From flag guard to volunteer at RBT De Langstraat
Ricardo tells how his volunteer work actually started quite naturally. "Before I joined RBT, I was already active in the Flag Guard," he explains. On special days and during events, he and other volunteers raised the flag on the tower. One day a call appeared in the group app for people interested in becoming a guide on the tower. He remembers that moment well. "That call immediately appealed to me. And that's how the ball got rolling."
His love of history plays a big part in this. Ricardo thinks for a moment and smiles. "That fascination began early on," he says. As a child he wandered through the meadows around Geertruidenberg, always looking for traces of the past. "What all happened here over the centuries ... it remains almost unimaginable." It is precisely these stories that he wants to pass on to others. Volunteering is for him a way to give something back as well as to keep the rich history of the city alive. "In a time when everyone is busy, this is perhaps more important than ever."
Volunteering at the Tourist Information Point Geertruidenberg
An average day as a volunteer may not necessarily be hugely spectacular, but according to Ricardo that is precisely why it is so nice. Everything is well organized: he knows when he is expected, the key is ready and the information is in order. But the real value is elsewhere. "In the encounters," he says. "In the stories you tell and sometimes get back." That's why he always prepares well. Not just to inform visitors, but to really give them something to take away.
As a city guide, Ricardo takes people into the tower, and before the tour has even begun properly, he sees it happening. "That wonder," he says. Visitors look up, gently touch the old walls and stairs and say: "Unbelievable that this has been here for so long. He laughs. "And honest? That remains beautiful."
When I ask him if he has a funny anecdote about climbing the tower, he starts laughing. Apparently, ringing the bells during the tour is always quite a happening.
Halfway up the climb, near the bells, he always warns his group nicely. 'Watch out, soon the bells are going to ring. It's really loud. Some wait in the room behind. Ricardo looks at them one by one. "Hands on your ears," he then says. And then ... BOOM. The first strike of the bell thunders through the tower. The visitors are startled. And Ricardo? He couldn't help but laugh secretly. I warned you," he says, usually followed by laughter from the group just as loud.
But according to him, the most beautiful moment comes at the very top. As soon as people step onto the roof and see the view, the conversation falls silent. Distant landmarks can be seen. For a moment, no one says anything. And then, through the hatch, the bells sound again. This time no one is startled anymore. "Then they just smile," Ricardo says. "That's my favorite moment of the whole tour."
Together strong: the volunteer team of TIP Geertruidenberg
He is also enthusiastic about the volunteer team at RBT De Langstraat. He calls the volunteers at the TIP in Geertruidenberg all top performers. "They are always there for you and offer a listening ear." There is also a lot of involvement among the city guides. They help each other, sometimes run tours together and exchange knowledge and experience. "That makes the team not only strong, but also sociable."
Finally, Ricardo likes to share a tip. Actually, he starts with the locals themselves. "Many people in the area have never climbed the tower," he says. "And that's really highly recommended." For visitors from outside, he is clear: Geertruidenberg is a beautiful fortified town that is absolutely worth a visit. "For example, come on Sundays for a tour with a city guide and climb the tower," he says. "You'll be amazed at the rich history of this special place."
Also want to become a volunteer at Bezoek De Langstraat?
At Bezoek De Langstraat we are always looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join the team. For example, there are great positions available as a desk clerk, city guide or print delivery person. You will become part of a large and pleasant team with whom we also organize several outings each year.
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