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Let’s hear a good word for the modern Brussels Having lived in Brussels for many years, I was saddened to read some of the comments in the recent Let’s Go To article (The Journalist, May/June). Several of the interviewees could


have stepped out of a 1970s time capsule. Prime examples of their comments were “administrative tasks …require you to take a day off work” and “if you don’t speak a little French, you may struggle”. It very much reminded me of Ian


Rush’s time when he played for Juventus, which he described as “like living in a foreign country”. There is also a specific mention of the


“abysmal” service on the railways. In response, I must mention an incident that shows the locals’ adaptability. One night, I caught a train from


Brussels Airport to Gare Centrale. It was around 11pm and, with the ticket office closed, there was a guy – with an antiquated machine for providing tickets – happily moving along the train, speaking mainly Dutch if I remember rightly. He eventually arrived at two nervous Americans who felt they would miss their connection. He calmed them down, speaking English, and – switching to French – he called ahead


to the station and asked them to hold the train for a few minutes. Job done, Belgian style. John Chapman Bologna


Barrie’s Indy memories aren’t the same as mine I was a surprised by Barrie Clement’s comments about the sports section in his piece “Farewell to the Indy”. I worked as a sports photographer on the newspaper from October 1986 until 2000 and Simon Kelner was never the sports editor of the daily in my time on the newspaper. The great Charlie Burgess was the Independent’s first sports editor, with Simon Kelner as his deputy. Kelner then jumped ship to the Sunday Correspondent and Paul Newman went on to succeed Burgess as the sports editor. Richard Williams was the first


sports editor of the Indy on Sunday and Kelner became sports editor when Richard moved on in the mid- late 1990s. In my experience, the Independent’s


sport desk was no more “100% bloke” – whatever that means – than any other sports desk. In fact, Sarah Kearney, who managed the desk and went on to become


a regular sub on the Sindy in my time, would probably bridle at the description. Adam Scott London


Nicola has been a tireless champion and counsellor Members of the NUJ’s Morton Newspapers (Johnston Press) chapel wish to record their immense gratitude to our many colleagues across the UK and Ireland who supported us around our recent strike ballot and to those officials whose help was invaluable, none more so than that of NUJ Irish organiser Nicola Coleman. With regard to myths dispelled, hands (figuratively) held and much more, the commitment and effort of our officials is unquantifiable. To national organiser Laura Davison and Irish assistant organiser Ian McGuinness, who stepped into the breach during Nicola’s pre-arranged leave, go heartfelt thanks that likewise extend to legal officer, Roy Mincoff. Without prejudice to their rightful claim on our gratitude, we must especially thank Nicola, whose endless availability and devotion to representing our interests cannot be overstated. While engaged on multiple fronts in the interests of Irish journalists, she has


been our constant counsellor, tireless and tenacious champion. Thanks also to the Johnston Press


Group chapel and to each of the countless NUJ branches, chapels, F/MoCs, individual members and others, by whose advice, support and encouragement we were buoyed up and by whose generous pledges we were humbled. Paul Wilkinson FoC Morton Newspapers


I also think Roy McHardy deserved a big tribute Like Bernie Corbett (letters May- June edition), I too, am mystified at the absence of an obituary for Roy McHardy. I have searched the pages of our magazine since Christmas and can find no reference to Roy or his legacy. He established a formidable


reputation in the many hours and days he spent at the negotiating table, fighting for journalists’ rights and pay in Northern Ireland. He was a fine and determined


representative who was ever-present when needed. Roy was also a dear friend and colleague. He deserves more from the NUJ. David Lynas Life Member Belfast


STEVE BELL


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