Derek Blyth News Today

In the first months of a happy decade I spent in Brussels, some acquaintances used to play a trite bar room game called “Name 10 famous Belgians … OK, name five”.

The Bulletin was a great place to be as a young journalist totally new to Brussels (and not just for the legendary Christmas parties).

I moved from London to Brussels to join the Bulletin team in late summer 1998 and “Is there a Belgian angle?” became my reflex question for the next five years.

Belgium contributes to the art world’s ‘Picasso Celebration 1973-2023’ with Picasso & Abstraction, tracing the artist’s often complex relationship with the major 20th-century art movement.

When I joined, the sub-editors were under the editorial direction of Matthew Davis (production editor), Ben Tarring (deputy editor) and Brigid Grauman (editor-in-chief).

The Bulletin’s 60-year history divides into two distinct periods – BC and AC: Before Corelio and After Corelio. Its BC heyday spanned the 40 years when it flourished as an independent, printed weekly magazine that was essential reading for Brussels’ international community.

I joined The Bulletin in 1989, after living in Amsterdam for 10 years. Brussels seemed a quiet, rather old-fashioned city with ancient trams, smoke-filled bars and horrendous traffic. I didn't dare get on my bike for at least a decade.

Flanders boasts a rich collection of contrasting cities that attract a discerning public. Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp and Brussels are buzzing destinations that enjoy an international reputation for their medieval treasures and other heritage delights. Now it’s the turn of smaller cities and towns to come under the spotlight, thanks to the launch of a new tourism initiative.

The Letchworth Arts and Leisure Group website - Credit: Letchworth Arts and Leisure Group While people are being urged to stay at home during lockdown, one group is trying its best to keep Letchworth residents occupied virtually. Letchworth Arts and Leisure Group (LALG), a not-for-profit organisation, is promoting activities in the garden city and the surrounding area. Publicity officer Christina Butterworth said: "During the present lockdown we are providing weekly online talks and working...

Maine homicides hold steady in 2020 despite rising numbers nationwide Contributed • January 1, 2021 By Judy Harrison, Bangor Daily News Staff Twenty-two people died in homicides in Maine in 2020, including three who were killed in a Washington County shooting spree. That is the same number of homicide victims in 2019 and one fewer than in 2018. By Judy Harrison, Bangor Daily News Staff Twenty-two people died in homicides in Maine in 2020, including three who were killed in a Washingto...