Welcome to this week’s edition of Wassenaar Weekly. Your source for local stories, events, and community news in English, brought to you by Wassenaarders.nl.
A Special Day for Wassenaar’s Entrepreneurs
Thursday, 20 November, was a day dedicated to entrepreneurship in Wassenaar — filled with inspiration, recognition, and celebration of the people who keep our village vibrant.
Alderman Laurens van Doeveren visited six new or renewed businesses in the village centre, including Wibra, Light Design, Ebike Mechanica, Coco’s Kloffie, Jor & Dan Flooring, and Sushi Eight, welcoming them with flowers and best wishes.
In the evening, the local business association Ondernemend Wassenaar marked its 10th anniversary with a festive event in De Warenar. During the celebration, three entrepreneurs received awards after being chosen by residents for Entrepreneur’s Day:
Karin Ravelli (Ravelli Jewelry)
Aurora Veronica Mei and Emanuele Cama (Antica Italian Delicatessen)
Vanessa de Boer and Sander Remmerswaal (Restaurant De Zonnehof)
“Our entrepreneurs make Wassenaar lively and connected,” said Alderman van Doeveren. “We are grateful every day for their passion and contribution to our village.”
Lifeguards Wrap Up a Safe and Calm Beach Season
The Wassenaar Rescue Brigade (WRB) has concluded the 2025 beach season with full staffing, a new rescue vehicle, and continued professional growth.
According to a municipal report, 80 lifeguards and assistants logged 6,950 service hours — covering every day of the season. While the summer was relatively calm, they provided first aid 246 times and assisted water sports enthusiasts on 15 occasions.
The WRB also added a new Sea-Doo Rescue Water Craft, improving speed and reliability in rough sea conditions.
The brigade will formally join the Dutch National Rescue Association in 2026 and continues to support local events such as the New Year’s Dive, Beach Race, and Sinterklaas Parade.
The municipality praised the collaboration as “constructive,” reaffirming its commitment to a safe and welcoming family beach at Wassenaarse Slag.
Raadhuis De Paauw Lights Up Orange for ‘Orange the World’
Wassenaar joined the international Orange the World campaign, which raises awareness about violence against women and girls. From 25 November to 10 December, landmarks worldwide are lit in orange — the colour of hope and solidarity.
Mayor Leendert de Lange switched on the orange lights at Raadhuis De Paauw, stating:
“Women and girls must feel safe — also in our village. That requires all of us.”
The mayor highlighted national initiatives such as the creation of a National Coordinator to Combat Violence Against Women and campaigns like “Man, zeg er wat van!” (“Men, speak up!”).
Local service clubs Soroptimist and Zonta helped organise the Wassenaar edition.
More information on the campaign: orangetheworld.nl
Van Wassenaer Orchestra Autumn Concert – 7 December
The Van Wassenaer Orchestra invites residents to its Autumn Concert on Sunday, 7 December, 15:00 at the Messiaskerk.
The program includes:
Overture “Die Schöne Melusine” by Mendelssohn
Bassoon Concerto by Rossini (soloist: Alejandro Márquez)
Symphony in C Major by Bizet
Tickets (€18.50 / €7.50 for youth) are available at Bookstore De Kler, through orchestra members, online via vanwassenaerorkest.nl and at the door (€20).
Interview: The Story Behind De Zonnehof’s Success
After being named Entrepreneurs of the Year, Vanessa de Boer and Sander Remmerswaal of Restaurant De Zonnehof shared their journey with Wassenaarders.nl.
Over seven years, they transformed an overlooked pavilion into one of Wassenaar’s favourite gathering spots.
“Everyone is welcome here,” says Vanessa. “People come from all over — and many regulars feel at home.”
Despite challenges like the pandemic and renovations, the couple’s teamwork and focus on quality paid off. Their Google rating rose from 2.0 to 8.7, and plans for a terrace roof and expanded facilities are underway.
Their shared goal:
“To keep De Zonnehof a place where everyone feels welcome.”
Grand Opening Celebration for the Renewed Village Centre – 13 December
The renovated village centre of Wassenaar is nearly complete — greener, more inviting, and ready for community life.
A festive opening celebration will take place on Saturday, 13 December (13:30–22:00) at the Van Hogendorpstraat square, featuring choirs, live music, a DJ, and special guests including Princess Margarita de Bourbon de Parme and Alderman Laurens van Doeveren.
Free prosecco and hot chocolate will be served from 14:30, followed by performances by Muziekvereniging Excelsior, the Academy of Modern Music, and a Christmas Party with DJ JP, Douglas & Rosenberg, Kylian Moy, and John West.
Come and celebrate the heart of Wassenaar!
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