October 2026 Newsletter
In this issue:
Chair Report
BLC Events
What is For Dinner?
Past BLC Events
HR and Health Articles
Crossword and Wordsearch
Non BLC Events
CHAIR REPORT
September has been an important month for the BLC, with our Annual General Meeting taking place on 10 September. I would like to thank everyone who helped organise the AGM and everyone who took part, including the representatives of our four nominated charities who joined us to present their organisations to members.
Following the members’ vote, Ask for Angela and the Luxembourg Association for Children in Hospital (LACH) were selected as our two supported charities for the new term. We look forward to supporting them through the Club’s fundraising activities and helping to raise awareness of their work and local impact.
The AGM also gave us the opportunity to look ahead. We have a busy programme developing for the new term, including the return of our Women’s Startup Pitch initiative and the launch of our Female Founder Speaker Series. The Founder Speaker
Series will be free for BLC members, with a charge for non-members. We are also planning a Ladies Sports & Activities Day in 2027, with a varied programme that could include camping and outdoor activities, archery, self-defence, rugby, chess and more.
I am also very pleased to confirm that we have secured a new location for next
year’s annual Car Boot Sale at Parc Hotel Alvisse. The venue has been kindly offered by Parc Hotel Alvisse as part of its support for BLC events, and it gives us an excellent base for one of our established fundraising activities.
We also have specific opportunities for members who would like to volunteer. This Christmas, the British Ambassador is holding her annual Christmas Party at the British Residence for local contacts and their families and has invited BLC members to volunteer to help with the children’s Christmas activities. The Ambassador’s daughter and a member of Embassy staff will also be helping on the day.
We are also looking for new BLC Kids’ Coordinators to help organise our three main children’s events during the year: the Halloween Party, Christmas Party and Easter Party. Please read the volunteer notice in this newsletter for further details. If you are interested in helping with either opportunity, please contact Kristina, our Secretary,
at secretary@blc.lu.
Member participation is essential to the success of the Club and to our ability to raise funds for the charities our members have chosen to support. Voting for our charities at the AGM is an important first step, but attending the events we organise makes a real difference. A great deal of work goes into creating each event, and our event raffles — including those at the Gala Night and Christmas Lunch — are an important part of our charity fundraising. By attending our events and taking part in the raffles, members help the Club raise money for our chosen charities.
Amy Grech
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
BLC EVENTS
PAST BLC EVENT
A New Term, New Charities and More Ways to Get Involved
Our September AGM gave us the opportunity to look back at the past year and, more
importantly, to set the direction for an active new term — with two newly selected charities,
the return of successful BLC initiatives and new ways for members to get involved.
At the Annual General Meeting on 10 September, members reviewed the Club’s activities,
elected the Board and voted on the charities the BLC will support during the new term.
The Board remains largely unchanged for the new term, with Amy Grech re-elected as Chair and Janet Macey as Vice-Chair. Kristina Chilingarian was formally appointed as Secretary and joined the Board, together with the continuing appointments of Louise Edworthy as Membership Secretary and Svetlana Grishankova as Treasurer.
The wider Committee includes Chris Lunardi as Director of Events, Tara Cullen and Dana
Domnisor as Events Managers, Emilie Fitzgerald as PR & Marketing Officer, and Yulia
Dzhafarova in Membership Support, with Ottavia Beccu providing Webmaster Support. The
BLC Editor position is currently under recruitment, with applications being actively reviewed.
We would also like to thank Jess and Keri for all their work supporting our children’s activities,
and we are now looking for new volunteers to take on the Kids Coordinator roles.
Charity remains at the heart of the BLC. Four organisations presented their work to members: Tukwataniise ASBL, the Ukrainian Saturday School “Mriya”, the Luxembourg Association for Children in Hospital (LACH) and Ask for Angela. Following a vote by members attending both in person and online, Ask for Angela and LACH were selected as the BLC’s two supported charities for the new term. You will also see all four nominated organisations featured in the BLC newsletter.
For the BLC, supporting our charities is about more than making a donation. Our events,
fundraising and communications give us opportunities to raise both funds and awareness
and to contribute to a meaningful local impact. Charity raffles at major events are an
important part of this, including our upcoming Gala Night on 3 October and our Christmas
Lunch in December. Our annual Car Boot Sale, another established part of the BLC’s
fundraising programme, will take place at Parc Hotel Alvisse.
One of the new ideas we are particularly looking forward to in 2027 is a Ladies Sports &
Activities Day — a fun day bringing members together to discover and try different activities.
It could include camping and outdoor activities, archery, self-defence, rugby, chess and
much more. The aim is to create something sociable, varied and enjoyable, with plenty of
opportunities to try something new and meet other members.
At the AGM, Vice-Chair Janet Macey expressed her appreciation to the Committee and
invited members to share their feedback and suggestions for new sub-groups.
Our professional and entrepreneurial programme will continue as well. Following the success of our first Women’s Startup Pitch event in June 2026, the initiative will return in the new term.
The BLC’s Female Founder Speaker Series will also launch in the new term. The series will be free for BLC members, with a charge for non-members.
Alongside these newer initiatives, the familiar BLC calendar continues. Quiz Nights, Christmas Lunch, Christmas Cocktails, family activities, the Car Boot Sale and our other social and charitable events remain an important part of Club life.
August North West Dinner – Aux Berges
Our August North West dinner took us to Aux Berges, where we enjoyed a wonder-
fully warm summer evening on the covered terrace.
With such a lovely turnout, our table seemed to stretch almost the length of the terrace — you practically had to get up to chat to the ladies at the other end! Salads were a popular choice on such a warm evening, and there was plenty of conversation and laughter around the table.
We also discovered the pool and wellness area at the end of the garden — com-
plete with a few rather unexpected sights on Ladies' Evening, which certainly gave us something else to laugh about!
NON BLC EVENT
HEALTH ARTICLE
Why bone health matters, what happens as we age, and are you at risk? (Part 1)
Bones have been on my mind this summer following a routine blood test that revealed I was
very low in both Vitamin D and calcium. I couldn’t quite believe this after the fabulous
sunny weather we have had, I eat a high calcium diet and I exercise in different ways. Then
my 3-year-old granddaughter broke her arm just above the elbow.
It made me think: how often do any of us think about the health of our bones? Probably not
many, though we are hearing more about problems like osteoporosis that affect older
bones. Fortunately, many nutrition and lifestyle habits can help build strong bones and keep them healthy over the life span. In this article I will talk about bones and risk and then next month (part 2) look at what you can do to give your bones the best possible support.
Bone is a living tissue that is constantly changing and renewing itself. Throughout childhood and early adulthood, we build more bone than we lose. By our twenties, we have generally reached our peak bone mass. As we get older, the balance gradually shifts and bone loss can begin to outpace bone formation. This means we start to lose bone density and strength, making bones more susceptible to fractures.
Osteoporosis:
Osteoporosis, which causes bones to become weak and brittle is particularly prevalent in
women after menopause due to falling levels of both oestrogen and progesterone. It is
more common in women because they tend to have smaller, less dense bones than men,
but it does occur in men, often secondary to another health problem, due to decreased
testosterone levels.
Did you know?
You can have reduced bone density without knowing it. Osteoporosis is often called a
“silent” condition because there may be no obvious symptoms until a fracture occurs.
Are You at Risk?
Things that can increase your risk include:
• A family history of osteoporosis or hip fracture
• A previous fracture from a relatively minor fall or accident
• Being underweight
• Menopause and other situations involving reduced sex hormones
• Smoking
• Alcohol intake
• Low levels of physical activity, particularly weight-bearing and resistance exercise
• Some medical conditions affecting nutrient absorption or bone metabolism
• Certain long-term medications, including some steroid treatments
And importantly:
Having one or more risk factors doesn't mean you have osteoporosis. It simply means it may
be worth discussing your individual risk with your GP.
As always know your numbers:
• Vitamin D
• Calcium
• Ask about your individual risk and whether a bone density/DXA scan is appropriate
based on individual risk
Tip:
I had my DXA scan at CHEM in Niederkorn, made an appointment on Tuesday and got it
on Friday, great service and staff. Previously, I had it done at Zitha where a doctor meets
with you and talks you through the results briefly. At CHEM a technician does the scan and
hands it to you. If necessary, your GP will follow up.
My patient little granddaughter had her cast off after a summer of no swimming, biking and
climbing and is slowly getting back to normal activities.
Next month, we'll look at food, movement, strength, muscle, sleep and the everyday habits
that can help support healthy bones as we age.
If you have any questions or want to know more about my services, please get in touch.
Carrie
IT'S TIME TO RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP!
For 2026, The British Ladies Club Membership year runs from 1st June 2026 to 31st
December.
For this period the cost is €25 for both printed and online membership
Please transfer the appropriate fees to the following account:
BCEE IBAN LU06 0019 2855 9484 8000
Ref: BLC Membership 2026 and please state your name if different to account
holder or membership number if known
Fees to be received in EUROS only. Please do not send any cheques.
HR ARTICLE
Salary, Cost of Living & Negotiation: Knowing (and Asking For) Your Worth in Luxembourg
Following on from interviews, this month we tackle a conversation many women find harder than any competency question: talking about money. Whether you’re negotiating an offer,
discussing a raise, or assessing whether a salary is fair, the strongest starting point is the same: know the numbers, understand the package, and use that evidence to make the
conversation strategic.
The Numbers: Where Luxembourg Sits
Luxembourg has the highest minimum wage in the European Union. As of January 2026, the
social minimum wage is €2,703.74 gross per month for unqualified workers and €3,244.48 for
qualified workers (based on a social index of 968.04). The national average salary is often
cited at around €75,900 gross per year — roughly €5,500 gross per month — but averages
hide large sector differences: finance, insurance, and the public sector tend to sit well above average, while hospitality and some retail roles sit well below it.
One feature unique to Luxembourg is wage indexation: salaries linked to the social index rise automatically by 2.5% when the consumer price index moves by that amount over a six-
month reference period. This built-in cost-of-living protection is worth understanding, but it is not a substitute for negotiating your base salary on its own merits.
Cost of Living: What Your Number Needs to Cover
Luxembourg’s cost of living, especially housing, is high relative to income. A common
guideline is that housing should not exceed roughly a third of net income. On a gross salary of around €5,000/month, take-home pay might fall around 65-70%, depending on your tax class and circumstances (tax class 1, 1a, or 2 can make a meaningful difference, particularly for married couples benefiting from income splitting). When evaluating an offer, convert gross to net before comparing it to your cost of living, and factor in commuting costs for cross-border or Luxembourg-based roles.
Negotiating: It’s a Package, Not Just a Number
Salary conversations in Luxembourg are also moving into a broader European transparency
framework. EU Directive 2023/970 must be reflected in national law, and Luxembourg’s local implementing rules may shape the exact procedures. The direction is clear: employers will need to share initial pay or pay ranges with applicants in good time, avoid salary-history questions, and give employees access to average pay information for comparable work. For readers negotiating in Luxembourg, the practical advice is to benchmark externally, ask how the employer defines the role and range, and use the information available to support a fair, evidence-based conversation.
Luxembourg compensation packages often include more than base salary: a 13th month,
meal vouchers (“chèques repas”), pension contributions, transport allowances, health
insurance top-ups, and performance bonuses. Ask for the full package in writing before
responding. If base salary is less flexible, look at the surrounding elements — a stronger
pension contribution, clearer bonus structure, or additional meal vouchers can meaningfully change the real value of an offer.
When discussing pay, ask transparency-focused questions: What is the salary range for this
role? What determines where someone sits within it? Is the range fixed for the role or adjusted for experience? How are bonuses assessed? How often are salaries reviewed? These questions keep the conversation factual and help you compare the offer against the market and the employer’s pay structure.
Practical tips:
• Benchmark your role using multiple sources (salary.lu, sector-specific recruiter salary
guides, STATEC data, conversations with peers) rather than a single figure
• Know three numbers before any negotiation: your ideal, your realistic target, and
your walk-away minimum
• Let the employer name a figure first where possible — and if pushed, give a
researched range, not a single number
• Ask clarifying questions about bonus structure, review timing, and what “top of
range” would require
• Negotiate calmly and specifically: “Based on my experience leading [X] and the
market range for this role, I’d like to discuss €[Y]”
• If budget is genuinely fixed, negotiate elsewhere — start date, title, remote days, or
a formal 6-month review
On Discomfort
Many women describe salary conversations as the most uncomfortable part of the process
— worried that asking will seem greedy or ungrateful. It’s worth naming that discomfort for
what it is: a learned pattern, not a fact about what you deserve. Employers expect
negotiation; a reasonable, well-researched ask rarely damages your standing. Treat the
conversation as an exchange of information: you bring evidence about your experience
and the market, and the employer explains the role, range, and package.
Final Thoughts
Your salary isn’t a reflection of your worth as a person — it’s a business figure, arrived at
through market data, internal pay structures, and negotiation. Treat it as such: prepare your numbers the way you’d prepare a business case, ask for the information you need, and let the conversation be exactly that — businesslike.
This article is practical career guidance, not legal advice. Luxembourg is implementing the
EU pay transparency framework through national rules, and the final timing, procedures,
thresholds, and enforcement details should be checked against official Luxembourg
guidance. If you need to rely on these rights in a specific employment situation, seek
qualified advice.
Resources
Salary.lu — social parameters, minimum wage and indexation tools: https://salary.lu/en
STATEC — official Luxembourg statistics: https://statistiques.public.lu/en/statistique-
publique/statec.html
ITM — what is the minimum remuneration in Luxembourg?: https://itm.public.lu/en/
questions-reponses/droit-travail/remuneration/a/a3.html
European Commission — pay transparency in the EU: https://commission.europa.eu/news-
and-media/news/new-eu-rules-pay-transparency-explained-2026-06-05_en
CROSSWORD
WORDSEARCH
WHAT'S FOR DINNER?
This month for dinner is a vegetarian option courtesy of one of our members - Lucy Brown
One Pot Spaghetti Alla Puttanesca with Chickpeas & Artichoke
Ingredients:
1 tsp olive oil
1/2 large white or yellow onion diced
2 cloves garlic minced
12 oz whole wheat spaghetti or normal spaghetti
2 oz sliced black olives (up to 4 oz. for olive lovers)
14 oz artichoke hearts rinsed and drained, and chopped
3/4 cup cooked chickpeas rinsed and drained
2 tbsp capers
14 oz. canned diced tomatoes
1 tbsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (reduce to 1/4 tsp. if sensitive to heat)
1/2 tsp ground black pepper (reduce to 1/4 tsp. if freshly ground)
salt to taste (see notes)
3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
Instructions:
1. Warm the olive oil in a large, deep, skillet and then add the onions and garlic, stirring
occasionally until just starting to turn golden.
2. Add the pasta to the skillet, breaking in half if needed (a saucepan may also
work). Add the rest of the ingredients, minus the broth, to the pan on top of the pasta.
Then pour the vegetable broth over everything.
3. Cover the pan and bring to a boil. Reduce to a steady simmer (medium to medium-
low heat) and, keeping covered & stirring occasionally, cook for 8-10 more minutes, or
until pasta is done through to your liking.
Enjoy!
RECIPE CORNER
Spooky Sausage Mummies
Looking for something fun and a little spooky for a Halloween gathering? These Spooky
Sausage Mummies are quick, easy and sure to raise a few smiles around the table. They
make a great party snack and are simple enough for children to help prepare too!
What you'll need
• 6 sausages or frankfurters
• 1 sheet of ready-rolled puff pastry
• 1 egg, lightly beaten, or a little milk for brushing
• Edible eyes
A little honey or ketchup to help the eyes stick
How to make them
1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan) and line a baking tray with baking paper.
2. Unroll the puff pastry and cut it into thin strips, approximately 1 cm wide.
3. Wrap each sausage with strips of pastry, starting at one end and winding the pastry
around like mummy bandages. Leave a small gap near the top for the face.
4. Place the mummies on the baking tray and lightly brush the pastry with beaten egg or
milk.
5. Bake for approximately 20–25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden and the
sausages are thoroughly cooked.
6. Allow them to cool slightly, then add two edible eyes to each mummy. A tiny dab of
honey or ketchup will help them stick.
NON BLC EVENTS
CLASSIFIEDS
BLC Members can place one free classified advert of up to 80 words per month. After this, a charge of €8.00 per additional 80 words will apply. Non-members are charged €10.00 for a classified advert of up to 80 words.
All Classified adverts will be removed after one month unless otherwise requested. Classifieds to be sent to advertising@blc.lu by the 10th of the month to appear in the following month’s newsletter. The BLC cannot accept responsibility for the quality of goods or services advertised here.
Please note, people offering services as baby-sitters must be 16 years old or older.
EDUCATION
Blooming Words - English and Italian lessons tailored for each person’s individual needs
and wishes by a teacher with two decades worth of experience, at the location of your
preference. From toddler to adult, beginner to advanced, let your language skills bloom! For
a free trial lesson, contact me at Nikolic.Lara@gmail.com or 621489 066
Learn to paint landscapes, flowers, and animals with private watercolor lessons that inspire your creativity and personal expression. Perfect for those seeking a relaxing hobby or refining artistic skills. No experience? No problem! I’ll guide you every step of the way. Classes are held in Differdange. Reserve your lesson today and start creating with beauty and ease.
Contact me at thefabianaribeiro@gmail.com,
see my artwork: www.thefabianaribeiro.com
HEALTH & WELL BEING
Well-Being At Realise Mindfulness I specialise in helping women reconnect with an inner sense of calm, vitality and harmony. Find out how my blend of coaching, mindfulness and energy-healing can support you to create a life filled with joy, peace, and purpose. Contact Kate via www.realisemindfulness.com or call or text +352 691436852 to arrange your free 30-minute clarity call. Here's what a recent client said:
"I'm more energized, more focused and more
determined to achieve my goals."
Mindful Movement Recovering from an injury, suffering chronic pain, or simply would like to offer yourself greater freedom and mobility while keeping your brain active? Mindful
Movement practice improves mind-body connection, releases tension and helps realign
your body for a better posture. Working through safe gentle movement it is suitable for
any age. Join online group lessons (from the comfort of your home) or come in person for a
1-to-1 session (Luxembourg-Cents). Details +352 691 115 104 or https://www.mindfulbody.lu/
Thrive Pilates, Yoga and Functional Fitness Studio offers a variety of classes including
Pilates mat, Pilates Reformer, Dance Fit, Yoga, Kettlebells, Boxing, Feldenkrais, Functional
Fitness, Pilates, and Pilates Reformer classes, rooted in Mindful Movement. We connect
breath with motion, emphasising technique, form, and function. Our dedicated teachers
inspire self-awareness and joyful fitness as a lifelong journey. We empower you to thrive
and live life fully. Join our Thrive community today! Trial classes start from €10. Thrive Studio Merl - 11 Rue de Machault, L-2111 Märel
+352691888124
SERVICES
FREE Plant Medicine Walks on the Kirchberg Plateau from April to September in English,
French, German. For more information or a copy of the timetable, contact Viviane at
craig.vivian@gmail.com. To book your place (s), contact the Kirchberg Fund office +352 26
43 45 10 or at info@fondskirchberg.lu.
Botanical expeditions, visionary landscapes and the language of flowers through time
Stories of Exploration and Transformation https://bnl.public.lu/en/a-la-une/coups-coeur/liste-lecture/2023/gardens-through-time.html
Handmade Dog Bandanas and Accessories
Are you looking for a perfect gift for a dog or a pet lover? We offer a wide range of unique
and personalisable bandanas, bow ties, lead sleeve covers and much more. They are all
handmade in Luxembourg to the highest quality standards. Shipping is free worldwide if
you want to send a gift home. We hope to make you so happy at Dimples - Sew Happy.
Check us out at www.dimples-dogbandanas.com
Prioritise your health! Take charge of your well-being with expert support. I help women
navigate health challenges, including diabetes, heart disease, cancer, asthma,
menstrual health, peri/menopause, and healthy aging.
Using evidence-based nursing, behavioural science, and coaching, I provide 1:1 support,
group sessions, and talks to empower you in making lasting, positive changes.
Discover how I can help—visit Carrie Cannon Health Coaching or email
carrie@carriecannonhealth.com to book a no-obligation chat today!
Money Era Quiz
What if the way you interact with money isn't who you are, but where you are?
Play the Money Era Quiz to see where you are right now, and what the next chapter could
NON BLC SERVICES
Luxembourg School Support Group For English-speaking parents with children in the local state systems. Information packs and evenings are
regularly organised. Dominique Sweetnam, Tel: 48 78 82, email: info@lssg.lu
Babysitting in Luxembourg www.babysitting.lu is a
Lux website in English which covers all regions. They are registered babysitters, who have done the babysitting course, and often have first aid skills.
Breast Cancer Support Have you, a family member or friend been diagnosed with Cancer and are feeling overwhelmed? Think Pink Luxembourg is an English speaking group who can provide practical information and support to women and their families
living in Luxembourg with the day to day reality of Cancer. For more information go to our website thinkpinklux.com or email info@thinkpinklux.com
All Saints Anglican Church of Luxembourg
Contact Rev Canon Geoff Read office@anglican.lu Tel 439593
Sunday Service Times –
09.30 Holy Communion (BCP)
10.45 Main Sunday Service, ranging from Holy
Communion to First Sunday contemporary services with Junior Church, Youth Group and creche. For mid-week groups and more information, please see www.anglican.lu
Oasis Church of God Pastors Pietro & Giovanna Colaci 691 694 504 Sunday Worship services 10:00 and 11:30 at Hope Centre, 72 Dernier Sol,
Bonnevoie. Crèche. Oasis Kids age 3-11. Youth 12-18. Young Adults. Singles. Ladies Meeting. Mid-week Care and Prayer groups. See www.coglux.com/churches for more information on our English, French and Spanish language churches.
Christian Community Church Pastor Joël Meyer, +352 621 138 880 Sunday worship 10:30am during pandemic at 34 rue du Dernier Sol, Bonnevoie, by advance sign-up. We are also on You Tube (www.ccclux.com, click on resources; livestreaming;
youtube) Weekly Bible studies, small group meetings and prayer meetings via Zoom. Please contact us for more details.
Passage, the parent support group for the English speaking community Provides a forum for parents and professionals who work in the field of education and family welfare in Luxembourg. We are run voluntarily for parents by parents with the support of
relevant practitioners. We run monthly support groups, seminars and courses for parents and network evenings for professionals. If you would like more information please email www.passage.lu passage.parents@gmail.com
Lions and Lambs Playgroup A free and fun Christian-themed playgroup with songs, crafts and a story for children aged 0-4 years and their carers. Please contact the church office for more information office@anglican.lu
All Nations Church of Luxembourg Paul McMinimy 26332138. Sunday Services at 10am and 11.30am at Salle St Joseph , 85 Avenue Pasteur in Limpertsberg. www.allnationschurch.com
ExpatWoman.com The largest global website helping women living overseas with blogs, reader stories, interviews with successful expat women and articles.
Just Arrived S.à.r.l: A practical online guide for those new to the Grand Duchy to facilitate theirintegration into their new surroundings. Aimed at expats and newcomers, it provides a wealth of information on housing, education, health and well- being, art and culture, sport, shopping, food, nightlife, etc. www.justarrived.lu/en/
Quakers in Luxembourg 'Meeting for Worship' is held at 11am on the last Sunday of each month (except July, August & December). Visitors welcome. Meetings at the Amnesty offices (23, Rue des États-Unis). If you plan to attend, please email
luxquakers@gmail.com to check that meetings will be held. See also www.quakers-belux.org
The Greenfingers Celia James - cjames@pt.lu
Fiona Hampton - fionahampton@pt.lu
A group for those interested in gardens. We usually meet monthly on a Saturday morning to visit a private or public garden. In winter we usually meet at a member's house with either a member or an invited guest speaker talking on a variety of garden related topics. www.greenfingersclub.lu
The Network www.thenetwork.lu An English-speaking, professional women’s organisation that aims to promote interaction and networking among women of all nationalities.
Lux Life Book Club An English language book club, to discuss your favourites, improve your English and marinalai.lux@gmail.com to sign up for a summary of each book club meeting.
RTL Today Radio
For all your English chat, information, news and great music. Stream now at www.rtl.lu/radio or on the new app Radioplayer
ARA City Radio,
English chat, information, news & great music for Luxembourg on 102.9 and 105.2 FM or the new app Radioplayer. www.aracityradio.com
ADVERTISING INFORMATION
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