Visitors Centre Opening: The Recap
‘Such a great party’, ‘We’re over the moon’; ‘Fantastic’; Simply superb’. We were dealing with a true avalanche of compliments after the highly successful visit by Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrix. And for reasons of pure awesomeness, we’ve made this little recap for you.
As 81-year-old Klazina Stam from Kinderdijk told reporters from AD newspaper, tonight was the best night of her life. She had a seat on the stand right behind the princess. ‘I’ve been living in Kinderdijk for fifty years now, but I’d never expected to experience something like this in my lifetime – her visiting our village is just so unique.’ Stam was present by invitation of the Kinderdijk World Heritage Foundation (SWEK). It all started when her daughter sent SWEK an email, officially requesting whether her profoundly royalist mother could witness the opening from up close. Obviously, we were happy to oblige and make a special exception.
Check video
The report in AD De Dordtenaar by correspondent Roos van Bijnen was but one of a storm of publications covering the grand opening. We hosted well over twenty reporters and photographers for this special occasion. The video item used in this recap was shot by ANP video maker Sem van der Wal. “It was a fine evening. This was a culmination of years of hard work by volunteers and foundation staff.”, reminisces SWEK director Cees van der Vlist. “It was wonderful to see the Princess so actively engaged in her chats with our volunteers. My compliments to everyone involved in organising this evening, and in making it a resounding success.”
A small selection of articles published.
Photo coverage
In the run-up to September 7, 125,000 households in four neighbouring regions received a copy of a special one-off edition of the Kinderdijk Courier to mark the occasion. Our volunteer Cees Put was joined by Kinderdijk resident Cees van der Wal to act as official in-house photographers for this special night. They got the opportunity to capture Beatrix’ entire visit in a first-hand account. Many of the shots in the overview below were taken by this duo.
The arrival.
The bouquet.
A chat with SWEK director Cees van der Vlist.
Crossing the bridge to the group entrance.
Crossing the bridge to the group entrance.
A warm welcome by Hans Moerman, chair of SWEK’s volunteer council.
Meeting the volunteers.
Meeting the volunteers.
Molenlanden mayor Dirk van der Borg.
Time for a quick snapshot!
The princess is all ears.
Cosying up with the volunteers.
On the way to the stand.
Master of ceremonies Boris van der Ham addresses the crowd.
The famous cradle, complete with cat.
The blue sea of volunteers.
The fountains erupt.
Perfect view.
The opening drew quite a crowd.
All in blue.
Cees van der Vlist takes the word.
Music all around.
Sensational!
Invitees on the stand.
Enjoying the show.
Cradle of Beatrijs.
Push of the button.
The big moment.
Darkening skies, but not a drop of rain.
The press were out in numbers.
On the way to the Visitors Centre.
Past the volunteers and staff.
Past the volunteers and staff.
Past the volunteers and staff.
Bustling crowds at the Visitors Centre.
It’s really her!
Received by the architects.
Carried by dad.
In the souvenir shop.
During the tour.
Bit of a squeeze near the motorcade.
Ready for departure.
So long!
A dazzling spectacle of colours.
The author
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![Jan-Dirk Verheij]()
Jan-Dirk Verheij
- Communicatieadviseur
- - jandirkverheij@molenskinderdijk.nl
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