All posts by Hetty

Hetty is a living Monument

On the special night in Werkendam with Hetty as the guest speaker, the MC called her a “living monument”.

We have been asked to add this little video for everyone to see. Although it is in Dutch we think it’s worth sharing with everyone.

https://hetty.com.au/?p=450

and just to show her popularity even more…while she is away in Seville there’s been a full page spread in a Dutch Newspaper. And a lovely pic of Hetty after autographing a book for a fan. And here is Pam Werkendam, Hetty’s travel companion and sister in law.

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Hetty in Seville – Spain

Hetty's Tour 2015, When Hetty Talks People Listen, ,

Hetty will be speaking at the University of Seville tomorrow May 6th 2015 in the Salon de actos de la Facultad de CC. de la Educacion  (The university Auditorium) at 16.30 – 18.30.

If you been unable to see her talks this tour, now would be the perfect opportunity to catch up with her for this event. The recent release of Spanish version of Hetty’s Book – The Children’s House of Bergen Belsen will be the highlight of this event.

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Hetty at Bergen Belsen 70th Anniversay

Hetty on TV, Hetty's Tour 2015

Hetty joined a scattering of other old survivors and British soldiers at Bergen Belsen this year. Numbers are dwindling but it was obvious that many of 2nd generation and relatives of survivors came to show their respects in this year of great significance. It is the 70th year commemoration of the liberation of Belsen. In sometimes pouring rain the tributes of respect continued. Hetty noticeable in her hot pink coat was followed around this year not only by some fans who continue to come up to her during her walks but also by Channel Seven. We will see this footage in the near future.

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Hetty in Werkendam

When Hetty Talks People Listen

Hetty’s Forefather Mozes Werkendam was born in Werkendam in 1737 and she was invited by the Werkendam Council,  as a special guest to give a lecture, at the 70th year commemoration of the ending of WWII. Many questions were asked on the open mike, afterwards and was then followed by her usual book signing with a very long line of eager fans. Hetty is very generous of her time at  her book signings and always gives a special message to each and every fan who has queued.

Hetty on – Smuggling Sausgages – Belsen

https://www.facebook.com/vvd.aalburg/videos/vb.100000749392900/984488641586106/?type=3&theater

Hetty’s Thanks to the people of Werkendam

https://www.facebook.com/vvd.aalburg/videos/vb.100000749392900/984176184950685/?type=3&theater

The long queue of fans wanting Hetty to autograph their books.

https://www.facebook.com/vvd.aalburg/videos/vb.100000749392900/984134698288167/?type=3&theater

thanks to Sylvana de Baker for these wonderful images and videos.

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Hetty on Netherlands TV on RTL

Hetty on TV

Hetty is gaining a great fan base in the Netherlands. Last night on Late Night, (RTL) Hetty had an extended interview of over 24 minutes and from all accounts people wanted more. “The reaction has been wonderful” Hetty said via phone yesterday on route to Paris.

 http://www.rtlxl.nl/#!/rtl-late-night-301978/977f0e82-8067-d59f-a0cd-c78978f51e63

now on YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ORNubB800w

and

 

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ORNubB800w

 

 

Hetty's book in Amsterdam

Hetty’s Book in Amsterdam

Uncategorized

A lovely bit of news today from Laura Werkendam, Hetty’s cousin, who was thrilled to bits to see the new Dutch publication of The Childrens’ House of Belsen, re-titled “The Little Mother of Bergen Belsen” or “De kleine moeder van Bergen Belsen”.  It was displayed in the front window and Laura expressed her pride that her Opa (grandfather) was mentioned in the book, in the very special story about a letter written in 1941 from a Concentration Camp to Hetty’s father, Maurice Werkendam.

Summaries, Arts, Monash University

Monash Arts Summary

A summary from Monash University describes the book The Children’s House of Belsen in more detail. Here is a condensed version.

The Children’s House of Belsen is Hetty Verolme’s autobiographical account of her experiences during her imprisonment at the Bergen-Belsen Concentration camp from 1943 to liberation in 1945.

Verolme, as one of the older children, quickly established herself as a surrogate mother to the captive children, putting the needs of the children before her own. She describes in beautiful detail her affection for the children, her love for Sister Luba (one of several minders of the children), and the way that she attempts to ease the discomfort of the children in their appalling environment.

The Children’s House of Belsen is written in an accessible, yet powerful style and does not set out to shock the reader, as the tale itself is shocking enough. Verolme presents herself as a simple girl with simple morals and the courage to practise them. Verolme provides descriptions of the places and people she encounters during the Holocaust, from her surroundings at Belsen to the hospital the children are transferred to after liberation. The Children’s House of Belsen is first and foremost an account of survival and strength; of how even children can survive one of the worst atrocities the world has ever known.

A Letter From Kalgoorlie

Lets-write

Hi Hetty,

I just wanted to take an opportunity to thank you properly for your visit.  It was such an honour and a special privilege to have you in Kalgoorlie.  Our students at Goldfields Baptist College have been talking about your speech all day, and to all of their teachers.  They appreciated your traveling out to see us so much more than I could ever have imagined, and were very disappointed not to hear the end of your story.  Other students have given me money to purchase the last copies of The Children’s House of Belsen because they so badly wanted to find out how your story ended, and have asked me to get them signed for them when I come to see you in two weeks.  It is lovely to see their enthusiasm about something so important.  Many of the students who bought a copy of your book have already begun reading them.  All of our students who attended were touched by your story, and many of the staff at the school have told me they were sorely disappointed not to be able to attend.  I am sure there will be a lot of enthusiasm at the school at the prospect of getting you to visit again next year.  Certainly, the students who attended have said that they think as many students as possible need to hear you speak, so I certainly hope we can do this again in 2014.

I very much look forward to seeing you again at the beginning of September, and hope you had a pleasant flight home.

Thank you so much again for the absolute privilege of allowing me to spend so much time with you these past two days, and for making such an effort to visit our little city and speak to the students.  I know the kids who got to listen to your presentation will never forget the experience, and will hold you in their hearts for a very long time.  We don’t often get people as special as yourself to come out to us, so it will be well appreciated for many years.

Thank you again Hetty, and I’m deeply sorry for the unceremonious, very rushed farewell this morning at the airport.   I can say a proper goodbye when I see you in two weeks. J

Warmest wishes,

Marisa.