What some people would call special dedication is the most normal thing in the world for Erik Hoogenboom (56) and Martin Brekelmans (74). The neighbors are ready every weekend in summer to take cyclists and pedestrians to the other side of the Ringvaart.
Erik and Martin have been putting their soul and bliss in the ferry Ome Piet for 13 years – NH Nieuws
The idea to set up a ferry service came about thirteen years ago over a barbecue and a beer in Martin’s backyard. It is the spiritual birth of the ferry ‘Ome Piet’, a tribute to Pieter Eilander who brought people to the Amsterdamse Bos in a rowing boat in the 1950s.
Summer tour: soul of the region
This story is part of the NH Nieuws ‘Summer tour: soul of the region’. In this series of ten episodes, presenter Koen Bugter visits the various regions in North Holland. Together with regional reporters from NH Nieuws and various guests, he goes in search of the soul of the region.
Today Koen Bugter settles down in Haarlemmermeer. Can be seen on our TV channel from 5.10 pm, but can also be seen here.
Summer Tour 2022 – Haarlemmermeer – NH Nieuws
It is the thirteenth summer that Martin and Erik can be found on the bright yellow ferry every weekend. In matching shirts they bring residents of especially Nieuwe Meer and Badhoevedorp across the street for €0.50.
The men thus fulfill an important role within the community and receive a lot of praise: “That is worth a round of applause actually”, says a man on board ‘Uncle Piet’. Another says: “I just use it a lot in the summer, then I don’t have to cycle that far.”
Stories
The men have been through a lot in the past thirteen years, which they like to tell. From CPR on shore to children who run out of the Amsterdam forest with dirty clothes. “You experience it all,” says Erik.
“And maybe our children will take over again. But first we have to find a girlfriend”
The descendants of Erik and Martin can also be found on and around the ferry. Martin’s grandson Dennis and Erik’s son Rick work on the ferry every week. And what if the older generation stops one day? “Then I just think that we will take over,” says Rick.
Dennis adds: “Yes, I think we’ll keep going until we don’t like it anymore. And maybe our children will take over again. But, then we have to find a girlfriend first”, Dennis concludes with a laugh.