Nine residents of Tytsjerksteradiel receive Royal Decorations
On Friday, April 25, no fewer than nine residents of Tytsjerksteradiel were surprised with a Royal decoration in De Krústsjerke in Burgum. The festive gathering began with a personal speech by Mayor Tineke Schokker-Strampel in which she emphasized her gratitude for the volunteers: "It is not a Frisian storm, but a warm rain of appreciation."
All decorated individuals have dedicated themselves to others for many years with heart and soul – in healthcare, community life, the church, politics, or in their own environment. Often in the background, but of invaluable importance to the community. Several of them also played an important role as informal caregivers for family, friends, or neighbors who cannot manage without help.
The awards at a glance
Knight in the Order of Orange-Nassau
Gelbrig Hoekstra-Mozes (62) from Suwâld
As former director and co-owner of Hoekstra Suwâld, Gelbrig was committed to employees with a distance to the labor market and the training of technical personnel in sustainable energy. She held various positions within the Royal Metal Union. Her political career includes two periods as a councilor for the CDA in Tytsjerksteradiel, followed by a period as alderman from 2018 to 2022. True to her motto 'Together and for each other', Gelbrig has used her knowledge and experience for the community for many years. In addition to her professional commitment and eye for others, she has been providing dedicated informal care to her brother-in-law for years. Gelbrig is a woman with an extraordinarily great social commitment.
Member of the Order of Orange-Nassau
Tietje Lolkje Wijbenga-Planting (67) from Gytsjerk
For many years, Tietje has been committed as a volunteer at various organizations, including De Zonnebloem, the MCL and the Samuël thrift store. Previously, she was also active at the Hurdegaryp hospice and the Protestant community Trynwâlden. As a dedicated informal caregiver, she helps neighbors with their household tasks, while she has also been collecting for the Hartstichting (Heart Foundation), KWF Kankerbestrijding (Dutch Cancer Society) and the Reumafonds (Arthritis Foundation) for many years. Tietje is characterized by her warm, careful approach with genuine attention for others - a silent force with a heart of gold.
Sietse Wijbenga (73) from Gytsjerk
Together with his wife Tietje, Sietse has been a dedicated volunteer at De Zonnebloem for many years. At the Protestant community Trynwâlden, he fulfills the role of sacristan and editorial member, while also committing himself to social transport. He has driven aid transports to Romania and has been involved with the Stichting Vriendenkring Samuël thrift store for many years. Sietse is known as a pillar of strength and, together with Tietje, forms an inspiring and committed duo that tirelessly works for the community.
Janke Bosma-Sinnema (79) from Garyp
Since the 1960s, Janke has been actively involved in various aspects of church work in different communities. In the past, she volunteered for Amnesty, the local neighborhood association, and was a founder and board member of the playgroup and held a board position at the local gymnastics association. Currently, Janke is active as a volunteer within the Protestant community in her hometown of Garyp. She is known as an inspiring personality: reliable, involved, driven, and empathetic with a big heart for her fellow human beings.
Niesje (Nini) Brink (87) from Gytsjerk
Since the 1970s, Nini has held various positions at the Bond van Plattelandsvrouwen (Association of Rural Women), where she is still active as a facilitator of the Reading Group. In addition, she has been chairman and coordinator of swimming club De Sawn Doarpen for 25 years. She is also involved as a supervisor and volunteer in various welfare projects for the elderly and is a member of the General Board and secretary of the Daily Board of the Senior Council. Nini is described as the much-needed cement of our society and is therefore an example for many.
Josina (Jos) Maria Grit-Dragt (74) from Garyp
Jos has been active for 15 years as a volunteer, activity coordinator, and member of the client council at Zorgcentrum Het Bildt. She visits and supports individual clients who, due to circumstances, no longer have any support or family. The combination of her executive work as a volunteer and her administrative role as a member of the Client Council has a positive influence on both the organization and the policy. With great dedication and personal attention, she makes a significant difference in the lives of others.
Boukje Hietkamp (71) from Burgum
For many years, Boukje has been a committed volunteer at the Berchhiem care center, she fulfills the role of elder and volunteer at the Protestant Church of Burgum and is active as a collection coordinator for Amnesty. Every week she goes swimming with a client from Alliade, she assisted a sick friend until the end, looks after other people's animals and cleans up litter. Mrs. Hietkamp shows a big heart for people, animals and the environment. She is a modest but indispensable link in the community.
Adriana Maria de Jong (66) from Ryptsjerk
Adriana is seen by many as the connecting factor within the village community. She has been active for many years within the Protestant Church of Ryptsjerk and the Einekoer village hall, and initiates various social projects such as DIY afternoons with shared meals and the food bank. She has provided shelter and support to refugees and knows how to get people moving. Adriana stands out for her positive influence, tireless helpfulness and admirable perseverance.
Folkje Koster (61) from Hurdegaryp
Folkje has been committed to the community for over 40 years. For all those years she has been connected as an organist to the Protestant church Ryptsjerk and since 2003 she has provided the musical accompaniment to church services in the Bennemastate care home. In addition, she is a member of the editorial staff and volunteer for activities of the Protestant Church Hurdegaryp, volunteer at the Bennema State Friends Foundation Board and collection coordinator of the Heart Foundation. As a lover of the Frisian language, Folkje has been involved for many years in the quarterly magazine De Nije and the Frisian-language website it Nijs. Years ago, Folkje was a dedicated caregiver for her mother for ten years. She is a real go-getter with a love for the Frisian language, music and fellow human beings. A quiet force of great significance.
Rich community
Mayor Schokker-Strampel concluded the Royal Decorations ceremony with a closing speech full of pride and gratitude. There was also a special word of thanks for the family and friends of the honorees who helped to keep the surprise a secret.
"I am proud that we in Tytsjerksteradiel have such a rich community - a community full of people who are committed to others. Today we have put nine of them in the spotlight, but of course there are many more people who are committed to our community in their own way. Let's not forget them, but especially today: let's enjoy these nine wonderful people."
The special 'Lintjesregen' [Ribbon Rain - day on which royal decorations are awarded] ended with a song by Marcel Smit about volunteers in the 'mienskip' [community].
