SCV Edelweiss Newsletter March 2008

²The 5 year old girl Ylenia disappeared and after an extensive search was found murdered.

³These election posters have polarised the nation: they have struck a cord with many voters, others accusing the SVP of preaching racism.

MARCH 2008REGISTERED BY AUSTRALIA POST - PUBLICATION No. VBH 6369

8 9 F l i n d e r s L a n e • M e l b o u r n e 3 0 0 0 • V i c t o r i a • A u s t r a l i a • w w w . s w i s s . o r g . a u / s w i s s c l u b v i c

The year in review – what moved the Swiss in 2007?• Excessive remuneration for top

managers

• Controversy about the National Day celebration at the Rütli¹

• Election of Nicolas Sarkozy as French President

• The Ylenia murder case²

• SVP Sheep posters during the elections³

• Billion Dollar losses by the UBS

A lot has made headlines during the past year. No Swiss will forget December 12, when the whole country was holding its breath. Not even the most experienced political analyst would have predicted the dismissal of the outspoken and controversial Federal Councillor Christoph Blocher. It was a political bombshell that shocked the nation. The new cabinet member replacing Blocher is Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf from Grison. She is the daughter of former Federal Councillor Leon Schlumpf (1979-

1987). Widmer-Schlumpf is a lawyer and befi ttingly is heading the Justice Department.

The environment was another important issue. The Green Party as well as the SVP (Swiss People’s Party) had it fi rmly on their agenda during the October elections. It has fi nally sunk in with most, that not taking any action to protect the environment will be expensive. Switzerland as well as the rest of the world turned a shade greener in 2007. (Incidentally, at an environmental forum held in Switzerland in January 2008, Switzerland was voted number one as the ‘greenest’ country, whilst Australia ranked third last on the list, is one of the worst polluter and producer of greenhouse gases in the world.)

¹For the fi st time since 1949 there was no offi cial National Day celebration at the birthplace of the Nation. Despite intense negotiations, the Canton and City of Luzern refused to allow extra ships to fairy guests to the Rütli, and not one of the 33 ports along the 161km shore of Lake Luzern agreed to open instead.

The Swiss Federal Council 2008 (from left to right): Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf, Moritz Leuenberger, Micheline Calmy-Rey, Pascal Couchepin, Samuel Schmid, Doris Leuthard, Hans-Rudolf Merz, Federal Chancellor Corina Casanova

2008 - An imperial year at Arenenberg Castle

Hidden behind enormous trees, opposite the Isle of Reichenau, lies Arenenberg Castle, embedded in the beautiful surroundings of lower Lake Constance, Canton of Thurgovia.

Here, Hortense de Beauharnais, adoptive daughter and sister-in-law of Napoléon I, found a place of refuge from 1817 on, in which her then seven year old son Prince Charles Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte, the future Emperor Napoléon III, grew up.

Today, Arenenberg Castle houses the Napoléon Museum. On the occasion of the 200th birthday of Napoléon III, continued on page 6

Hanny Earl celebrating her 101st birthday

Superman Herbert Schwärzler’s 70th birthday party at the Swiss Club

KaffeeklatschKaffeeklatsch

Mystery Trip

Samichlaus

Senior ChristmasSenior Christmas

Swiss Club Tennis Championship

R

OU

NDABOUT THE SWISS

CLUB

March to JuneSwiss Club Events Calendar

Please book all functions with Roger, phone 9650 1196 or fax 9650 3104. Check website for details of upcoming events.

MARCH Wednesday 05 Ladies’ Luncheon

Wednesday 05 Annual General Meeting

Thursday 06 Kapelle Grüezi Mitenand entertains at the Club

Saturday 15 Jass Night - Matterhorn

Sunday 16 Swiss Companion Singers Andacht at Wandin East

Wednesday 19 Start of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival at the Club

APRIL Thursday 03 Kapelle Grüezi Mitenand entertains at the Club

Sunday 06 Swiss Festival - Austrian Club

Saturday 19 Jass Night - Swiss Club

Wednesday 23 Movie Night - Swiss Club

MAY Thursday 01 Kapelle Grüezi Mitenand entertains at the Club

Saturday 03 Unterhaltungsabend - Swiss Folk Dance Group Alpenrose

Monday 05 Editorial Deadline - Newsletter June Issue

Wednesday 07 Ladies’ Luncheon


JUNE Thursday 05 Kapelle Grüezi Mitenand entertains at the Club



OTHER REGULAR MEETINGS:Committee Meetings: Every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month

Swiss Folk Dance Group Alpenrose: Practice every Tuesday evening at 8.15pm

Swiss Companion Singers: Practice and social gathering every 2nd and 3rd Thursday of each month at 8pm

Saturday Morning Swiss School: Every second Saturday Morning except school holidays, from 9.30am to 12.30pm

Swiss German Playgroup: Meets every 1st Thursday of each month from 11am to 2pm

Young Swiss: Get-together every 2nd Wednesday of each month from 7pm

19 w w w . s w i s s . o r g . a u / s w i s s c l u b v i c

SWISS CLUB OF VICTORIAFounded in 1899

89 Flinders Lane, Melbourne Vic 3000T: (03) 9650 1196, F: (03) 9650 3104E: [email protected]: www.swiss.org.au/swissclubvic

Club Opening HoursBookings: T: (03) 9650 1196Lunch - Monday to Friday from 12noonDinner - Wednesday, Thursday & Friday from 6pm. Friday Happy Hour from 5pm to 6.30pm.

Swiss Club CateringFor Weddings, Corporate, Seminars, Parties, Private Functions contact Chef & Catering Manager Roger MoulletT: (03) 9650 1196, F: (03) 9650 3104M: 0409 040 249E: [email protected]

COMMITTEERolf HuberPresidentT/F (H): (03) 9807 0282M (B): 0425 805 854M (H): 0417 013 066E: [email protected]

Barbara KündigVice President/SecretaryT/F (H): (03) 9813 8843M: 0402 018 363E: [email protected]

w w w . s w i s s . o r g . a u / s w i s s c l u b v i c 3

Urs Derrick WildiTreasurerT/F (H): (03) 9824 7930M: 0403 040 930E: [email protected]

Oliver AltermattBuilding Management/FunctionsM: 0410 684 263E: [email protected]

Gerda ProbstMembership Relations/FunctionsT (H): (03) 9748 8540M: 0439 936 313E: [email protected]

Patrick RychnerCorporate Communications/Web Administrator/FunctionsM: 0404 657 886E: [email protected]

SWISS CLUB SUB-GROUPSSwiss Folk Dance Group AlpenrosePresident: Sylvia HochuliT: (03) 9531 6575E: [email protected]

Swiss Companion SingersConvenor: Heidy GigerT: (03) 9889 9321E: [email protected]

Ladies LuncheonsConvenor: Heidy GigerFor bookings T: (03) 9650 1196For information: T: (03) 9889 9321E: [email protected]

Saturday Morning Swiss SchoolConvenor: Andrea PinchT: (03) 5331 6762E: [email protected]: www.swiss.org.au/scvschool

Swiss PlaygroupIngrid Preston T: (03) 9772 0516Claudia Dahinden T: (03) 9347 6913W: www.swiss.org.au/playgroup

The Young Swiss GroupConvenor: Amy Bohren2/9 Grandview Grove, Bayswater Vic 3153M: 0409 041 528E: [email protected]

OTHER SWISS ORGANISATIONSSwiss Society of Victoria(Benevolent Society)President: Primo CalabresiT: (03) 9857 7427W: www.swiss.org.au/swissclubvic

Trachtengruppe SchwyzergruessAustralian/Swiss Cultural Society President: Sylvia HochuliT: (03) 9531 6575E: [email protected]

Groupe Romand du VictoriaPresident: Marianne Puccinelli7 Eric Court, Wheelers Hill Vic 3150T: (03) 9561 9595W: www.swiss.org.au/chfrvic

Pro TicinoPresident: Claude Rossi5 Falls Road, Hoddles Creek Vic 3139T: (03) 5967 4542E: [email protected]

Swiss-Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI) General Manager: Marcel SvatosLevel 5, 23-25 O’Connell StreetSydney NSW 2000T: (02) 9223 7222, F: (02) 9223 7211 E: [email protected] W: www.sacci.com.au

Swiss Academic Network Melbourne (SANM)E: [email protected]: www.sanm.id.au

ETH Alumni AustraliaConvenor: Josef Koch1/32 Bruce Street, Toorak Vic 3142T/F: (03) 9827 0307

Swiss Yodel Choir MatterhornPresident: Marco Unternährer3 Bluegum Court, Upwey Vic 3158T (B): (03) 9388 8777, (H) 9752 6996W: www.swiss.org.au/matterhorn

Honorary Consul of Switzerland (Victoria)Erika Kimpton697 Toorak Road, Kooyong Vic 3144T: (03) 9824 7527, M: 0413 042 728E: [email protected]

Newsletter‘Edelweiss’ is the Newsletter of the Swiss Club of Victoria and is published quarterly in March, June, September and December.

For all advertising enquiries and editorial contributions please contact:

Roland Isler, Editor T/F (H): (03) 9558 3877T (B): (03) 9524 6335F (B): (03) 9528 4792M: 0412 935 565E: [email protected] St Georges Crescent Heatherton Vic 3202

Unless otherwise stated, postal address for all the above is: 89 Flinders Lane, Melbourne Vic 3000

4 S w i s s C l u b o f V i c t o r i a

Dear members and friends of the Swiss Club,

Welcome back to an exciting 2008 and the fi rst edition of this years’ ‘Edelweiss’ , the new name of the Swiss Club newsletter. I trust that you all had a good break and that you are now ready to tackle

the new year and the many activities offered in and around the club.

It is a big year for Switzerland with Euro 2008 kicking off in June. The European Football Championship is the third largest sporting event worldwide, a chance for Switzerland to present itself to the world in the best possible way, a unique chance not to be missed!

Likewise it is also a signifi cant year for the Swiss Club of Victoria for two reasons: one is our participation in the Swiss Festival - more about it in a moment and two the renovation of the second fl oor of the club building.

The club house it our most important asset and provides its members with endless opportunities. In my view the building holds the key for the future of the club. Two options come to my mind:

1. Status quo, no change, or

2. Vision of a Swiss House in central Melbourne, one of a fl ourishing enterprise i.e. adding more fl oors with apartment and offi ce space, job opportunities and added value with the Swiss Club being in control.

I am much in favor of the second option. In the end it is what members want but the committee has the responsibility to ensure the clubs continued existence and viability. The

renovation of the second fl oor is another stepping stone to further improve the fi nancial position and to return benefi ts to its members. You may recall when a few years ago the Swiss club restaurant was transformed into a modern facility and last year we found a new tenant for the Terra Rossa Restaurant on the ground fl oor. Now the time has come to look at the second fl oor. Nothing has been decided so far as we explore every possibility and we appreciate members’ inputs for this important venture.

The biggest event of the year for the Swiss Club and the entire Swiss Community in Victoria is the Swiss Festival (formerly known as Volksfest) on Sunday 6th April at the Austrian Club. What makes this day so special is the fact that all Victoria based Swiss community groups large and small are joining forces for the fi rst time to represent Switzerland’s culture and many faces. An ad hoc committee was formed to oversee the organisation made up of Andre Becker, Bruno Giger, Rolf Huber, Erika Kimpton and Damian Schaller. The name “Swiss Festival” is to refl ect the all inclusive nature of this event, it broadens its appeal, is easily understood and is very recognisable.

Don’t miss the most important event of the year! (see separate ad for more information.)

Regular users of the second fl oor please take note of the Melbourne Comedy Festival dates which will take place 17th March to 15th 2008 during which time alternative arrangements need to be made as the second fl oor will not be available. The committee regrets any inconvenience caused but please to not hesitate and contact us should you require assistance! Check out the program on www.comedyfestival.com.au

March and April see plenty of action at the club. Every fi rst Thursday of the month Kapelle Grüezi Mitenand featuring the fabulous John Wanner invites you to an entertaining evening. It is a perfect opportunity to experience Swiss Folklore. Bring your friends along and do not forget to book! The fi rst ladies luncheon of the year is planned for 5th March followed by the AGM with a surprise in the evening. If you would like to improve your Jass skills we suggest you play with the champs on 15th March and 19th April. On 16th March the Swiss Companion Singers invite you to their annual Picnic Andacht in Wandin East. The club’s fi rst movie night in many years is proposed for 23rd April. As always you will fi nd more information on our website.

I know I am working with a great team and we are all motivated and put a lot of effort into organising all the events during the year. We’ll be trying to make this year the most enjoyable experience possible for everybody who attends.

We are also encouraging you to put up your hand if you would like to play a more active role in the club. If you have any ideas or suggestions please contact any of the committee members - we are certainly always open to have keen helpers on board. All the best and I look forward to seeing you very soon.

Rolf Huber, President

President’s Message

For all your fi rst class selected meat, Swiss smallgoods and delicatessen

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Welcome to our new membersDennis Clarebrough, Lionel Coombe, Keith Falconer, Egon Vetter.

We would like to welcome you to the club and hope you will join us frequently at the club restaurant or at one of the many functions. The next Welcome Evening for new members will be held on Wednesday, 20 February.

CongratulationsWe congratulate the following members on their BIG birthday and wish them happiness and best of health:

Herbert Schwärzler on his 70th on 19 January

Hans Brunner on his 80th on 26 March

Hanny Earl on her 101st (!) on 25 December 2007.

Warmest congratulations to Marcel & Trudi Theiler on the birth of their fi rst granddaughter, Victoria. We are sure you are looking forward to your next journey to Switzerland to see her!

It is half a century since Fritz Hochuli has set foot to this great land downunder and 50 years since he became a member of the Swiss Club (joined 01/06/58)! Well done Fritz, that is a milestone to be proud of! Congratulations and thank-you from all of us.

Theodore Wyrsch (joined 01/01/58) and Elenor Schmidig (joined 01/07/58) have also been loyal Swiss Club members for 50 years! Congratulations and thank-you from everyone.


Get wellOur best wishes go to Inge Altermatt. We wish Inge and Beat strength in these diffi cult times.

We also send our thoughts and best wishes to Carolyn Kropf and hope for a speedy recovey.

Inge Kulmanis has a broken ankle and three months of immobility ahead of her. We wish her a lot of patience!

To all members and friends who don’t feel too well, we send our love and good wishes. Noch em Räge chunt z’Sunne…

The last farewellIt is with great sadness that we say good-bye to Wallace Clarke-Seiler who passed away after long sickness on 30 December 2007 at the age of 88 years. We offer our support and sympathy to Gwenda and family.

Dear members, if your partner or any of your friends and fellow members have a reason to celebrate, are unwell or have left for a better place, please let me know so that others know too.

Editor

Newsletter Deadlines 2008June Issue: Covering June/July/AugustEditorial Deadline: Monday, 5 MayPacking: Wednesday, 21 May

September Issue: Covering Sept/Oct/ NovEditorial Deadline: Monday, 11 AugustPacking: Wednesday, 27 August

December Issue: Covering Dec/ Jan 09/Feb 09Editorial Deadline: Monday, 3 NovemberPacking: Wednesday, 19 November

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from page 1

an exhibition will be held between April and October, focusing on the years he spend at Arenenberg (from 1815 to 1838).

Far away from France, Hortense de Beauharnais knew how to revive the Parisian society at Lake Constance. Maybe in somewhat smaller dimensions, but Arenenberg Castle was visited by the most important representatives of the world of music, literature, art and politics.

The prince was an enterprising young lad. His adventures, both amorous and otherwise, became well known. Soon he spoke better Thurgovian dialect than French. Throughout his life, people said of him: “he speaks English with a French accent, French with a German and German with a Swiss accent”.

He was well connected not only to nobility but also to the Swiss government. He was a friend of Karl Müller von Friedberg, one of the founding fathers of the Canton of ²²²St.Gallen, and he trained and served under General Dufour raising to the rank of captain in the Swiss army. He received an honorary citizenship of the Canton of Thurgovia in 1832.

Throughout his life, Napoléon III was very grateful for the Swiss hospitality he received in his youth. This became obvious as he returned the favour at the ‘deal of Neuchâtel’ in 1856, when thanks to his intervention all of Neuchâtel became part of Switzerland.

When he died in exile in England in 1873, it is said that he had a Swiss passport on him, making him the only ever ‘Swiss Emperor’. In 1906, his wife, Empress Eugénie donated Arenenberg Castle and its estate to the Canton of Thurgovia.

www.napoleonmuseum.tg.ch

Napoléon III, born Charles Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte (20 April 1808 – 9 January 1873) was the fi rst President of the French Republic from 10 December 1848 to 2 December 1852. He became the second Emperor of the French (although he was the third person named Napoléon) under the name Napoléon III, from 2 December 1852 to 4 September 1870. He holds the unusual distinction of being both the fi rst titular president and the last monarch of France and the only one holding dual French and Swiss citizenship.

Login and get the latest info:www.swiss.org.au/swissclubvic

Open letter by Peter Meury, CSA Delegate

Bilateral Social Security Agreement between Switzerland and AustraliaLate September/early October 2007, the two Houses of the Swiss Parliament (National Council and Council of States) have unanimously accepted the bilateral Agreement which was last year negotiated and agreed at ministerial level between the two Governments. It regulates the question of pension recipients, especially for Australian citizens who have worked in Switzerland and have contributed to the AHV. Alternatively, a Swiss citizen who has worked for some time in Australia has the possibility to receive an Australian State Pension when he or she retires provided they pass the means test.

The Australian Pension is non-contributory, but means-tested, but AHV receivers have contributed in accordance with their earnings (after paying tax when in Australia). It appears therefore necessary that Swiss citizens declare their AHV receipts as Income in their tax return. In case they draw the Australian pension, it means that such pension entitlements may be reduced. At the start of AHV entitlement, Swiss citizens receive a Statement from Geneva indicating their contributions to the Fund. This can be used as a basis for their UPP (undeducted Purchase Price). In effect it means they may receive a more favourable tax treatment. It is suggested that any such issues should be discussed with an accountant.

It should also be realised, that Centrelink has now the possibility to verify whether a Swiss citizen is entitled to receive AHV pensions. We have been informed that details will not be communicated without the consent of the individual concerned. Information exchange is alleged only to be in the interest of social security and details are specifi ed in the Agreement. We understand there is no exchange of lists of recipients between Governments.

Finally, taxation matters are regulated in the bilateral Taxation Agreement between the two countries which has been in force for many years.

Any queries should be directed to:

Walter PurtschertRepresentative, Council for the Swiss Abroad11 Hornby StreetBeaumaris Vic 3193M: 0413 444 666E: [email protected]


universities and technical colleges, something I still enjoy doing occasionally.

Editor: Are you saying you’re not retired yet?

Hans: Well, not quite. Apart from lecturing, there are occasions were I am still called upon, in murder cases for example, to examine hair samples and to train forensic staff. In one of these cases I appeared in a TV documentary that was shown on ‘The Investigators’.

Editor: Can you name any specifi c cases?

Hans: Sure. The best known is undoubtedly the Chamberlain-Azaria case. I identifi ed dog hairs which, by the prosecution, were wrongly identifi ed as cat hairs. This impacted considerably on the outcome of the case. Another time I was asked to examine hairs, collected in Indonesia by a British expedition, which were believed to come from an as yet unknown man-like primate. The results have created immense interest and I have gained worldwide recognition for my work and expertise.

Editor: What do you do when you’re not working?

Hans: I have a keen interest in the environment and I am a member of many environmental organisations were I participate and contribute as much as I can. And, of course, I like to spend time with my wife Diane. She has supported me in all my endeavours during our 48 years of marriage, I am tremendously grateful to her.

Editor: Hans, you will be celebrating your 80th birthday on 26 March. On behalf of the Swiss Club, I congratulate you on this milestone and wish you a wonderful day and good health.

Hans: Thank-you very much!

The man with the golden voiceHans Brunner on his 80th birthday

Editor: Hans, most of us know you as the lead yodeller of the Yodel Club Edelwyss. The choir disbanded when you retired from active singing in 1991. Members that joined the Swiss Club after that date may not know a lot about the Yodel Club and your involvement with it. Tell us a little about it please.

Hans: I came to Australia in 1953 and soon after my arrival joined the Swiss Club and the newly formed yodel group. When, after a few months, their accomplished yodeller decided to return back to Switzerland, I thought I’ll give it a go. After a shaky start, and a lot of practice, my voice gradually developed to a standard that was comparable with the best yodellers

in Switzerland. I was aware that my voice was a gift of nature and I was proud of it. Of course, with a yodel choir, it’s important to have a good lead singer, but it is just as important to get the vocal harmonies right, the timing, diction and so forth, it’s precision work really. During choir practice I always pushed to achieve the best possible result. I enjoyed performing with the choir tremendously

and audiences enjoyed listening wherever we went. I soon became known as ‘the man with the golden voice’.

Editor: You must have a lot of fond memories. What stands out in your mind?

Hans: During my 38 years as lead yodeller, our choir enjoyed great achievements, but my personal highlight was the participation at the National Yodel Festival in Switzerland in 1978 and 1984 and being each time awarded with a fi rst class judgement.

Editor: What about your professional career? Is it as interesting as your singing career?

Hans: Every bit as interesting I believe! I am a cabinet-maker by trade, but in 1960 I joined the State Government to carry out research into the control of vertebrate pest animals. It was rather frustrating the fi rst few years, but things changed when I was entrusted with a project to fi nd out what foxes, wild dogs and feral cats are eating. This involved the ability to identify undigested hairs. I had to start from scratch, developing methods to identify hair samples microscopically. This resulted in the publishing of the fi rst comprehensive book written on this subject. It was distributed worldwide. Apart from that, I published over twenty scientifi c peer reviewed papers on many other subjects and at least as many technical reports. In 1980 I was awarded a Master of Applied Science degree by Deakin University. This enabled me to lecture on my subject at several


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Celestino Piatti good-bye to a creative genius

Celestino Piatti, one of the most important and infl uential European graphic designer and artist, has passed away on 17 December 2007.

He was born in Wangen (ZH) in 1922 as the son of a Ticinese stonemason and a farmer’s daughter from Zürich. In 1937 he studied at the college of arts and crafts in Zürich and afterwards completed an apprenticeship as a graphic designer. Since 1948 he worked as a freelance graphic designer in Basel.

He obtained his fi rst important success as a creator of art posters. Many of the over 500 poster designs have won design awards in Switzerland and internationally.

Piatti became particularly famous for his work for ‘Deutscher Taschenbuch Verlag’ (dtv), whose paperbacks he designed almost exclusively since the establishment of the publishing house in 1961. Piatti’s characteristic illustrations and unique book designs are considered a milestone of elegant and high-quality book-art. He created over 6300 book covers, picture books and book illustrations with a total volume of over 200 million.

His artistic spectrum is amazing. He created stamps, prints, sculptures, murals and worked with different mediums including glass, wood, metal and canvas.

A motive leading through his entire work is the owl, a symbol of fortune or misfortune or one of wisdom. In 1992 Piatti notes in one of his drawings: “One

can draw an owl a thousand

times, its secret you’ll never reach”.

Hope that everyone had a pleasant holiday and a good start in the New Year.

Herewith are the dates for 2008:

• 14 March - Swiss Club Doubles Championship • 20 June - Bernard Sandoz Trophy • 10 October - Swiss Club Singles Championship

Cost: Only $15 per person which includes dinner.

Start is 7:30pm

To book please ring Roger (Swiss Club) or Louis on 9439 7593 or 0418 645 313

If you have any queries or suggestions do not hesitate to contact me. Hope to see your all in March.

Louis Schneider

Support those that support your ClubConsider our Advertisers


Osterfl aden (Easter Tart)Some Osterfl aden contain ground rice, cornfl our (cornstarch), fécule or even semolina; this one, from an old handwritten Basel family recipe book, uses up stale bread, mixes it with almonds, sultanas and raisins, cream and eggs, and encases the whole mass in light pastry.

Remove crust from bread and soak in milk. Squeeze out excess milk and discard. Mix the bread in a large bowl with the egg yolks, almonds and sugar.

Rinse the dried sultanas and raisins, pat them dry and toss them in fl our. Add to the mixture.

Whip the cream into soft peaks. Beat the egg whites until stiff but still creamy. Fold both into mixture.

Heat the oven to 180˚. Roll out the pastry thinly and line a lightly buttered 30cm quiche pan.

Pour in the mixture and bake for 1¼ hour.

Serves up to 8

50g white bread, sliced (2 medium slices)milk to cover2 eggs, separated125g/1¹/³ cups coarsely ground almonds125g/10 tbsp sugar50g/¹/³ cup sultanas50g/¹/³ cup raisinsfl our375ml cream250g puff pastry

Happy Easter Bunny!

From the book ’A Taste of Switzerland‘ by Sue Style. See book review December 2007 issue

Tune into news, music and information about everything that is Swiss in Switzerland and downunder.

Ursula Schappi presents an entertaining half-hour program every Sunday from 8:30 to 9pm on 93.1fm

To listen online visit Contactwww.sbs.com.au/radio (02) 9955 7628

Part of German Language program on Melbourne 93.1fm

Upcoming Jass Nights - 20081st 19 April Swiss Club2nd 14 June Swiss Club3rd 12 July Swiss Club4th & Final 6 September Swiss Club

1st 15 March Matterhorn2nd 17 May Matterhorn3rd 9 August Matterhorn

Singapore Sagaby Annelies Crone-Arbenz

ISBN: 0-9591151-1-0Published: 1988Binding: Paperback

SynopsisPart One of the book tells of the dramatic escape to Australia of three young Swiss sisters during the Japanese invasion of Singapore and the subsequent adaptation to the Australian way of life by the youngest sister, Annelies, who today resides in Sydney.

Part Two is a translation of the original diaries of their father Rudolf Arbenz, an architect and Honorary Swiss Consul. He and his wife remained in occupied Singapore in dedication to the community.

“It is quite extraordinary that a man who achieved so much in his life, gave, made sacrifi ces and suffered so intensely, by his complete loyalty and patriotism to his country and its people, lost everything that he possessed and loved, including his wife, family and his own life, with little acknowledgement, only indignity at the end”.

Editor: This is an exceptionally interesting and moving life-story and I recommend this book to anyone. It is out of print and not available through the usual outlets (bookstores, publisher). However, the author has a supply of books for sale and anyone interested should contact:

Mrs Annelies Crone-Arbenz‘Sea point’ 130281 Grafton StreetWoollahra NSW 2025


Test your Swiss Knowledge

© G & M Probst

Across 3. Which is the "youngest" Swiss canton? 6. What is the month of our Annual General Meeting? 7. What was the last name of the first female Swiss President? 10. Capital of Ticino 11. What is the name of the Swiss town that literally means "between the lakes"? 12. Which Swiss town is famous for its annual Jazz festival? 13. What event will be held at the club on 16 February?

Down1. Who is the convenor of the Swiss Companion Singers? 2. Smallest canton & second biggest city 4. Who wrote an opera about Wilhelm Tell? 5. First name of our Vice President/Secretary 8. Which cantonal capital houses three parliaments and three governments? 9. What big Swiss Club event is happening on 6 April 2008?

Test your Swiss Knowledge

Across 3. Which is the ‘youngest’ Swiss canton?

6. What is the month of our Annual General Meeting?

7. What was the last name of the fi rst female Swiss President?

10. Capital of Ticino

11. What is the name of the Swiss town that literally means ‘between the lakes’?

12. Which Swiss town is famous for its annual Jazz festival?

13. What event will be held at the club on 16 February?

Down 1. Who is the convenor of the Swiss Companion Singers?

2. Smallest canton & second biggest city

4. Who wrote an opera about Wilhelm Tell?

5. First name of our Vice President/Secretary

8. Which cantonal capital houses three parliaments and three governments?

9. What big Swiss Club event is happening on 6 April 2008?

1 2 3 4 5

7

6

98

10

11

12

13

Fahrt ins BlaueMystery Trip, 14 November 2007Rupertswood Mansion in Sunbury, ‘Home of the Ashes’, was our destination. Of course , we are talking about our yearly Mystery Trip arranged and beautifully executed by the Trachtengruppe Schwyzergruess.

A warm November morning greeted us as we stepped from the bus for morning tea at the Organ Pipe National Park.

Delicious bisquits and a cool Orange or Apple Juice strengthened our bodies.

The friendly bus drivers helped us back into the bus. The drive was comfortable.

Rupertswood Mansion is such an interesting venue to choose, being the ‘Home of the Ashes’. Just walking and inspecting the Mansion is a true delight, including a speech about it’s heritage.

Our lunch was a three course affair plus coffee.

The Trachtengruppe Schwyzergruess has to be thanked extensively. The ladies always help with arranging and helping people to arrive safely at their destination.

Max and Inge Kulmanis

Ladies, mark the two dates below in your diary. Come and join us at 12 noon at the Swiss Club for good food, good company and an interesting guest speaker.

• Wednesday, 5 March• Wednesday, 7 MayPrice $22 pp for members, $25 pp for non-members.Includes 2-course meal, wine, soft drinks and coffee.

Non-members are also welcome, bring a friend or two. For information ring Heidy Giger on 9889 9321. For bookings please ring Roger at the Club on 9650 1196. See you there!

Heidy Giger

at their destination.

Max and Inge Kulmanis

Samichlaus Breakfast2 December 2007This year’s Samichlaus Breakfast was again a huge success. The weather was fantastic albeit windy, and many children and adults were spoilt by a delicious country breakfast. Especially the yummy Zopf and Barbara’s renowned Birchermüesli need to be pointed out.

The Samichlaus and his helper ‘Schmutzli’ made an appearance Aussie style, landing in their iron Ute-reindeer. The children assembled in front of Samichlaus, where some were brave enough to perform a song. Samichlaus then presented each child with a surprise bag before he left again in his beautifully decorated reindeer.

Everybody had a fantastic time and we are already looking forward to welcoming Samichlaus again next year as a special guest at the breakfast in Fawkner Park.

Gerda Probst


Five Little Easter Eggs (Holding up fi ve fi ngers, then fold down one fi nger at the time)

Five little Easter eggs, lovely colours wore; Mother ate the blue one, then there were four.

Four little Easter eggs, two and two, you see;Daddy ate the red one, then there were three.

Three little Easter eggs, before I knew,Sister ate the yellow one, then there were two.

Two little Easter eggs; oh, what fun,Brother ate the purple one, then there was one.

One little Easter egg; see me run!I ate the very last one,and then there were none.

Swiss Club Tennis Championship25 November 2007Once again the tournament took place at the Kooyong Lawn & Tennis Club. Due to construction work on the centre court with the installation of the new surface used at the Australian Open, this year’s tournament was played on the ‘En-tous cas’ courts. The benefi t of this move was that we were able to use the gazebo with the terrace overlooking the courts where the action took place and enjoying a snack during breaks.

The round robin format ensured that participants had an equal number of games and also were able to play with different partners every match. We saw some outstanding tennis with Jean-Guy Schneider and Robert Metcalf winning the most games during the afternoon. Playing in the higher ranked group meant that Jean-Guy Schneider was crowned Swiss Club champion for 2007. Unfortunately there were some late withdrawals in the junior category, resulting in this competition being played as single matches. It appears that the participants enjoyed this format much better. After some tough matches Lucas Ortner and Walter Zhang ended up winning the same amount of games with both of them being crowned as junior champions.

A special thank you goes to Reynolds Racquet providing us with test racquets and the Swiss Club for supporting this event. I also would like to thank everyone who made this an enjoyable event and hope to see you again year at the Swiss Club Championship in 2008. Derrick Wildi

ADULTS Games1 Jean-Guy Schneider 19 Robert Medcalf 193 Herbert Schwärzler 154 Ruth Tobler 14 Jenny Krause 146 Nicole Udry 13 Konrad Asto 138 Danny Krause 129 Maura Wildi 11 Erika Kimpton 11 Marie Huber 1112 Peter Udry 9 Thomas Schmocker 914 Marus Lumpe 815 Tsujako Schmocker 7 Rolf Huber 7

JUNIORS Games1 Lucas Ortner 17 Walter Zhang 173 Miranda Zhang 124 Amanda Wildi 85 Nick Huber 6

Overall Winner: Jean-Guy Schneider 19 games

Category winners:

This year’s Samichlaus Breakfast was

was fantastic albeit windy, and many

Ute-reindeer. The children assembled

before he left again in his beautifully


Senior ChristmasAfternoon Tea8 December 2007When rumours became reality, that the Consulate General of Switzerland, Melbourne, would close, it was agreed, that the yearly Senior Christmas Afternoon Tea should not be abandoned. It was also quite clear, that it only would be possible, if a group of like-minded people is prepared to help.

We strongly believe, that we succeeded in putting a wonderful Christmas Party into place. So many participants left the Swiss Club with happy and glowing eyes, the heart warmer and richer.

The fi nancial sponsor was again the Swiss Society, which is presided by Primo Calabresi, catering was undertaken by the Trachtengruppe Schwyzergruess with Sylvia Hochuli at the helm and the Swiss Club of Victoria provided the venue. The Folkdance Group Alpenrose, Chamber Musicians Ruth Plagge and Friend, the Swiss Companion Singers, the Saturday Morning Swiss School, Irma and Christian Thalmann with Alphorn and Schwyzerörgeli provided non-stop entertainment. A special treat, which brought many a tear into the guests eye, was the performance of our own Solojodler Hans Brunner.

Thank you to all of you, and to Roger Moullet and the Elves, which baked the Christmas Cookies. It was just a perfect example of team work, provided to entertain the most perfect guests. We hope, we can get a Christmas Party together this year too! I believe we all had fun organising it; I know, I had!

Rita Schwärzler-Abbt

Come along and enjoy the day with us at the

Picnic AndachtSunday, 16 March 2008

in Wandin East (Melway Ref. 121 K9) from 11.30am to 4pm

The service will be held by Pastor Stern at 1pm

The Swiss Companion Singers and the wonderful Kapelle Grüezi Mitenand will entertain you.

Plenty of Swiss fair for sale:• Sausages, Salads, Nussgipfel, Homemade Cakes

• Drinks, CoffeeCraft Stalls by Trachtengruppe Schwyzergruess

Don’t forget to bring a chair or two along

Contacts: Heidy 9889 9321 - Herbert 9561 7811

The group has resumed practice after the summer break.

We would like to have more members. Why not join us on a Tuesday night at the Club?

We look forward to a busy year, starting off with the popular

UnterhaltungsabendSaturday 3 May, 7.30pm.

• Three course dinner• Music: Kapelle Grüezi Mitenand

• Tombola with lots of prizes• Cost: $35 p.p.

Bookings must be made with the Swiss Club.

Please come and join in the fun and support the group at the same time.

Joke of the day!A blind man and his guide dog are standing at a pedestrian crossing in Bern. The light turns to green and the dog leads his master across, almost into an accelerating car. On the other side the man gives the dog a biscuit. A passer-by sees this and protests. ‘But I have to give the dog a biscuit’, says the blind man. ‘How else would I know which end to kick?


Swiss FestivalSunday, 6th April 2008

Austrian Club, 76-90 Sheehan Road, Heidelberg West(Melway 19 F9)

From 11am to 4pm

Come and experience true Swiss culture and folklore. Enjoy Swiss food from many parts of Switzerland and dance, sing or yodel along to well known tunes. Be part of the action when for the first time all Swiss community groups in Victoria celebrate the Swiss Festival (formerly known as Volksfest) It is the biggest event yet! Bring your families and friends and have a good time! Games for children, trash and treasure stalls. Everyone is welcome! Ample parking is available.

Swiss Festival Committee, c/o Swiss Club of Victoria, 89 Flinders Lane, Melbourne VIC 3000, Ph 03 9650 1196, email: [email protected] www.swiss.org.au

Following organisations or groups will attend: •The Swiss Ambassador to Australia•Honorary Consul of Switzerland (Victoria)•Australian/Swiss Cultural Society •Groupe Romand du Victoria•Organisation of the Swiss Abroad (ASO) •Swiss Academic Network Melbourne (SANM)•Pro Ticino•Saturday Morning Swiss School•Swiss-Australian Chamber of Commerce & Industry•Swiss Club of Victoria•Swiss Companion Singers•Swiss Folk Dance Group Alpenrose•Swiss Society of Victoria (Benevolent Society)•Swiss Playgroup•Swiss Yodel Choir Matterhorn•Trachtengruppe Schwyzergruess •The Young Swiss Group

Swiss Festival

•Swiss-Australian Chamber of Commerce & Industry


NOTICE

2008 Annual General Meeting of the SCVNotice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of the Swiss Club of Victoria will be held at 89 Flinders Lane, Melbourne, on:

Wednesday, 5 March 2008, 8pmAgenda:1. Adoption of Minutes of Half-Yearly General Meeting 2007

2. President’s Report

3. Accounts and Financial Statements

4. Election of Auditor (if required ??)

5. Election of Offi ce Bearers (only required if there are changes)

6. General Business

Please note: No Accounts and Financial Statements are printed in this newsletter. However, a copy thereof can be obtained in person at the club restaurant from Wednesday, 20 February.

In true Swiss Club tradition before the Annual General Meeting, Roger Moullet and his team serve

‘Schüblig & Potato Salad’Cost: $11.50 p. p. (for members attending the AGM)

Bookings essential on 9650 1196. A la carte menu also available at regular prices.

Minutes of the 2007 Half-Yearly General Meeting of the SCVHeld Wednesday, 19 September 2007at 89 Flinders Lane, Melbourne1. Opening and WelcomeThe President of the Swiss Club of Victoria, Mr Rolf Huber opened the Half-Yearly General Meeting at 8 pm and welcomed the Honorary Life Members, and Members of the Swiss Club. He thanked everyone for attending the Half-Yearly Meeting. A total of 34 voting members were present.

2. One Minute of SilenceRolf invited all members to stand up and observe one minute of silence to remember our friends and members who have left us, in particular Willi Fuller, Fred Müller, Arnold Eugster, Richard

Spieler, Fred Roth, Walter Rutishauser and Sonia Bertsch. Our sympathies go to their families. We will miss them.

3. ApologiesUrs & Maura Wildi, Erika Kimpton, Bob & Dorothy Baenziger, Peter Meury, Rita & Herbert Schwärzler, Marcel Muntwyler, A.P. Boll, Klaus Angst, Christa Keller, Anna & Kurt Langenegger, Hans & Ivy Brunner, Colin Eichenberger, Lutz Kreimer, Claudia Dahinden, Therese Say, Marcel Seuret, Joe & Marie Schibli, Elenor & Sepp Schmidig, Max Amman, Jill Müller, Ozzi Häring, Pat Calabresi, Martin Probst, Rosmarie & Ernst Fries, Ernst Hügli, Annie Rutishauser, Heidy Giger, Peter Noser

4. Adoption of Minutes of Annual General Meeting March 2007The Minutes of the Annual General Meeting, held Wednesday, 28 March 2007, were published in the September 2007 Newsletter and copies of the fi nancials were distributed at this meeting. The Minutes had been read and are a true record.They were moved by Primo Calabresi and seconded by Urs Marfurt. All in favour.

5. President’s Report“Dear Honorary Life Members and Members of the Swiss Club, it has been nearly half a year since I commenced work as president for the tenure of two years. And I love it. The long planned handover from the previous president Roland Isler took place in a regular fashion and the transition period that followed went without a glitch considering that a new committee took charge of the destiny of the club. This young committee is the envy of every club in town, it stands for dedication, competence, skill and strength and this has directly translated into a very successful but work intensive fi rst half

SWISS CLUB MOVIE

VITUSWednesday 23 April, 6.30pm 2nd fl oorCH 2006Bruno Ganz, Theo Gheorghiu, Julika JenkinsDirector: Fredi M. MurerSwiss-German, English Subtitles120min

The fi lm tells the story of a highly-gifted boy whose parents have demanding and ambitious plans for him – they want him to become a pianist. However, one day the boy, Vitus, is no longer willing to comply with his parents’ plans and ambitions because he wants to follow his own star.

Free for members, non-members small gold coin donation.

Enjoy dinner at the club, before or after the movie. Please book with the restaurant on 9650 1196.


year with clear benefi ts for the club and its members. Let me introduce my team: Barbara Kundig Vice-President/Secretary, Gerda Probst Membership Relations, Oliver Altermatt Building Management and Patrick Rychner Communications/Webmaster. Missing tonight is Derrick Wildi our treasurer. Another committee member, Mark Weber has recently left us for professional reasons. He agreed though to work on a draft version of a new constitution. On behalf of the committee I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mark for his work for the good of the club. To remain effective we again seek to fi ll the position of event coordinator or IT specialist. If you have somebody in mind please let the committee know!Our most important accomplishment to date is beyond any doubt the successful completion and implementation of the Terra Rossa lease contract commissioned last March. It is only fair to pay tribute to Roland Isler and the former committee who actually had the foresight to start negotiations with an experienced operator such as Eddie Muto. In a moment Eddie Muto will introduce himself to you. A large amount of money went into the transformation of the downstairs restaurant and I am sure you will agree with me that the value of our

most important asset has increased. Regular rent payment has kicked in as of August and is set to increase by $10,000 after 12 months. With the fi rst phase completed, the second phase of the alteration will be a new awning which will allow outdoor seating but is still subject to council approval and widening of the footpath to three meters. When will this happen – your guess is as good as mine! The club has now effectively built a second income pillar in addition to Roger Moullet’s rent. By the way negotiations with Roger are ongoing with regards to extending his term which will expire at the end of November but he has already indicated that he will stay on for another three years. We are very happy with his decision.” This was applauded by the members.“I can confi dently say that despite a forecasted loss for this fi nancial year the club is in a strong fi nancial position. More about fi nance later in the treasurers report.Another concern of the members has been addressed or is in the pipeline – signage. You would have noticed the new signage above the door at the main entrance. At the end of this week a new illuminated “Swiss Club of Victoria” sign will be installed using the existing frame on Flinders Lane and furthermore a new sign will be mounted on Malthouse Lane. Signage on Malthouse Lane, signage on Flinders Lane (light box and above the door) plus the Swiss fl ag should adequately advertise the Swiss Club. In addition I am pleased to report that we have successfully negotiated a fee with Car E Care, a car parking company, which will allow them signage on Malthouse Lane.We are thrilled about the new club logo. Much has been written about in the newsletter. The branding of the club is important as it is the visual identity based on our core values and steeped in tradition but at the same time forward looking and future orientated. From now on the new logo will appear on absolutely everything e.g. newsletter, signage, business cards and stationary. We hope you like it too.You might have noticed the new look of our newsletter. Our fantastic new editor, Roland Isler, has done a wonderful job. The new design and editorial content is great. And due to the new production process, Roland saves the club a lot of money. The newsletter has also been given a new name now called “Edelweiss” which was the name of the fi rst Swiss Club newsletter more than a hundred years ago. The committee has invited members to design a masthead for the newsletter and under General Business you will have a chance to vote for your favorite design. Thank you Roland for a job well done and for your continued involvement in the club.” This was followed by applause from the members.“Our website now sports an online RSVP facility for functions which has been well received. Did you know that all of the Victorian Swiss.org websites together have received over half a million hits in only the fi rst six months of the year? The committee is mindful of the ever increasing importance of a well designed and up to date website as a tool to attract new members among young internet savvy people. In future, resources will have to be allocated when required. I encourage all members to make use of our website to check out the latest information. To report on all the functions that this club has seen this year is simply impossible, I would rather emphasize on a few events

Swiss Club of Victoria

Nomination Form for Offi ce Bearers for 2008We, being Honorary Life Members, Honorary Members or Ordinary Members of the Swiss Club of Victoria hereby nominate (please use block letters)

Name of person nominated:

for election as a member of the Committee.

1. Name of Member:

Signature:

2. Name of Member:

Signature:

I

(name of candidate) being a member of the Swiss Club of Victoria, hereby, consent to act as a member of the Committee, if elected.

Signature:

Note: Any two Ordinary Members, Honorary Life Members or Honorary Members of the Swiss Club of Victoria may nominate other members for election to the Committee.

To be valid, this Nomination form must reach the Secretary of the Swiss Club of Victoria not later than 24 February 2008.


Proxy Form

for the Annual General Meeting 2008 of the Swiss Club of Victoria

To: the Secretary of the Swiss Club of Victoria(please use block letters)

I

being a member of the Swiss Club of Victoria,

my address being:

hereby appoint:

his/her address being:

being another member of the Swiss Club of Victoria, to vote for me and on my behalf at the Annual General Meeting of the Swiss Club of Victoria to be held on Wednesday, 5 March 2008 and at every adjournment thereof.

Signed by hand this day of 2008

Signature:

Note: Only members who are entitled to vote, having paid their subscription or being Honorary Life Members or Honorary Members, may represent other members as proxy. Proxy forms must be handed to the Secretary at least 48 hours before the meeting is to take place.

that have now become favorites or have the potential for continued success:• Volksfest, a celebration of culture and tradition of various

Swiss groups• Unterhaltungsabend• Senior afternoons & ladies luncheons• Andacht Picnic• Kapelle Grüezi Mitenand• Children events such as the Samichlaus and Laternenumzug• Jass competition• Ski Day to Mt. Buller• Wine & Cheese Tasting• Special functions to recognise past presidents and honorary

life membersOne of the priorities of this committee is to ensure that a variety of functions are offered throughout the year for the enjoyment of members with good attendance at a reasonable cost in and outside the club. By the way we have newly introduced a disclaimer for external activities which releases and indemnifi es the club in case of an accident or property being damaged. This is in line with new legislation. The club’s membership is steady hovering around the 400 member mark. May I remind all members to present their membership card at the Swiss Club Restaurant in order to claim the 10% discount on the entire bill as members are not always known especially to new staff at the restaurant. On another note we are thinking about establishing a Swiss Trade Directory to assist members with services provided by members, if suffi cient support can be garnered - a sort of Swiss Yellow Pages in Victoria. Likewise with members interest. Such directories are useful and could increase the attractiveness and thus the benefi t for joining the club. Imagine for example if you need a plumber you could simply call a fellow Swiss Club member and hopefully have your leaking tap fi xed by an expert you can trust. Please let the committee know if you are interested. Gerda will have more on membership later.I would also like to brief you on regular meetings the Swiss Clubs attends with representatives of other Swiss groups, the so called Committee of Joint Swiss Venture or short CJSV. We meet once a month with the aim of coordinating functions, publishing of an all Swiss groups events calendar and fi nally of organising a joint event starting next year. The chair person is the Honorary Consul Erika Kimpton.”Rolf then invited the members to join an ad hoc committee to help organising the fi rst joint event, the Volksfest on the 6th April 2007 as well as for 1st of August celebration in 07. We need members to come forward and participate.“Now I would like to address a specifi c concern with regards to acoustic in the restaurant. Members, we have heard you! Based on advice we received from a sound engineer acoustic panels will be attached to the ceiling to defl ect sound. We hope this move will improve the current situation but will have to monitor the outcome and would be grateful if you could let us know.Before we continue with the Treasurers Report I would like to express my gratitude to all these people who give so freely of their time and effort for the benefi t of our members. There

are many and they come in different shapes and sizes, I am thinking of people who help and support others, visit the sick and run errands for the needy, those who dance and sing to entertain us and those who cook up tasty meals, it is you the members who deserve mine and the committees devotion.Today in particular I would like to say thank you to two people who have contributed immensely to the well being of the club over the last few months:1. Erika Kimpton for her assistance with regards to Terra Rossa 2. Beat Altermatt for his advice with regards to all building and construction matters.”

6. Treasurer’s ReportAs of 31st August 2007:

AssetsCash / Bank Account ........................$ 31,457.95Stock History Book ...........................$ 5,175.00Land & Building ...............................$ 923,210.56Bank Guarantee CBA .......................$ 22,500.00

Total Assets ......................................$ 982,343.51


LiabilitiesAccounts payable .............................$ 866.90Tenancy Bond ...................................$ 22,500.00Total Liabilities .................................$ 23,366.90

Expected results for the fi nancial year 2007Total Income:Until 31 August 2007 .......................$ 64,119.71Expected Income ..............................$ 34,000.00

Total Expenses:Until 31 August 2007 ..................... $ 53,437.75Expected Expenses .......................... $ 60,000.00 ** Includes Depreciation Expenses of $ 26,000Operating Result: Loss .......... . / . $ 15,000

Income: Delay in extensive renovation work downstairs resulted in later start of rent payment (2 months = $ 8’000).

Expenses: Various renovation works completed to improve club facility (Signage, hallways, members board at entrance, acoustic panels in restaurant). Depreciation costs are not cash fl ow effective.

Assets: Current valuation of property is signifi cantly below market value.

Liabilities: No long term liabilities! If required credit facility for $ 150,000 available for immediate use.

Financial year 2007: Despite forecasted loss club is still in a strong fi nancial position.

Outlook 2008 and beyond: Professionally managed restaurant on ground fl oor should fi nally provide some stable income! No signifi cant changes in expenses expected.

Plans to refurbish 2nd fl oor. It is expected that club should be able to make a small profi t in 2008.

7. General BusinessMembershipGerda presented to the members some interesting members statistics:There are presently 437 members (37 new applications this year and 21 members discontinued their membership, resulting in a net increase of 16 members).73% of the members are Swiss; there are 56 Honorary Life Members. The eldest member is 101 years and the youngest 20 years old, resulting in an average age of 53 for members. We have email addressed for about half of our members. If anyone does not received email alerts and has an email, please let the committee know.

Terra RossaRolf introduced to the members Eddie Muto (Director) and Troy Stasinowksy (Marketing & Business Development) for Terra Rossa Pty Ltd came. They came to present their company and in particularly the Terra Rossa Restaurant concept. Their hospitality group comprises 5 establishments in Melbourne. They have been in the hospitality industry for 14 years. Their objective with the renovation and fi t out of the new restaurant was to bring out the original character of the building. Their

power point presentation showed the members the various stages of the renovation process. Troy then elaborated on their clientele, their menu (Italian & Spanish (Tappas) infl uenced), their marketing efforts and future promotions they are planning.

Masthead CompetitonThe committee wanted this to be an open process with members actively participating in club decisions. The committee was very please to have received four entries; Sybille Steiner, Roland Isler, Colin Wilkinson and Patrick Rychner. All entrants had 5 minutes to present their entries and elaborate on their concept. Rolf thanked all for taking the time and effort to participate.The four entrants presented their mastheads. This was followed by a vote by the members. Entry A (Sybille Steiner) received 7 votes, entry B (Roland Isler) 8 votes, entry C (Colin Wilkinson) 9 votes and entry D (Patrick Rychner) 12 votes. Rolf congratulated all participants and declared Patrick’s entry the winning one. All received a well deserved bottle of wine and the Masthead Winner a dinner voucher for the Club Restaurant.

QuestionsWalter Purtschert inquired if members could be made aware of the passing of fellow members by email. Rolf responded that this might be a touchy subject and affect privacy issues. At the same time, if next of kin agree that a death be made public this way, it might be acceptable. Fred Hoffman commented that if there is reference made in the email to the death notice in the newsletter, this could solve any privacy issues. The committee will discuss the issue and come up with a workable solution.John Francis asked the committee to bring back the BBQ to the restaurant. Rolf responded that the committee will look into it.Andre Becker on behalf of the convenor of the Young Swiss, inquired if the committee in order to attract younger members to join, would consider offering free membership for the fi rst year. Rolf replied that the membership fees are an important income source for the club, they cover the cost of our considerable insurance. It would also not be fair to the full paying members to offer free membership. The club presently offers a reduced student fee of $60, which adequately addressed the fi nancial circumstances of younger members not yet fully in the work force.Roland Isler queried about the deal with Car Care and if the committee had tried to negotiate free car parking. Rolf responded that in the end the committee felt it was more benefi cial for the membership to receive a cash income ($3,300 incl/year) than a parking spot not everyone can benefi t from.

8. ConclusionAs there were no further questions from the members, Rolf closed the Half Yearly General Meeting by thanking all present for their continuous interest & support in the Swiss Club of Victoria. He again asked members to please come forward and help organise the Volksfest (06/04/08) and 1st August celebrations. The meeting closed at 9.30pm and all members were invited for a drink. Minutes taken as a correct record by Barbara Kündig, Secretary.

March to JuneSwiss Club Events Calendar

Please book all functions with Roger, phone 9650 1196 or fax 9650 3104. Check website for details of upcoming events.

MARCH Wednesday 05 Ladies’ Luncheon

Wednesday 05 Annual General Meeting

Thursday 06 Kapelle Grüezi Mitenand entertains at the Club


Sunday 16 Swiss Companion Singers Andacht at Wandin East

Wednesday 19 Start of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival at the Club

APRIL Thursday 03 Kapelle Grüezi Mitenand entertains at the Club

Sunday 06 Swiss Festival - Austrian Club



MAY Thursday 01 Kapelle Grüezi Mitenand entertains at the Club

Saturday 03 Unterhaltungsabend - Swiss Folk Dance Group Alpenrose

Monday 05 Editorial Deadline - Newsletter June Issue

Wednesday 07 Ladies’ Luncheon


JUNE Thursday 05 Kapelle Grüezi Mitenand entertains at the Club



OTHER REGULAR MEETINGS:Committee Meetings: Every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month

Swiss Folk Dance Group Alpenrose: Practice every Tuesday evening at 8.15pm

Swiss Companion Singers: Practice and social gathering every 2nd and 3rd Thursday of each month at 8pm

Saturday Morning Swiss School: Every second Saturday Morning except school holidays, from 9.30am to 12.30pm

Swiss German Playgroup: Meets every 1st Thursday of each month from 11am to 2pm

Young Swiss: Get-together every 2nd Wednesday of each month from 7pm


²The 5 year old girl Ylenia disappeared and after an extensive search was found murdered.

³These election posters have polarised the nation: they have struck a cord with many voters, others accusing the SVP of preaching racism.

MARCH 2008REGISTERED BY AUSTRALIA POST - PUBLICATION No. VBH 6369

8 9 F l i n d e r s L a n e • M e l b o u r n e 3 0 0 0 • V i c t o r i a • A u s t r a l i a • w w w . s w i s s . o r g . a u / s w i s s c l u b v i c

The year in review – what moved the Swiss in 2007?• Excessive remuneration for top

managers

• Controversy about the National Day celebration at the Rütli¹

• Election of Nicolas Sarkozy as French President

• The Ylenia murder case²

• SVP Sheep posters during the elections³

• Billion Dollar losses by the UBS

A lot has made headlines during the past year. No Swiss will forget December 12, when the whole country was holding its breath. Not even the most experienced political analyst would have predicted the dismissal of the outspoken and controversial Federal Councillor Christoph Blocher. It was a political bombshell that shocked the nation. The new cabinet member replacing Blocher is Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf from Grison. She is the daughter of former Federal Councillor Leon Schlumpf (1979-

1987). Widmer-Schlumpf is a lawyer and befi ttingly is heading the Justice Department.

The environment was another important issue. The Green Party as well as the SVP (Swiss People’s Party) had it fi rmly on their agenda during the October elections. It has fi nally sunk in with most, that not taking any action to protect the environment will be expensive. Switzerland as well as the rest of the world turned a shade greener in 2007. (Incidentally, at an environmental forum held in Switzerland in January 2008, Switzerland was voted number one as the ‘greenest’ country, whilst Australia ranked third last on the list, is one of the worst polluter and producer of greenhouse gases in the world.)

¹For the fi st time since 1949 there was no offi cial National Day celebration at the birthplace of the Nation. Despite intense negotiations, the Canton and City of Luzern refused to allow extra ships to fairy guests to the Rütli, and not one of the 33 ports along the 161km shore of Lake Luzern agreed to open instead.

The Swiss Federal Council 2008 (from left to right): Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf, Moritz Leuenberger, Micheline Calmy-Rey, Pascal Couchepin, Samuel Schmid, Doris Leuthard, Hans-Rudolf Merz, Federal Chancellor Corina Casanova

2008 - An imperial year at Arenenberg Castle

Hidden behind enormous trees, opposite the Isle of Reichenau, lies Arenenberg Castle, embedded in the beautiful surroundings of lower Lake Constance, Canton of Thurgovia.

Here, Hortense de Beauharnais, adoptive daughter and sister-in-law of Napoléon I, found a place of refuge from 1817 on, in which her then seven year old son Prince Charles Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte, the future Emperor Napoléon III, grew up.

Today, Arenenberg Castle houses the Napoléon Museum. On the occasion of the 200th birthday of Napoléon III, continued on page 6

Hanny Earl celebrating her 101st birthday

Superman Herbert Schwärzler’s 70th birthday party at the Swiss Club

KaffeeklatschKaffeeklatsch

Mystery Trip

Samichlaus

Senior ChristmasSenior Christmas

Swiss Club Tennis Championship

R

OU

NDABOUT THE SWISS

CLUB

SCV Edelweiss Newsletter March 2008

Documents

Transcript of SCV Edelweiss Newsletter March 2008