Meet the man in the white suit

This year’s Cultural Exchanges festival here at DMU is full of exciting events and personalities. One of those is the celebrated news reporter and politician Martin Bell.

Bell is known for his war reporting in Bosnia, where he was almost killed by shrapnel.  He covered foreign assignments in more than 80 countries and left the BBC in 1997, to follow a career in politics as an independent MP.

His presence at this festival will give students and writing enthusiasts an opportunity to hear from the man himself.  

For Journalism and Creative Writing students like me, this is an unmissable chance to ask questions not only about what is was like reporting in dangerous zones, but also to ask for advice on writing news stories and books.

The event only costs £3, which is a small price to pay for the opportunity of meeting such an influential character.

So, if you’re a fan, or just have an interest in politics, journalism or writing, join us Friday, 3^rd March from 6-7:30pm. You can book here.

Sara Torres Vinagre

From ignorance to inspiration

Who wants to go and listen to someone talk about an obscure Bosnian hotel for an hour? 

 

Lots of people, apparently, since the room for the talk on an obscure Bosnian hotel was packed. And for good reason, since the talk was incredibly interesting.

 

It was a treat to hear Dr. Kenneth Morrison telli anecdotes about several hotels during war/conflict before talking about the Holiday Inn in Sarajevo during the Bosnian war. For the audience it was fascinating, and for creative writers like myself, the talk was a source of inspiration. The way Dr. Morrison told stories of members of the press in a hotel during these conflicts made it sound almost like a intense movie. 

 

And if my praise still hasn't convinced you, and you're still asking the opening question, then I ask you this: why are you still reading who a blog post about  someone listening to someone else talk about an obscure Bosnian hotel for an hour?

Adil L

Hotels in Hell

The History of the War Hotel was certainly an interesting lecture. Kenneth Morrison talked about the uses of war hotels in times of conflict, and the impact they had on people. A hotel could be a place for strategic/military assets, a place where the press/media could set up base, and a sanctuary for people in general.

It was particularly shocking to find out that the Hotel Europa in Belfast, had the misfortune of being bombed 33 times during 1971-1993. However, this almost caused the place to become a symbol of survival, and the hotel itself employed both Catholics and Protestants.

Grand Hotel, Brighton, was also targeted on one occasion, when Margaret Thatcher was among the guests, in attempt to cripple the government. Five people were killed and thirty-one injured but Mrs Thatcher escaped unhurt.

The Holiday Inn, Sarajevo, known for being painted yellow, was said to have been built on land deemed as “cursed”. It too had its fair share of hell.

Dominique Slatter