CASTLE STORE AND RECEPTION

Opening the castle to visitors involves many things. There is a lot of variety in the work in the basement. How much fun is it when you get to greet visitors, show them the way, provide information about their visit and sell and replenish items from the store! Together with enthusiastic colleagues, you are busy offering visitors a unique experience.

What Does a Service Look Like?

From the moment I enter the castle grounds my heart makes a jump. Behind the trees the beautiful castle appears and I know it will be another beautiful service.

We begin with the start of the day. In it we talk about what is different from usual. Sometimes there is a wedding or event, for example. I have a cup of tea with my colleagues and we chat. Before the castle door opens, I make sure I have a walkie-talkie with me. In the store, I check that everything is tidy and whether the nice souvenirs need to be replenished.

Then the first visitors come in. We chat and I tell them what to expect. I also tell them that they can make use of extra facilities such as an audio tour. For this I refer them to my colleague behind the cash desk. More and more guests come in. Some find their way by themselves. I help others.

After about an hour, the first guests return. I walk up to them to ask how they liked it. The visitors indicate that they think it is a great castle and that they were helped by the explanations. I am happy to hear this because my explanations have contributed to an enjoyable visit to the castle. People indicate that they would like to eat and drink something. This is possible at the Coach House. I explain where this is.

In between, I eat a sandwich with the hall guides in the volunteer room. We then usually exchange the fun moments with each other. We enjoy each other's stories. When I return, my colleague goes for a nice dinner. At 2 p.m. I finish my shift. It was fun and I am already looking forward to next time! I wish my colleagues from the afternoon shift a good shift and walk towards the car. Before I get in the car, I always look back to see that beautiful castle one last time.

(Helga Boterman)

HOW TO BECOME A VOLUNTEER CASTLE STORE AND RECEPTION?

It has been three years since the Spanish family of my daughter-in-law first came to Holland. Then you proudly show the beautiful things of the Netherlands. In the program we had also included Castle De Haar. Upon entering I found a folder with the text: "Volunteer wanted". I took it with me.

With the memory of the previous day, I made contact. I was able to come for an interview the same week and had a good conversation with the volunteer coordinator. What intrigued me most was the position in the basement. Receiving visitors and, if they wanted, showing them around or already telling them something about the castle.

After this conversation, I was invited to an introductory evening with others.
The following Monday I started under the guidance of a "colleague," who told me all the facts. I certainly had a good time that day. Nevertheless, I wanted to know even more about the castle. I then also attended the meetings for hall guides. It was important to me to know downstairs, what was going on upstairs.

Since November 2019, the castle store has also moved into the basement. That's a nice addition. When it's busy, I can lend a helping hand there.
I go to my place in Castle De Haar every week with great pleasure, with incredibly nice colleagues, and hope to be able to do this for many years to come.

Edwin Okel (Volunteer reception and store)

ALSO VOLUNTEER CASTLE SHOP and reception....

- you are present at least one day (part) per week on a fixed, pre-arranged day,

- you are neat, customer friendly and offer service to our visitors,

- Have you worked at a cash register before,

- Are you physically fit,

- You can consult and cooperate well,

- Speaks the Dutch language well and English in the basics,

- can provide a VOG statement.

WHAT DOES CASTLE DE HAAR OFFER YOU?

Castle de Haar organizes a lot for volunteers. There are several extra activities throughout the year. You can think of participating in working groups. There are also lectures, outings, the annual volunteers drink and the annual volunteers party. Your travel expenses are also reimbursed (19ct p/km).

Furthermore, Castle de Haar gives volunteers discounts on (group) visits in the castle and park, rental of rooms and items in the castle store with various schemes.