Audio fragment: The Blue Lifeline

This audio fragment is part of the Textielroute Land van de Peel. View the route at visitbrabant.com/textielroutelandvandepeel.

[Uncle Kees]: 'So Anton, here we are then. In front of Helmond Castle, where we both cycle past every day. Come on, turn your back to the castle. What do you see?'

[Anton]: 'I see... the Castle Square, the viaduct where the Castle Traverse runs over. And there, further on: the canal. Or [knaal] as we say in Helmond.'

[Uncle Kees]: 'Exactly! The canal. The blue lifeline that plays a central role in the history of our city and region. Here, right behind us, lies the Vlisco factory and outlet. And there, to the north, further along the canal, lies Raymakers. Two textile factories a stone's throw away from each other. And that's not for nothing.'

[Anton]: 'I have a suspicion that the channel plays an important role in that.'

[Uncle Kees]: 'That's right. You have to imagine: there haven't always been trucks and highways. The Zuid-Willemsvaart was dug to transport raw materials and products more cheaply and easily between North and South Netherlands.'

[Anton]: 'The canal is like a highway of old, right thru the city. Hence the factories here! By the way, did you know that the velvet curtains in my living room come from Raymakers? That it's quality, you can see right away. The pleating, how rich the color remains, the beautiful fabric. I understand why this company can put 'royal' in its name. And that they are doing so well internationally. Everywhere in the world, you can encounter this Helmond textile!'

[Uncle Kees]: 'Well, what you say. And the same goes for Vlisco, of course. You see those fabrics a lot in Africa.'

[Anton]: 'Yes, the Vlisco outlet. I like going there. Both Raymakers and Vlisco are still clearly visible in the city. How special is that? It makes me feel like I am part of a larger whole.'

[Uncle Kees]: 'Indeed, Anton. The textile past hangs in the air here.'