Seven councillors step down in Boekel, two receive Royal decorations for years of service
Seven councillors in Boekel have retired, marking the end of their contributions to local democracy. Two were honored with Royal decorations for their long-standing dedication, particularly in sustainability, housing, and education. Their work has shaped community policies and development.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Municipality | Boekel (Noord-Brabant) |
| Departing Councillors | Hans Bos, Coen Knuvers, Henk van der Aa, Ferenc Koolen, Maria van den Broek, Bart van den Hoogen, Joke Braam-van Son |
| Royal Decorations | Bart van den Hoogen (16 years), Maria van den Broek (12 years + 4 as citizen councillor) |
| Award | Members of the Order of Orange-Nassau |
| Mayor | Van den Elsen |
| Date of Farewell | 31 March 2026 |
The municipal council of Boekel plays a crucial role in local governance, overseeing policies on housing, sustainability, and education. Councillors act as representatives of the community, ensuring that municipal decisions reflect the needs and interests of residents.
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Farewell to seven councillors, two honoured with Royal decorations
On Tuesday evening, 31 March, seven councillors said goodbye to the municipal council. During this meeting, two of them received a Royal decoration from Mayor Van den Elsen. In recognition of their long-standing commitment and involvement, they were appointed Members of the Order of Orange-Nassau.
The council said farewell to DOP councillors Hans Bos, Coen Knuvers and Henk van der Aa, VVD councillor Ferenc Koolen, CDA councillor Maria van den Broek and Gemeenschapsbelang Venhorst-Boekel councillors Bart van den Hoogen and Joke Braam-van Son.
Royal decorations
Two of the departing councillors received a Royal decoration for their many years of service on the council.
Bart van den Hoogen received a Royal decoration for his sixteen years as a municipal councillor. With his expertise in sustainability and energy strategy and his involvement in the progress of housing construction, he was a highly valued councillor. He is also known for his resourcefulness and willingness to help others.
Maria van den Broek was likewise awarded a Royal decoration for her long-standing service on the council. She served as a councillor for twelve years and as a citizen councillor for four years. With her knowledge of education, she was of great added value to the municipal council. In addition to her role on the council, she is involved in various associations in the municipality of Boekel.
Mayor Van den Elsen: “I would like to thank all seven councillors enormously for their commitment to our local democracy, with special appreciation for the two councillors who received a Royal decoration.”