Who are you and what are you proud of?
My name is Vera and I was born in Amsterdam 93 years ago. I’ve actually always lived in the city centre, but for the past 45 years I’ve lived in postcode area 1018.
I’ve been active in the neighbourhood for a very long time. Many years ago I was part of the action group Amstelveld. We wanted to make Amstelveld car-free. After a lot of campaigning, we succeeded. We blocked the roads leading to the square with overturned cars and even had to defend ourselves with iron bars 😉 Now it’s a playground for children and home to a flower market. I’m quite proud of that.
I think that’s where my involvement with the neighbourhood really began. At heart, I’m an activist. Together with the Friends of the Hortus, we also helped prevent the Hortus from being closed and turned into a hotel.
And what do you do at SOOP?
SOOP has been around for 35 years and is run entirely by volunteers. We do an enormous amount ourselves – from the café to the courses, the garden, exhibitions and organisation.
I’ve been involved for about twenty years now. First for ten years as treasurer, and to stay involved I now serve on the garden committee. Once a week I do garden duty.
What gives you energy?
I tend to get involved in all sorts of things, which means I know many people in the neighbourhood. I enjoy being part of a community. Without major obligations – simply being able to walk in, meet people, and feel that it’s good that you’re there.
What might local residents not know about SOOP, but would probably enjoy hearing?
Many people know SOOP for its courses, which are often fully booked. We offer all kinds of activities: literature, classical music, sculpture, clay modelling and much more. We also have rotating exhibitions, musical performances and a monthly film night.
What local residents may not know is that you are also welcome without joining a course. We are open five days a week from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm, and anyone can simply drop in for a chat, to read the newspaper, enjoy a cup of coffee or have some company. During the summer months we are open from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm.
What I love seeing is that people often stay after an activity. Conversations, connections and friendships develop. For some people, SOOP is truly an important place in their week.
The previous interviewee (Koen Leenders from Capital C) has a question for you: “How do you see your role in the neighbourhood? And how can organisations in the Plantage work together even more to make the neighbourhood stronger and more enjoyable?”
SOOP has played a role in the neighbourhood for a long time. Through courses, exhibitions, lectures and social gatherings, many people come through our doors who might otherwise not go out as much.
We’ve also been collaborating for years with different organisations in the neighbourhood, such as the Friends of the Plantage and the Stadsdorp. There is already quite a lot of cooperation happening.
I think our strength mainly lies in offering a safe, accessible place where people can meet. That’s especially important for older residents in the neighbourhood.
Collaboration will always remain valuable, of course. In a neighbourhood like the Plantage, organisations can strengthen one another.
What is your hidden gem in the Plantage neighbourhood?
The OCCO Hofje on Nieuwe Keizersgracht.
It has a beautiful garden, but many people don’t know it at all. During Open Garden Days it is open to the public. This year that will be on June 19, 20 and 21. You do need to buy a ticket online, which gives access for the whole weekend to all participating canal gardens.
I live next to the OCCO Hofje. I’m part of the garden committee there, and every two weeks I sing in the chapel together with the Stadsdorp singing group. I can’t actually sing at all – I’m as hoarse as can be 😉
Which special Amsterdammer would you like to meet here?
The granddaughter of my oldest sister. She is a journalist and creates reports for the Noordhollands Dagblad. Perhaps one day she could make a report about the hofje during the Open Garden Days.
Who would you like to pass the baton to, and with what question?
I would like to pass the baton to Wayne Modest of the Wereldmuseum.
My question for him is:
Which experiences from your life do you bring into what you do today? And what makes working with people in the neighbourhood special to you?