Capelle's New Year Celebration Draws Enthusiastic Swimmers
Zwemvereniging ACZ Rings in the Year With Warm New Year’s Dive at Aquapelle
This past Friday, the local swimming club Zwemvereniging ACZ from Capelle celebrated the New Year with enthusiasm and camaraderie, kicking off their event with a unique twist on the traditional New Year’s swim. Instead of braving cold waters, members and friends took part in what they termed a ‘warm’ New Year’s plunge at the Aquapelle swimming pool.
“It was really fun to jump in (almost) simultaneously with such a large group,” exclaimed the club's representatives, reflecting the joyful spirit of the gathering. This event, held within the safe and warm confines of the swimming facility, encouraged participation from the community and added a festive touch to begin the year on a positive note.
Meanwhile, just down the road, the Oeteldonk community was abuzz with excitement as the first copy of the highly anticipated sticker album, ‘Historisch Oeteldonk,' was unveiled. This album celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Oeteldonk's famous carnival and is now being distributed for free at all Jumbo stores across Den Bosch. Residents can collect special stickers over the next two months with purchases made at the supermarkets.
The album's release was celebrated at the Oeteldonks Gemintemuzejum with the attendance of notable figures, including Vice Prime Minister William Koppers and former carnival leaders such as Piet Lathouwers and Karel Noordzij. The event highlights the community's commitment to preserving and celebrating local traditions. Participants were encouraged to explore this recommendation: “This book is truly worth the read!”
Further enriching the community spirit, the Jehovah’s Witnesses from Uden held an open house event last Saturday, inviting local residents to view the newly renovated Kingdom Hall located on Tamboerijnstraat. Over the course of two months, significant renovations took place, involving the efforts of 139 volunteer builders, many of whom were women, along with another 80 volunteers contributing to catering and cleaning efforts.
“Almost all the work was carried out inside, focusing on the auditorium, which has been completely stripped down and redesigned,” remarked Greg Teunissen, one of the hosts of the open day. The changes were not just aesthetic; the renovations included upgrades to sound systems and ventilation, enhancing the space for community gatherings.
With these improvements, the Hall now accommodates over 160 attendees, serving about 150 Jehovah’s Witnesses from the Uden area. Regular meetings are scheduled twice weekly, with Sunday sessions featuring Bible readings open to the public. One local resident expressed surprise at not having visited the building before: “I’ve lived here for years, but I had never been inside.”
Local community events like these not only strengthen neighborhood ties but also bring everyone together for festivities, cultural appreciation, and shared experiences. With the New Year celebrated by swimmers, enthusiasm for the local carnival culture, and renovated spaces available for community worship, Capelle and Uden exemplify the vibrant spirit of community engagement.
It’s clear from these gatherings and celebrations how local initiatives create connections among residents, promote shared values, and highlight the uniqueness of each community.