Bronze Shell 2026 for the Biberbunker Foundation
During the New Year's reception on January 12, Mayor Arno Scheepers presented the Bronze Shell 2026 award to the board of the Biberbunker Foundation.
The volunteers of the foundation have been working for years to preserve the cultural heritage of the Biber radar station and other bunkers in Oostvoorne. Their efforts are not only of historical and cultural importance, but also of great value to society and education.
The Biberbunker has been open to the public since the late 1990s. Volunteers take care of maintenance, exhibitions, and guided tours, including for schools. The number of activities and visitors is growing, with a special focus on education for young and old. The foundation organizes events, maintains the bunkers, and collaborates with partners such as the Zuid-Hollands Landschap and the province. For example, a parabolic dune was recently constructed with sand released during the excavation of the Biberbunker, and the bunkers serve as winter quarters for bats. This demonstrates Health nature and heritage.
The award is in recognition of the foundation's long-standing and valuable efforts. They link historical Health education and social engagement. In this way, they raise awareness of our freedom and the impact of war. The foundation makes heritage visible, tangible, and future-proof, and promotes the municipality Voorne aan Zee , nationally, and internationally. It is therefore an example to the community.
The Bronze Shell
Every year, the municipality Voorne aan Zee presents the Bronzen Schelp (Bronze Shell) – a special award that shows appreciation and gratitude for long-term and exceptional achievements within our municipality. This prestigious award honors residents, groups, or organizations that have been wholeheartedly committed to various fields such as sports, science, culture, or history for at least ten years. This is the third time that the Bronze Shell has been awarded. The Bronze Shell was designed by artist Else Mulder-van Gemeren and is inspired by the contours of Voorne aan Zee its connection to the sea.