Mayor Aptroot Presents Royal Honors

Ms. H. (Helga) Dulfer-Honigh and Mr. C.P. (Cees) Besuyen are on Monday, April 26, were appointed Members of the Order of Orange-Nassau in recognition of their service to society. Mayor Charlie Aptroot presented the two royal honors in a COVID-safe manner at the town hall in Voorschoten.

Ms. H. (Helga) Dulfer-Honigh

Ms. Dulfer was previously a member of the Advisory Council for the Wmo (Social Support Act). She was involved at both the regional and national levels in the development and implementation of the Wmo. As an expert by experience, her responsibilities included reviewing policy papers. As a citizen council member of the CDA faction in the municipality of Voorschoten, Ms. Dulfer served on the People and Society Committee and maintained extensive contacts in the region for this purpose, but she also reached out to national organizations and political parties.

From 2015 to 2017, Ms. Dulfer served as a board member of the ANBO, Voorschoten chapter. There, she focused particularly on older adults who rely on assistance (or assistive devices) and have limited mobility. Since 2011, Ms. Dulfer has been a volunteer with the “Back to the Forests” Action Group. This action group advocates for people with disabilities. Among other things, Ms. Dulfer has championed the cause of self-determination and the preservation of the person-based budget. She has also lobbied for the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. In addition, Ms. Dulfer has been a family caregiver for her mother for more than 30 years.

Mr. C.P. (Cees) Besuyen

As chief firefighter, Mr. Besuyen was a member of the Voorschoten Volunteer Fire Department for more than 30 years. He also served as chairman of the staff association there for many years. In addition, Mr. Besuyen spent ten years delivering meals through the “Tafeltje Dekje” program to people who were no longer able to cook for themselves. As a driver and co-driver, Mr. Besuyen volunteered for ten years with the Stichting Ouderenbus Voorschoten. Even now, he still serves as a co-driver when someone is unexpectedly unable to work. Since 1997, Mr. Besuyen has been a member of the Voorschoten Men’s Club. He is responsible for running the bar and renting out the halls. He also organizes the annual klaverjas tournament and fishing days.