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Magazine Contributors Jan Weijdt Roosendaal: charming and enterprising
Magazine Contributors Jan Weijdt Roosendaal: charming and enterprising
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There are not many cities in Brabant which, talking about themselves, start their tale with these words, "charming and enterprising". Particularly in this easy-going province showing off about what you are good at it is simply not done. That also applies to cities. by Jan Weijdt Lees de Nederlandse versie van dit artikel hier  Dynamic region centreAccording to a brochure, published under the responsibility of the municipal authorities, it is about time that this is going to be changed. And, in actual fact, why not if you have something to offer. Lately I went here, with my better half, to have a look. Although the whether did not cooperate very well that day, I nevertheless had been pleasantly surprised about the beauty Roosendaal has to offer, particularly in the old town centre. Here, like many other towns and villages, municipal restructuring took place some years ago. The territory of the city exists of Roosendaal city and the villages Wouw, Wouwse Plantage, Moerstraten, Heerle and Nispen. All in all more than 75,000 inhabitants. Clever structures For decades, they cleverly barred all kinds of forms of industrial activity from the town centre by offering craftily located industrial estates. With rail, waterways and excellent road network connecting to Rotterdam, Breda and Bergen op Zoom and Antwerp. As a result, the city remained quite open in its layout, with beautiful green parks, an attractive mix of buildings and three spacious shopping centres. Surrounded by car-free pedestrian areas. The inner city of Roosendaal is the prime shopping precinct of this region. That history takes a separate place here, can be concluded from the many well-maintained historical properties and other objects. One of the important landmarks is the majestic water tower. Like a giant it sticks out above the roofs of the surrounding houses, as can be seen on this photograph in the Dr. Heijpstraat. Trusting their large brother, the tower, the entire row of houses leans neatly in its shadow. Generations grew up with this picture and they saw that it was right this way.  Exploration by footYou only get an idea of the correct proportions of the city centre if you park the car and continue by foot. Near the tower, the imposing building of the former music school arises, on the corner of the Vrouwenhoflaan. Initially this capital villa was the property of a farmer and landowner. A kind of Donald Trump of Roosendaal. Later on the villa was used for meditating by an order of convent sisters. Later it was the music school's turn to occupy the building. In the meantime they have relocated to a building that suits modern requirements more adequately. At this moment, (but what can one call current…) the villa is used by a group of students who have squattered the property (according to the latest rumours). What my generation did in Amsterdam in the sixties, repeats itself now in Roosendaal. So to point the finger can be a bit tricky. The pot calls the kettle …. Living cultural Roosendaal is also very proud of its cultural properties and values. The Tongerlohuys, situated on one of the beautiful old broad streets in the centre, houses museum De Ghulden Roos. It is renowned for its collection of glass, china and silverware as well as an unique collection of ancient toys. On the market square one can still admire those typical Dutch step-roofed houses. Also the old building of the former mail office is well preserved. Unfortunately an Asian restaurant now occupies it. With associated advertising.  View on Saint JanskerkOn another side of the market the frontage of the St. Jans church draws attention. The roof at the front is supported by a number of very strong pilars that gives the building a traditional charisma. Roosendaal offers a multiplicity of sport-loving and recreational events throughout the year. A short enumeration could be: Roosendaal Culinary (yum-yum…!), the half marathon, the T'ofPop festival, the annual fairs of "Kaaike Boven", jazz festivals and last but not least, the top bike racing event "De Draai van de Kaai". A real criterium game for professionals. This is the match where you can see most of the all-famous internationals participate. Belgian influence But to be honest, in general it can be said that the immediacy of the Belgian border adds extra charm to a stay in Roosendaal. Like many Brabant cities and villages the sober, typical Dutch characteristics of people and region are moderated by the direct immediacy of our friends and neighbours in the south. Roosendaal has the village of Essen as its nearest Belgian neighbour municipality. A mere five minutes drive from the town centre takes you to the centre of this beautiful, culture-rich village. Fiscal commuters Quite a number of people from Roosendaal recently established themselves on Essen's side of the border. They have also discovered the somewhat more favourable fiscal climate of Belgium. And the gastronomy in Essen (although modest) has a somewhat higher level than the Dutch average. We put it to the test and made up our minds. We will definitely return there a number of times to try out the rest of the menu. We Brabanders are good neighbours of our Flemish fellow men. And neighbours support each other, even economically. It would be a pity if our newly found restaurant would go bankrupt. For this reason alone they deserve the support of 'd Ollanders'.
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