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.
Police Still Seeking Witnesses After Assault on 12-Year-Old
Wassenaar police are urgently looking for witnesses following the assault of a 12-year-old boy near the Den Deijl bicycle tunnel.
The incident happened around 8:45 a.m. while the boy was cycling to school with friends. After a snowball accidentally hit a passer-by, a chase followed in which the boy was assaulted by an adult man.
The child sustained injuries and is recovering at home. The suspect reportedly fled by bicycle toward Voorschoten.
Anyone with information or camera footage is asked to contact the police via 0900-8844.
Final Green Light for Valkenhorst residential development
The Council of State has given final approval for the Valkenhorst residential development on the former Valkenburg naval air base.
This clears the way for the construction of approximately 5,600 homes, making it one of the largest housing projects in the region.
After earlier objections, building heights were reduced and environmental safeguards strengthened, particularly to protect the nearby Meijendel & Berkheide dune area. The ruling closes a long-running and politically sensitive dossier and is expected to help ease regional housing shortages.
Music Association Excelsior Celebrates 125 Years
On 15 January 2026, Music Association Excelsior Wassenaar marked its 125th anniversary.
Founded in 1901 at a kitchen table on the Plein, Excelsior has grown into a well-known and much-loved harmony orchestra that plays a central role in village life.
The anniversary year will be celebrated with concerts and special events throughout 2026.
Stichting Mediaplatform Wassenaar Established
With the founding of Stichting Mediaplatform Wassenaar, the village gains a new organisation dedicated to strengthening independent local journalism and civic engagement.
The foundation aims to support volunteers and citizen journalists, facilitate journalistic productions, and organise public debates and educational activities on local issues.
Collaboration with schools, cultural institutions, social organisations and local authorities will be key to building a well-informed and engaged community.
Team KiwiFondue Finishes Second in World’s Toughest Row
After more than a month at sea, Team KiwiFondue, including Wassenaar resident Mark Slats, has finished second in the World’s Toughest Row – Atlantic Challenge.
The team rowed nearly 4,800 kilometres from La Gomera to Antigua under extreme conditions.
Beyond the sporting achievement, the team raised over €91,000 for the Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology. Donations are still open to reach the target amount.
4th Wassenaar Bicycle Lights Parade – 5 February
The 4th Wassenaar Bicycle Lights Parade will take place on Thursday, 5 February.
A brightly lit procession of cyclists will tour the village, accompanied by a DJ cargo bike, a hot chocolate stop and a prize for the most beautifully decorated bicycle.
Gathering: 17:30, Van Heeckerenhuis (soup & pancakes)
Departure: 18:30, approx. 7 km route
Children may join only with adult supervision
Participation is free and organised by Fietsersbond Wassenaar, with support from Fonds Wassenaar.
Local Education Agenda Signed for 2026–2037
On 15 January, partners from education, childcare, youth services and the municipality signed the Local Education Agenda (LEA) Wassenaar 2026–2037 at the Bloemcampschool.
The LEA serves as a strategic framework for the next twelve years and focuses on equal opportunities, inclusive education, coordination of care, language development and preventing educational disadvantage.
The agenda falls under the responsibility of Alderman Ritske Bloemendaal and is monitored by the Dutch Education Inspectorate.
Stay Connected – Subscribe to Our YouTube Channel!
Want more local stories, interviews and video reports?
Visit youtube.com/wassenaarders for episodes of “Praat-je Wassenaars?!” and features on local news, history, culture and events.
Stay informed — subscribe to our YouTube channel and don’t miss a thing!
