Tradere

The boys stand proudly in front of their mural, which shows all facets and traditions of the place that they call home. Tradition comes from the Latin verb “tradere”, to convey. So, it actually means something like 'that, which is passed on'. The Zwanennest has many such things that are passed on from generation to generation: a logical consequence of living with similar people for 50 years.

This is also how certain myths arise. The boys confide in us that almost everyone asks them about their (lack of a) shower. This issue became especially interesting during the COVID-19 pandemic when all sports facilities had to close. The residents of the Zwanennest were the only ones who had permission from the municipality to enter Njord's building since their shower is situated there.

But, the residents wish to emphasize that the Zwanennest is so much more than just those stories. It is a place where generations of rowers from the boat club, that has been on the Morsweg since the beginning of Transvaal (1874), have grown up, where international successes have been formed, but also where the youngest residents are raised to drink Friday morning coffees with their cleaning lady. It thus bridges the gap between the Transvaal where the oldest student rowing club in the Netherlands is located, and the Transvaal where many Leiden residents still like to live.

As other stories (link Wolmarans) also demonstrate, Transvaal has changed a lot over the years, but the Zwanennest has deeply nestled itself on the Mors. Even with an extension of the K.S.R.V. “Njord” in the future, they will remain a constant factor. On to the next 50 years of Zwanennest, maybe the neighborhood will get another beautiful mural…!