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.
Blue Monday: Extra Attention for Mental Wellbeing
Monday 19 January marked Blue Monday, often referred to as the most difficult day of the year.
While the concept is not scientifically proven, many people recognise that this winter period — with less daylight, fewer activities and the holidays behind us — can be mentally challenging.
The editorial team highlighted mentaalwegwijs.nl, a practical Dutch-language platform offering information on mental health, activities, podcasts and accessible support options.
Additional support is available via Thuisarts.nl, De Luisterlijn (24/7), and for young people via MIND Young and @ease.
Sometimes, simply talking, taking a walk or seeking information can make a difference.
Excelsior Wassenaar Opens 125th Anniversary Year in Style
With a festive New Year’s Concert, Excelsior Wassenaar officially kicked off its 125th anniversary year.
The concert featured a varied programme ranging from classical works by Rimsky-Korsakov and Tchaikovsky to film music by Ennio Morricone and Henry Mancini.
A special highlight was the appearance of theremin soloist Thorwald Jørgensen, whose distinctive sound added an extra layer of emotion to the performance.
The encore, Wassenaars Glorie, symbolised the deep bond between the orchestra and the village, with the score ceremonially presented to Mayor Leendert de Lange.
Jazz Sociëteit Wassenaar Welcomes Trio KAASKOP
On Sunday 8 February (16:00), Jazz Sociëteit Wassenaar will host Trio KAASKOP at Deylerhuis.
The trio brings a jazz-inspired tribute to Dutch music, reimagining songs by artists such as Boudewijn de Groot, Anouk, Golden Earring and Doe Maar.
Audience interaction plays a key role — singing along, clapping and visual storytelling are all part of the experience.
The trio consists of Ed Verhoeff (guitar), Boudewijn Lucas (bass) and Lucas van Merwijk (drums), all well-known names in the Dutch jazz and pop scene.
Is It Time for a Village Song for Wassenaar?
Inspired by the emotional impact of Wassenaars Glorie during the New Year’s Concert, an opinion piece raises an intriguing question:
Should Wassenaar have its own official village song?
Neighbouring Voorschoten recently introduced a locally created village anthem, written and composed by residents themselves.
A similar initiative in Wassenaar could bring together schools, associations and musicians — not imposed from above, but growing organically from local creativity.
The call is open: who will write the first verse?
Record Turnout at New Year’s Meeting of Ondernemend Wassenaar
The New Year’s gathering of Ondernemend Wassenaar attracted a record 120 visitors at Duinrell.
Entrepreneurs, local politicians and council candidates gathered to reflect on 2025 and look ahead to the year to come.
OW chair Odette Perik praised improved cooperation with the municipality and highlighted upcoming work on the Beach Vision and Economic Vision.
A keynote talk by Philip and Hugo van Zuylen van Nijevelt offered insights into the long-term development of Duinrell, underlining its importance as a family business and major employer in Wassenaar.
Duindigt Dossier: Negotiations at a Standstill
Negotiations over the future of the Duindigt racecourse have reached an impasse.
According to a letter to the municipal council, talks between the municipality and the owner have stalled amid ongoing legal procedures and disputes over land valuation.
While the council previously instructed the executive to explore future scenarios, ownership issues remain unresolved.
Several development scenarios — from modernising the racecourse to alternative green or mixed-use options — are now on the table, leaving the municipal council to determine the next steps in this long-running and sensitive dossier.
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