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.
Volunteers Honoured on National Volunteer Day
On Sunday, 7 December, Wassenaar celebrated National Volunteer Day with a festive high tea organised by the Volunteer Centre Wassenaar.
Fifteen volunteers were selected from forty nominations and personally thanked by Alderman Ronald Zoutendijk for their dedication.
Volunteers active in areas such as animal care, education, social support, heritage and neighbourhood initiatives received certificates, flowers and heartfelt words of appreciation.
“Thanks to volunteers, so much happens in Wassenaar,” the alderman said. “Your commitment makes our community better every day.”
Police Investigate Wave of Car-Part Thefts in Wassenaar South
Police are investigating a series of car-part thefts in Wassenaar South that occurred overnight between 1:00 and 4:00 a.m.
More than twenty residents were affected, with side mirrors and other parts stolen from parked vehicles.
Residents are urged to check security cameras, video doorbells, dashcams and Tesla Sentry Mode footage. Anyone affected who has not yet reported the incident is asked to file an online police report.
- Non-urgent contact: 0900-8844
- Suspicious activity in progress: 112
Magical Christmas House Adds Festive Cheer
The Magical Christmas House has opened in the former Intertoys building at Langstraat 123, bringing extra warmth and holiday spirit to the village centre.
Children can enjoy Christmas films, colouring activities and festive games, while parents shop or attend events in the centre.
Opening hours:
- Wed 17 Dec | 12:00–16:00
- Sat 20 Dec | 12:00–16:00
All Options on the Table for Huize Ivicke
The municipal executive has presented the town council with eleven possible measures to force progress on the long-stalled restoration of Huize Ivicke, a national monument.
Options range from voluntary measures such as anti-squat use to heavy legal tools including expropriation and the use of the Victor Act, which allows municipal takeover of management in cases of safety or public-order risks.
While the municipality reports “constructive talks” with the owner, it also warns that legal procedures could be lengthy and costly. Political pressure on the Ivicke dossier remains high.
Renewed Village Centre Officially Opened
Wassenaar’s renovated village centre was officially opened on Saturday 13 December at the Van Hogendorpstraat square, marking the completion of a project nearly ten years in the making.
The opening was led by Princess Margarita de Bourbon de Parme, a Wassenaar resident, who highlighted the importance of a centre designed for meeting, staying and community life.
Alderman Laurens van Doeveren emphasised the centre’s role as a key meeting place and thanked entrepreneurs, residents and property owners — who together contributed around €500,000 to the project.
The celebration included live music, choirs, performances and a festive Christmas party in the evening.
World’s Toughest Row Begins: Mark Slats Sets Off
Today, Sunday 14 December, the World’s Toughest Row – Atlantic officially started from La Gomera.
A total of 43 teams from 20 countries began the 4,800 km crossing to Antigua.
Wassenaar resident Mark Slats and his team Kiwi Fondue departed as the 16th boat, rowing in support of the Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology.
The race can be followed live via the organiser’s YouTube channel and through daily updates on social media and the YB Races App.
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