Retiring in Belgium: A Guide for Expats

Members of the group called 'The BRATS' (Brussels Retired Expats) joined More From Brussels 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 02 647 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

Community Help Service - Help for expats in Belgium

More From Brussels, talks to Rex Parker, Chairman of Community Help Service, and one of the team of volunteers from the phone Help Line.

CHS provides two different services to expats - the CHS Help Line, a 24/7 confidential information and crisis telephone service, staffed by trained volunteers under the supervision of professional therapists. And, the CHS Mental Health Centre with a professional staff of psychologists, psychiatrists and educational specialists supported by a volunteer administrative staff.

We find out about the importance of confidentiality, the commitment of the volunteers, the need for funds and the continued commitment to provide a quality service.

You can call the Help Line on +32 (0) 2 648 40 14, and you can visit their website at www.chsbelgium.org

Calendar Girls

More From Brussels speaks to members of the English Comedy Club in Brussels at one of their final rehearsals for "Calendar Girls", to be performed at Bozar in Brussels from 12th to 16th March 2013. The play tells of a group of Yorkshire women who posed nude for a charity calendar, and how their friendships are affected by the calendar's success.

We spoke to actors, Roisin Dore, Claire Harris and Graham Vincent, and the director, Janet Middleton.

2 EUR from every ticket sold for this production will be donated to Fondation Contre le Cancer.

Merchant of Venice - Brussels Shakespeare Society

From 5th February, the Brussels Shakespeare Company takes to the stage with The Merchant of Venice. Just two weeks before the curtain raising, More From Brussels 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 Company 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). For more information: http://www.shaksoc.com/production.html

Australia Day in Brussels

A special feature marking Australia Day, celebrated by Australia Society Belgium. More From Brussels met some fascinating Australians now living in Belgium. Helene Miller went to Australia as a refugee, and Australia Day is a significant personal date for her. Also, meet Duncan Lewis, the new Australian Ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg, the European Union, and NATO. He explains Australia's priorities here, and he describes his family's connection to the trenches in Ypres. Other guests explain what Australia Day means to them, and how they are experiencing life in Belgium, particularly the work-life balance. James talks about the history of Australia Day, and some of the controversy. And Sarah gives us some insight into what life is like for an expat aged seven.

Holy Trinity Brussels

More From Brussels podcaster, Alison Turner, ducked out of the cold in mid January 2013 to explore an Anglican church just a stone's throw from 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? More information: http://www.holytrinity.be/ pamela.clements@telenet.be precentor@holytrinity.be

Brussels Choral Society Rehearsal

The Brussels Choral Society has over 120 members from 26 nationalities, and has been performing since 1979. In this feature, More From Brussels, joins one of their rehearsals to witness the intense effort that they pour into works of Vivaldi, Beethoven and Carl Orff (Carmina Burana). Hear from the Choral Society's President, Alexis De Baets, and the Musical Director, Eric Delson, as well as several of the choir's members. Musical talent combines with intense focus and physical effort to produce beautiful sound, and the choir members are inspired. For more information on performances, please visit www.brusselschoralsociety.com Music included in this feature: Carmina Burana by Carl Orff, Vivaldi's Gloria and Beethoven's Mass in C major, Op. 86.