Volunteer at Castle de Haar for more than 23 years
When did you start volunteering at Castle de Haar?
On May 1, 1997, in the VAR, the local newspaper, there was an advertisement from Castle de Haar. Shortly before, Castle de Haar had started working with volunteers. Several volunteers were requested. Also store employees. As a baker's daughter, that appealed to me. After a job interview I could start. Everything was new, fun and interesting. We were 15 volunteers in all. Just imagine! Now there are over 230.
I started in the basement. Furnished with a display case with souvenirs, leaflets in different languages and a table with books, among other things. There was also coffee available with apple pie and soft drinks.
What did your volunteer work look like then?
The opening of the castle was still in its infancy. The castle was open only on weekends and otherwise mostly during the vacations, but not at Christmas. There were only two guides per day. When the baron came the month of September, we were free. After the baron left, there were beautiful sugar works in the basement that were left over.
We once asked to meet the baron. We succeeded. We were all somewhat shy, but it was still special.
Special events were held regularly. For example, there were the ghost weekends and Harry Potter stage performances. There was then a large tub of lemonade as a magic potion. The children were all given a cup. I stood there as a witch, with a black pointed hat and a black tooth!
Also, two weekends in December "the Haar Unique" was organized. We served coffee. Then people were given a tour. Finally, in the Main Hall there was a snack of mulled wine, heated by ourselves in a large pan. Then, walking with a lantern, they went through the park to the village for dinner. This was very special and romantic.
The castle was pleased with us and we received annual gifts, including a beautiful etching of the castle with the Baron's signature on it. I still have that one. In addition, there was a New Year's reception every year. The "Haarklovers," now Volunteer Council, was set up right away in 1997.
What has changed in those nearly 24 years?
The difference between then and now is huge. I have seen so many changes! For example, the castle became an official museum. Directors came and went. And of course the restoration: it took a very long time but in the end it turned out beautifully.
In addition, the store was moved a few times. We sold souvenirs in the gatehouse until the new store in the stable yard was ready. It was a great surprise, that new store. We had our own cash register and a lot more souvenirs. We did have less contact with the guides because we no longer worked in the castle.
There were over two hundred volunteers at one point. That took some getting used to. Meanwhile, I am again a hostess and store assistant in the basement. Fortunately again in the castle. The store has been there for quite some time now: a hit.
What makes volunteering here so fun?
It is still wonderful to hear how wonderful visitors, wherever they come from, find the castle. As colleagues, we also have a good time. I work on a regular day and we have a nice little team. We enjoy telling each other enthusiastic stories about our work. We are proud of our "own" castle.
What is the most fun event you have experienced at De Haar in all these years?
Sometimes you experience nice things. Once a young lady and her boyfriend came up to me afterwards. She told me in English that her boyfriend had asked her to marry him in the castle. That was quite special. And our supervisor got married on the Haar and arrived by helicopter, how special is that! There is so much to tell.
So, are you staying for a while!
By now I am 78 years old and as long as I stay healthy I hope to work at Castle de Haar for a while longer. I like to be among people and therefore this work suits me well.