In the workshop of the Foundation for the Preservation of Torenuurwerken in Velsen-Noord, the youngest volunteer is 75 years old. Climbing towers is no longer possible, so new volunteers are being sought. If this does not work, the foundation is in danger of disappearing and North Holland’s heritage will be lost.
Over the past forty years, its members have repaired historic mechanical timepieces in churches, towers and homes, among others. Gerard de Weerdt shows a photo of Winkel’s tower clock.
“This dates from 1300, a blacksmith made it by hand and it still works. It would be a shame if it was replaced by an electric one.”
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“We hope that there are a few heroes who want to take over this,” says treasurer Jan Scholtens. “We can now train them and teach them everything.”
“But we fish in the same pond as football and tennis clubs,” says Gerard. When asked whether they do not want to continue until their death, Jan answers with a laugh: “We are already working on that.”
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Their latest piece of art is the Oterleek clock, which should be ready in a few months and then the workshop door will close for good.
“That is very annoying,” Gerard agrees. “Hopefully it will work out NH Helpsto find new, younger volunteers who see it as a hobby.”