What does the future of the people of Grada from Emmen look like? And can they stay on their familiar site, the Nabershof on the Noordeind? The Folklorist Association Emmen expects to have an answer this year to those both so important questions.
Two years ago the association approached for help with the municipality of Emmen. The people of Grada were in financially difficult weather. Especially the mortgage loads press heavily on the household booklet. In this case it is a monumental farm (Nabershof) from 1681, a tea house and an exhibition room.
The municipality has since given financial support. Last fall, alderman Dewy Keen announced that the municipality is investigating the purchase of the buildings.
Treasurer Willem Braam says that the association is still looking for a road from the financial problems. Another problem is the declining membership, Braam explains. “The average age is around 70 and new members are hardly added. Younger generations are more difficult to stimulate, we notice.” That the municipality lends a hand is beautiful. “But that is of course not for eternity.”
Yet it is not just bad and seepage. Braam is pleased with the registration of two younger members, who will take on the running of the tea house. “Previously, visitors sometimes stood in front of a closed door, because we are also sitting with a declining number of volunteers. But they will be open six days a week.”
A nice boost, but does it bring enough money to cover all costs? Braam does not dare say, but it can be the run -up to more, he hopes.
For this year they can still be accounting for support from the municipality. “They don’t drop us, they said. At the same time, they don’t put in the infinite money in our association.” The people of Grada is currently setting up a new exploitation plan that they will submit to the municipality next month.
The possible takeover of the buildings by the municipality is also on the agenda, says Braam. “They may be able to take over the buildings and that we can hold our place.” Whether that plan is feasible is also part of that discussion. The members are at least dear to keep the members. Since the nineties, the Nabershof has been the base for the people of Grada. “That is the heart of our members.”
Braam understands that emotion, but is also realistic. “We are now with around 60 members, how many will be left of it in a few years? To say it very cru.” Yet he also hopes that the location can be preserved in one way or another. “If we suddenly have to go into a community center as an association, then you will leave the soil away from the members under the motivation. For many that would be the end of the association, I can imagine.”
The treasurer therefore expects spicy conversations in the coming period. “We will have to leave something and take something. Yes, you can be sure that this will be a decisive year for us.”