Organization Stichting Vrienden van Database Coevorden
Berend van der Weide
Chairman
Born in 1962 and grew up in the inner city of Coevorden. From his primary school years at the Dutch Reformed school in Coevorden, stimulated by headmaster Huib Minderhoud, he has always been involved with the history of the city of Coevorden, relocation of the Jewish cemetery, as an advisor to the local museum, assessor of the Picardtclub, writer about the Second World War in Coevorden and now founder and administrator of Database Coevorden with a fantastic team.
Jan Bos
Board Member
A born and raised Drent and for many years active in preserving and promoting the history of the province. He worked among others at the Drents Archief and therefore has broad knowledge of the regional past. In addition, he has been an assessor of the Picardtclub, a historical organization focused on exchanging knowledge and delving into local history. He also volunteers for various initiatives that contribute to keeping Drenthe culture and heritage alive. From this background, he serves as a board member of the foundation Vrienden van Database Coevorden.
Bea Mepschen
Board Member
Bea Mepschen was born in Klazienaveen (municipality of Emmen) and grew up in Coevorden. She received her education in Coevorden, in the historic building of the former vocational school for girls, and in Emmen. After her school years, she always worked within the family business. From a young age, Bea has had a strong interest in the local history of Coevorden, with a particular focus on the period around the Second World War. From this involvement, she serves as a board member of the foundation Vrienden van Database Coevorden to keep the history of the city alive and pass it on to future generations.
Sonja Geurts – Japenga
Board Member
History runs like a common thread through my life. From my love for heritage, I became a publisher of books about both material and immaterial heritage. Many of my publications focus on the rich history of Drenthe, the province where my own roots also lie. With this, I want to pass on and preserve stories and traditions for the future. With the same commitment, I am happy to contribute to the board of Database Coevorden.
Johan Pabon
Board Member
Born and raised in Coevorden, photography is in his blood. His passion finds its origin in the work of his grandfather, who as an amateur captured the world around him with glass photography. In 2024, Johan published a special photo book containing the best works of his grandfather - images that touch the soul and make the spirit of the times tangible. With his love for photography and eye for detail, Johan not only captures the moment but also preserves history. This combination of creativity and historical awareness makes him a valuable addition as a board member of the Stichting Vrienden van Database Coevorden.
Then and Now team
Klaas Hofer
Then & Now
Klaas Hofer, originally from Emmen, has a passion for comparing past and present in Coevorden. With his "Then and Now" photos, he brings together old postcards of the city with the current situation. His work gives followers of Database Coevorden a unique look at the changes over time and is highly appreciated by the community.
Delpher Team Database Coevorden
Albert Breman
For someone retired there is always something to do
I am not a born Drent. But after years of wandering, I have landed with great pleasure in Coevorden, a city with a illustrious history. And how can you get to know this city and its inhabitants better than by immersing yourself in its past? That is why I have become a team member of Database Coevorden with great pleasure.
Nico Manuel
From sports to steam tram
At the moment, Nico is delving into the development of sports field De Pampert, a place that has had meaning for generations of athletes. At the same time, he is diving into the history of volleyball club Vonk, where countless memories and sporting highlights are hidden. And as if that were not enough, he is also researching the steam tram route that once ran through Coevorden - a journey through time that he reconstructs using old postcards.
Database Coevorden Administrators
Eddy Cokart
Administrator
Eddy Cokart is one of the first administrators of Database Coevorden. Born in the inner city of Coevorden and later grew up on Poppenhare, he has carried the city in his heart all his life. From the start of Database Coevorden, Eddy has been committed to keeping the local history alive. To this day, he is actively posting old photos daily, ensuring that memories and stories of Coevorden are preserved and shared with a wide audience.
Berend van der Weide
Administrator
Born in 1962 and grew up in the inner city of Coevorden. From his primary school years at the Dutch Reformed school in Coevorden, stimulated by headmaster Huib Minderhoud, he has always been involved with the history of the city of Coevorden, relocation of the Jewish cemetery, as an advisor to the local museum, assessor of the Picardtclub, writer about the Second World War in Coevorden and now founder and administrator of Database Coevorden.
Martin Duizendstra
Administrator
Martin Duizendstra, born and raised in Coevorden, has been passionate about music, singing and photography from a young age. As one of the first administrators of Database Coevorden, he plays an important role behind the scenes. Where possible, he provides assistance, always with an eye for detail and involvement. His talent for photography has been of great value in capturing special moments. As a volunteer, Martin contributed significantly to the documentation of the many activities surrounding the writer of the book series Coevorden during WWII. With this, he helps not only to preserve the history of the city but also to make it lively and accessible to a wide audience.