Playlist: Alison Turner's Portfolio
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Retiring in Belgium: A Guide for Expats
From Alison Turner | 27:01
Members of the group called 'The BRATS' (Brussels Retired Expats) joined Alison Turner to discuss their book, "Retiring in Belgium: A Guide for Expats". Ken and Maggie Inglis and Peter Adye were part of the team which contributed their own research and first-hand knowledge of retiring in Belgium, and it's certainly a complex subject. Their wide-ranging discussion touches on aspects of retirement which are mentioned in the book - fears of losing motivation, money worries, a reluctance to give up work, a loss of status, changes in the balance of a partnership.
The book is first and foremost a practical tool, featuring useful checklists and asking pertinent questions that might otherwise be overlooked. It doesn't give in-depth explanations on issues of taxation or pensions, but it does provide clarification and signposts to experts. There's broad advice on investment, currency fluctuations, technology and continuing education in Belgium.
And the interview also gives attention to the 'softer' aspects of this huge life change - support structures, family considerations, making adjustments if your health deteriorates, and why retiring to the sun might not necessarily be the best decision.
Their message is: It's never too early to start thinking about retirement.
For more information on the book, you can contact the Community Help Service on +32 2 647 67 80. Copies cost 15 EUR plus postage.
Also available from Waterstone's, Boulevard Adolphe Max 71-75, 1000 Brussels, and from the Press Shop in Overijse.
Funds raised from the sale of the book will support two charities in Belgium which provide support for British expats - the Community Help Service and the British Charitable Fund.
http://www.bcfund.be/retiring-in-belgium-a-guide-for-expats
http://www.chsbelgium.org/images/Publications/retirementBook.pdf
- Playing
- Retiring in Belgium: A Guide for Expats
- From
- Alison Turner
Members of the group called 'The BRATS' (Brussels Retired Expats) joined Alison Turner to discuss their book, "Retiring in Belgium: A Guide for Expats". Ken and Maggie Inglis and Peter Adye were part of the team which contributed their own research and first-hand knowledge of retiring in Belgium, and it's certainly a complex subject. Their wide-ranging discussion touches on aspects of retirement which are mentioned in the book - fears of losing motivation, money worries, a reluctance to give up work, a loss of status, changes in the balance of a partnership.
The book is first and foremost a practical tool, featuring useful checklists and asking pertinent questions that might otherwise be overlooked. It doesn't give in-depth explanations on issues of taxation or pensions, but it does provide clarification and signposts to experts. There's broad advice on investment, currency fluctuations, technology and continuing education in Belgium.
And the interview also gives attention to the 'softer' aspects of this huge life change - support structures, family considerations, making adjustments if your health deteriorates, and why retiring to the sun might not necessarily be the best decision.
Their message is: It's never too early to start thinking about retirement.
For more information on the book, you can contact the Community Help Service on +32 2 647 67 80. Copies cost 15 EUR plus postage.
Also available from Waterstone's, Boulevard Adolphe Max 71-75, 1000 Brussels, and from the Press Shop in Overijse.
Funds raised from the sale of the book will support two charities in Belgium which provide support for British expats - the Community Help Service and the British Charitable Fund.
http://www.bcfund.be/retiring-in-belgium-a-guide-for-expats
http://www.chsbelgium.org/images/Publications/retirementBook.pdf
Rehearsal of the Brussels Choral Society
From Alison Turner | 12:50
The Brussels Choral Society has over 120 members from 26 nationalities, and has been performing since 1979. In this feature, reporter Alison Turner, joins one of their rehearsals to witness the intense effort that they pour into rehearsals.
- Playing
- Rehearsal of the Brussels Choral Society
- From
- Alison Turner
Brussels Shakespeare Society 2013 - The Merchant of Venice
From Alison Turner | 17:01
From 5th February, the Brussels Shakespeare Society takes to the stage with The Merchant of Venice. Just two weeks before the curtain raising, Reporter, Alison Turner, went along to rehearsal to meet the cast and director, Tracie Ryan. It's a joyful group, excited for their performance. Tracie reveals that Andrew Visnevski from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art will be visiting the Society soon. Tracie is confident in her decision to set the production in the late 1920s, promising a glamorous, sound-rich production, reminiscent of a radio play. Discover more about the long term relationship many expats in Brussels have with local theatre groups.
The play will run from 5th to 9th February 2013 at the Scarabaeus Theater (Rue Creuse).
From 5th February, the Brussels Shakespeare Society takes to the stage with The Merchant of Venice. Just two weeks before the curtain raising, Reporter, Alison Turner, went along to rehearsal to meet the cast and director, Tracie Ryan. It's a joyful group, excited for their performance. Tracie reveals that Andrew Visnevski from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art will be visiting the Society soon. Tracie is confident in her decision to set the production in the late 1920s, promising a glamorous, sound-rich production, reminiscent of a radio play. Discover more about the long term relationship many expats in Brussels have with local theatre groups.
The play will run from 5th to 9th February 2013 at the Scarabaeus Theater (Rue Creuse).
First World War poetry with Dr Kate Macdonald
From Alison Turner | Part of the Armistice Day for Expats in Belgium series | 54:00
As part of a series marking Armistice Day, the anniversary of the end of the First World War, reporter, Alison Turner, talked to Dr Kate Macdonald about the significance of poetry from the First World War era. She finds out about the experience of teaching English Literature in Flanders, and how Flemish students understand this poetry. Dr Macdonald tells the stories of some of the World War One poets, and takes a closer look at their poems. They look at the work of Wilfred Owen, Helen Hamilton, May Wedderburn Cannan, Rupert Brooke, Ivor Gurney and John McCrae.
As part of a series marking Armistice Day, the anniversary of the end of the First World War, reporter, Alison Turner, talked to Dr Kate Macdonald about the significance of poetry from the First World War era. She finds out about the experience of teaching English Literature in Flanders, and how Flemish students understand this poetry. Dr Macdonald tells the stories of some of the World War One poets, and takes a closer look at their poems. They look at the work of Wilfred Owen, Helen Hamilton, May Wedderburn Cannan, Rupert Brooke, Ivor Gurney and John McCrae.
First International Day of the Girl
From Alison Turner | Part of the First International Day of the Girl series | 14:40
On Thursday 11th October 2012, the world marks the first ever International Day of the Girl Child. "Plan", an international development charity, is launching its "Because I am a Girl" campaign on the same day. They call for a quality education for girls to be made an urgent priority in tackling global poverty. Reporter, Alison Turner, discussed the challenges faced by girls with Karen Schroh, Head of the Plan EU Office in Brussels.
- Playing
- First International Day of the Girl
- From
- Alison Turner
On Thursday 11th October 2012, the world marks the first ever International Day of the Girl Child. "Plan", an international development charity, is launching its "Because I am a Girl" campaign on the same day. They call for a quality education for girls to be made an urgent priority in tackling global poverty. Reporter, Alison Turner, discussed the challenges faced by girls with Karen Schroh, Head of the Plan EU Office in Brussels.
In this interview, Karen talks about the need for a minimum of nine years education for girls and boys, and how this education will enable girls to make better life choices. She also discusses the wider impact on the local community when girls are better educated. She looks at the challenges facing girls in developing countries today, including gender based violence and discrimination and at the importance of girls in economic development.
Holy Trinity, Brussels
From Alison Turner | 08:16
Brussels-based reporter, Alison Turner, ducked out of the cold this week to explore an Anglican church - just a stone's throw from the city's fashionable Avenue Louise, but virtually invisible from the street. She met a congregant, Pamela Clements, who described what goes on in the church, and explained what she was doing there on such a cold night. Who knew that the chaplain has a very special relationship with the Queen?
On 24th January 2013, the church will host a special service at 8pm to celebrate the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, and on 2nd February, it will host a Candlemas Messiah concert at 4pm.
- Playing
- Holy Trinity, Brussels
- From
- Alison Turner
Brussels-based reporter, Alison Turner, ducked out of the cold this week to explore an Anglican church - just a stone's throw from the city's fashionable Avenue Louise, but virtually invisible from the street. She met a congregant, Pamela Clements, who described what goes on in the church, and explained what she was doing there on such a cold night. Who knew that the chaplain has a very special relationship with the Queen?
On 24th January 2013, the church will host a special service at 8pm to celebrate the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, and on 2nd February, it will host a Candlemas Messiah concert at 4pm.
The Great Limerick Run Fundraisers
From Alison Turner | 13:31
In May 2012, over 8000 people took part in the Great Limerick Run in south west Ireland. Alison Turner ran the 6 mile race to raise funds for charity and wondered which causes had inspired other people to run.
- Playing
- The Great Limerick Run Fundraisers
- From
- Alison Turner
Enduring Connections - Belgium and the United States
From Alison Turner | 09:53
Many American expats gathered in Brussels on 4th July this year to celebrate American Independence Day. Reporter, Alison Turner, joined the celebrations and discovered a strong interest and affection for Belgium among American expats. Alison talked to Mary-Jane Farren, who came to Belgium as a student and never left. Husband and wife research team, Edward and Libby Klekowski, told Alison some of the history of the connections between Belgium and the US. All the connections they describe have their roots in the two world wars.
Many American expats gathered in Brussels on 4th July this year to celebrate American Independence Day. Reporter, Alison Turner, joined the celebrations and discovered a strong interest and affection for Belgium among American expats. Alison talked to Mary-Jane Farren, who came to Belgium as a student and never left. Husband and wife research team, Edward and Libby Klekowski, told Alison some of the history of the connections between Belgium and the US. All the connections they describe have their roots in the two world wars.
Bookalokal.com
From Alison Turner | 04:30
Expat in Brussels, Evelyne White, launches the first version of a new website on Monday 15th October 2012. Bookalokal.com helps guests seeking a local food experience, find hosts willing to offer homecooked meals, food tours or cooking lessons. Guests range from travellers passing through town to newcomers and expats looking to meet locals over a meal. Hosts range from people who love to cook and enjoy entertaining interesting people, to aspiring chefs wanting to showcase their skills while earning some extra money along the way. Evelyne talked to reporter Alison Turner about this new opportunity to meet new people through a food experience, and her hopes for the website to gain a global following.
- Playing
- Bookalokal.com
- From
- Alison Turner
Expat in Brussels, Evelyne White, launches the first version of a new website on Monday 15th October 2012. Bookalokal.com helps guests seeking a local food experience, find hosts willing to offer homecooked meals, food tours or cooking lessons. Guests range from travellers passing through town to newcomers and expats looking to meet locals over a meal. Hosts range from people who love to cook and enjoy entertaining interesting people, to aspiring chefs wanting to showcase their skills while earning some extra money along the way. Evelyne talked to reporter Alison Turner about this new opportunity to meet new people through a food experience, and her hopes for the website to gain a global following.
World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts celebrates first International Day of the Girl Child
From Alison Turner | Part of the First International Day of the Girl series | 05:47
Rosemary Hindle works at the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts in Brussels, Belgium. She talked with Alison Turner about the significance of the first International Day of the Girl - 11th October 2012. WAGGGS is giving people an opportunity to express how they see "The World We Want For Girls".
Rosemary Hindle works to bring issues affecting girls to the attention of decision makers in Europe. The first International Day of the Girl - 11th October 2012 is important to give girls an opportunity to bring issues forward. Rosemary explains, "All around the world, girls are facing violence, they're not having access to education, they're iving in poverty, girls are usually the most disadvantaged part of the community - they're the ones that tend to come last when any resources are being divided out. That's why it's really important that we give them the focus." The WAGGGS campaign, The World We Want For Girls, asks people to express what they think is important for girls, what changes need to be made in policies to make the world better for girls.