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The BritSoc is a voluntary organisation run by the members for the benefit of its members. Throughout the year the Society organises regular events that appeal to all ages. Amongst the most well known are the annula Bonfire Night celebrations in November, the Charity Christmas Ball and Burns Night. Our current goal is to expand our range of sporting and social activities. To this end we are looking for people to join the Events sub committee. If you would like to get involed in organising one of these events, or maybe you have your own ideas for an event. If you wish to get involved, e-mail the chairperson.

The current committee are as follows:

John Cameron-Webb - British Consul, President

As a way of introducing myself to readers of the Britsoc Bulletin, I will begin by saying: “ Pleased to meet you, my name is John Cameron-Webb and I am the British Consul in Amsterdam and delighted to have stepped into the role of your Honorary President. What do I do? My professional role is to lead and support my colleagues at the Consulate-General in Amsterdam in delivering a wide variety of consular services to the British population in the Netherlands which, at the last count, numbered above 50,000. Details of these consular services are to be found on www.uniknnl.fco.gov.uk). What brought me here? In 1988 I moved to Netherlands from Berlin where I’d lived for some time. Naturally, the first thing you do in a new city is get to know people, so I attended a service in the Scottish Reformed Church in the Begijnhof to see if I could meet new friends or of course, find work. After the service, I asked the minister Rev. Geraint Williams if he knew of any work possibilities. He said he didn’t but casually wrote the telephone number of the Consulate on the back of a visiting card. The next morning I rang the consulate full of hope and was asked by the very friendly secretary if I was telephoning in response to the vacancy announcement in Saturday’s Telegraaf. I “fibbed”. A few days later I was interviewed; my prior experience in police work suited me well to the job of consular assistant, and I was taken on. Ever since that suggestion by the Rev Williams I have believed in divine intervention! Anyway, since those distant days, I've plugged away at work occupying just about every role at the consulate, (I get bored quickly you see) and in 2008, I was fortunate enough to be made Consul.

Where do I live? My partner Anika is Dutch and we live in Almere with our two daughters Marena (11) and Ylvi (9). It’s a pleasure living with these three ladies and their ability to put up with a grumpy old man never ceases to amaze me! (honest, Guv). Interests? Music is my greatest hobby and I’ve played in a number of bands and groups. Now I sing and play guitar, banjo and mandolin in the theatre folk band "Knijn" (www.knijn-folk.nl) I shall indulge with a quick plug here, come and see us one day! Anika sings and we perform at venues as a duo. We enjoy singing Robert Burns’ songs at the Britsoc annual Burns Night, which is not to be missed! I also love history. In particular trying to "get my head round" the events of the First World War. For a number of years, I've organized guided tours for Britsoc around WW1 battlefields in France and Belgium. (if you'd like to take part, dates for 2009 tours to follow soon).

I love art too so, of course, what better country to live in! Some tips for survival in Holland? Learn the language; it will impress and prove wrong those who think that the British don’t learn languages. It'll also give you the best chance of integrating and making your home here. Read some Dutch history and steep yourself in the marvelous Golden Age: Remember the weather in UK is no better to that here (!) Keep an open mind and before you know it you'll be indistinguishable amongst our hosts. And last but not least: Join Britsoc and enjoy some of the some great functions they organize (Burns Night, Bonfire Night Christmas Ball and many more) or simply, enjoy the good company. John Cameron-Webb, British Consul, Amsterdam

Stephen Huyton - Chairman

Born in Liverpool, trained as a chartered accountant, joined a Dutch client as Financial Director some 9 + years ago with a view to preparing company for Stock Exchange listing or sale to third party. In 1999 company sold to US Corporation. Agreed to stay on and try and repeat the exercise. September 11th intervened so currently plans shelved. Married to Kathryn, three children Helen age 9, Henry age 7 and Hugh age 5. Kathryn teaches at The International School of Amsterdam which the children attend as students. I have been involved with the Society for several years, usually only in a supporting role, latterly as the contact name for the squash. I have also been active over the last three years as co-host at the Christmas Ball. Like most of us I got involved because I wanted to meet new friends and in my case play squash. I see my present role very simply to, Rejuvenate, Reorganise and Retire. The Brit Soc is great fun but it can also be a lot of work. Kath reminded of the saying many hands make light work. Thus we are constantly looking for new hands to help and new ideas to bring a fresh look to the Society. If you have some time and want to get involved then I look forward to hearing from you. Regards, Stephen

Sarah Fenwick - Events coordinator

Francis Condon - Treasurer

I come originally from Birmingham (Sutton Coldfield to be precise) but with a long stint in London, and a shorter one in Paris, before I arrived in the Netherlands. Working in finance I moved from trading floor life in London to work in the head office of one of the Netherlands' largest banks here in Amsterdam in August 2004. Just a few weeks after I arrived I realised that - in walking down a canal to the tram stop, then spending 15 minutes on a tram - I had left the London commute a long, long way behind. In those early days the two main things I saw a need to address were the country's clear lack of mountains (now solved by regular trips Schiphol and beyond) and my desire to meet people here (solved in part thanks to BritSoc). Highlights for me have been the ceilidhs, bonfire nights and, of course, the Christmas Ball but when I am around in Amsterdam I am also a keen fan of dining out, of the music scene and (oh all right) the occasional beer. I became the society's treasurer in November 2006 as I saw it as the best contribution that I could make BritSoc's further progress and look forward to meeting you at future events.

Jane Cavanagh - Christmas Ball Chairman

Mikaela Lodder - Events organizer

Born in Yorkshire, I would consider myself a Yorkshire lass although having lived in Holland since the age of 10!
My father being Dutch and my mother English, I consider myself as being Dunglish: half English/half Dutch.
We moved to Holland as a family and have always spoken English at home, so Dutch was a new language for me when arriving here in Holland. Being young, I picked up the language very quickly. I have lived in Amsterdam for the last 15 years and have only been in contact with the British Society of Amsterdam since the last 2 years as I was leading the ‘Dutch’ life having done my education here.
The British Society of Amsterdam has given me that feeling of a piece of home and recognition of my English-Dunglish side of me. A grand balance between the two nationalities and the best of both worlds.
As an event organizer I get to think of great events we can offer to get people together, it being friends, members, new members or newcomers.
Organizing the Social Friday evey month is also the first step for many newcomers to be introduced to The British Society of Amsterdam. A great opportunity to introduce ourselves as an expat organisation. Hope to see you on of the events!
Mikaela Lodder

Wilson To - Webmaster

Having been an regular at the weekly Britsoc Tennis, it was only a matter of time before I was pleasently roped into further involvement in the British Society as Webmaster.  After spending most of my formitive years in London, I made the move to The Netherlands way back in 2001.  My initial plan was to stay for 2 years before heading back to Blighty but found life in Amsterdam a complete joy and impossible to leave.

Often seen sweating behind a hot BBQ grill turning out hamburgers and hot dogs and shouting at my fellow chefs at the annual Britsoc Guy Fawkes Nite, I can safely say one of my favorite pasttimes is cooking and all things food.  One of my life goals would be to appear on Masterchef or failing that, be working behind the friers at Beales Chipshop!

Please feel free to send me an email with comments or suggestions of change for the website.  See you at a forthcoming event. 

Kirsten Pyle - Secretary

I come originally from Glasgow but have spent the last 14 years in various countries. I trained as a Chartered Accountant in London and then was transferred to Frankfurt for 4 years. From Frankfurt, I moved to Paris and spent 5 years living there. I then met my husband, Duncan, at a mutual friend’s wedding, and after a year going up and down between Paris and Amsterdam, decided to make the jump to Amsterdam. I’ve been living in Amsterdam now for 5 years. I enjoy eating out and drinking nice wine and have taken up running to try and counter the effects of the many good Amsterdam restaurants we have tried! I have recently become the society’s secretary and look forward to meeting you all.

Cem Ozyakup - Committee Member

I'm an ex-army officer who now works in tax management / advice for an American IT company here in Amsterdam. I've been here 10 years now already - doesn't time fly. But that's because Amsterdam is so adorable with its narrow cobble-stoned and canalled streets with leaning buildings, cyclibility and English-friendliness.

As I am a keen sports person (play squash regularly with Britsoc, and occasionally tennis, besides some others outside, like football, running). That what got me into the British Society initially. When asked to join the committee I happily accepted and been on it now for just over a year.

Mike Wardropper - Committee member

I have now been in the Netherlands for almost 6 years but have only recently become involved with the BritSoc. I took over the Treasurer's role on the committee in summer 2005 from Nick Wykeman which has naturally involved me in most of the major events over the winter months. It has been a lot of fun. I am a regular at tennis/squash and wednesday night drinkies/bridge superbly hosted by Niki (see secretary). A finance professional within the ICI Group (used to be the bellweather of British Industry!)for most of my career, I have spent time in many different businesses eg Paints to Plastics, including stints in Toronto and Brussells (also Runcorn and Middlesbrough !). Recently changed career to do some freelance consulting which has enabled me to dedicate some time to other activiites, such as the BritSoc, as well as spend a little more time with my two daughters, Phoebe and Philippa. As a native of Tyneside I am dedicated follower of the Black & White soap opera..in fact as I'm writing this short piece Ive just received an email to say that Graham Souness has been sacked! Never a dull moment. Hope to see some new members (like me) early in 2006.

Gillian Brooks - Membership Secretary

I am getting stuck in with my new job as membership secretary. I’ve been a member of Britsoc since 2000 but have been in Amsterdam for much longer, since 1989. I came from South Africa where I lived for 8 years so have not lived in England for 28 years, but visit the old homeland 3 or 4 times a year, and have to admit that I’ve never had a Christmas here in Holland and only two New Years. My two children, a daughter of 26 years and a son of 15 years, both sniggered and tittered at my hobbies on the website – reading, travel and ‘needlework’ – I wonder why! Do you think ‘handicrafts’ sounds more exciting, or what ?? I had become too ‘set in my ways’ and unsociable for quite some time – so was given a much-needed and very healthy push in the right direction by a very lovely lady, also involved with Britsoc, and now I am hoping to become more active.

I also work as a volunteer for ACCESS, a great organisation which gives people of all nationalities free information and advice about living in Amsterdam and Holland in English. The Britsoc Girl Talk evening is a lovely time to meet up with Lorna and the lassies every month so hope to see you there sometime. I was asked for a photograph of myself to go on the website but you’ll have to wait a while for that as I’m trying to find the one that makes me look like Nigella Lawson - and that is a passport photo!! Hope to meet up with lots of you soon.