Margit and her fountain
The City Museum in Woerden not only shows works within its walls, but also outside it. As many as 51 objects fall under their management. Works of art that sometimes have to do with the history of Woerden, but are also simply worth viewing. One is the fountain in front of the station. Margit takes care of the maintenance of the fountain together with Rob and Gerrit.
“Last year there was a notice in the newspaper of the Staatsliedenkwartier that someone was wanted for the fountain team. I often cycle past it and think it is a beautiful and visually defining image for Woerden. I already wanted to take on a volunteer job, but not something where you have to be a fixed part of the week. I am also quite technical so that appealed to me. Between March and November we remove the leaves from the pond, clean the nozzles of the four fountains and we top up the water and adjust the fountains. With wind force 6 or higher, we turn off the fountain, otherwise the people waiting for the bus will be sprayed wet.”
I am proud that because of my efforts so many people can enjoy the fountain!
The fountain “playing with water” was created by the artist Marcus Ravenswaaij. It was a gift from the Bondspaarbank to the city in 1972. The fountain was placed on the Westdam, opposite the building where Stella Cycling is now located. When the square was redesigned, there was no longer room for the fountain and it ended up in the landfill. A signature campaign ensured that the fountain was saved and was placed in the park near the station. A little later, the fountain ended up in its current location. A fun anecdote is that there was once a message on Facebook that two of the three umbrellas had been stolen. It took quite a while before it became clear that there was always only one umbrella. This fountain really does feel a bit like my fountain. I am proud that because of my efforts so many people can enjoy the fountain.”
The City Museum, which includes the Fountain Team, is eager to welcome new volunteers. For example, they are looking for employees for the pop-up museum about the Koeiemart, especially for the weekends. For current vacancies, visit www.stadsmuseumwoerden.nl/over-het-stadsmuseum/vacatures.
Shauna and Minou's story
Shopping with Shauna and Minoe Shauna has been a volunteer at the Plusbus for a few years now. The Plusbus picks up less mobile elderly people at home and drives them to the Jumbo to do their shopping. Afterwards there is of course a nice cup of coffee ready. And meanwhile, there is extensive chatting. So a lot of fun. And so much fun that Shauna persuaded her good friend Minoe to become a volunteer. Minoe will soon join the Plusbus for the first time to experience what it is like. Minoe: “I was raised with volunteer work. My parents were quite active as volunteers. I grew up with the idea that everyone can sometimes mean something to someone else. However small that gesture might be. Shauna had been telling me the best stories for some time about what she had experienced with the Plusbus. It made me curious, but unfortunately the bus did not drive through corona for a long time. Now I will soon finally experience what it is like. Together with Shauna. That will be a fun day!” “Now I will soon finally experience what it is like!” Shauna: “I've done volunteer work for various organizations before. I always try to set aside a few hours every now and then for volunteer work. And the great thing about the Plusbus is that the coordinators are very cooperative and flexible. At the moment I join the Plusbus once a month. That is relatively not much, but under the guise 'every little bit helps' the help was very welcome. You don't actually realize how much something so seemingly 'small' can mean to someone else.” Minoe: “And imagine that we end up in that position later on. That we cannot do our own shopping so easily. Then I hope that others would help us as we are helping these people now.” The Plusbus is still looking for volunteers who want to come along as a supervisor or as a driver. The bus runs every Monday morning, Monday afternoon, Friday morning and Friday afternoon. Can you help once in a while? And would you like to help these people just like Shauna and Minoe? Contact Ellen Vossen: e.vossen@hartvoorwoerden.nl or call 06 21 16 90 74. Share these stories and inspire others to help too! Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Whatsapp Forward
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