The story of the neighbourhood
Oh Soetendaal
19 October 2026
Dity and Marijke have lived on Soetendaal since the 1970s. They talk about building meetings in the builder’s site hut, the very first neighbourhood party, six-a-side games and canoe trips, and the sheep that walked through the neighbourhood every week in 1980.
Talk to Dity and Marijke, two residents who have been here from the very start, and it soon becomes clear that their street, Soetendaal, is much more than a row of houses. It is a place full of memories, friendships and activities that people still look back on with great pleasure.
Marijke has lived there since her house was completed in 1977. Dity moved from Groningen to the Hanevoet in February 1974, and in 1980 to Soetendaal in the Ooievaarsnest. Although they were not neighbours from day one, they now share decades of good memories.
What makes it special is that the bond in the street began before the houses were even finished. At meetings held by the builder, future residents came together to discuss how the construction was going. They did not just look at building plans; they also made plans of their own. Residents joined forces for shared purchases, such as double glazing. The foundations of a close-knit neighbourhood were laid.
That sense of togetherness came into full bloom at the very first neighbourhood party. The venue? The builder’s site hut. Perhaps not the most atmospheric party hall by today’s standards, but the party was a great success. After that first year the neighbourhood party moved to the grounds next to Roto, and these days it takes place on the green in the neighbourhood.
There was never a shortage of activities. With a smile, the two women mention the legendary six-a-side games, pétanque competitions, Sinterklaas celebrations, visits from the Easter Bunny, volleyball tournaments and barbecues with live music on one of the residents’ organ. Children put on performances, and canoe trips were organised that ended at the Klotputten. Being bored was simply not an option.
And as if that does not sound special enough: in 1980 sheep even walked through the neighbourhood every week. A sight that is hard to imagine today, but fortunately a photo with this article still brings it back.
Still, the two women notice that the neighbourhood has changed over the years. Only a few of the original residents are left, and the ties between neighbours have become weaker. In their view, children play outside less, and fewer people want to spend time organising activities. Fortunately, Marijke and Dity also see good things happening. They see children of former residents moving back to the neighbourhood, and that feels like coming home. And although, as far as they are concerned, the six-a-side games could be organised again tomorrow, above all they are grateful for everything the street has given them.
One thing they know for sure: they love living here and have no plans to leave any time soon. Their street still feels like home.
From the archive
Two newspaper articles from 2005, when the residents’ association turned thirty. Click on a clipping to enlarge it.