Local volunteer Sjoerd Jansen awarded Royal honour for decades of community service in Etten
Sjoerd Jansen from Etten has been appointed as a Member of the Order of Orange-Nassau for his extensive volunteer work. His contributions span local sports, elderly care, and cultural heritage, directly enriching the lives of residents in his village.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Recipient | Sjoerd Jansen |
| Award | Member of the Order of Orange-Nassau |
| Presented by | Mayor Laura Werger |
| Location | Martinuskerk, Etten (Noord-Brabant) |
| Volunteer Roles | Parish volunteer, football club referee, Solex club treasurer, heritage foundation board member, elderly meeting place co-founder |
| Years of Service | Since 1997 (29 years) |
| Notable Achievements | Co-founded Club van 50, Solerax Etten, and Huiskamer Bi-j Doortje |
The Dutch monarchy, through royal honours, recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to society. Local mayors, like Laura Werger, are responsible for presenting these honours on behalf of the King, highlighting the importance of civic engagement at the community level.
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Royal honour for Sjoerd Jansen from Etten
On Saturday evening, 28 March 2026, Mayor Laura Werger presented a Royal honour to Sjoerd Jansen from Etten. The award ceremony took place in the Martinuskerk in Etten, which has been transformed into a multifunctional cultural centre. Sjoerd is recognised as someone who has made a sustained contribution to society or inspired others, and was therefore appointed as a Member of the Order of Orange-Nassau.
The King’s decision to award Sjoerd this royal distinction is linked to his many activities in his own village. Since 1997, he has been a volunteer at the Maria Laetitia parish in Etten. Starting as an altar server, he has for many years served as a leader at evening vigils and also holds conversations with bereaved families. In addition, he has long contributed to the parish magazine of St. Martinus, visits parishioners and has been a member of the Allerzielen working group since 2018.
Since 2011, Sjoerd has been a volunteer at the VV Etten football club. He is a co-founder and secretary of the Club van 50, as well as a referee and assistant referee.
Six years ago, he co-founded the Solex club Solerax Etten with others. He serves as treasurer, plans the rides, sets routes, provides snacks and drinks afterwards, and organises the annual barbecue. He also ensured that helmets could be purchased collectively.
Since 2022, he has been a board member of the Stichting Erfgoed Martinuskerk Etten. Sjoerd is contributing to the realisation of a multifunctional centre in the former Martinuskerk. He provides legal advice and is involved in the clearing and renovation of the church.
Three years ago, he co-founded and volunteered at the Huiskamer Bi-j Doortje, a meeting place for the elderly in Etten. Sjoerd played a leading role in its establishment: he sought a suitable location, applied for grants and recruited volunteers. Occasionally, he is present during opening hours, plays a game with visitors or offers a listening ear.