Month: April 2018

Contributor: Christian Brochier, Cevennes

The Stevenson Network had committed to participate in a program called ERASMUS + D.E.C.R.A. (Developing European Cultural Routes for All), organized by the FFICE (French Federation of European Cultural Routes). Last week I attended a meeting and workshop held in Pula, Croatia. The workshops focused on the following topics:

– Inclusion and accessibility of tourist sites

– Valorization of local heritage, what is Cultural Tourism? …… (meeting with Croatian and Serbian tour operators)

– Faro Convention (Council of Europe): one of the questions: “how to involve local communities in a tourism and cultural project”

The meeting was organized by the local Cultural Routes; the Roman Emperors and the Danube Wine Route. Attached are photos of the meeting, the arena of Pula and its gladiators.

Contributor: Jean Louis Felbacq , Sur le canaux du nord

2 articles from the regional press (Le Thiérache) echoing the celebrations at Oisy and Pont sur Sambre in the North, sent by Jean Louis Felbacq of Thiérache Avenir Tradition. Our network can be proud to have contributed and given meaning and perspectives to the reopening of this canal.

A rose for R.L. Stevenson: le Thiérache 14 avril 2018

Canal de Vadencourt to be re-opened : le Thiérache jeudi 12 avril 2018

Contributor: Christian Brochier, Cévennes

Some news following the meeting of European Cultural Routes in Piacenza (northern Italy) where I visited last week at the invitation of the European Network: La Hansa. A dozen cultural routes were present. The objective was to exchange more closely and concretely on our projects, our operations, our difficulties and to enrich each other’s experience.

Objective achieved, especially during discussions in workshops of 4 people where we really got to know each other. The result should be easier listening and a more balanced exchange with the Institut de Luxembourg (IECE). In particular, I received support for the invitation of a member of our scientific committee (Linda Dryden PhD student at Nappier University) at the European Training Seminar to be held in Spain in June.

The contact especially with the members of the Via Francigena who welcomed us was very good. They are all francophones.

I enclose some photos of the beautiful city of Piacenza.

Contributor: Christian Brochier, Cévennes

Easter Monday and for three days, in Saint Jean du Gard, one of the towns on the Chemin de Stevenson, it was Boulegan, a dance and traditional music festival (one of the biggest in France) that brought together several thousand dancers, some of whom came from Spain, Italy, the Netherlands or elsewhere in Europe (see photo). The music was very lively and the atmosphere warm and friendly, faithful to the values of RLS; openness and tolerance of others. For the dancing there was polka, bourrée, scottishe (traditional French dances), on tunes from Rap to more than 2000 people Saturday night.

Contributeur: Elizabeth Baird, RLS Club Edinburgh, Lothian

The RLS Club met at a hotel in Edinburgh which was formerly the home of the great lighthouse builder Robert Stevenson, RLS’ grandfather. Members enjoyed a talk on the 8 years which Stevenson spent as a student, eventually abandoning engineering for law.  By studiously avoiding lectures and pursuing his colourful interests elsewhere he laid the foundations for a wide a varied literary career.

Former home of Robert Stevenson

Commemorative plaque

RLS the student aged 21

The RLS Club under the watchful eye of Robert Stevenson (picture at the back of the room)