Residents of Oosterhout can share the heat together from Monday in nine public areas – where the stove is already burning anyway. That way, the thermostat can stay low at home. “In times of sky-high inflation and skyrocketing energy costs, the idea is to use a heat source with more people. And it’s so cozy,” says GBV council member Hannie van Broekhoven, who came up with the idea.
On the door of Podium Pannehoef on Wilhelminalaan, Van Broekhoven pasted the first special sticker that should invite residents to come in, where it is nice and warm.
Have a chat
She hopes for homeworkers, children who come to do homework and local residents who come to drink a cup of coffee. “I’m going to do it myself. Because why would I turn on the stove at home if I can also come and work here? Here you meet other people with whom you can have a chat. But you can also just do your own thing.”
The main hall of Podium Pannehoef is still empty. A sticker is also pasted on the door of the De Bussel theater in the center of Oosterhout. Inside, some elderly people are already reading a newspaper. They think sharing heat is a good initiative, but it doesn’t add much to them. “I’ve been coming here every day for years. To meet people and the walk here keeps my joints flexible. And yes, the stove can be turned off at home,” says an elderly lady.
Library
The adjoining library also welcomes the extra visitors. “The heating is nice and high here. People can read their newspaper here and drink coffee. If they sometimes come to borrow a book, then it’s all right,” laughs library employee Nancy.
In addition to the Pannehoef and the Bussel, residents can also get free heat at Theek 5, Surplus, Den Brink village hall, Oostquartier village hall and De Klip village hall. The municipality of Oosterhout is also starting a so-called ‘Energy Savings Team’ that will install draft strips, radiator foil and letterbox brushes in residents’ homes.
“I hope that we will get through the winter together in Oosterhout,” says Hannie van Broekhoven.