It is with regret, but also with understanding, that we wish to inform you of a number of changes at Wester-Amstel.
From 1 July onwards, the park hall will no longer be available to the Friends of Wester-Amstel. This means we will no longer have an indoor space for our concerts and other public gatherings. This is not easy for us. Over the past couple of years, these activities have meant a great deal to the atmosphere and encounters at our country estate.
The reason for this step is the growth of our tenant, the MKB Fonds. They need more workspaces, and it is good to see that they are doing so well. Their health contributes to a healthy future for Wester-Amstel.
The Lissone Foundation and the MKB Fonds discussed various options to provide the necessary extra space for MKB Fonds. The choice was between converting the historic rooms in the front building or making use of the park hall. The fact that we had not yet found a successor to Herma de Heer, our key organiser behind the scene, made it easier to decide to stop our indoor-concerts.
We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to all the volunteers who have made the concerts possible over the past four seasons. In alphabetical order, we would like to mention Abhishek, Anke, Bibi, Carla, Herma, Joke, Larry, Ruud, and our wonderful leader Fleurine, who defies all categorisation. Thanks to their dedication, commitment and enthusiasm, we have been able to enjoy many special musical moments together.
We are pleased that, at the same time, suitable arrangements have been made to ensure that our volunteers can continue to use the necessary facilities in the rear annex.
And we are looking ahead. Our plans for a large orangery behind the house, to replace the current shed, are regaining importance. We hope to expand this space in such a manner that we can also welcome you, a friend of Wester-Amstel, back inside again.
Text by: Søren Ludvig Movig