Veghel is a modern, dynamic municipality with almost 37,000 inhabitants. As you have probably already noticed, it lies on the Zuid-Willemsvaart, which is the canal that connects the towns of 's-Hertogenbosch, Veghel and Helmond. Veghel has always been a regional centre, and that position has become increasingly more prominent. This influences virtually all aspects of public life.

The name "Veghel" is mentioned on documents dating back to 1310. Roman coins and burial mounds with Gallo-Roman urns have been discovered within our city limits too. These finds point to early settlements on the small river the Aa, which divides our town center.

These early settlers used the municipal lands as communal grounds. In 1310, Duke John II of Brabant formalized the existing situation by selling these grounds to the parishioners of "Vechele" for 200 Leuven pounds. This is why Duke John II is regarded as the founder of Veghel.

Sources from the 17th century on, show Veghel to be an important town in the Meijerij region, especially for trade. A lot of hop was exported to Germany, where it was used to make beer. Veghel's inhabitants also sold dairy products on the markets of our neighbouring town Sint Oedenrode, in 's-Hertogenbosch, and to the province of Holland. Cattle were sold mostly in the Langstraat.

Between 1822 and 1826 the Zuid-Willemsvaart was dug out. A harbour a kilometre long connected the centre of Veghel with this canal, making Veghel an even more important centre of trade and commerce than it already was. Veghel imported construction materials, coal and wood, and exported the products of agriculture, cattle breeders, tanneries, corn- and oil mills and home-weavers. The first major industries came to Veghel in the beginning of the 20th century and from that moment on, Veghel's development gained momentum.

 

All this made Veghel the modern and dynamic community it is today: a town that is "brimming over" with energy in every way. We have a variety of beautiful residential areas, as you will see for yourself in the film you are about to watch. We try to take into account, as much as possible, new developments and the needs of the residents. The housing conditions, which, after all, are vital to the quality of life in a residential area, are closely monitored.

Veghel can also boast an active club life. We have high-quality and modern sports accommodations, and numerous cultural and recreational facilities. Shopping in our town's centre is an enjoyable and memorable experience. Perhaps you have already wandered through it.

We also have many high-quality medical and social services. This complex of facilities has been composed with great care and we are doing everything we can to keep it at its current high level and, when possible, to improve upon it. The same goes for Veghel's educational facilities.

 

Traditionally, Veghel has always been a regional centre, and we, the town council, would like to maintain this position in the future.

This regional function is also crystal clear when we look at our economic activities. Veghel has over 25,000 jobs, more than half of which are held by non-residents.

Our town has made it into the Top Ten of Dutch business cities for a good number of years now and has been nominated again this year. This excellent work climate is created, among other things, by Veghel's convenient location, the presence of highly qualified workers (thanks to the outstanding educational facilities) and by the energetic and decisive business licensing policy of the town council. Judging by the number of inland navigation vessels and tonnage shipped, Veghel is one of the largest inland harbours in The Netherlands.

 

We have in the past, as we will do in the future, put a lot of energy and consultation in trying to build a town where the conditions for living, working and socializing come as close to perfect as we can create them.