I don't know if I've mentioned it on my blog before, but every year in the Netherlands we have an 'open monuments day' when the public get the chance to either go into historic buildings that might otherwise be closed, or get into old cars, machinery and, in our case, boats.
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| Our harbour in festive mode |
In our area, the focus is different every year. This time, it was on the historic boats in our harbour at Sas van Gent. As permanent 'liers' (liggers in Dutch), we were asked if we'd be willing to participate and be on board to receive visitors to tell them about Vereeniging and her history. At first we weren't sure if we'd be here, but once we knew we would, I set to and made an information board to explain about the history of the barge. Below is an image of what I used, although the main board was in Dutch. The English text was taped to the electricity box in case there were any non-Dutch/Flemish visitors. :)
I must admit I hadn't expected much interest, so when I saw the other boats with their bunting, I was a little sorry I hadn't thought of doing more. As it happened, it didn't matter because the organisation by the local society was very good.
It was a scorcher of a day, so they set up a table with an umbrella on the quay and directed visitors to the boats. We had several sets of people coming to see us and it was really lovely to be able to tell them more about Vereeniging's past life. The interest was genuine and the contact was very rewarding. One woman told me she frequently walked around the harbour and had often wondered about the boats, so she was especially pleased to have the chance to see them and ask questions.
Of course, the men amongst the visitors wanted to know more about the engine, so we started it and Koos entertained the eager diesel fans with stories about oily bits past and present. In her 125 years of life, Vereeniging has only had three engines: a horizontally placed paraffin engine (installed in 1898 when she was built), a single-cylinder hot bulb engine (installed in 1921) and her current two-cylinder 1950s Samofa (installed in 2006). Her current engine is still a classic and the reason for much attention for those in the know about pistons, valves and all the other associated parts. Cooling systems are always of interest, as are exhausts. I am not immune myself, as I'm quite fond of our old engine and very well acquainted with its innards.
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| The Current engine: a Samofa 2S108 |
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| The Historic Harbour, Sas van Gent |
Anyway, by lunchtime, we were fairly well roasted and the number of visitors had dwindled. I couldn't blame them; it was over 32C in the shade and we were in the full sun. Given the situation and the fact we'd got a little dog parked under an umbrella, we decided to call it a day and retreat to cooler climes. All in all, though, it had been a great day and well worth the effort.
Have a good week allemaal and hoping the weather gods smile kindly on you all wherever you are.
how nice that you have participated in Open Monuments Day! It's a huge event!
ReplyDeleteIt was a lovely day, Kathleen. I'm glad you had a good one too!
DeleteWhat a wonderful day Val, and how rewarding to meet people who really appreciate everything you’ve done for your beloved Vereeniging, can’t believe you’ve had her for 22 years! Lally x
ReplyDeleteAww, thank you, Lally. It was a lot of fun and lovely to talk about my beautiful old girl to interested people. It certainly tested my Dutch skills as well. I was quite talked out by the end of the morning. :))
DeleteHow exciting to be involved in Open Monuments Day. It sounds like your visitors were very interested, and what a good idea to make a story board for them too. I can really imagine the guys all wanting to know about the engines and history. 32C is quite hot, and not good to be out in the sun. I hope it cools down soon.
ReplyDeletePatricia, when it comes to the oily bits, I know the men can stand and talk for hours, but yes, it was quite hot to be standing in the full sun. It was a good thing to stop before the afternoon heat really hit.
DeleteWhat a great idea to allow the public access to historic buildings, boats and machinery. I'm a huge fan of keeping these nostalgic things working and remembered. I love photographing classic cars and steam driven machinery.
ReplyDeleteWe have a large Steam & Vintage Rally each year at the Lincoln showground and the traction engines are magnificent in their bright paint & polished brass. I wonder though if they ever looked so fine back in their working days?
Take care Val.
That's a good point, David. I doubt if they were as colourful, but maybe the brass was well polished. I know our barges were treated as work horses, but well cared for horses all the same.
DeleteWhat a good idea to have a 'Monuments Day'. I'm pleased you had some visitors and could entertain them with your knowledge of the reverse engine over-leglock valve! 😁
ReplyDeleteHahaha, Aidan. Very good! But you might be surprised at the sort of useless things I do know! :)))
DeleteOpening up certain monuments this way to the public is certainly a good idea.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Tomichan. Yes, I agree. It means we can share our heritage with a wider range of people.
DeleteWhat a fine idea to have an Open Monuments Day and well done to you and Koos for participating in it. What a lovely opprtunity to show off your beautiful Vereeniging and to chat about her history - and engines! Sounds like a great day.
ReplyDeleteI'ts a lovely idea, isn't it? I think it happens in many countries, but what I like about this is that it gives individuals an opportunity to participate as well.
DeleteWhat an excellent idea, your Open Monuments Day. I love it! Glad you had such a god time.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Roger. It was an exceptionally good, if exceptionally hot day!
DeleteHi Val - it sounds like it was worth it ... in many ways. Pity about the extra hot day - but that's life at times ... I bet Zoe was pleased to be released to cooler climes! Cheers Hilary
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