Letter tree installed at the Dijkmagazijn Beuningen

The Book and Letter Tree at the Dijkmagazijn Beuningen

On the day of his birthday and after two years of hard work, volunteer Kees Stegenga installed our Book and Letter Tree at the Dijkmagazijn Beuningen last Sunday. Afterwards we cleaned up the Waal beaches for an hour.

The tree is a variation on the bookcases you see on the road where you can exchange or leave a book. In 2016, the Dijkmagazijn received such a cabinet in the shape of a tree as a gift. The cupboard was in such a state of disrepair that we offered to refurbish the tree. The Dijkmagazijn is one of our last places where you can pick up a bird ring.

The ‘fixer-upper’ was pilgrim Kees Stegenga from Nijmegen. Due to circumstances and especially a grand vision – “it must be beautiful!” – he installed the tree after two years of hard work, on the day of his birthday. He also treated profiteroles to go with it. A great way to celebrate your birthday.

Letter tree

Stubborn as we are, we give the Book Tree our own twist. In addition to books, you can also leave letters there. The letters contain an excerpt from your favorite book or poetry collection, accompanied by a short explanation. Whoever reads the letter, writes his name and puts the letter back in the tree. This is how a tree full of inspiration grows.

Interesting idea: pilgrims walking the Walk of Wisdom can write a letter to the tree before leaving with their intention for the trek. The Letter Tree is almost at the end of the route and it is exciting to read back what you had in your heart and head beforehand.

Write your letter to:
Book and letter tree Dijkmagazijn Beuningen
Dike 41
6641 LA Beuningen

Pilgrim’s lace on the Letter Tree

The letter can be read by fellow pilgrims and passers-by, so you are writing the letter for a small group of sympathizers. Of course, it is possible that your letter will be taken away just like that, but who knows, you may have been able to inspire someone with it and you will find a surprising, completely different kind of letter in the tree that touches you…

More about the Dike Warehouse: link.

Photos: Kees Stegenga from Nijmegen posts a letter. Carol Burgers, volunteer of the Beuningen library, reads the first letter. Cleaning up litter on the rugged Waal beaches. Pilgrim’s lace on the tree by Toos Dekker.