Get ready for an unforgettable evening of music, poetry, presentations, and quizzes as we revive our cherished Candlemas tradition every early February. Mark your calendars for the upcoming Candlemas on the evening of 3 February, 2024 – you won’t want to miss it!

This year’s celebration promises a fantastic blend of fun, delectable food, and refreshing drinks, providing the perfect opportunity to mingle with both familiar faces and new members in a laid-back atmosphere. It’s more than just an event; it’s a chance to warm your spirits and banish those winter blues.

If you’re feeling inspired, we invite you to contribute to the festivities! Whether it’s reading a poem, organizing a quiz, giving a talk, performing a monologue, or playing music, your unique talents are welcome. Reach out to Victoria Twist at vj.twist@kpnplanet.nl and don’t forget to Cc the Secretary mailbox at secretary.OCNL@gmail.com.

As always, our traditional venue, Emile van Leenen’s Pianos at Lammermarkt 59, 2312 CM in Leiden, will play host to this exceptional evening. Convenient (paid) parking is available at Parkeergarage Lammermarkt (Molen de Valk) nearby, and the venue is just a leisurely 10-minute stroll from Leiden Central Station. Doors open at 7pm and proceedings start at 7.30pm.

Save the date, spread the word, and get ready for an evening that promises to be nothing short of magical!

Warm regards,

The Committee of the Oxford & Cambridge Society of the Netherlands

The Oxford and Cambridge Society of the Netherlands invites its members and their guests to a workshop:

Tour of the new national monument Oranjehotel in Scheveningen

Sunday, January 14th, 11:00 | Den Haag

On Sunday 14th January 2024 the Oxford and Cambridge Society of the Netherlands warmly invites you to a tour of the new national monument Oranjehotel in Scheveningen, a Nazi transit prison during WW2, featuring accounts of the prison regime, life under Nazi occupation, the resistance and how post war Dutch society dealt with the past. Sophie, one of the educational volunteers for the monument will give us a talk ahead of the visit. 

Museum entrance is free with a museumkaart, otherwise 12,50 euros standard to be paid. In case of 15 or more attendees on the day, tickets will be 10.00 euros. Tickets to be purchased on the day. Please do sign-up early, so we can get an estimate on numbers for the talk.  

Schedule: 

• 11.00 – meet at the museum
• 11.15 – complimentary cup of coffee or tea (provided by the society)
• 11.45 – talk followed by a self-guided audio tour

More about the monument (from the official website):

The Oranjehotel was the name the Dutch attributed to the Scheveningen prison during the Second World War. Here the German occupier detained over 25,000 people for interrogation and prosecution. Those who violated regulations imposed by the nazi’s covered a broad spectrum and came from all corners of the Netherlands. Most were members of the Resistance, but those imprisoned here also included Jews and Jehovah’s Witnesses, as well as people detained for economic offences, such as dealing on the black market. Even during the war, the complex was called Oranjehotel as a tribute to the Resistance members imprisoned there.

Those imprisoned in the Oranjehotel included people of great renown, such as the Soldier of Orange (Soldaat van Oranje) Erik Hazelhoff Roelfzema, Rudolph Cleveringa, Titus Brandsma, George Maduro, Pim Boellaard, Henri Pieck, Anton de Kom, Heinz Polzer (Drs. P.) and Corrie ten Boom, as well as countless others. Some were released, while others were deported to other prisons or camps or executed on the nearby plain the Waalsdorpervlakte.

Until 2009 the cell barracks remained in use as a prison and were therefore not accessible to the public. The complex became vacant and even threatened to be demolished. After years of restoration and repairs, the Oranjehotel was opened as a Commemorative Centre by King Willem-Alexander in September 2019. On your visit to the present Oranjehotel National Monument you will hear stories about fear, hope, faith and patriotism and will see the conditions in which prisoners were forced to live. We show how vulnerable freedom is, and which decisions are taken, when injustice, oppression and persecution prevail.

If you would like to read more, see the official homepage.

Access by Bus 22 from Den Haag Centraal station. Disabled parking only at museum.
Address Van Alkemadelaan 1258, 2597 BP Den Haag

LOCATION

Van Alkemadelaan 1258

The Oxford and Cambridge Society invites you to join for this magical pre-Christmas event:

Maastricht Christmas Market & City Tour | Sat, 9 Dec, from 2pm| Maastricht

Join us for a magical holiday season exploration of Maastricht – you won’t want to miss this opportunity to visit one of the best Christmas Markets in the Netherlands! We will also explore the city and, for those willing to get a bit sportive – ice-skating is also on the program! Bring your friends and family to this last OxBridge outing of the year!  

Train travel: For those wishing to travel together, we will take the 11am train from Amsterdam CS. Most stations have around a two hour travel time, less of course for those from North-Brabant. If you have never visited Maastricht – this is your chance, especially considering you will get to mingle with alumni. 

Schedule: 

• 2-4pm: Guided city tour – we will explore the historic parts of the city with a knowledgeable guide. Spaces are limited, so do get your tickets quickly. 8 EUR pp.
• 4pm: Christmas market & ice-skating – we will explore the many stalls of the market, while exploring culinary treats such as Glühwein und Bratwurst. For those wishing to take a peak from above – get on the Ferris wheel – and those wishing to explore the ice rink – put on some skates! The society will sponsor a cup of Glühwein for each attendee. 
• After the visit to the market, we encourage a short stop at the Saint Servatius Basilica or a final stroll through the now illuminated city – along the magical lights routes

Read more about the Christmas Market & the Lights Route below:

Maastricht Christmas Market

Many​ stalls with all things Christmasy and numerous entertainment options, such as a Ferris wheel and ice skating—everything makes Maastricht market your Christmas holiday destination in Holland. The cozy streets are inviting, and the warm cafes radiate a kind atmosphere. What could be better?

The Maastricht Christmas Market is annually held at Vrijthof square from the end of November till the New Year. You can snack on bratwurst and glühwein and find all your Christmas presents at its numerous stalls and then continue shopping at the beautiful Jekerkwartier area. Maastricht Christmas Market is one of the top Christmas markets in the Netherlands.

The illuminated Ferris wheel will provide you with the stunning panorama of festive Vrijthof. The market features a beautiful outdoor ice rink that looks especially romantic at night. Listen to some Christmas-themed music as you glide through the rink or watch the skaters sipping a warm beverage at the cafe near the rink. Try some reibekuchen or poffertjes. Or add Schrobbelèr liqueur to your coffee for a true Maastricht Christmas Market experience. After spending some time outside, you can warm up in the idyllic alpine-inspired chalet or check out the beautiful Saint Servatius Basilica nearby to get into the Christmas spirit and experience its peace and tranquility.

Magical Light Route

The Magical Light Route aspires to be extra special. Maastricht has provided wider space for everyone, so you can take more time to discover the city and its holiday decorations at your own pace. From late November to the last week of December, the Magical Light Route will take festive walkers to the most impressive spots in the city. Landmarks will be adorned with Christmas lights, and all you have to do is to follow the illuminated route.

https://www.visitmaastricht.com/magical-maastricht/christmas-market

The Harvard Alumni Club and the Oxford and Cambridge Society cordially invite their members and guests to:

The Harvard & OxBridge Annual Christmas Dinner

Sat, 16 Dec, 8pm| Utrecht

A longstanding tradition continues, as Harvard, Oxford, and Cambridge alumni and their guests come together for the annual Christmas dinner. This year, the festive celebration is held at Humphrey’s restaurant in the heart of Utrecht. We welcome you at 20:00 hours for a three-course dinner including house wines, Hertog Jan draft beer, soft drinks, coffee and tea. Our Christmas dinner will conclude at 22:45 hours. Just in time to catch the last train.

When: Saturday 16 December, from 20:00 – 22:45 hours
Location: Humphrey’s restaurant, Stadhuisbrug 3, Utrecht
Price: Harvard Alumni/ Guest – 60 EUR | OxBridge (Soc Member – 54 EUR | Guest 60 EUR) 

Dress code: Festive – with a touch of red. 

Menu: The menu consists of three choices per course (fish, meat or vegetarian).For the main course, there are three side dishes including two salads and fries with mayonnaise. Moreover, we have multiple alternatives for vegans as well as allergies and dietary preferences

You will be able to submit your menu choice after sign-up (this will happen latest two weeks ahead of the dinner, once the December menu is announced). So please make sure to add valid emails for all tickets at the check-out!

Note that this event is open only for Harvard, Oxford and Cambridge alumni, and their guests.

Please arrive shortly after 20:00 hours, but not before 20:00 hours, as the restaurant seats another party, until that time. Cancellations with a refund are only possible up to a week in advance. Tickets are limited, and this event has sold out every year. Hence, early booking is recommended!

We are looking forward to a festive celebration together!