).  He required a risky operation which took place in the hospital in Djogjakarta on 23rd February. Communication is by email via one of his colleagues, Pater Suasso, who speaks Dutch. First signs are that the operation has been a success. Theo is in the Intensive Care Unit. Colleagues held a vigil by his bedside throughout the night. We sent him some flowers on behalf of the whole family. In the meantime he is already recovering. He asked for his regards to be sent to the family. For the time being he still needs complete rest. Pater Suasso keeps us up to date via email and the telphone through Piet who passes on the reports to all the brothers and sisters. Each report is also published immediatley on the Apple Sites.
    • Henny and Ad; a year in Portugal
      They have let their house in Voorburg for a year. Their new address is: Rua Paraiso, Pereira ,3300 Arganil, Portugal. They can not be contacted there on their mobile but the land line is 0035-123-520-5726, and email: a.raaijmakers@auto-didact.com. Their website is: www.pereiro.nl. However they will be in Holland from 8th to 27th March when they can be contacted on 06-53235467 and by post at  Robert van Winden's address: Westeinde 11, 2275 AB, Voorburg.
    • Miriam to visit Holland with her family
      We understand that Miriam, Mies's oldest daughter, will be visiting Holland with hes three children, Christina, Diana en Jason. They arrive at Schiphol on 3rd July, at 6:25pm on British Midland flight BD 111. They will be staying in Ron en Mariël Kooij-Versteegen's house since they will be away on holiday during that period. Address: Sieraadlaan 43, 2719 VA, Zoetermeer, 079-3611481 They will of course be visiting other people as well. They depart on 30th July at 2:15pm on Air Canada flight AC 896
  • Contents of De Appel No 35, March 2005
     * Strong yet Fragile                      - Editorial        1
     * The Address lists and the Apple Sites   - Jan              2
     * New Site from Portugal                  - Nooren Family    2   
     * Life in Willingham                      - Gemma            3 ')
     * Via Ferrata in the Dolomites            - John             4 ')
     * Fabulous holiday and My Job             - David            6 ')
     * Mobility Problems                       - Jan              8
     * Long Live the Lawn                      - Jan              8
     * Through the Eye of the Needle           - Hans Gieles     10
     * How is Wim                              - Jan             11
     * Update from Eindhoven                   - Alja            11
     * Hobbies of a Young Designer             - Suzan           12
     * Natalie and Erik                        - Erik            12     
     * Castle of our Dreams                    - Paul Cuppen     13
     * Trivia                                  - Jan      12 and 14
     * News in Brief                           - The Editor      15
     * From Six to Twelve                      - Wim Schalke     16
') See also the following links:


SUMMARY DE APPEL Nr. 34, DECEMBER 2004
  • News in brief
    • Changes
      - Michel van Winden, has a new postal address : p/a HMA Bangla Desh, Pb.20061, 2500 EB, Den Haag
      - New telephone number for John /Gemma: +44 (0)1427 787970
      - Paul/ Mary Koot have been receiving so much spam that they have a new e-mail address: paulkoot@kabelfoon.net and: marykoot@kabelfoon.net
      - A new and the only telephone number of Maarten en Gonnie Gielis: 06 - 5358 3283
      - Mies is now living in a care home: see below at Mies.
      - Miep van Adrichem-Schuijt has moved to a new apartment:
      App.Gebouw De Schout
      Victoria 23
      2635 MD, Den Hoorn
      Telephone number remains: 015-2614688
      The apartment building stands on the place which , until a short time ago, was her husband's and two sons garden. Miep, who is the daughter of " Uncle Jan" and " Auntie Lena", has been a widow for several years and often visits her brothers and sisters. She gives them the Appel, which we have sent to her since it was started, to read.
  • Prof. dr. mr. C. Schuijt (=our cousin Kees), Professor in sociology at the University of Amsterdam and member of the Scientific Council for Government Policy, was appointed a member of the Council of State (similar to the Privy Council but for English explanation see Raad van Stata) on 1st January 2005. Congratulations!
  • On 17th September René Bekkers presented his thesis on "Giving and Volunteering in the Netherlands". René has already described his research in Appel No. 33. Congratulations!
    It is perhaps interesting to mention that one of the professors was Theo Schuijt from Amsterdam. He is a distant relative. Lena the sister of oma/ma Gieles was married to Jan Schuijt, thus uncle Jan. He had several younger brothers and one of them had a son Theo, who is therefore a cousin of our cousins.
  • How is Mies, Part 2 - Piet In a previous edition of the Appel (No. 33, September 2004, page 17) Piet wrote about the seriousness of Mies's illness. Since then three months have passed. We are once more hopeful. Miriam (Sullivan) keeps us informed. Her reports are always put on the Appelsites. At the end of August an orthopaedic surgeon examined Mies. He reported that her spine could heal although it may take as long as a year. However, at the end of September, it appears Mies had tried to get out of bed too often: she fell and broke two ribs. Not too serious but certainly painful. For the time being restricted movement and painkillers are helping. In the meantime she enjoys all the letters and cards which she receives. Eventually, on 21st October a place was found in a care home. Her children transferred her there. She shares a room with one other person (she particularly wanted that in order to have someone to talk to) and a bed by the window with a view onto the flower garden. The nursing staff are very pleasant. All sorts of activities are offered, such as handcraft, exercises, music therapy, massage, and bingo. She is gradually getting used to her new home and getting to know all the other residents. Her address is:
    Willingdon Park Hospital,
    4435 Grange Street,
    Burnaby, BC, V5H 1P4, Canada.
    Telephone nr. of the care home is 001 604 433 2455.
    Mies has a telephone in her room: 001 604 437 5163.
    She enjoys receiving calls. Koos and Annie have taken the initiative to draw up a telephone rota, in order that Mies does not have a lot of calls in one week and none in the next. All the brothers and sisters have been assigned a week in which they will ring Mies. Keep up-to-date via the Applesite.
  • Diane. Summary of the reports.
    Richard and Diane Soet are going through a difficult time. Diane has been diagnosed with cancer. The surgeon removed a tumour from her large intestine. Unfortunately metastases were also found in the liver and these are inoperable. After the operation Diane had to regain strength before undertaking a course of chemotherapy. She is determined to fight for her life. First signs are that the chemotherapy is having an effect. Our thoughts are with her! We wish her strength! Their address is in the list:
    4028 W.15the Avenue,
    Vancouver, BC, V6R 3A3, Canada,
    Tel. 001 604 222 1816
  • On 21st September Theo wrote that he had arrived safely in Indonesia and is already working again. He thanks everybody for the hospitality he enjoyed.
  • Editorial
    The editors open No. 34 with the title: "Don't talk about me, talk to me" stimulated by the national debate over freedom of speech. What has this got to do with the Appel? We are a tiny communication forum but we try, despite all the underlying differences, to understand and to respect each other. The editorial introduces the families who contribute this time: those of Maarten and Gonnie Gielis and Trudy and Wim Schalke. Jan/Gerrie's family and Gemma/John's family are invited to contribute to a the next edition (No. 35, March 2005). Copy to the editors not later than 13th February please.
  • Maarten and Gonnie Gielis family -Since the relationship between the Gieles and Gieles families is not clear to everyone there is an extract from the family tree in De Appel. Gonnie writes an extensive article over the family:
    • about Maarten, who is starting again in the graphics market and has turned the living room into a studio and the upstairs workroom into a living room.
    • about her own children:
      - Marjolein (22 years) is living with her boyfriend, Chris, in Rotterdam and will finish her study in Youth Work at the end of this school year. She would like, in the future, to work directly with children.
      - Michel (20 years), is studying Graphic Media Technology at the Rotterdam High School. He likes nothing better than to go fishing. His girlfriend Monika is studying Communication and Leisure at the same school.
      - about Maarten's daughter (Carly, 21 years), who is living with her boyfriend, Erik. She is studying to become a classroom assistant but would like to teach and is now studying English at the Rotterdam High School.
      - About Gonnie: she is working five days a week at a printers, in Spijkenisse, as an Office Manager. She devotes a lot of time to Amnesty International, does voluntary work for the historical museum of Brielle and helps a housing association for young adults with shawl needs. And lastly she produces etchings and paints.
  • Trudy and Wim Schalke's family
    • Trudy tells about the operation on her spine which has been successful. BUT: she is stopping with the sending of birthday cards. For the last 10 years she has sent them every year to each of the members of the family just like Oma used to. The editors add: "On behalf of everyone we would like to thank her for all the attention!" She announces that she now has her own PC and has followed a computer course.
    • Wim feels that not a lot has changed as far as he's concerned and is interviewed by his granddaughter Ella. She first asked Wim: what do you feel about Loes and I living away in Portugal. Wim would live in Portugal as well but Trudy prefers to stay in Holland. Following this Wim interviews Ella. She talks about her education in Portugal and what she would like to be when she grows up.
    • Winy is very busy. She points us to the family web site: www.alva-design.com/redonda. Loes tells about her secondary school, sport and holidays.
    • Monique describes how the Bos family travelled through Poland for three weeks and experienced a great deal.
      - daughter Femke writes about student life in Eindhoven, where she is studying Biomedical Technology.
      - Lennart writes how he began his study of media and communication technology and got involved in the 'greening' of the Delft's Student Union. A lot of time goes in travelling between Delft and Gouda.
      -lastly Evelien spends a lot of time on athletics and is mad about her dog Jesper.
    • Britt has decided not to apply for any more jobs but to seek peace and quiet and no longer have to do things the whole day. She is now there for the children but does give a number of drama classes. She loves the poem "Ithaka" by K. Kavafis, that is printed in the Appel preceded by a short explanation.
    Features
    • in the feature 'Viewpoints' Jetteke asks a number of family members what they do at Sinterklaas. (5th December).
    • in 'from 6 to 12' Wim tells the youngsters about the highest mountain and the origins of some words as well as providing three jokes.
    • the editors reprint a number of journalistic bloopers from the magazine Our Language.


SUMMARY DE APPEL Nr. 33, SEPTEMBER 2004
  • News in brief
    • Theo will be going back to Indonesia on 16th September after being in Holland since 27th June. Koos and Piet keep track of where Theo is staying.
    • Death
      Jan Groenewegen died on 28th July 2004 aged 74. He was buried on Monday 2nd August. Hennie sent condolences on behalf of the family. The In Memoriam is summarised in the Apple, together with a photo of him by his beloved saw mill. This edition of the Apple has been sent to his family. The full text of the In Memoriam can be found in the 'Latest News' on the Apple site by clicking here.
    • How is Mies ?
      Since Lou's death Mies's situation has deteriorated. Miriam, Mies's eldest daughter, has been keeping us informed by e-mail. The e-mails are published on the Apple site. Piet has produced a combined summary of the information from the e-mails and what Corrie and Ton, who went out there in mid-June, have told him. Thanks to Miriam for her concise reports. Keep up-to-date by regularly visiting the Apple site.
    • Success
      - Tessa Oranje has passed her final exams HAVO (secondary school). Congratulations! She is going on to study Social Legal Services.
      - Eline Koot has successfully completed her study to become a teaching assistant. Well done! Now she is going on to PABO (teacher training) in order to become a teacher.
      - Lennart Bos passed his final exams at the Atheneum (grammar school) he will be continuing his studies at the Technical University of Delft reading Media and Knowledge Technology.
    • Graduation
      René Bekkers will be presenting his PhD thesis entitled 'Giving and Volunteering in the Netherlands' in the Senate Hall of the University of Utrecht at 12:45pm on 17th September. All the family is welcome.
    • Change of e-mail addresses
      - Wim Gieles is now: wim_gieles@yahoo.com
      - Peter/Sandra Kraakman is now: p.kraakman@chello.nl
    • Published at the end of June: "Omgaan met Rijexamenangst" (Coping with driving test stress), by Ard Nieuwenbroek and Piet Gieles, No. 14 in the series "Van A tot ggZ" (from A to ggZ), published by Bohn, Stafleu en Van Loghum, Houten, 2004, ISBN 90 313 4345 5, price Eu 17.30.
    • Funeral of Lou Soet
      - A photographic report, put together by Koos, of the funeral of Lou Soet can be found on the Applesite.
      - On 1st June Len Soet wrote to us to thank us for all our efforts.
  • Editorial
    The editors reflect on the unusual summer weather this year and introduce the contributors to this edition: Theo and Piet and Jetteke's family. It is Wim/Trudy's family and Maarten and Gonnie's turn for the next edition. Copy, to the editor, not later than 15th November please.
  • Theo
    • Whilst on leave in Holland Theo received, from a friend, a series of tips over a variety of foodstuffs that could be used as 'medicine' for particular complaints.
    • He carries on to tell us that he has begun a new phase in his life since his contract with the University of Yogja has finished. He is carrying on as a marriage counsellor for the well attended course preparing for marriage and giving relationship training for married couples. He is also busy with a small studio to provide training in working with audio visual aids and he assists as student Pastor. he informs us that the Catholic Church is flourishing in Indonesia more than ever, particularly amongst the young.
  • Piet and Jetteke's family
    • Prompted by her 70th birthday Jetteke writes about the phases in a person's life. Each phase lasts about seven years. 10 times 7 is a number than needs to be thought about. This was celebrated, first with the family at the pottery, Cor Unum, where everybody painted their own tile, and later with friends who all brought a poem with them to read aloud and put together in a book.
    • Jetteke also describes how Joris, Marijn and the René's two-and-a-half year old son, a real boy, and Elze, Mariette and René's two-year old daughter, a real girl, were very different but still played together.
    • Piet is having a clear out and everything he has done and written during the past years is passing through his hands, everything from the class newspaper in his third year at school through to a series of books for teachers and advisers. He carried on writing for 12 years after he had retired. The final book is a revised edition of "Omgaan met rijexamenangst" (Coping with driving exam stress), which he describes in a separate article. He relates how you need to consider how to motivate the reader to read further. It is a fight with the language.
    • Mariette describes her busy family life after the arrival, on 7th April, of a sister, Merel, for Elze.
    • Mariette, who is a teacher at a Montessori school, explains how Montessori education works. She writes enthusiastically about how all the children work independently and how the teacher provides help. She enjoys it greatly and sees it as a challenge.
    • René summarises his research which is described in his PhD thesis that he will present in September. It is about supporting good causes through charitable donations and through voluntary work. He weighs up the motives that people have and investigates in which particular social contexts, age groups and educational backgrounds we find those who are most involved.
    • Janneke describes how she came to study journalism after completing her degree in psychology and how, almost as if by magic, managed to secure a suitable job as a sub editor for the magazine "Psychologie" (Psychology).
  • Features
    • Wim discusses aspects of the weather and tells jokes for the children in 'From Six to Twelve'.
    • In the feature 'Viewpoints' Jetteke asks several members of the family about how they combine home and work. The changing situation, which has taken place over the years for families and women, provides significant differences in the answers through the generations.
    • This edition finishes with a number of journalistic bloopers.


SUMMARY DE APPEL Nr. 32, JUNE 2004
  • News in brief
    • Death
      On 14th April 2004, at 1:00am in the night, 10:00am Dutch time, Lou Soet passed away in hospital. He was taken into hospital for a minor operation on his intestines but the surgeon was concerned that his blood would not clot since he had been taking an anti-coagulant for a weak heart. An attempt was first made to adjust the stability of the blood but it appears something went wrong: an internal haemorrhage could not be stopped when the blood would not clot.
      Lou was buried on 21st April 2004. Koos and An, from the Gieles family, were present. As an 'In Memoriam' the first part of Apple No. 32 (June 2004) is devoted to the death of Lou, has been produced as a 'Special' in English and will be sent to the family in Canada.
    • Births
      -12th March 2004: Arthur Martijn, son of Erik and Ingrid van Winden and brother to Rianne.
      -7th April 2004: Merel Henriette, daughter of René en Mariette Bekkers and sister to Elze.
      -7th May 2004: Luuk Emanuel Siebe Marie, son of Maaike Breuer en Guido Brouwer.
    • Employment
      Sander Koot tells us, in this edition, about how, after finishing his studies in Communication Systems at the University of Utrecht and a trip to Vietnam, he has found employment with NeXtrategie. To find out what the company does see: www.nextrategie.nl
    • Address list
      There are a couple of mistakes in the paper copy of the address list:
      -Under Dick and Judith: their son has 'disappeared': Sander 14-8-03
      -A single digit is missing from Hennie and Ad's telephone number in Portuga. It should be +35-123 520 5726
      -New number: the preferred number for Hen Straver is 0593-526693
    • Joop and Ida Groenewegen
      Our cousins Joop and Ida Groenewegen (from our uncle Nol and Auntie Ida, for the insiders) visited from Australia and spent 10 days in Holland. They visited An and Koos and spent the afternoon of 10th May with Jan/Gerrie and Trudy/Wim.
    • Will Theo be visiting ?
      Theo has written that he will probably be visiting Holland on the 1st July, but he was not yet certain.
  • Editorial
    • The editorial deals with the passing away of Lou Soet and the births of three new additions to the family tree: 'Goodbye and Welcome'.
    • Lou is remembered in this edition, No. 32. Lou and Lou and Mies have been written about in Apple No. 6 (1997), No. 14 (1999), No. 22 (2001) and No. 30 (2003).
    • Koos Koot has produced a photographic report on the funeral. A selection of the photos will soon be available in the Photo Gallery on the Apple site.
  • In Memoriam for Lou Soet
    • Lou's oldest son Lennart gave a speech at the grave. The speech is printed in the Apple. He recalls how Lou, when young, had chosen to become a priest and eventually went to the Benedictine Abbey in Trinidad. However, he soon found out that this was not his thing. He met Mies at a debating club. Immediately following their wedding they emigrated to Canada. Len tells how Lou, as a very devout, Christian became a member of the Knights of Columbus. Lou also loved music and he was always ready to help others e.g. immigrants.
    • Lou's sister Netty describes how Lou's family in Holland, Netty, Leonie and Will, coped in the week following his death. His sister Leonie tells about how the four children grew up together before the war.
  • Contributions from Koos and Annie's family
    • Koos describes the unexpected journey that he and Annie made after they heard of Lou's death. They were a tremendous support for Mies and were warmly welcomed by Mies and Lou's children.
      Koos also tells about his 'sailing history' and the model boat that he is now constructing.
    • Annie relates the adventures she and Mies had at the end of 1944 during the 'hunger winter'.They walked to North Holland where uncle Nico had found lodgings for them and how they returned for a short while to Den Haag.
      In a second article Annie describes the operation, a short while ago, for a cataract on her right eye. Since then her left eye has also been operated on.
    • Marja has decided, after 17 years, to give up her job. She has discovered that you soon adapt to spare time continuing her hobbies such as painting. Her and Tom's love of sailing is undiminished.
    • Ingrid provides ten tips to stay healthy.
    • Sander tells about the fantastic journey he made, after graduating in Communication Systems from the University of Utrecht, with a friend by public transport through Vietnam from the north to the south.
    • Elise now has a new dog, Lizzy, after her previous one, Mandy, died.
    • Thea describes how her family is getting on. Kim has now left home: she is living with her boyfriend Ferdy. Tessa is in the final year of secondary school. Peter has a new job as an IT specialist. Thea paints using water colours and acrylic.
    • Anke provides an impression of the last two years in her family. Peter is working for social services in Delft, Anke is still a remedial teacher at a nursery school in Delft, but is hoping to be doing less in the coming year. Her daughter, Alyssa, who is always telling stories, is in the second year of a bilingual secondary school (60% of the lessons are in English!), and her other daughter, Kristel is in year 8.
    • Rene Koot tells about his work as a technical researcher, and the lurid story of an investigation into a murder. He is still enjoying his work. Bernadette is working at a 'traditional organic' bakery (www.siegert.com) and describes the baking process. Her daughter Marijn, who studied leisure and tourism, tells about her work experience at the Amsterdam Arena. Daughter Eline is studying to be a classroom assistant and describes her current work experience.
    • Finally, Paul writes about similarities in family traits between Richard Soet and himself.
  • Features
    • Wim Schalke continues with his information about the weather in 'From 6 to 12'.
    • As a result of the space being given over to Lou, there was insufficient room this time for the feature 'Viewpoints' about working mothers with children. It will be published in the next edition.
  • Next edition The next edition, No. 33, will appear at the beginning of September. It is the turn of Piet and Jetteke's family and Theo to contribute. Copy by 15th August at the latest please.


SUMMARY DE APPEL Nr. 31, MARCH 2004
  • News in brief
    • Mies 80 years old
      Mies, the oldest of the old generation Gielesses, reached 80 years old on 8th January 2004. Mies, as the oldest daughter, helped with the housework from very early on. For most girls the secondary school was not seen as a possibility. Having attended domestic school and despite the pressures of the family she still developed herself further e.g. by attending the Academy in Voorburg. It was there she met Lou, they married and left for Canada in 1953. She describes her life in De Appel No. 6 (December 1997) and more recently in De Appel number 28 (June 2003) when we reflected on her life on the occasion of her golden wedding anniversary. We wish her many years to come together with her family. Her birthday is being celebrated at the Swiss Chalet restaurant in the company of most of her family.
    • Separated
      Shawn and Sylvia Compton-Soet are separated. Sylvia has moved. For the moment her address is that of her sister Miriam: "S.Compton-Soet, c/o 21630, 45th Avenue, Langley BC, V3A 8E5, CANADA"
    • Success
      Sander Koot has successfully completed his course in Communication Systems at the University of Utrecht. Congratulations on behalf of the family.
    • In a message from Theo we read:
      ..... My health is not what it should be. Two times in a row I was taken in during a routine-visit, paid to the doctor, because of low blood-pressure. This returned to normal within 20 hours, but the doctor wanted a prolonged observation period.
      Personally I feel that the lung-emphysem starts playing me tricks. I had to cancel most of my lectures or to transfer them to younger tutors, hoping for an opportunity to finish a text on the history of economic science. Meanwhile in this house, I have taken the duties of the community-rector, who himself has been ill for many months already.... So long! Theo
    • A dream house in the mountains
      A new adventure of Winy, Wouter and their children in Portugal. They bought an old house in a local village, in the middle of a beautiful nature conservation area, by way of investment for their retirement. It was totally neglected but they fantasised more and more over how they would be able to renovate it. At last they have started. Winy describes this on: their site
    • Reporter Loes
    • The Netherlands World Broadcasting Service (Wereldomroep) has set up a site for Dutch children who live abroad. Loes has just become a reporter for World Kids. See the same site.
    • Miscellaneous Two babies are expected in the family this month. Make sure to check this site around 1st April.
  • Editorial
    • Prompted by Mies's 80th birthday the editor looks at giving and receiving in relationships between parents and children.
    • Enclosed with this edition were the new address lists. It appears that in particular e-mail addresses and mobile phone numbers often change. If you wish to remain contactable then please notify us of any changes. Send these by e-mail, over the telephone or by post to Piet at the editor's address. Changes will be published as quickly as possible on the Applesite and in the next edition of De Appel.
  • Contributions from Corrie en Ton's family
    • Corrie: "With us everything is going well", tells about grandchildren coming to stay, about Lauren who learnt how to make cards from Auntie Trudy, about their holiday in England with Gemma and about the plans they have for the next holiday: Portugal.
    • Tom V.: "About holiday trips", summarises all the places they have been to on holiday together, both with and without their children, in the last few years: ten islands and Italy, Turkey and England.
    • Mariël: "On holiday with the children", discusses how she and Ron used to stay mostly in Europe, particularly Spain, whilst the children were still small but that when Jennifer and Nathalie were older the family wanted to explore further afield. Florida was a fantastic destination for several years. Once the dollar rose in value they went to Cyprus and Egypt. They are now thinking about Canada, Greece and Thailand. The oldest daughter Jennifer and her sister Nathalie tell about their school (first year and group 8 respectively), about their hobbies and sporting activities. Nathalie broke her arm when she fell off a horse.
    • Carin: "How are we getting on?", relates how fine their new house in the Bijlmer is where her partner (programme maker for television) has an office. Jaap, with Amnesty on an investigation commission to Cairo", reports about his work as a Land Co-ordinator (Egypt) for Amnesty International. He travelled to Cairo as in this role and reports about it in an article.
    • Sandra and Peter Kraakman-Versteegen relate in "Boxes, boxes" about their move, also how wonderful their new house is and in "Santa Claus (Sinterklaas) by the Versteegen family", about the relaxed joint Santa Clause celebrations. Their daughter Sarah tells about the family trip to England and Scotland and her sister Lauren about her many pets.
    • Joost Versteegen writes about his trek through the Alps. His story has been edited. The full story is on the Dutch website in the Fotogalerij. In this English website a summary and the pictures can be found in the Photo Gallery. His wife Monique has fond memories of the celebration of their copper wedding anniversary (19-03-2003), when she had 30 guests working together on the celebratory meal under the leadership of a professional cook.
  • Various and regular features
    • Sylvia Compton Soet was unable to contribute to the previous edition due to moving house. Fortunately she has now provided us with a summary of how her family is getting on and how the separation from her husband is working out.
    • Piet discusses a book about the 'warm' and the 'cold' side of partners: all sorts of tips and hints about how to get on with the in-laws. Title: "Als de kouwe kant je lief is - omgaan met je schoonfamilie", Kok, Kampen 2003, ISBN 90 435 08063. Recommended for joint reading!
    • Wim Schalke informs children about the importance of weather forecasts and includes several jokes in the feature "From six to twelve".
    • For the feature "Viewpoints", Jetteke interviewed two members of different generations from the same family to ask how characteristics and habits are passed on from generation to generation.
  • Next issue
    The next edition will appear at the beginning of June and the main contributors will be Annie and Koos's family and anyone that has anything to say. Please send all contributions to the editor not later than 15th May.


SUMMARY DE APPEL Nr. 30, DECEMBER 2003
  • News in brief
    • Jobs
      - Janneke successfully completed her post graduate course in Journalism at the end of August and, following an intensive and thorough selection procedure, has since been given a job in the editorial department of the journal 'Psychologie'. It is a monthly publication for people who are interested in, but have not necessarily studied, psychology.
      - Ellen Schalke has been working for several months in a leadership role in a kindergarten in her home town of Houten
    • Separation
      Miriam Sullivan-Soet, in her contribution, informs us that she is now separated from her husband Larry. Their oldest daughter, Christina (18yrs), has chosen to live with her father whilst the two other children, Diana (14yrs) and Jason (12yrs) live with Miriam.
    • Change of Address
      -Shawn and Sylvia Compton-Soet are moving at present. We don't know their new adress. We will mention it soon in the Applesite.
      - Michel van Winden has a new email address: mikevanwinden@hotmail.com
    • Success
      Christina Sullivan, Larry and Miriam Sullivan-Soet's daughter, graduated from high school in June. She is taking a year out before continuing her studies.
    • A new website
      is opened by Ad and Henny about their home in Pereiro in Portugal, about the surroundings and walking tours, about history and geography of Portugal. Welcome to this site: www.pereiro.nl
    • Published
      The book 'Contextual Leadership in schools' ("Contextueel leidinggeven in het onderwijs") (pub: Acco, Leuven-Leusden, IBSN 90-334-5385-1) by Ard Nieuwenbroek, Piet Gieles and Wim van Mulligen was published in October. It is aimed at school management and other supervisory persons working in primary and secondary education and provides practical examples for managers of how to approach teachers not only as a professional but equally important as a person with experience and history (=context)
    • David runs the marathon
      David notified us in his article in the previous edition (Appel No 29) that he was going to run the Robin Hood Marathon around Nottingham on 14th September. It was unfortunately a blistering hot day (28°C). A considerable number of the runners collapsed and had to be stretched away in ambulances. Despite this Dave managed to reach the finish. Well done!! David's article 'Two Years On...' from No 29 is published on the Applesite with an extra photo together with John and Gemma's extensive photo contribution.
  • Contributions from the family of Mies and Lou
    • Mies: "The years go by but love remains"
      Mies, motivated by her golden wedding, reflects upon old age. A few quotes: "No one expects you to keep up to date." "You watch your children growing up with computers, CDs, modern technologies too numerous to mention. They have to find a new way and a new future for themselves in which we can and may not take any part. We can encourage them but ultimately they have to lead their own lives." "If we decide to downsize our home then we have to give up many of the things we cherish." Mies mentions gifts, photo albums of the children, and especially presents from the children. "Gradually you have to give up everything and rely on others help and yet the greatest gift remains: love and affection for each other!" "I wish everybody a very happy and healthy New Year."
    • Lou: "Music...music...music"
      1. Lou recounts how important music has been in his life: as hobby and as choirmaster of two senior citizen choirs. Many people are made happy by music. The Soet children have given music a special place in their lives, e.g Jordan who is studying Engineering and Music and Tiana who plays piano. Peter plays guitar and Richard gets pleasure from classical music. Would Miss Florida have won the Miss America title if she had not won the song contest?
      2. Help for Refugees
        Lou also tells us more about their help for and contact with the refugee family Mudannayakaghe from Sri Lanka. He met the father, Lee, in the cathedral and assisted him with English and in obtaining the 'landed immigrant papers' he needed. Together with Len's family they gave him and his family a welcoming party.
      3. Back in hospital
        Lou's last-minute contribution was, that he had to be taken into hospital again for a two-week stay to treat a new infection of his left leg. During his stay he was able to enjoy music on the portable radio given to him by Richard. He left hospital with a pacemaker to stabilise his heartbeat.
    • The traditional, rich illustrated Christmas letter of Lou and Mies, printed in Dutch, is enclosed.
    • Richard and Diana experienced the joy of sailing with Koos Koot in Holland. They bought a seaworthy sailing yacht, took a sailing course and now they cruise happily over the waves at the coast of British Columbia.
    • Last year life has been hard for Miriam Sullivan-Soet and her family. "Life sends us many challenges". She separated from Larry and her daughter Christina moved in with her father. She tells about sports and study of Jason and Diana and about Christina's graduation. Finally she describes how relaxing their holiday was and how cute their dog Sandy is.
    • In "We all are doing fine" Holley Soet tells us about study, sports and hobby's of her daughters Olivia and Jacklinn. Husband Peter is working hard at his business and does a lot of travelling, but to relax he plays the guitar and sings in the church choir.
    • The family of Len and Miriam Soet. Miriam gives an overview: "I'l tell you a little about our life" She tells about Len's work at the telephone company, about Jordan who turned 19, and Tiana (13yr) a true teenager. She turned 50 herself in the spring and enjoys her job as a high school teacher. She tells about milestones and family trips and about an icecold dip in the Ocean on January 1. She hopes to visit Europe soon again.
    • Len describes a three day bicycle trip with Miriam and Tiana along an old railway track in hot weather with upward and downward stretches and including two nights at a campsite.
      Len also joined a mission trip in Mali, West Africa, where he helped building a dormitory for single women at a Bible school.
    • Tiana has lots of passions but the greatest one is horseback riding. She also likes to dance and sing and she enjoys playing soccer and rugby, and, what is more, she does quite well in all of these hobby's.
    • The family of Shawn and Sylvia Compton-Soet was moving in November. This was not a suitable opportunity to write about their family.
  • Features
    • Wim Schalke provides a section with jokes and puzzles for the children between the ages of 6 and 12.
    • In "Viewpoints" Jetteke interviews ten family members about the question: "What do our dreams tell us? Sometimes they follow up of on from an event on the previous day. Sometimes they can tell you something about your fears or what you enjoy. Sometimes they make sense, sometimes you can't make head or tail of them. Most people have forgotten them by the time they've woken up. Below follow a few dreams people have remembered."
  • The next issue will bring out in the beginning of March 2004, with especially submissions from the family of Corrie and Ton Versteegen. Copy for this issue should be in possession of the editors no later than Febr. 13th.


SUMMARY DE APPEL Nr. 29, SEPTEMBER 2003
  • News in brief
    • Births:
      Sander Adriaan Matthijs, son of Judith and Dick Hoek Raaijmakers, was born on 14th August 2003. Koekoeksbloemstraat 41, 2651 MD, Berkel en Rodenrijs. Visit their babysite for more details.
    • Congratulations
      - Erik Gieles passed his final exams VMBO (secondary school) and is starting a course in ICT management at the ROC college in Eindhoven.
      - On 31st August Janneke Gieles successfully completed her postgraduate course in Journalism with three months work experience at the Volkskrant (National newspaper) art section.
    • Mies and Lou's Golden Wedding Anniversary
      We received enthusiastic reports of Mies and Lou's Golden Wedding Anniversary. Mies wrote that she received a special blessing during the celebratory mass. The excellent dinner was eaten in a hall beautifully decorated with scores of flowers and balloons. The guests included many friends some of whom they see only infrequently. Speeches included those from the children and grandchildren who also sang a song. The pages of the 'Memory Book', compiled for them by their brothers and sisters, including of course us, were displayed on a table. They expressed their deep felt gratitude for the book. They forwarded photos and Len emailed a series of digital photos. We have published a short report in the Photo Gallery on the Applesite.
  • Editorial
    A mini questionnaire about the Applesite in Canada.
    Thanks to the translation work of Jan and John, the Appelsite has an English version, mainly for the benefit of the Canadian family members. Having read the summary they are then able to ask their parents for further information. We rarely heard about this from them and so we asked them:
    - How often did you visit the Applesite during the last year ?
    - Does the site enhance your feeling of belonging to a family ?
    - Does the site supply enough and suitable information for you ?
    Although not all answers have as yet been received the tendency is clear: Yes, Yes, Yes. The sites are appreciated and especially the Photo Gallery appears to be a success. A more detailed report will folow later.
  • Contributions from Ton and Thea's family
    • Ton Gieles writes about an unexpected explosion of the fish population in the new fishpond in their garden and about the prompt way in which his son, Arthur, and his sons, Daan and Gijs, solved the problem.
    • Ton also describes how in 1956, as a student, he was involved with the first computer, ZEBRA, (Zeer Eenvoudig Binair Reken Apparaat = very simple binary calculating apparatus) used by the PTT. A gymnasium full of equipment and a memory of 256 bytes. He compares the enormous difference in performance of the first computers compared to the present day PC.
    • Stephanie and Thea continue with their exchange of letters, that they began in Appel No 21, about the design of the garden and the furnishing of her new house.
    • Stephanie describes her experiences of gardening and the renovation of her new house in Thorbeckestraat 21 in Delft.
    • Arthur and Maaike tell us about their 3 week holiday with their children, Noor, Daan and Gijs, first at a farm campsite in Boekel (North Brabant) and then in a castle on the Loire where they went canoeing. They also bring us up to date on work and school of all five.
  • Gemma and John's contributions
    • Gemma takes great pleasure in her house and garden and the summer. She goes to painting classes and makes jam and bottles fruit from the garden. She finishes with a short reflection on the way of life when she was still at the primary school.
    • John decided to use pictures rather than words to describe the last two years and these can be found on the Applesite at http://www.appel.plus.com/fotos/Gemma/2003 or click here
    • David adds colour to his life outside work. Four activities are favourite. Firstly walking e.g the Coast to Coast and an exploration of Scotland including climbing Ben Nevis, the highest peak in Great Britain, and the Cuillin Ridge in Skye; secondly winter mountain walking in Scotland; thirdly rock climbing in Wales and closer to home in Derbyshire; and fourthly marathon running. You can find the full article in English at http://www.appel.plus.com/fotos/Gemma/dave29/ or click here
  • Miscellaneous
    • An excellent continuation from Winy of the 'Swimming Pool Soap' detailing the building of their new swimming pool helped by the local people in their village. This, together with photos of Loes' birthday party, can be found at this part of her website
    • A message from Winy to anybody who is interested in Portugal:
      "During the past year I have been planning a number of walks around Quinta de Redonda. There is a description and a map of each of the walks. Many of our guests during the year have been able to benefit from them. You experience places that you would not normally discover, along with beautiful paths that you would only find with difficulty. It is a great way to discover the area.
      Stimulated by the enthusiasm of our guests I have developed the idea of offering a 'walkers week'. You can find more information on our web site Huizen in Portugal If you fancy an all-in week away then you are very welcome."
    • Jeroen Huijsinga, Tijs' friend, (see Appel No 28) writes about his liaison with Tijs and how he relates to Tijs' daughter, Eva.
    • Michel van Winden, who has been living in South Africa for over a year, comments on the article written by Hen Straver in the previous edition of the Appel. Michel feels that it was biased and much too generalised. He discusses this with great eloquence.
      In reply to the comments, Hen Straver writes: "The interpretation of facts may vary and in every interpretation there is a degree of truth."
  • Features
    • Episode 3 of the FILM OF LIFE (Filmus Vitae), the revue that Jan and Piet wrote for the silver wedding anniversary of their parents, presents scenes 8 to 11 under the heading of 'The Romantic Years'.
    • Wim provides jokes and puzzles in 'FROM SIX TO TWELVE'.
    • In VIEWPOINTS Jetteke brings together a number of remarkable stories, from seven of the family, about holidays.
    • As epilogue there is part 2 of 'HELPDESK IN NEED'. Laugh till you drop!
  • The next edition Nr 30 will appear in December. The contributions will be mainly supplied by Mies and Lou's family. Other contributions are of course welcome by the editors. Copy for the next edition should reach the editor not later than 15th November please.


SUMMARY DE APPEL Nr. 28, JUNE 2003
  • News in brief
    • Carin and Jaap Verdenius-Versteegen have moved to: Geerdinkhof 596, 1103 RL, Amsterdam. Tel: 020-4165757 Mobile: +31 (0)6 50253095 (Jaap); +31 (0)6 24567598 (Carin).
    • On 1st June 2003 Janneke Gieles moved to Kapelstraat 65, 3572 CK, Utrecht, 030-2735310 or 06-19410820 together with Jeroen Zomers. Janneke embarked on an (exciting) post graduate course in journalism in Rotterdam. She has just started a 3 month period of work experience with De Volkskrant.
    • Trudy now has her own email address: t.schalke@wanadoo.nl
    • Evelien Bos has a new address: eveliendoggie@hotmail.com
    • Tijs Breur's address has changed to: t.breuer@tiscali.nl
  • Mies and Lou's Golden wedding Anniversary
    On 6th June 2003 Mies and Lou will have been married for 50 years. Everybody was invited to a service of thanksgiving at the Holy Cross Church in Burnaby at 5:00 pm. It was be followed by a reception. On 7th June at 6:30 there was a dinner at The Executive Hotel in Burnaby. In this issue of De Appel Piet gives extensive coverage to the occasion.
  • Survey of the Gieles and Groenewegen families
    The completely revised paper version of the "Survey of the Gieles and Groenewegen Families" has been included with De Appel and it has also been sent to all cousins from both sides of the family together with an introduction.
    The Editor discusses the survey and counts the number of people that are included divided between five generations. Jan provides the user with an introduction to the survey.
  • Contributions from Lenne and Hen's family
    • Lenne describes how springtime brings colour to her house and garden, that she and Hen are having Hen's house renovated and two work rooms built. It appears that because of the use of both gold (a crown on her tooth) and amalgam she has suffered from chronic poisoning but that this has now been diagnosed and treated.
    • In addition Lenne tells how, through her work, she is able to help people in the expression of their self and the healing of their souls. This is known as 'Essential Coaching' and she has written an extended guide for it. She reminisces over experiences in her youth and contact with the soul. For the enthusiasts she adds some more thoughts about the soul.
    • Stimulated by their trip to South Africa, Hen talks about the history of the country, from the time of the Boer War (1899) up to and including Mandela.
    • Maaike tells about her psychotherapist's practice and about the children.
    • Tijs explains how he and Mieke, since their divorce, have developed the co-parenting of their daughter. Eva tells how she experiences it.
  • Features
    • Filmus Vitae or the film of life. This is a revue that the children performed at the silver wedding of Everard and Cor on July 28th 1946. Scenes IV, V, VI and VII are described in the second episode.
    • Wim provides several puzzles and jokes in 'From Six to Twelve'.
    • In 'Viewpoints' Jetteke asks some family members about how they organise their holidays in order that the children enjoy themselves but the parents can still relax.
    • The last page is devoted to some humorous anecdotes from a computer 'Help Desk'
  • The next edition
    No 29, will appear on 1st September 2003 and will contain contributions from Ton and Thea's and Gemma and John's families. Copy to the editor by 15th August please.
    Piet will continue with Filmus Vitae and there will be more 'Viewpoints.'


SUMMARY DE APPEL Nr. 27, MARCH 2003
  • News in brief
    • Ingrid and Ed Ronteltap-Koot have moved to Madridsingel 32, 2407 EM Alphen a/d Rijn.
      Telephone number remains +31 (0)172 495451
    • Carin and Jaap Verdenius-Verstegen are moving at the end of March to Geerdinkhof 596, 1103 RL, Amsterdam. Their new telephone number is not yet known.
    • Celebrations in 2003: Mies and Lou's 50th wedding anniversary on 6th June and Joost and Monique Versteegen's 12½ year wedding anniversary om 19th March.
  • The editors
    • Describe the juxtaposition of 'hope and fear' in the critical Iraqi question.
    • Also mention that the latest address list is being sent with De Appel and that the old one should be properly destroyed.
    • Webmaster Jan gives an update on the Photo Gallery and how to quickly access the site.
    • A request regarding the Family survey: We received a complete summary of the Gieles and Groenewegen families in a supplement to De Appel No 7, March 1998. Meanwhile Jan has produced a new edition completely updated, added omissions, and improved the ease of use. We would like to distribute it in June with the next edition of De Appel. Jan asks if all the 'heads of family' could check the accuracy of the new version with respect to their own family.
      This version can be found on the Applesite under the heading 'Addresslists of family members'.
      If there are omissions or inaccuracies then please email these to Jan at j.p.gieles@hccnet.nl before 1st May or else phone or write to him. Many thanks.
  • Contributions from Jan and Gerrie's family
    • In a response to the silver anniversary edition, no. 25, Jan thanks the editors and especially Piet for all the work they have put into De Appel.
    • Jan describes how his life is as a pensioner; domestic chores, DIY, social contact and concern for the world today. Throughout this edition there are jokes and sayings collected by Jan.
    • Lucie tells about Hans' work now that the number of immigrant students is decreasing and discloses that she has started a four year course to become a music therapist. She remarks that music can establish a bridge between people even in the absence of speech such as with the mentally handicapped.
    • Ellen brings us up to date with her family: why the plans to live in France have not materialised, Paul's busy practice, her own busy household and how the four children are getting on. They, Manja, Jolijn, Eefje and Bouke contribute either a story or an account about themselves.
    • Alja, Erik and Suzan give an impression of how they are getting on and what they are doing.
  • FILMUS VITAE or the life film.
    Piet begins with an account of the revue that the Gieles children performed for their parents in at their silver wedding anniversary on 28th July 1946. Part 1: after the Introduction song and the Opening scene the first three scenes are printed.
  • Features
    • In Viewpoints Jetteke has interviewed six members of the family about: "Was there a person in your life who influenced you to (help you) become the person you are today ?"
    • In 'From Six to Twelve', Wim provides several cryptograms and explains what 'discrimination' can mean.
  • Lenne and Hen's family is invited to contribute to the next edition, nr. 28, due out in June 2003. Piet will continue with Filmus Vitae and no doubt there will be a new episode from Viewpoints.
    Submissions for that issue, preferably by email, to the editor not later than 15th May 2003 please.


SUMMARY DE APPEL Nr. 26, DECEMBER 2002
  • Editorial
    • The editorial discusses ‘giving’ and ‘receiving’ which is so much a part of the month of December.
      The annual letter from Lou and Mies (complete with Dutch translation) is being distributed with the Appel.
  • Contributions from Henny and Ad’s family.
    • Henny and Ad explain why they enjoy their stays in Portugal and that they are now busy rebuilding a decrepit house that is situated next to their own. More>>
    • Ad philosophises about the pointless violence that occurred in Venlo (Holland). More>>
    • Both Ad and Henny write enthusiastically about their 3 week visit to Canada: first a week visiting family, then a week’s cruise along the west coast of Canada and Alaska and finally a trip in the Rocky Mountains. More>>
    • Robert van Winden and his family describe with many illustrations how they are getting on and about their holiday. More>>
    • Erik and Ingrid van Winden get pleasure from their baby daughter, Rianne, and explain why they both needed to look for new jobs. Erik provides two recipes: one for Gado gado and the other for Tagliatelle. More>>
    • Walter and Christel van Winden have been on holiday abroad for the first time with their two children, Quinten and Freya. They enjoyed their stay on the south coast of Turkey. More>>
    • Michel van Winden informs us that he has broken up with his girl friend, Angèle van der Heijden. Nevertheless he has been able to get a job with the Ministry for Foreign Affairs based in Pretoria (South Africa) and this allows him to visit his daughter, Pauline, who lives with Angèle, frequently.
      Angèle has adopted a one year old South African girl, Rosa, who is therefore Pauline’s sister. More>>
    • Dick Hoek describes how to transfer old records to CD. More>>
  • Features
    • From Six to Twelve by Wim Schalke - jokes and an explanation of what a cryptogram is. More>>
    • Viewpoints - Trudy and Jetteke describe the unforgettable childhood memories of eleven members of the family. More>>
    • Journalistic Bloomers
  • The next issue (no 27, March 2003) is the turn of Jan and Gerrie’s family. Piet will follow up his history of the ‘House Academy in 1943’ with an account of the revue that the Gieles children put together for their parents’ silver wedding anniversary in 1946.
    Submissions for no. 27, preferably by email, to the editor not later than 14th February 2003 please.


SUMMARY DE APPEL Nr. 25, SEPTEMBER 2002
  • Editorial
    • In this silver issue the editor highlights why we decided to begin De Appel. A year on from the death of Oma Gieles (in 1996) we realised how she had been the central point of contact for the family and how we missed her in this respect. We also realized that the family had become too extended for general reunions. As a result we decided to establish a family magazine named after the Appelstraat, the street in which Oma lived.
    • Enclosed with this issue was an updated index of nrs 1 to and including 25.
    • Two non-family members who are loyal readers of De Appel express their appreciation of the family communication media. They are Ine Verweij-de Jonge, mother of Bernadette Koot-Verweij and Thea Gresnigt-Corbran, a friend of Bernadette's.
    • The contributors for this edition are Theo and Piet and Jetteke's family.
  • Theo in Indonesia
    Theo, who reached the age of 70 on July 7th, remarks that he is indeed no longer 40 but notices little difference to ten years ago. He is still involved with all sorts of university activities and continues to run engagement and marriage courses. The situation in Indonesia gives him cause for concern.
  • Piet and Jetteke's family
    • Jetteke deals with her brother in Amerika, who is world-renowned for his scientific contribution in the field of "Low Vision" and for his efforts to promote standardization in this area.
    • Piet tells us that their house is built on what was once marshland and why this land became available only after 1960. This is closely related to the history of fortifications in 's-Hertogenbosch.
    • Janneke continues the story of her carreer: she is now working with mentally handicapped children in a special needs nursery but would like to do a course in journalism.
    • Jetteke reviews the book 'Het Zwijgen van [The Silence of} Maria Zachea (Judith Koelemeijer, Plataan, Zutphen 2001, ISBN 90 5807 0913), which tells about a family with thirteen children in about the same time as our family lived in.
    • Finally René Bekkers describes what it is like to become a father. He is now after all the proud father of Elze who was born on 10th July.
  • Winy did not manage to complete her article for issue nr 24 in time and submits it now. She mentions the guesthouse that she and Wouter have set up and tells about the hospitality of the Portugese. It is freely illustrated with photographs.
  • Features
    • In "Viewpoints", Trudy discusses how individual members of the family celebrate their birthday.
    • Wim provides some puzzles and a couple of jokes in the feature "From Six to Twelve".
    • The "House-Academy" series is finalised with part 5, in which Piet wonders whether such an Academy was perhaps too much for family members and also reports on how it came to an end.
  • Miscellaneous
    • An old man recounts to his family what he and his peers have experienced with respect to change and progress, and calls himself a "survivor".
    • The last threequarter page is given over to "Journalistic Bloomers".
  • The next issue: number 26, December 2002, will be devoted mainly to Henny and Ad's family. Submissions, preferably by email, to the editor not later than 15th November please.


SUMMARY DE APPEL Nr. 24, JUNE 2002

The editors note that the Appel ensures that the periods between personal contact and mutual information exchange are not too long. The editors inform us that there is now a greater opportunity to strengthen communication through photos via the websites. (see further in the Photo Gallery).
Issue 24 is largely written by Trudy and Wim's family and by Maarten and Gonnie Gielis.

  • Trudy and Wim Schalke's family
    • Trudy writes about her voluntary work and how foot
      reflexology *) provides effective relaxation.
    • Wim tells about what is enjoyable and what is difficult with learning Portuguese (which he is currently doing). He also talks about his hobby of collecting clocks.
    • Monique discusses the changes that have taken place in her family during the last two years. Ton Bos informs us that he has moved from the Department of VROM **) to the Vereniging Natuurmonumenten (Countryside Trust) and his daughter Evelien realised her lifelong wish: to have her own dog, Jesper.
    • Ellen presents a problem: What to do when children suffer from frightening dreams ?
    • Britt recounts how motivating is for her and her children as well, to live in a new suburb (in Houten), and is pleased that she can resume giving drama lessons.
    • Loes Nooren writes about horse riding in her village of Maladao in Portugal.
    *) More about reflexology
    **) VROM means Housing, Planning and Environment. vrom
  • The Maarten and Gonnie Gielis family. They have bought a very old house in the centre of Brielle and describe how demanding it was to totally renovate the inside and how fulfilled they feel with the results of their labours.
  • Miscellaneous Articles
    • Annie and Koos spent a holiday in Egypt and describe their impressions and experiences.
    • The second part of the submission from Paul Koot of letters to Insurance Companies.
  • Features
    • The feature by Jetteke, 'Viewpoints', is this time about giving to worthwhile causes.
    • Wim provides a puzzle for 6-12 year olds together with a few jokes and a request to send any jokes to him.
    • In the follow up to the series 'The House Academy' is the second part of the report titled: The formal language of a young Grammar School Boy.
  • The next issue is a silver jubilee, namely No 25. Submissions to the editor please not later than 15th August.


SUMMARY DE APPEL Nr. 23, MARCH 2002

The editors remind you that the fourth round for families to write in the Appel has begun with Koos and Annie's family who fill most of this edition.
In addition the new address list is included.

  • Submissions from Annie and Koos' family.
    • Annie is doing voluntary work (sewing lessons) in the Don Boscohome in Rijswijk. She writes about the life of the Italian priest and youth worker Giovanni (Don) Bosco and of his followers, the Salesian fathers.
    • Koos reports on a serious skating accident that his brother had which resulted in brain damage.
    • Koos writes that his apartment building is named "Parc Oversteen" after the hamlet 'Oversteen' which was there. This was opposite a brick works on the other side of the Vliet canal.
    • Elise Huisman-Koot provides a cake recipe and her daughter, Sanne, tells about her drum lessons.
    • Paul Koot lists a series of hilarious quotes from letters that people have written to their insurance company. Sander, his son, tells about his activities in the student rowing club and his daughter, Evelien, who was at a loss for something to write, concludes that she is in a 'not-quite-appel-phase'.
    • Anke van Niekerk-Koot presents a review of her family's activities. Her daughter, Alyssa, states enthusiastically that she is already at secondary school and both Alyssa and her sister Kristel provide us with a puzzle.
    • Marja and Thea notify us that their husbands Tom Pak and Peter van Oranje both reach the age of 50 in November.
    • Ingrid Ronteltrap-Koot writes about her family and their winter sports holiday.
    • Bernadette Koot-Verweij recounts in both words and images, how for the whole family, winter sports has become a passion.
  • Miscellaneous submissions.
    • Stephanie Gieles reports lucidly about the adventures she has had since receiving the contract to design a covered walkway from the town hall at the Dam to the Nieuwe Kerk in Amsterdam for the wedding of crown prince Willem Alexander and Maxima.
  • Features
    • The feature 'From Six to Twelve' calls upon family members between these ages to send their opinions about their own name to Wim Schalke.
    • 'Family Points of View - Part 4' deals with (the first part of) the weekly summaries from 25th April to 9th May 1943 and makes the reader aware of the austerity of the time.
    • In the feature 'Viewpoints', Jetteke asks six couples about their relationship with their neighbours.


SUMMARY DE APPEL Nr. 22, DECEMBER 2001

This edition has been largely filled by Mies and Lou's family and therefore many articles are in English. Some of the articles have been written in both English and Dutch, such as the Editorial: 'The cork on which the world floats' (De kurk waarop de wereld drijft), and the announcement of a new Webmaster for the Applesites.
On page 2 is a new family schedule for the next round of Appels and from this it is apparent the next issue is the turn of Annie and Koos' family. Copy for this issue, no. 23, March 2002, is due with the Editor not later than 15th February 2002.

  • Submissions from Mies and Lou's family.
    • Mies begins the family section by explaining how she is gradually retiring from her activities and that Lou's health is now greatly improved.
    • Lou recounts his memories of his wartime adventures.
    • Richard tells us about his recovery from a life threatening viral infection and the vital importance of family support during this period.
    • Miriam Sullivan reports on the activities of her family: about Diana who is a wonderful singer, about Jason who likes playing all kinds of games, about herself as a very active mother, about Larry's work, and about their vacation trips together.
    • In turn Miriam Soet describes the activities of Jordan, Tiana and herself. Jordan greatly enjoyed a trip to Washington DC, Tiana from her pony camp holiday, and Len about a cycle trip with Jordan, a trip with Tiana and a hiking adventure with a friend.
    • Finally brief news from Sylvia about the Compton family.
  • Various other contributions
    • Announcement of the birth of a son to Marijn Gieles and René de Haan on 3rd November 2001. Mother and baby are doing well. Marijn's mother, Elly Wemmenhove, now a Grandmother, relates to Piet how this feels.
    • A book written by Piet, together with two of his colleagues, for classroom assistants in schools, was published at the end of September. It is about the vital relationship between parents and their children and is also easily readable by non-teachers.
      Tussen thuis en school - over contextuele leerlingbegeleiding
      W. van Mulligen, P. Gieles en A. Nieuwenbroek
      Acco, Leuven en Leusden 2001, ISBN 90-334-4870-X
    • Arthur (Ton and Thea's son and a GP) and his wife Maaike (geriatrician) in a retrospective contribution explain how they manage their medical work and are still able to provide sufficient attention to family life.
  • Features
    • The feature 'Puzzle Corner with Wim' has been replaced by 'from six till twelve, bits and pieces collected by Wim'. This time it consists of jokes sent in by children. Wim would like the children of the family (6 to 12) to send jokes, trivia and puzzles to him.
    • In the feature 'Viewpoints' Jetteke asks seven members of the family, young and old, what they do with old items. Do they throw them away or do they hoard them ?
    • Finally in the third part of his feature, 'Family in Discussion' Piet uses the minutes of the 'family academy' and the weekly reviews to recount how life used to be permeated by religion and church.


SUMMARY DE APPEL Nr. 21, SEPTEMBER 2001

The editorial emphasises the importance of freedom of word. Anyone, who wants to write about "the good things" and not about "the bad things" should feel free to do so.

  • Family of Gemma and John.
    Gemma describes the most notable happenings in family life during the last two years. John, triggered by a discussion between Piet and Jeroen van Winden, writes about gravity. He also describes how he has replaced all the windows in their house.
    David reports on how radically his life has changed since he progressed from a student to a working man. His current job involves the design of computer controlled Customer Information Systems on bus- and railway stations. With John's support he has now bought his own house and refurbished it. Further he illustrates how Dutch expressions which, if translated literally into English, do not make sense to English-speaking people. They should preferably be replaced by an English phrase with an equivalent meaning.
  • Family of Ton and Thea.
    Ton tells the tale of the arduous journey of him and five siblings during the war in the winter of 1944/45 in North-Holland organised by their uncle Nico. He also reports on a conversation he had with his mother, at her nursing-home, about the idea of making provisions for future family meetings. Stephany and Thea recount a humourous fictional e-mail correspondence about the design of Steef's micro frontgarden in Delft. Steef also tells us about her new friendship with Okke.
  • Miscellany:
    • Reflections upon the Golden Wedding Anniversary of the parents Gieles on July 28th 1971
    • Theo reports on his never ending duties.
    • Niece Gitty van Vliet-Schuyt was badly injured in an accident in August 2000. She is now recovering relatively well.
    • Piet reports on Annie and Koos's Golden Wedding Anniversary party held on August 11th 2001
  • In "Viewpoints" Jetteke interviews people about the impact of their place in their family, relative to their siblings on their life and personality.
  • Part 2 in the series "A family in discussion" describes the 'Home Academy' as noted in the weekly surveys from Februari 14th to April 11th 1943, that is around the birthday of Lenne and Gemma on March 22, 1943
  • To round off this issue a number of hilarious "Journalistic Bloopers"


SUMMARY DE APPEL Nr. 20, JUNE 2001

Most of this number is devoted to contributions from
the family of Ton and Corrie Versteegen-Gieles.

  • Ton gives insight in his preferred computer club while Corrie memorises how she and Ton, after a hard time of illnesses, found consolation in their visit to John and Gemma, in the family St Nicolas festivities and in the celebration of their 45th marriage anniversary.
  • Joost & Monique and Sandra & Peter tell about the dayly events with their children. Mariel describes the extensive preparations for a family holiday on Cyprus. Finally, Jaap Verdenius writes about his volunteering work for Amnesty International.
    All of these contributions are illustrated by photographs, which show young and vital families.

Various contributions

  • Maarten Gielis writes an In Memoriam for his passed-away mother Jannie.
  • Piet gives an impression about the open-house day of Henny and Ad Raaijmakers.
  • Frans, living in an area struck by the MFD virus, looks back over the parochial attempts to stop unneccessary killing of animals.
  • Frans also reports on what happens if the word "Gieles" is fed into a search engine like Google on the Internet.
  • The heading "Viewpoints" asked four elderly and five younger family members what they, in their youth, wanted to become later and how it worked out.
  • Finally Piet starts the first part of a story "A family in discussion" , which deals with the "Home Academy" in the Gieles family in 1943, as described in an old minute-book.


SUMMARY DE APPEL Nr. 19, MARCH 2001

Number 19 mainly contains features from the families of Jan/Gerrie and Frans.
In the introduction the editor draws the attention to several jubilees, which are to occurin the year 2001 and are highlighted under the heading "Brief Notices".

From the family of Jan and Gerrie:

  • In "Music for young and old" Jan describes his personal feelings about music, his musical history and the enormous increase in quality of music reproduction which took place during his lifespan.
  • Alja van de Burg reports in "We are moving upward" how she had to quit teaching due to a whiplash and now runs a fulltime practice for kinesiology. That way she helps clients to reach better equilibrium by running muscle tests.
  • Erik, Hans and Alja's son, describes his many hobby's and sports.
  • His sister Suzan tells us about her term of probation about "Labour Participation" in the local textiles shop C&A.
  • Lucie is in doubt on what exactly to write in De Appel. Is it about superficial subjects or about what strikes you but you do'nt want to share with everyone ?
  • Jan gives a detailed and illustrated description on how to remove unwanted trees.
  • Two daughters of Paul and Ellen, Manja and Jolijn contribute, the first one about stage acting, hockey and chatting, the second one about her experience with pony's.
  • In "For the children" Jan explains the "Letter-game" which the former family Gieles used to play frequently.
  • In his final contribution "Conflicts due to e-mail ?" Jan discusses several forms of human communication and points to the danger of communication disorder due to the improper use of e-mail.

From the family of Frans:

  • Frans talks animated about his language studies (Arabic, Spanish, Latin), about his Help-sessions via Internet with potential suiciders and his publishing activities.
  • His daughter Marijn displays a brief diary on a trip through Syria and Jordan with her boy-friend Rene, who in turn reports on his computer lessons by Frans.

The "Brief Notices" tell us that:

  • Koos and Annie intent to celebrate their 50 years of marriage with all their family on August 11, this year.
  • Ad and Henny moved to a very nice and very high appartment in Voorburg.
  • Jan's reflexions about the Turn of the Century were discussed in a publication in a national newspaper.
  • Piet contacted a family called "Gieles" which turned out not to be our family.

Finally "Vieuwpoints"
deals with how a number of family members prepare their hollidays.


SUMMARY DE APPEL Nr. 18, DECEMBER 2000

Intended for those, who do not regularly receive a copy of De Appel.

The last house in the legacy of Everard Gieles has been sold. The editors give thanks to the committee, which managed all maintenance and selling since Everard died.(p.1)

The family of Henny and Ad
supplied the main part of this issue (p.3-12)

  • Henny explains why she continues to visit the church in her parish in Voorburg.
  • Henny and Ad describe the collection and cleaning of the water, they use in their garden and swimming pool in Portugal.
  • Ad about professional technical education.
  • Walther highlights how radically his and Christel's life have changed since they got their two babies.
  • Robert about everyday life in his family.
  • Michel gossips about Angele, Angele gossips about Michel
  • Judith Hoek (Ad's daughter) describes how she and her colleague transformed a lumber-room into a cosy office for her firm "Abstrakt".
  • Ingrid tries to come to terms with the sudden decease of het father, while Erik supplies some tasty recipies.

Miscellany:

  • Piet reports about the Open House by Koos en Annie after their recent move.
  • Ellen Gieles gives an impression of the day of her marriage to Paul Cuppen on June 17 in France. (p.16). Some pictures of that happening can be found elsewhere on this page.
  • Jan has opened his own site, see the separate message.
  • Frans went out searching for Henk' grave and found it. (p.17)
  • As usual Wim Schalke fills the remaining blanks with entertainment. He asked 10 of his kin about the role of wheather and wheather forecasts in their daily life. (p.19)


SUMMARY DE APPEL Nr. 17, SEPTEMBER 2000

Nr. 17 was dominated by Theo being 50 years a Jesuït and Ma Gieles, being born 100 years ago. Also there are contributions from the family of Piet and Jetteke.

Theo 50 years a Jesuït.

During his visit in July and Augustus in The Netherlands Theo was interviewed in-depth, which resulted in a long review of his life, and work in Indonesia.
He became a Jesuït in 1950 and departed already in 1951 to Indonesia. For 15 years the tense relationship between The Netherlands and Indonesia prevented him from returning and in the mean time he completed not only the Jesuït education including his ordination, he also acquired a doctor's degree in Economic Sience. He became a master at the Teachers Training Sanata Dharma, led by the Jesuïts in Jogjakarta. This institute was upgraded in 1993 to a university and Theo became the Dean of the Economics Faculty untill his retirement in June, 2000.
In this context he prepared a textbook on economy for students, which soon became the standard and which had 17 reprints already.
He tells about language problems with Javanese and Indonesians, how he survived the communists coup and the dismission of Soekarno in 1965 and about what inspires the Jesuïts in giving education. Theo of course was available as a pastor for students. However he deployed pastoral activities also next to his job. Since 1973 he is member of a group, which prepares engaged pairs for marriage. Up to now 20.000 pairs participated. Later he also became active in the Indonesian section of an International Team for marriage counseling, concentrating on communication problems between partners themselves en between them and their children. As a consequence Theo is frequently visited in the evenings and on weekends by many pairs, seeking advice and consultation.
Theo himself feels quite happy in his activities and he does not complain about lack of love and affection. At the age of 68 he continues with pleasure his pastoral jobs and even some of his lectures on economy.

Born one century ago: a strong woman...

Piet gives an elaborate description of the life of his mother, Cor Gieles-Groenewegen, one hundred years after she was born.
She was the eldest daughter of builder and carpenter Jan Groenewegen and Maria Meeuwisse. A serious pneumonia brought her, 19 years old on the verge of death. Her father died one year later from the same disease.
Guided by a flow of old pictures the story is unfolded of her engagement and marriage with Everard Gielis, her giving birth to 13 children in between the 5 times the couple had to move and how she succeeded in managing her growing family. In the crisis of the thirties she had to look twice at every penny and during the last war, in particular in the winter 1944/45 there were tough problems with hunger and scarcity. In the sixties she showed faith and courage in dealing with the general shift in morality, especially among youngsters, which also seemed to affect her family.
After all children had left, the couple moved to the house Appelstraat 45, where she soon became the center of family communication as all children occasionally dropped in. This function was continued when, after a hip fracture, she had to take refuge in a nursing-home. There she died on November 25, 1995 in the age of 95.

Brief Notices

  • Born: Freya, daughter from Walter van Winden and Cristel Bank on June 18, 2000
  • Married: Paul Cuppen and Ellen Gieles on June 17, 2000 in France. See accompanying pictures
  • Moved: Koos Koot and Annie Gieles to Delftweg 35 H, 2289 AL, Rijswijk. Tel # not changed.

Family of Piet and Jetteke

  • Jetteke tells about a visit to a girlfriend of her, who lives in Scotland. She paid this visit in the company of another girlfriend and the three ladies had a wonderful time together.
  • Mariëtte and René made a 1700 Km trip by bicycle from the southmost point of England (Lands End in Cornwall) to the northmost point of Scotland (John O'Groats). The trip took 3½ week, fully packed from one camping to the next and was concluded by a short visit to John and Gemma Daly.
  • Janneke, in her last study year went to Czechia for ten days, together with her class-mates. She hopes to graduate in psychology early November and wonders what she is going to do afterwards and what will be her future.

Index nrs 1-17

This number contains an index of all articles published in De Appel numbers 1 through 17. In fact there are two indexes: There is one subdivision referring to the family of the author and one referring to the actual content of the article.


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