34 years after his tragic death, singer Wim De Craene gets his own square: “After all these years he deserves this recognition”

The name changes are especially interesting for people who live there and for the emergency services. The municipal part of the station car park will from now on be called Louise Miegemplein. A tribute to the first female municipal councilor in Wetteren. Miegem (1872-1940) was one of the few women who was elected in 1921, the year that women were allowed to participate in elections for the first time.

The bicycle connection between the Scheldedreef and the border with Schellebelle will from now on be called Scheldepad. The bicycle highway between the tunnel on Warandelaan and Schellebelle station will be named Huisvennepad. “Because the area was called that on old maps,” says Alderman of Urban Development Piet Van Heddeghem (Groen&Co).

“One of the greats”

The most remarkable new name is Wim De Craeneplein, the central square at the Art Academy, between Schoolstraat and Lange Kouterstraat. That idea has been around for some time. De Craene (1950-1990) grew up partly in Melle, but also spent a large part of his life in Wetteren. In 2018 he was voted Greatest Mellenaar.

READ ALSO. Wim De Craene is ‘Greatest Mellenaar’

“His best-known works were composed in Wetteren,” explains Alderman Van Heddeghem. “in café Romantica, in a café on the Aard, or at his home in the Lange Kouterstraat. In the early 1970s he was one of the leading cabaret artists. He easily stands next to Johan Verminnen, Walter De Buck and many others.” (Read more below the photo)

The city council approved the proposal almost unanimously. Municipal councilor Wouter Bracke (VB) also did so, but felt that the Wetteraar should have had a hand in deciding on the names. “That would have been better than deciding this in private.”

READ ALSO. 32 years after his death, Wim De Craene is alive again: tribute concert in Melle and possible square named after him in Wetteren

Independent municipal councilor Ira Lina Piscador (ex-N-VA) abstained. “One in four names or squares named after a woman is a bit low,” she thinks. “Prominent women are pushed aside too easily.”

“Recognition for Wetter’s talent”

Alderman Van Heddeghem defends the choice. “We have dedicated a cultural, creative place to a figure who was important to Wetteren. Louise Miegem and Wim De Craene will get a square with their name, which they deserve after all these years.”

A public inquiry will run until May 24. Anyone can submit proposals or objections during that period. Steffi De Bock (34) thinks the Wim De Craeneplein is a good idea. “A good, logical choice,” she says. “He meant a lot to Wetteren and many people still remember him.” (Read more below the photo)

Katrijn Bosch (40) also likes it: “A very good idea. It is recognition of a Wetter talent. If the child has to be given a name, I am happy with the Wim De Craeneplein.”

“Less known among young people”

Guy Van de Walle (49) also supports the choice. “But wouldn’t it be better to choose someone who is better known to young people? He is less known among the younger students at the Art Academy.”

André Paeleman (69) certainly knows De Craene. “His music remains relevant more than thirty years later. And it would be fantastic if we decorated the square like the Red Hill, with graffiti.”