Paula van den Brink is just starting out as hall guide.
How did that go and how does she experience the organization?

How did you come to volunteer at Castle de Haar?

I live near the castle and already visited the beautiful castle and park regularly. My first visit was when I was about 10 years old. At some point I had the opportunity to volunteer. I remembered, that someone had told me enthusiastically about working at the castle and the good working atmosphere. Then I started looking at the website. During a very nice telephone conversation I became more and more enthusiastic about the possibility of working as a hall guide. Great to be able to share the history of the castle and its residents with visitors in a very unique environment!

When did you start volunteering at Castle de Haar?

After the phone call, I received an invitation to the introductory meeting. I found it a very nice and informative evening and was able to get to know permanent staff, current volunteers and the new group of volunteers in an informal way. That evening made me even more enthusiastic than I already was. For me the final confirmation to want to contribute as a volunteer at Castle de Haar. Pretty soon after that, on January 30th, I started my training to become a room guide. I find it very special to be able to work in this beautiful castle.

What was the first thing you noticed when you became a volunteer?

What struck me first was the incredibly good mutual atmosphere, the enthusiasm and great commitment of the colleagues to both the castle and each other. I immediately felt very welcome. That is why I immediately felt at home at the castle.

From the beginning I experience a particularly involved and pleasant communication from the permanent staff of Stichting Kasteel de Haar with us, volunteers. Every week I look forward to the newsletter in which we are informed about various matters in and around the castle.

How did your education go, so in the Corona period?

My training got off to a fine start. During the tours, instructional guides told fascinating stories about the history of the castle. I find this a particularly accessible way to master the basic text.

Unfortunately, my training was interrupted several times by a lockdown. That was an enórmous disappointment, both missing the castle and my colleagues.

I kept in touch with colleagues through our whatsapp group and the occasional pleasant phone conversation. The newsletter kept us well informed about consequences and adjustments of Corona measures for the castle. Video footage of the castle was included, so that I was able to "look inside" the castle.

What makes volunteering here so fun?

For me, that's a combination of several things.

First, my interest in the history of the castle. I find the opportunity to share this information with visitors in a personal, interactive way special. In this way, visitors experience how the Van Zuylen family inhabited the castle during the month of September.

The good, friendly mutual atmosphere with colleagues, with whom I can share my passion for the castle, also contributes to my enthusiasm. When I arrive at the castle, it feels so familiar and every time I think, "How special that I get to work here!".

So far, what is the most fun event you have experienced at De Haar?

That was the special tour at the conclusion of the introductory tours, truly a gift! Very special to be able to take a look into the rooms that are not open to visitors.

What I have also really enórmly enjoyed is, that before Christmas, a doorbell rang at my door and to my great surprise, personally, a nice Christmas package was delivered.

So, are you staying for a while?

I hope to successfully complete my training soon, after which I will undoubtedly experience many more fun events at the castle.

If it is up to me, I hope to continue working as a room guide for many years to come, at the most beautiful castle in the Netherlands! Together with the enthusiastic team of volunteers, within the fine and well organized Foundation. Chapeau for the staff of Stichting Kasteel de Haar!