Newsletter

The year is almost over; the festive season is approaching, so it is time to look back on the past folklore season.

As far as the weather and public interest are concerned, we have once again had a successful season. All activities went ahead as planned and, fortunately, there were no incidents.

The signs were good from the start. The Miss election was once again held in Alpha. The hall was packed with an enthusiastic audience. A beautiful Miss, in the person of Donna May de Ruijter (some families seem to be purveyors to the court!), proved to be the prelude to a fine season.

The Day of Music was a huge success. Vlacor and Skotwal were the artists who made the day shine. With their rousing Tex-Mex music, Vlacor got the audience on the Markt swinging; a wonderful sight!

On stage, Skotwal performed lovely songs in the West Frisian regional language. An attempt to get this band into the Top 2000 with the song ‘Te Werk’ unfortunately failed. Even so, the attempt generated a lot of positive publicity, not only for Skotwal but also for the folklore.

The closing day saw the return (after many years) of the ‘legendary battle for the man and the woman’! Although things were a little awkward at first, there was plenty of laughter. This could well become a permanent fixture.

Seen in this light, the 2024 season was once again a success. Sadly, a success with a broad black border. It was the year our loyal vice-chairman Siem Huijberts passed away. Through sheer willpower Siem saw the season through, and during ‘his’ ring tilting day he was still active in his characteristic way. In the end we had to say goodbye to him. His funeral was impressive! Siem will not be forgotten. From now on, the challenge cup for the winner of the ring tilting will be called the ‘Siem Huijberts Bokaal’ (Siem Huijberts Cup). In this way his name will remain linked to what was his favourite day all those years.

We also had to say goodbye to Jan-Piet Glas, a loyal coachman for many years. Far too young, he had to let go of the reins. A great loss for the folklore.

We wish the families of Siem and Jan-Piet every strength, especially now that the coming holidays will deepen the sense of loss.

Despite the loss, we will try to make something beautiful again next season, because the folklore must go on. The new year will bring changes to the board. Siem's place will be taken by Michel Bakker. Nel de Vries will take over the role of treasurer from Max Hopmans. Max, contrary to an earlier intention, will remain a member of the board. He becomes vice-chairman and keeps the publicity portfolio.

Make a note in your diary now of the date of the Miss election: Thursday 19 June at the Regius College! In the coming year we are again counting on lots of enthusiasm from everyone who has the folklore at heart, because we make the folklore together!

We wish everyone a peaceful, safe New Year and a happy and, above all, healthy 2025.

The board,

Rienk, Petra, Siem†, Arie, Max, Jan, John and ringmaster Bart.

Incoming board members,

Nel and Michel.