Fifty years with the Winkbülle
Roland Oostwegel receives the Gouden Ezel
Oostwegel Goudsmid3 min read
The Winkbülle has honoured Roland Oostwegel with the Gouden Ezel, the Golden Donkey. It is a special mark of appreciation for his long involvement, and for fifty years of connection between our family and the carnival society.
As a goldsmith in Heerlen, we are proud of the chains, medals and sceptres we have made for the Winkbülle over the years. Behind these pieces lies a history that began in 1976 with Louis Oostwegel.
A collaboration that began in 1976
In 1976 Wiel Knipa, Funs Pelt and Huub Kater approached goldsmith Louis Oostwegel with a question: could he design something meaningful for the Winkbülle? It became the start of a collaboration that grew into a close bond.
Louis supported the society as a sponsor and gave shape to its traditions with his craft. He designed and made the silver chain of the Prince, with the familiar laughing donkey. A recognisable symbol that, to this day, holds a special place within the Winkbülle.
Chains and sceptres from our atelier
When Roland took over the goldsmith business from his father, he continued that collaboration. Every year our atelier makes the silver medals for the Prince and his adjutants, as well as the copper medals for the youth. The silver and gold donkeys awarded as honorary pendants are made here too.
Roland also made the silver sceptre for the Prince and the bronze sceptre for the youth. The laughing donkey gives both sceptres their recognisable character.
These pieces take on their meaning in the moments they are worn. They appear in photographs that are kept for years, and so become part of the memories and the history of the society.
A chain of her own for the first Youth Princess
The collaboration keeps developing. For the first Youth Princess in the history of the Winkbülle, a fitting chain was made in our atelier. A special request that shows how an existing tradition can make room for something new.
With commissions like these, the work begins with the meaning behind the design. Who is it made for, on which occasion will it be worn, and which story should it carry? That attention makes an honour personal.
A special honour for a former Prince
For Roland, the bond with the Winkbülle is personal too. In 2008 he represented the society as Prince. He has therefore lived the traditions to which he contributes as a goldsmith.
The Gouden Ezel is, for him, a tribute to the whole family, and to his father in particular. In his own words:
I see this honour not only as appreciation for my own commitment, but certainly also as a tribute to my father, who laid the foundation fifty years ago.
Roland Oostwegel
From Louis to Roland and Veerle
The next generation has learned the goldsmith’s craft as well. His daughter Veerle is ready to continue the family tradition. The story that began with Louis thus goes on, with the wish to keep the bond with the Winkbülle.
We thank the board and the members of the Winkbülle for this special appreciation and for fifty years of trust. Roland will wear the Gouden Ezel with pride.
Goldsmith and jeweller in Heerlen
You will find that attention to meaning and personal craftsmanship in all our work. A chain for a society, a special gift, or a piece of jewellery that tells a family story: every design begins with the story of the people we make it for.
Do you have a wish for a personal piece of jewellery? You are welcome at Oostwegel Goudsmid, Geleenstraat 55 in Heerlen. Discover what is possible for a bespoke piece, or contact our atelier.