Community embraces Dutch heritage at Oranjehof fundraising market

Community members enjoyed a full day of Dutch culture, enthusiasm and positivity at Oranjehof Retirement Village on November 1.

For some, the event was a chance to experience Dutch traditions, while for others it was an opportunity to reconnect with their heritage.

The purpose of the market was to raise funds for the retirement village, which operates as a non-profit organisation.

Funds raised from the markets help keep the home running, maintain facilities and ensure residents’ rent remains affordable.

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“We are all volunteers, and the income from our markets helps us keep the rent down and cover maintenance and repairs,” said market organiser Cheryl van Lieshout.

Van Lieshout said the markets are an essential way to supplement the home’s income, as the village does not receive government subsidies.

“Oranjehof has been around for over 30 years and has always relied on funds generated through markets. We host two each year, one on the public holiday on May 1 and the other on the first Saturday in November.

“Although the rain on Saturday affected our visitor numbers, we are grateful to everyone who attended and supported us,” she said.

The home’s own food stalls offered a tempting selection of traditional Dutch dishes, including kroketten, rookworst rolls, herring rolls, curry and rice, oliebollen and poffertjies.

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Redops, the home’s security company, generously sponsored boerewors and set up a stall as part of its community service initiative.

Market visitor Chloe de Roubaix said the event helps her connect with her roots.

“I’m half Dutch, my mum is Dutch, so we always come here. It shows me my culture and heritage. I come every year and love that some things, like the food, stay the same. This year there were also new stalls with arts, crafts and unique clothing,” she said.

Visitors could also sample zoute drop, which are salty Dutch sweets, and browse Oranjehof’s on-site shop, which sells a wide range of imported Dutch foods and gifts.

The popular White Elephant store offered second-hand clothing and books, while Dirla Cheese from Brits delighted cheese lovers with their variety of Dutch cheeses available for tasting.

Attendee Trudie Lourens said she came to experience something different.

“I wanted to see and feel the Dutch culture and taste the food. Some of it has influenced Afrikaans cuisine but not all. Despite the rain, the atmosphere was lovely and I enjoyed seeing familiar faces,” she said.

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Guests in the coffee room tried their luck at the Wheel of Fortune, while children enjoyed miniature horse rides and a jumping castle.

De Molen Bakery from Edenvale, known for its Dutch baked goods, was once again a highlight of the market.

Around 100 local vendors participated, selling a wide range of handmade and locally produced items, including soaps, candles, clothing, jewellery, leather goods, aromatherapy products, paintings and food such as frozen berries, caramelised nuts, homemade biscuits, cakes, jams and relishes.

Van Lieshout said one of the ongoing challenges is planning for attendance numbers.

“We never know how many people to expect, so it’s always a balancing act when catering for over a thousand visitors,” she said.

Adding to the authentic atmosphere, many attendees dressed in traditional Dutch outfits, while Dutch music and food brought the spirit of the Netherlands to life at Oranjehof.