Local councillors awarded Royal Honours for decades of public service
Seventeen outgoing councillors in Horst aan de Maas received recognition for their long-standing dedication to local governance and community volunteering. Four were awarded the prestigious Order of Orange-Nassau by Mayor Ryan Palmen, highlighting their impact on society.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Award Recipients | Bianca van den Berg, Jos Gubbels, Eric Brouwers, Bram Hendrix |
| Honour | Member of the Order of Orange-Nassau |
| Upcoming Award | Alex Janssen (ceremony to follow) |
| Longest-Serving | Jan Wijnen (councillor since 2002, previously awarded) |
| Outgoing Councillors | 17 individuals listed, representing multiple political parties |
| Municipality | Horst aan de Maas |
| Mayor | Ryan Palmen |
| Date of Farewell | 31 March 2026 |
The municipal council of Horst aan de Maas plays a crucial role in local governance, representing citizens' interests and overseeing community development. The mayor, as the head of the council, is responsible for recognizing outstanding contributions to public service, often through Royal Honours awarded on behalf of the King.
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Farewell to the old council with Royal Honours
Last night, Tuesday 31 March, a farewell was held for the old municipal council, which has worked tirelessly over the past four years.
Mayor Ryan Palmen: “I have been privileged to appoint four individuals in particular as Members of the Order of Orange-Nassau: Bianca van den Berg, Jos Gubbels, Eric Brouwers, and Bram Hendrix.” An award ceremony for Alex Janssen will follow shortly. Jan Wijnen, a councillor since 2002, previously received a Royal honour for his volunteer achievements.
Visible
“Due to their long-standing commitment to society through the municipal council (12 years or more), in addition to the many other contributions they have made in various places within our community, Bianca, Jos, Eric, and Bram received the award Member of the Order of Orange-Nassau on behalf of His Majesty the King. A good councillor is not only visible in society during debates but also actively volunteers in multiple areas of our community,” the mayor explained.
Appreciation
During the council meeting, Palmen took the time to express his appreciation for the councillors who will not return to the new council. These include:
- Marjolein Selen, PvdA
- Mascha Tijssen, D66/GroenLinks
- Heidi Disveld, Vur Iederien
- Bert Vrieling, D66/GroenLinks
- Ivonne Peijs, Essentie
- Loes van den Eijnden, Vur Iederien
- Eduard Maas, Vur Iederien
- Ton Wismans, Perspectief
- Nathalie Rozendaal, Hart voor Horst aan de Maas
- Anita Wagenaar, PvdA
- Sjaak Jenniskens, Vur Iederien
- Alex Janssen, Doen
- Jan Wijnen, PvdA
- Bianca van den Berg, Essentie
- Jos Gubbels, D66/GroenLinks
- Eric Brouwers, Vur Iederien
- Bram Hendrix, Essentie
Photo: Yori Fotografie