Those Who Didn't Come May Regret It

It is always the same people who take advantage of the benefits of rehabilitation retreats and other perks. This time, not only free accommodation was offered for members, but also for their companions, along with a free extensive menu and a list of spa treatments. The Council of the Czech Hemophilia Society decided to combine the regional South Bohemian workshop with a conference for everyone. The attendance of only 36 members eligible to vote is rather dismal — yet it is still historically the highest number of eligible voters at any Conference. In total — including companions — the society occupied over sixty places in the spa building.

The Vráž Spa provided an exceptionally friendly environment, completely unknown to many. The small chateau was built in the 19th century by the Lobkowicz family, somewhat out of spite towards the Schwarzenbergs, to show that a resort could be not only the magnificent Hluboká, but also Vráž, built in a similar style. In 1926, the Lobkowicz family ran out of money for operations and sold the chateau to the union of officials — essentially a civil servants' trade union. Between 1931 and 1936, they built the modern spa facilities there, which serve to this day.

The society intends — after the collapse of the Kundratice Spa — to establish closer cooperation with the local management so that members can visit more frequently and enjoy the benefits of baths, peat brought from Třeboň, floating, massages, and above all individual rehabilitation. That is also why three very experienced physiotherapists came — those with whom the society has had only the best experience — to pass on the necessary knowledge to their local colleagues.

You can read about the proceedings in the minutes and resolutions. Naturally, reports on activities, finances, and the audit committee's conclusions were also part of the agenda. Although the statutes do not require new elections until next year — the current council's mandate expires in a year — it was decided to combine the attraction of the spa with elections, precisely because of the considerable costs involved. So that funds would not have to be sought again. The current balance of the society's account is quite favourable thanks to recent activities, and the goal is to spend the funds for the benefit of all members. As can be seen, not everyone was attracted by such an opportunity.

The beautiful surroundings of the chateau park lured non-members of the society, who would have been bored during the meeting, out for walks; they also had the opportunity to use the treatments. Again at the society's expense. Surprisingly, the rehabilitation option, so much needed, again attracted very few members.

A terrace with a grill, music, a gathering of long-time friends — that was what Saturday evening looked like. The menu offered by the local colourful chef impressed everyone; the master of the kitchen would not let anyone pass by the grill without pressing a tasty morsel on them. His ways were simply irresistible.

Good wine, beer, and soft drinks merely completed the picture of well-being. The fact that the terrace was alive until the late night (or rather early morning?) hours is further proof. On Sunday, however, there was no sleeping in — breakfast was waiting, followed by a departure for a tour of the nearby Zvíkov Castle. Unlike regular visitors, members of the gathering could drive their cars right into the castle courtyard — no one had to walk the quite considerable distance from the car park.

The castle itself was a surprise for many visitors from the society's ranks; the tour was definitely worth it. Just like the lunch prepared at the brewery at the foot of the castle. And then — all that was left was to say goodbye and head home. Some had a shorter journey, others a longer one, but in the end everyone seemed to be satisfied. For all Council members, the past weekend brought satisfaction that they had managed to prepare a pleasant two days for the members.