"The SERVUS-MECHELEN Club" Personal Page by RENE_CARDOEN

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The special Strauss event in the heart of Mechelen

The special Johann Strauss event at Mechelen

Since many years, Felicienne and I are true members of the “Servus-Mechelen Club”. Our chairman, Alfons Deleus and his charming wife, Marie-Jeanne are very active, making arrangements with Austrian musical and cultural groups in order to organise concerts and special events over here in Mechelen.
On September 24-25-26, 1999 exactly 100 years after the death of Johann Strauss, the Servus-Mechelen Club organised a special Strauss happening. It was one of the biggest events ever realised at the market place (Grote Markt) in the heart of the historical town centre. Practically all Servus members worked together building up several tents and canopies, covering almost the vast market place.

The special Johann Strauss event at Mechelen

The Kaiserwalzer ensemble from Vienna

Friday, 25th September 1999

The ladies ensemble “Kaiserwalzer” from Vienna performed outstanding high quality music

The special Johann Strauss event at Mechelen

The Bauernkapelle St. Georgen

Saturday, 26th September 1999

After a classic start of the Strauss Gala it was the Bauernkapelle Sankt Georgen’s turn to entertain the public. No need to tell that Austria’s best “Musikkapelle” with more than 60 excellent musicians contributed to an unforgettable evening for a wild enthusiastic audience.

The special Johann Strauss event at Mechelen

My friend is faking

Sunday, 26th September 1999

The last day of a successfully weekend started with a matinee, “Frühschoppen” like the Austrians use to call it. It’s a mix of entertainment, eating and of course drinking and has absolutely nothing to do with “Früh” = early shopping!

In spite of an injured thumb, at the end of a successful weekend, my friend Eddy and I were very satisfied.

NB I was really wounded, he was faking!

Travelling with SERVUS-MECHELEN to Austria

Ready to start another exciting trip to Austria

Besides organizing musical events the SERVUS-Mechelen Club has a lot more to offer. Among other things the club is also active as a travel agency. Almost every year either a winter or summer holiday is planned. So we had the opportunity to make some holiday trips to

Hermagor – Carinthia (March 1998)
Rust – Burgenland (July 1999)
Leogang (June 2001)
Filzmoos (March 2003)

Burgenland and its charming people

Welcomed by the local brass band

In the course of times our chairman Alfons Deleus has built up an intense relationship with the people of Burgenland. The reason why he is so attracted by this part of Austria is simple. Burgenland is rather flat and consequently not overwhelmed by mass tourism. So friendship with the local people is pure.
The first evening at the Sport Hotel in Rust - Burgenland (July 1999) we were welcomed by the local brass band.

Filzmoos - Winter holiday - March 2003

At Matthias' Hotel - Filzmoos

When Austrian groups come to Mechelen we are prepared to receive some guests. The first time we had 2 guys, Matthias and Seb. Both are running a hotel in Austria and hardworking people. Alone in a strange world, without any control of the ladies, they quickly experienced the effect of drinking too much strong Belgian beer. So every night we had to drag them into the car and drive them home, otherwise they would never been able to find their way back. Afterwards Seb and Matthias were so grateful and considered my wife as their surrogate mother (die ersatz Mutti…)

Seb thanks his "ersatz Mutti" (surrogate mother)

Is that Austrian friendship?

Seb thanks his surrogate mother, for the hospitality she gave him during his memorable stay in Mechelen, but sometimes Austrian friendship can be so intense that I start asking me questions???
Filzmoos (March 2003)

Page Updated Mar 2, 2005
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Comments (31)

kiwi Jan 12, 2012 at 6:35 PM Report Abuse

Rene and Felicienne, I have not forgotten you. Just to say HI. One day I will return :-)) Happy memories on PJ's meeting page !
olja1234 Jul 13, 2010 at 2:50 AM Report Abuse

A very Happy Birthday to you, Rene!
filipdebont Dec 28, 2008 at 2:47 AM Report Abuse

Hoi Rene, Prettige Feestdagen, en Beste Wensen voor een voorspoedig en gezond 2009
DAO Jul 13, 2008 at 3:10 PM Report Abuse

Happy Birthday
meiyergani Jul 13, 2008 at 9:39 AM Report Abuse

Very nice smiling faces. Happy Birthday from Bogor Indonesia
margaretvn Jul 13, 2008 at 12:32 AM Report Abuse

Hartelijk gefeliciteerd! have a great day
B_Caro Jul 16, 2007 at 1:54 AM Report Abuse

Met enkele dagen vertraging toch nog een gelukkige verjaardag Rene !
traveloturc Jul 12, 2007 at 11:02 PM Report Abuse

Happy birthday to you from Istanbul / Turkiye ..I wish that you realize all your dreams ...good luck
Daja123 Jul 12, 2007 at 10:53 PM Report Abuse

Happy BirthdayRene! My best wishes from Slovenia! Cheers !!!
pieter_jan_v Jul 12, 2007 at 9:56 PM Report Abuse

Rene, Van harte gefeliciteerd. Een fijne dag toegewenst. PJ