Local hero Aad Merks awarded royal honour for decades of community service
Aad Merks from Assendelft has been appointed Member of the Order of Orange-Nassau for over 30 years of selfless dedication to cultural and community events in Oostknollendam. His technical skills and generosity have enriched local theatre, school performances, and neighbourhood activities.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Recipient | Mr Aad Merks |
| Honour | Member of the Order of Orange-Nassau |
| Location | Oostknollendam, Assendelft (Noord-Holland) |
| Award Presented By | Mayor Judith Michel |
| Years of Service | Over 30 years |
| Organisations | Eensgezindheid theatre association, CROK, POOK Foundation |
| Contributions | Technical support, set building, equipment investment (e.g., LED lights) |
| Events Supported | Theatre performances, school musicals, neighbourhood events |
The Dutch monarchy awards royal honours to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to society, often on the recommendation of local governments. Municipalities, like the one led by Mayor Judith Michel, play a key role in nominating and recognising such community leaders.
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external link to whydonate.comRead the full translated article below
Royal honour for Mr Aad Merks
Published: 30-03-2026
At the village hall in Oostknollendam, Mr Aad Merks from Assendelft received a royal honour on Saturday 28 March from Mayor Judith Michel. He has been appointed Member of the Order of Orange-Nassau. For more than thirty years, Mr Merks has selflessly and tirelessly contributed to numerous associations, activities and events at the village hall in Oostknollendam.
Mr Merks was invited by his then-neighbour over three decades ago to help out once with the Eensgezindheid theatre association. Since then, he has become a familiar face and an indispensable force behind the scenes.
As a carpenter, technician, handyman and creative builder, Mr Merks has been ready for years to assist with theatre performances, rehearsals, cabaret evenings and events. In the early years, he did this for the Cultural Council Oostknollendam (CROK) and later for the POOK Foundation when it took over the cultural baton.
With his extensive knowledge of lighting and sound, his calm approach and sharp technical insight, he finds a solution to every problem. In addition to his technical support, he builds sets and stages. He also invested his own funds in modern equipment, such as LED theatre lights and wireless microphones, so that performances can be even more impactful.
He is also invaluable outside regular activities, attending school musicals, neighbourhood events and a wide range of cultural initiatives.
Mr Merks, who normally prefers to work behind the scenes and avoids the spotlight, found himself in the limelight this time. He was honoured for his many years of tireless dedication. This took place not as originally planned after the theatre performance *De Italiaanse Meesterhand*, which unfortunately could not go ahead due to circumstances. Instead, the award was presented during a gathering at the village hall, in the company of family, friends and members of various associations.
Congratulations!