Volunteers vzw Wintertuin in the spotlight

To say that the Winter Garden at the Ursulines Institute in Onze-Lieve-Vrouw-Waver can count on loyal volunteers is an understatement. The Art Nouveau gem is kept running by a team of some 35 enthusiasts. We had a pleasant chat with Hilde Verbruggen and Paul Verwaest. Together, they have more than 35 years of volunteer work under their belt. "It's a privilege to be able to work at such a beautiful location," they say.

The volunteers of the non-profit organisation Winter Garden are at home in all fields. Welcoming visitors, scheduling guided tours, answering e-mails, running errands, changing light bulbs and cleaning gutters. These are just some of the tasks they take on. Yet Paul and Hilde do not have to think long when we ask them about their favourite task. "Guiding visitors around," it sounds in unison.

Hilde: "Guiding on this site is absolutely not pre-cut material. And that is precisely what makes it so attractive. Here, everyone gets the freedom to add a personal touch to their guiding sessions. There are no rigid guidelines, but there is room to share passion and knowledge in a way that feels natural to us." Paul agrees 100%. "The most satisfying feeling as a guide is when you find that your audience is genuinely interested. The secret to keeping volunteering is to make sure you are doing something you really enjoy. The sense of satisfaction you get when you can inspire others while pursuing your own passion is priceless."

Coming full circle

Winter Garden's volunteer team is largely made up of former teachers. They know the site and the stories behind it inside out. Hilde's life story is also uniquely intertwined with the site. "From the age of 11 to 17, I myself attended this school and then spent a large part of my life at this site as a chemistry teacher. Meanwhile, grandchildren of mine are already walking around the school. It has come full circle! In 2017, when I was asked to take up the chairmanship of the guide operation, I did not hesitate for a second. A unique opportunity."

"Before Hilde came on the scene, I did much of the work on my own," says Paul. "After I retired in 2011, I was here almost every day. Answering emails, managing guides, doing chores and running errands. I did it all. But all that work eventually started to become a bit much. Hilde came at the right time (laughs). Still, it is and remains an absolute privilege to volunteer at such a wonderful site."

Renovation works

The Winter Garden is currently closed for restoration and renovation works. Paul: "The volunteer work is now at a low ebb. Normally we meet monthly with the team, but we can't do much during the works. We are looking forward to the reopening next year. There will then also be a new website with an online booking module for guided tours as well as tickets for a new experience trail for individual visitors. That will save us a lot of work."

"I'm sure the upgraded Winter Garden will attract a lot of visitors," Hilde adds. "Look at this wonderful heritage gem. The product sells itself, doesn't it?"

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