The history book about The Miracle of Meppel has been awarded the DHV history prize, the most important history prize in Drenthe. Author Ed van Tellingen received the prize in a special broadcast of the RTV Drenthe program Drenthe Toen.
The jury chose the book The miracle of Meppel. The battle for the canals, the bridges and Bleekerseiland from three nominees. The other nominees were The great Atlas of Oosterhesselenby Harjen Abbing and 100 years of TT Assencurated by Mischa van den Berg, Asse Klein, Martin Hiemink, Sake Elzinga and Peter Gerding.
The jury of the DHV Prize was particularly pleased with the book because of the story about the struggle and courage of Meppel residents. The book is not only about the facts, but also tells the stories of residents, action groups and administrators who wanted to preserve the canals.
Vision, struggle and courage came together and this is how the Meppel canals and iconic bridges could be preserved, according to the jury. He also believes that the book shows how we should deal with cultural heritage.
Winner Ed van Tellingen was speechless after winning the prize. “I am known as someone who can ramble on, but at my wedding forty years ago I could only utter a stammering ‘yes’. I have the same feeling now.”
