Volunteer at ZPC
In the Batensteinbad of Woerden you can enjoy all kinds of water activities. Many inhabitants of Woerden probably obtained their swimming diplomas there and others can probably be found there every Sunday morning for lap swimming. But did you know that it is also home to swimming club ZPC Woerden? Swimming and Polo Club Woerden combines competitive swimming and water polo in one club. Harmen is one of the water polo players and is also active as a volunteer at the club.
“I have been active as a volunteer at ZPC for quite some time. I started when I was about sixteen or seventeen years old and was a member of the activities committee. Then you are involved in the organization of parties and other events. At one point I was also asked to judge, to whistle. I still do that a lot. I then had a special course where I had to learn the different gestures and whistle signals. That is quite a complicated system. Water polo players are of course underwater a lot, so verbal communication is of no use. Although it was quite a job to learn, I really enjoy doing it. I am 23 myself and regularly whistle for the women's and men's teams. Then you suddenly have to lecture someone twice your age, that's funny!"
And then suddenly you're lecturing someone twice your age!
“Besides judging, I am also a member of the water polo committee. That is the board of the water polo branch of ZPC Woerden, so to speak. I make the team divisions and decide who's turn to whistle and when. Although these are sometimes quite difficult tasks, there are often those moments when you realize how nice it is to have this position within the association. For example, I take it as a compliment when someone comes to me for information or something like that. You do have some sort of prestige within the association. And of course I am also a volunteer at ZPC because it is just great fun to contribute to something that I also enjoy: great water polo!”
Due to corona, the training sessions and competitions of ZPC Woerden are temporarily suspended. But keep an eye on the website and socials! More information about the club and/or becoming a volunteer can be found on the website: www.zpcwoerden.nl.
Patrick's story
Working at RPL is never boring! RPL Woerden has a birthday! Since 1971, the radio station can be heard in Woerden and the immediate vicinity. The channel has of course changed a lot in the half century that it exists: for example, the television branch was added. But one thing has remained the same at RPL Woerden all this time: everything is run by volunteers! Whether it concerns the presentation, the technical activities or the making of reports: all activities are carried out by volunteers. Patrick is one of those volunteers. And even after being a volunteer at RPL for almost 25 years, he is never bored! “I came to RPL Woerden in 1996 and immediately became infected with the radio virus. I think that is also the strength of RPL and the reason that many volunteers have been volunteering here for decades: the radio virus. We are all very passionate volunteers. But of course also the solidarity and collegiality. We are a very pleasant team. That is further reinforced when you have been working together for such a long time. A very large part of the almost ninety volunteers at RPL have been here for a long time. Like now the oldest radio DJ in the Netherlands! She is 96 years old and makes her radio program from home, fantastic!” I joined RPL Woerden in 1996 and immediately became infected with the radio virus! “At RPL Woerden I am mainly a technician and I support the presenter on a technical level. We meet a while before we start making the program and we walk through everything calmly. And while recording, I make sure that everything is technically in order and that we eventually have a beautiful, edited whole. I am also often on location. For example, I have often been able to make live reports of the Woerdense Vakantieweek or the Akoestival. Only with corona that is now a bit quiet. Just like the anniversary. But there are some plans to pay some attention to it in the course of the year. There will be special themed broadcasts about the history, but especially the future of RPL and an anniversary magazine will be published. And in December there will be a festive radio/television broadcast on location. The fiftieth anniversary will certainly be celebrated, despite corona!” Are you also interested in radio, television or volunteering at RPL in general? Check out what kind of volunteers they are currently looking for on the job board: www.hartvoorwoerden.nl. RPL can also be a very nice and suitable place for young radio and television makers to make some flying hours. Please contact RPL and inquire about what is possible. You will find all contact information (and more) at www.rplwoerden.nl. Share these stories and inspire others to help too! Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Whatsapp Forward
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