Stadsgids Jan knows everything about Zoetermeer: ​​’Some only know the city center or their own neighborhood’

Do you ever see groups of people behind a guide in the Dorpsstraat? Or a group of cyclists in one of the Zoetermeerse parks? There is a good chance that they have booked a walking or cycling tour at Gilde Zoetermeer. Jan Henneken (69) is one of the enthusiastic guides full of city knowledge.

In this way he knows that there were several cafés in Zoetermeer in the past. And that women played an important role in the past. The born and raised Zoetermeerder Jan shares all these facts during his trips.

Not so negative

Some people have been living in Zoetermeer for years, but according to Jan know little about the city. Others are new in the city and want to know everything about their brand new hometown. For those people is one Tour with a STaDSBIDE A fun and educational outing. “I once gave a tour of a group of people from the Meerzicht district. They only knew the city center and their own neighborhood. Then I like it if I can tell them more facts about Zoetermeer.”

Jan thinks that many people are negative about Zoetermeer. Much made comments are that Zoetermeer is gray and gray and that there is nothing to do. During his trips he wants to tell about the interesting history and tell that Zoetermeer is more than a village. During a walk through, for example, the Dorpsstraat, Jan therefore points out specific places about which he tells something. Such as the Dorpsplein where Palensteyn Castle used to be.

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Always another audience

Jan comes up with new themes with his colleagues from Gilde Zoetermeer and plays new routes. “For example, I lead bike rides with groups of up to ten people. We then cycle along Zoetermeer parks, over the Voorweg or to mills. Every time we are hanging a different theme to attract and different audiences. Think of the themes of war and Leiden Relief.”

Zoetermeer has an interesting history

Moment for yourself

According to Jan, a walking or cycling tour is the ideal moment of rest. “We are all busy, but during our trips the time seems to stand still for a moment. In interesting places we look a little longer at a point and tell what I know about it. We literally stand still for a moment. In addition, after our trips you know more about Zoetermeer. I really like that.”

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Everything about Sinterklaas

Jan retired early and wanted to do something with his knowledge about Zoetermeer and his interest in history, art and culture. That is why he decided to register as a guide at Gilde Zoetermeer. “I enjoy sharing my knowledge with people,” says Jan. “For example, I once guided a Sinterklaas walk through the Dorpsstraat. It is true that several places in the Dorpsstraat can be derived from the Sinterklaas party. Think of the Nicolaasplein or the church. Afterwards we ate the baker’s gingerbread. The people were surprised that I knew so much about Sint.”

Wanted new city guides

The city guides at Gilde Zoetermeer all work on a voluntary basis. Most trips take place from May to October, but on request is also possible. Gilde Zoetermeer is looking for new, enthusiastic storytellers who are proud of Zoetermeer. Are you interested? Then look here And sign up. Who knows, you might just be Jan’s colleague.

Who is the next Zoetermeerder of the week?

Do you also have a special story? Or do you know a Zoetermeerder that we really have to interview? Let us know via [email protected]. These Zoetermeerders preceded you.