Ground stewardess makes switch to overalls
A new beginning
From an elegant women’s dress suit to macho overalls: this could be a terrific advertisement for a telecommunications provider. For Anneke, it became a reality following a career at Eindhoven airport and surviving cancer.
She describes herself as a creative, spontaneous woman who enjoys being around people. Anneke de Vocht-Vink was born in Gemert 57 years ago and after some wanderings in the country she ended up back in De Rips ten years ago. ,Back to my roots', as she puts it. Until just a few years ago, Anneke worked at Eindhoven Airport. I worked there for more than 34 years at Viggo, which sees to all of the services provided at the airport. I started out as a ground stewardess. Later on, my responsibilities expanded and I became involved in training courses, recruitment and selection. In addition, she and her husband Ruud started a bed and breakfast in De Rips. Things could not be better, until Anneke developed breast cancer in 2012. She was then put through the mill of our health care system. I went through the whole caboodle: from chemotherapy to operations and follow-up treatments. Once that ordeal ended, I figured I would just get back to work. But things turned out differently. Everything she did cost energy and that was precisely what Anneke lacked.
Welding
She quit her job in 2014. She somehow managed to find the strength to walk to Santiago de Compostella. A very special experience, striking out on my own. Having to depend on yourself. But once I returned home, nothing had changed. I simply lacked the energy. It was then that we decided to stop running the bed and breakfast.’ Her oncologist drew Anneke’s attention to the study 'Fatigue after breast cancer'. This proved to be a turning point for Anneke. I once again had the energy to take initiative and I came up with the idea to weld works of art. I did need a few welding lessons from my husband. At first, my work wasn’t very good, but with time I became more skilled. My small works of art were well received and I even landed my first small commissions. This was something totally different and it gave me a sense of purpose. Nowadays, Anneke takes part in fairs and meets a lot of people. She can decide for herself how to organise her time. And should she not be feeling well, then she can take the time to rest. The idea is to open their garden to the public so as to allow others the opportunity to admire the works of art. Some of the works of art are also shown here.
To her husband Ruud, Anneke is a cool woman in overalls who enjoys working with a welder. Anneke, on the other hand, hopes to get a message across with her work. Start from your own strength. And if you lack strength for whatever reason, then try to stay positive. Never say never and always take control of your own life.
