Writer and historian Eva Vriend received the Golden Harrier, the Medal of Merit of the Province of Flevoland, on Monday, January 26. Commissioner of the King Arjen Gerritsen presented the provincial award on behalf of the Executive Board during the New Years meeting of the province.

Eva Vriend received the Golden Harrier for her extraordinary dedication and meaningful contribution to the visibility and positioning of Flevoland, both nationally and internationally. With her books, essays and appearances, she tells the story of the new land in an inspiring and accessible way and connects it to broader social themes such as identity, history and future.

Commissioner of the King Arjen Gerritsen: “Eva Vriend shows that Flevoland is more than a project to be made. It is a place with identity, with layers and with stories that matter. Through her work, we look at our roots with more understanding and to the future with more confidence.

As part of the New Years meeting, Eva Vriend, together with accordionist Renée Bekkers and soprano Klaartje van Veldhoven, gave the concert lecture Old Sea, New Land, in which they brought the history of Flevoland to life with a mix of literature and music. From the summer, they will tour with the concert lecture along the former Zuiderzee. They will visit various places along the Zuiderzee, as well as special locations in the six municipalities and the Wortman Pumping Station in Lelystad (water board).

Highest distinction

The Golden Harrier is an honorable and important Flevoland distinction that has existed since 2017. It is a medal for a person or organization who has made themselves particularly meritorious for the province of Flevoland. And thereby contributed to the further development of Flevoland or put Flevoland on the map beyond provincial borders.

40 years of Flevoland

During the New Years meeting, there was also a look ahead to the celebrations that will mark the anniversary year. For example, the theater company Suburbia will bring a performance that travels along all municipalities, the province of Flevoland will host the official opening of the Vriendenloterij Open Monument Day, and a platform specifically for Flevoland youth will be launched.

More information about the program and the anniversary can be found on the special website www.flevoland.nl/40jaar.

Photography: Maarten Feenstra