Longtime volunteer honored with silver municipal medal for 35 years of cultural dedication
Nel van Engen-Kuijper from Melissant has been awarded the silver municipal medal for her 35 years of unwavering volunteer work at Filmhuis Diekhuus. Her efforts have helped sustain one of the Netherlands' oldest film houses, enriching local culture and community life.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Recipient | Nel van Engen-Kuijper |
| Award | Silver municipal medal |
| Municipality | Goeree-Overflakkee |
| Presented by | Mayor Ada Grootenboer-Dubbelman |
| Organization | Filmhuis Diekhuus |
| Years of Service | 35 years |
| Location | Middelharnis, Goeree-Overflakkee |
| Age of Filmhuis | 50 years (one of the oldest in the Netherlands) |
| Key Contributions | Film selection, licensing, publicity, membership admin, event management |
The municipality of Goeree-Overflakkee awards municipal medals to individuals or institutions that have made significant contributions to the local community. This recognition highlights the value of volunteer work in sustaining cultural institutions like Filmhuis Diekhuus.
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Nel van Engen-Kuijper from Melissant receives silver municipal medal
Volunteer Nel van Engen-Kuijper received the silver municipal medal of the municipality of Goeree-Overflakkee on Friday, March 20, at Diekhuus. She was presented with this award by Mayor Ada Grootenboer-Dubbelman. The municipal medal was awarded in recognition of her many years of exceptional dedication to the Filmhuis at Diekhuus in Middelharnis.
A municipal medal is a token of appreciation for a person or institution that has made a special contribution to the municipality or local community.
Filmhuis Diekhuus
The Filmhuis is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, making it one of the oldest film houses in the Netherlands. What began as an initiative by a group of enthusiastic volunteers has grown into an important cultural institution within the municipality. Nel van Engen-Kuijper has played a key role in this. She has been an active volunteer at the Filmhuis for 35 years without interruption. During this time, she has contributed in various ways: from selecting films and arranging licenses to handling publicity and managing the membership administration. She has also been actively involved during film evenings, including ticket sales, setting up the venue, and working at the bar.
Exceptional dedication
Her perseverance was also evident during an earlier anniversary of the Filmhuis. When a film by Dutch director Bert Haanstra was to be screened and the license could not be obtained through the distributor, Van Engen-Kuijper took it upon herself to track down Haanstra’s heirs. Through personal contact, she managed to secure permission to screen the film.
Ongoing commitment
Even after her 80th birthday, Van Engen-Kuijper remains actively involved with the Filmhuis. For example, she still attends the film fair in Den Bosch every month to select new films.
Appreciation
During the presentation, Mayor Grootenboer-Dubbelman expressed her deep appreciation: “Ms. Van Engen, the Filmhuis has been showing films for fifty years, but in reality, you have been one of the most beautiful supporting actors behind the scenes for thirty-five years. On behalf of the municipal council, I would like to thank you wholeheartedly for your many years of dedication and commitment.”