Pub landlady turns 80

Local resident ‘Christian’ is celebrating her birthday,

‘not quite so young’ and yet already 80.

SINT-GILLIS-WAAS – A triple celebration in Sint-Gillis-Waas: café owner Christiane De Munck (80) is marking the golden anniversary of the ‘Recht voor Allen’ Pigeon Club.

Last weekend saw a huge celebration at the familiar pigeon club premises of ‘Recht voor Allen’. No fewer than 200 guests gathered to celebrate an impressive series of milestones: the club’s 115th anniversary, 80 years of pigeon racing at the café, and the 80th birthday of the iconic café owner Christiane De Munck.

For some years now, Christiane may have lost some of her former vigour, but she still loves to celebrate the beautiful moments in life in a fitting manner. This year, the festivities were nothing short of exceptional. She herself turned 80, or as she puts it so beautifully with her characteristic down-to-earthness: “I’m just getting a bit less young.” A wonderful outlook on life from a lady who learned her extensive knowledge of human nature at the ‘university of the bar’, where theories were turned into life wisdom and daily practice.

Childhood memories and quiet emotion

The fact that this venue is of inestimable value to the community was also evident from the presence of Mayor Koen Daniëls. In his warm welcome speech, the mayor recalled fond memories. Even as a young boy, he loved visiting the venue, drawn even then by the distinctive, unique and down-to-earth conviviality that prevailed at the time and has been preserved to this day.

Another absolute highlight of the afternoon was Patrick’s speech. When he took the floor, a remarkable silence fell over the café. Those present listened breathlessly to wonderful anecdotes about the ins and outs of the club. With his words, he struck at the heart of pigeon racing: a passion inextricably linked to deep emotions. He vividly described the experiences of the fanciers, but often also their partners, ranging from wild euphoria among the winners to the sometimes inevitable sadness among the losers. It was a moment of shared emotion and recognition for everyone in the room.

Loyal pillars of support in the spotlight

Christiane’s birthday wasn’t the only thing being celebrated. The fact that the pigeon fanciers’ club ‘Recht voor Allen’ has now clocked up a respectable 115 years – 80 of which have been spent in this familiar café – can safely be called unique. Despite this long history, the dynamism and motivation among the committee remain rock-solid.

During the celebrations, a few absolute pillars of the club received well-deserved recognition. Chairman William (photo above) was fittingly honoured for no less than 60 years of loyal service at the clubhouse. Whether it’s preparing the baskets, handling the pigeons or positioning the timekeepers, William is always on hand to lend a helping hand. Fellow board member Willy (photo below), who now has 50 years of service under his belt, was also presented with a wonderful dinner menu by Christiane as a token of great appreciation.

Full bellies and nostalgia guaranteed

The celebration itself was one to remember. It is always Christiane’s greatest wish to lavishly provide pigeon fanciers with food and drink, and this weekend was no exception. The guests were thoroughly pampered with delicious sandwiches from regular supplier “Charles” and specially made mini dessert tarts from a local pastry chef.

Concerns about cholesterol, arthritis and diabetes were expertly cast aside for the occasion, and there was no sign of toothache anywhere. Everyone ate, laughed and drank to their heart’s content, until their bellies were full. Thanks to Christiane’s unifying power, she manages to motivate and engage everyone to continue supporting the society. She is and remains the glue that holds “Recht voor Allen” together, preserving the warm nostalgia of days gone by and ensuring that the rich tradition of Flemish pigeon racing in Sint-Gillis-Waas remains very much alive.