25 years of the Dutch Society of Saint James

Dutch flag Written in: Dutch • Jan van Tellingen •
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The society was founded on July 25, 1986, the feast day of Saint James, and aims to increase and deepen interest in the pilgrimage, both in the past and present. You are warmly welcome at the information center, the “House of Saint James”, for information about the journey to Santiago de Compostela and membership of the association, or a conversation with an experienced pilgrim. In addition, you can take a look at the library there and/or buy books, travel guides, maps, and CDs (the latter applies only to members!). See the website of the Dutch Society of Saint JamesThe Society wishes to generate your interest in the pilgrimage by:
  • helping walkers, cyclists, and others who want to go to Santiago de Compostela on their way;

  • the exchange of experiences among the members;
  • maintaining contacts with similar organizations at home and abroad;
  • studying historical, religious, and other cultural phenomena of the veneration of Saint James; encouraging volunteer work as a 'hospitalero voluntario' in a pilgrim hostel.
Anyone interested – regardless of political, religious, or ideological preference – who identifies with the objectives of this association may become a member. The services and activities of the society are carried out by a large number of volunteers, who play an active role as board members, regional contact persons, members of working groups, staff at the information center, etc.

The preparation

In the past, there was simply no other way: a pilgrim to Santiago de Compostela left home, almost always on foot (and… walked back home). Now, it is possible to walk or cycle all the way from the Netherlands, via Belgium and France, to Santiago de Compostela (and back!) using travel guides and markings along the way. These can provide a brief overview of the main routes, key decision points, and alternatives. Of course, it is perfectly possible to map out your own variations and depart for Santiago from other places.

Anniversary Year 2011

On the occasion of their 25th anniversary, the Dutch Society of Saint James has issued, among others, these two stamps depicting a cyclist. Two stamps featuring walkers have also been produced.

Two information centers.

The Society has two information centers in Utrecht and Vessem where experienced volunteers provide information about the walking or cycling tour to Santiago de Compostela; you can contact them with all your questions. You can also check the “frequently asked questions” or “informative links” to prepare for your trip. Along the way, there are various places to stay in the Netherlands, Belgium, France, and Spain where Dutch is spoken (sometimes broken). Often, these are Dutch people who manage a gîte or refugio. The Society has listed a number of these addresses on the website. Worth a look!

9 comments

  1. Thanks to Peter Oomes for the tip regarding the existence of these bicycle stamps. Thanks to Dirk Klop, coordinator of the Society, for his cooperation.

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  2. Dear Jan,

    A nice piece about Santiago de Compostela; the publisher of these stamps will certainly be delighted with this. If you scour the internet looking for personalized stamps, you sometimes come across cycling stamps that I haven't even seen on your site yet. On the following website, Team Davy PP sells these for 10 euros for a good cause.
    Stamp No. 2 features an image of cyclists, and the yet-to-be-issued stamp No. 4 features an image of a bicycle in the mud.
    http://www.teamdavey.nl/speciale-acties.html
    That's all for now, but I'll keep you posted.

    Dear Peter Oomes

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  3. Hi Jan,

    Nice piece of yours about Santiago de Compostela. We’ve been there by car once too, mind you, but we met an old man who had just gotten off his bike and told us that he had cycled all the way from the Netherlands. The man was alone. In the evening, we went out for dinner with him, and in the meantime, he had showered and changed clothes and had suddenly become 20 years younger. But we certainly had a nice evening with this gentleman. He spoke fascinatingly about his cycling trip to Santiago de Compostela: staying with complete strangers, at monasteries—everywhere he went, he was welcomed with open arms for the night and a meal. It was an educational and fascinating evening for us.

    Ron and Marjan Versteyne

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  4. '@Marjan & Ron, what a nice response !! That really brings this article “to life”. I wonder if Dirk from the Dutch Society will write a response as well.

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  5. Dear Jan

    It was nice to read a piece about the society and that you are drawing attention to our anniversary in this way with the stamps. I hope we cross paths again in another way other than via email or the web.
    Take care and thanks again.
    Dirk Klopp
    NGSJ coordinator

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  6. If you want, I can buy these stamps, and how much do they cost? Thanks
    How can I buy these stamps and how much do they cost? Thank you
    Please, how can I buy these stamps and how much do they cost? Thank you

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  8. Thanks Jan, I am a collector of stamps and badges, what a shame, I will try to see if you can get them through any other means, because they interest me a lot as I have all the Xacobea-themed stamps issued, except for those four. Regards

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