In 1966, sixty years ago, Opbouwwerk Heuvelland (Development Work Heuvelland) started in 14 villages with the aim of improving quality of life. This innovative approach, which emphasized collaboration with residents, associations, politicians, and civil servants, evolved into a broad rural policy. Themes such as housing, agriculture, nature and landscape, culture, tourism, and economy expanded the scope of regional development.
From 1972 onwards, Samenlevingsopbouw Veurne – Diksmuide (Community Development Veurne-Diksmuide) followed the same philosophy. In 1989, Samenlevingsopbouw Westhoek took over the operations. This regional development work laid the foundation for a tailored area policy for the Westhoek, developed by and for the region's inhabitants. From the 1990s, this dynamic was continued through the Westhoekoverleg (Westhoek Consultation), the provincial area development work, and the regional operations of the Westvlaamse Intercommunale (WVI).
This rich history has been compiled in the publication ‘Samenwerken in de Westhoek – Het verhaal van het opbouwwerk en de streekontwikkeling’ (Working Together in Westhoek – The Story of Development Work and Regional Development), authored by Filip Boury, Niek De Roo, Filip De Rynck, and Bern Paret. An extensive reading group of individuals who played a role in this story provided support.
CO7, Streekwerking Provincie West-Vlaanderen (Regional Work Province West Flanders), DVV Westhoek, and Hydra cordially invite you to the presentation of this book. The event will take place on Tuesday, November 24th at 7:30 PM in Dorpshuis Kemmis (the former church), Sint-Laurentiusplein 2 in Kemmel.
“"We hope to welcome you there."
The program includes a presentation on the start of Opbouwwerk Heuvelland by André Desmet, the presentation of the publication by Filip De Rynck, and a reflection by Jurgen Vanlerberghe, Eva Ryde, and Henk Vandaele. The event will conclude with a networking moment, including drinks and snacks, and musical accompaniment by Frank Verdru and Wim Chielens.
