Gerrit Jan Heinen

AALTEN, 22 May. While one frequently encounters a dismissive judgement regarding the intellectual development of the so-called “Achterhoek farmer” — a sentiment which is admittedly shared by many in this region as well — the following case certainly serves to cultivate an opposing view.

The clockwork in the tower of the Dutch Reformed Church, manufactured in 1861 by a certain Mr Bartstra, an expert in that trade, soon proved to be of too light a construction. Consequently, deliberations were held on how to remedy its inherent flaws. Years passed, however, without any improvement in the situation, until a couple of years ago, a certain Mr Heinen, an amateur clockmaker residing at the smallholding of Kampe in IJzerlo, within this municipality, approached the gentlemen of the churchwardens. He assured them that he was fully capable of manufacturing an entirely new clockwork that would meet all requirements. He was subsequently granted permission, after a prior agreement was reached regarding the price and terms of payment, which would not take place until unconditional approval of the delivered work had been granted.

Astonishment at the short-sightedness of the churchwardens for entrusting such a matter to an untrained layman was not in short supply. Now, however, after many have convinced themselves — both during manufacturing and after completion — of the truly beautiful construction designed and executed by Heinen himself, and now that this clockwork enjoys universal satisfaction regarding both its striking and timekeeping mechanisms, that astonishment has given way to a rightful admiration of Heinen’s skill in this craft, in which he never received any formal instruction whatsoever. We heartily wish that his further endeavours may meet with the same favourable outcome as he has experienced in this matter.