Orange tulips will bloom in Farnham next spring in memory of a Dutchman who spent more than four decades contributing to the life of his adopted town.

Dr Hans DuMoulin, who died 93 at the end of last month, had lived in Farnham since 1983.

He became a familiar figure through his support for its cultural, historical and charitable organisations.

Among the causes particularly close to his heart was Farnham’s long-standing friendship with the Dutch town of Haren.

Farnham Haren Link 1950 Vintage Photo
A vintage image showing the mayor of Haren, in the north east of The Netherlands, meeting Farnham townsfolk at the April 1950 ceremony. (Brian Daniels)

The relationship dates back to 1950, when around 150 people from Haren visited Farnham during International Goodwill Week, just five years after the end of the Second World War.

Three years later, the Netherlands was struck by one of the worst natural disasters in its history.

On the night of January 31 to February 1, 1953, a powerful North Sea storm combined with a high spring tide, overwhelming coastal defences and causing catastrophic flooding.

More than 1,800 people were killed in the Netherlands, tens of thousands were forced from their homes and vast areas of farmland were inundated.

Farnham Town Council says Haren Garden, beside South Street, commemorates the friendship between the two communities and the generosity shown by Farnham residents to people in Haren following the disaster.

Hans played a personal role in ensuring that connection was not forgotten.

Farnham Haren 75 Year Anniversary
A 2025 ceremony to mark Farnham's 75-year link with the Dutch town of Haren. (Farnham Town Council)

For years he supported the annual planting of Dutch tulips in Haren Garden, donating bulbs and helping pass the story of the two towns on to younger generations.

In 2017, Hans joined children from Potters Gate Primary School and St Andrew’s Infant School as they planted dozens of bulbs he had donated.

A local historian as well as a benefactor, Hans explained the history behind the garden and the relationship between Farnham and Haren to the young gardeners.

Hans's contribution to Farnham extended far beyond Haren Garden.

A former energy planner at Shell, he had a particular interest in environmental issues and helping people less fortunate than himself.

He was involved with and supported the Farnham Theatre Association, the Farnham Society and the Probus Club of Farnham.

His keen interest in local and world history found another outlet through lectures for the Farnham Society, including on William Temple.

Hans also set up and ran courses at Farnham U3A on subjects ranging from international economics, reflecting his professional background, to geopolitics and history.

His charitable interests extended far beyond the town.

Hans supported orphanages in Kerala associated with his friend Robin Radley, a former editor of the Farnham Herald.

Closer to home, he supported Farnham-based Creative Response, which uses the arts to support people experiencing mental health problems and other difficulties, and Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice.

His support for both charities is set to continue through his legacy.

Hans was remembered for the warmth and charm he brought to life in Farnham.

But perhaps the most fitting reminder of the Dutchman who made Farnham his home will appear next spring.

A tribute to Hans said: “When you detect a sea of orange tulips in Haren Garden next spring, think of him. They will have been planted in his memory.”

Hans leaves his wife Sieglinde, his children Robby and Anneke, and two grandchildren Jake and Toby.