Hilversum Mayor Gerhard van den Top is getting acquainted with Wijdemeren. When the municipalities merge in January 2027, he will become mayor of the new municipality of Hilversum. Therefore, he is paying an introductory visit to all the villages. During this visit, Mayor Mark Verheijen symbolically hands over 'the story of Wijdemeren' to him. The first visit was to Ankeveen.
Ankeveen is known for the Ankeveense Plassen, natural ice, and active village life. At the market, the Havenloos Men's Choir provided a warm welcome. This was followed by meetings with residents, associations, and local initiatives. During a walk from the ASV grounds to Natuurrijk Ankeveen and the ice club, residents shared what these places mean to them. Van den Top views Ankeveen as a village with a rich associational life, many volunteers, and a strong sense of community. He considered the visit a great step towards the new municipality.
