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Woudsend (The Netherlands)

Wymbritseradiel municipality, Fryslân province

by Jarig Bakker, 23 Sep 2003

Woudsend village (Wâldsein)
A "seine"
Woudsend CoA

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Woudsend village (Wâldsein)

Woudsend (Frisian: Wâldsein) is a village in Wymbritseradiel municipality in Fryslân province, with (1958) 1057; (1974) 1074 inhabitants. The name means: end of the woods, referring to the "Friese Wouden". In the 1950's there were four churches, one of which has become the famous pub "It Ponkje", named after the collection bag. It is an important sailing village, with a terrace filled with experts watching sailors passing the low bridge. In the 18th century shipbuilding and wood-industry made it a florishing village, and some stately houses were built then. In 1337 a Carmelite convent was founded here, which lasted till 1593.
Nickname: "Driuwpôllen" (floating tussocks, as found on the Slotermeer and in the many canals around Woudsend), "Einekneppelers" (duck-clubbers, put a duck in a barrel, throw clubs, and see Roordahuizum).
Formerly Woudsenders used "seines" (drag-nets) for fishing on the Slotermeer and Hegermeer. A "seine" with lead-weights was lowered into the water, with cork keeping it floating. The net's maximum length was 250 meters and in the middle was a bag ("tsjoele"). It was slowly pulle