Local volunteer Toon Grutters awarded Royal honour for preserving Dutch cultural heritage
Toon Grutters from Oeffelt has been appointed as a Member of the Order of Orange-Nassau for his decades-long dedication to preserving Maasheggen hedge weaving, a Dutch Intangible Cultural Heritage. His efforts have kept this traditional craft alive for future generations.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Toon Grutters |
| Honour | Member of the Order of Orange-Nassau |
| Location | Oeffelt, Noord-Brabant |
| Event | Dutch National Championship of Maasheggen hedge weaving |
| Years of Service | 20 years (since 2006) |
| Cultural Contribution | Maasheggen hedge weaving added to Intangible Cultural Heritage list |
| Volunteer Roles | Organiser, foreman, liaison, carer, and volleyball club contributor |
| Presented by | Mayor Marieke Moorman |
| Date | 8 March 2026 |
The Dutch government, through local municipalities and cultural heritage organizations, plays a key role in preserving intangible cultural traditions like Maasheggen hedge weaving. Awards such as the Order of Orange-Nassau recognize individuals who contribute significantly to safeguarding these traditions for future generations.
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Royal honour for Toon Grutters from Oeffelt
The Royal honour was presented by Mayor Marieke Moorman during the 20th edition of the Dutch National Championship of hedge weaving in the tent near the Veerhuis in Oeffelt.
Mr Grutters has participated in every championship of the Maasheggen hedge weaving since the first edition in 2006. Thanks in part to his dedication, the craft of Maasheggen hedge weaving has been added to the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Netherlands.
For 20 years, he has been an active and committed volunteer, both in an organisational and practical capacity, at this unique annual event. Since 2010, he has also been active in the Oeffelt working group. He serves as the ‘foreman’ and liaison for the Oeffelt hedge weavers with the board of the Landschapsbeheer Boxmeer Foundation. Every week, he performs various manual and practical tasks for this foundation.
Last year, he celebrated 50 years as a member of the Vocala volleyball club (formerly Argos) in Oeffelt. He served as secretary, member of the outdoor tournament committee, initiator of the beach volleyball tournament, and organiser of family and indoor tournaments. He was also involved in the organisation of the club’s 25th anniversary and continues to volunteer for the club.
In addition, Mr Grutters was a carer for 14 years. He is described as someone who is always willing to help and prefers to work behind the scenes.
Mr Grutters has made an exceptional contribution to the revival of the craft of hedge weaving and, in particular, the organisation of the Dutch National Championship of Maasheggen hedge weaving. In recognition of his many years of dedication and significant social commitment, the King has decided to appoint Mr Grutters as a Member of the Order of Orange-Nassau.