INTEREST MEET A MEMBER
A Swiss-loving Dutch Family in Singapore Josephine Feilzer and Arthur Klatte are a blend of European origins and global influences. Husband and wife both work in banking – Josephine for an Australian bank and Arthur for a Swiss one. In 2009, after their last port-of-call in Hong Kong, they dropped anchor in Singapore, joined the Swiss Club and took on board a lovely daughter, 6-year-old Quirine. Both mother and daughter are learning Chinese – and the whole family spoke highly of the Swiss Club.
It’s the nicest club in Singapore, and we’ve seen them all.
Josephine Feilzer
“The gym is compact but has everything I need,” said Arthur. “The soccer field is also excellent.” JOSEPHINE’S SWISS CONNECTION Josephine explained that she has a special affinity with Switzerland, not only because she studied in Neuchatel. Her birthday also falls on Swiss National Day – so Happy Birthday, Josephine, for the 1st! The open-minded couple explained that being Dutch in Singapore means you’re automatically part of the small Dutch community, especially if your child attends the Dutch school (behind the Swiss Club). Having lived abroad for over 14 years, Josephine explained that their circle of friends is quite international and so they feel right at home among the mix of nationalities at the Swiss Club. Josephine and Arthur recalled that they chose the Swiss Club on the basis of merit, after doing a recce of all the Clubs in Singapore. “It’s the nicest club in Singapore,” stated Josephine, “and we’ve seen them all.” SPORTY FAMILY FACILITIES Josephine and Arthur had nothing but praise for the sports facilities of the Swiss Club. 30
“I picked up tennis from scratch, and the coaches have been very patient with me,” shared Josephine. “You can play late in the evening, and the astro turf courts are among the best in Singapore.” Josephine and Arthur spoke very highly of the swimming lessons conducted by aquaDucks at the Swiss Club. They are especially grateful for the fact that Quirine could get her Dutch diplomas, which are required for sailing lessons back home. VISITORS LOVE THE GUESTHOUSE Arthur mentioned that they have been using The Guesthouse for accommodating visiting family and friends. “They always enjoy it here, and find it good value for money,” he said. “They really love the breakfast at the pool!” As for seasonal events, unfortunately, Arthur and Josephine haven’t (yet) participated in too many. Apart from the occasional raclette dinner and new members’ welcome cocktail event, they have attended the annual lion dances at Chinese New Year, and this year’s Valentine’s Dinner.
“We never celebrate Valentine’s Day,” said Josephine, “but this year we did – at the Swiss Club, because another Dutch couple recommended it. And I must say, it was excellent. The music, the decorations, the food, it was really very well done.” After all this praise, we wondered if there was anything that these model Members found lacking. Under pressure, Josephine admitted that they miss the chicken rice and the Szechuan chicken from the previous menu. Nonetheless, Arthur added, “A lot of improvement has been made in the presentation of the food, with new plates and menus. It makes the food more appetising, and guests are really impressed.” Thank you, Family Feilzer-Klatte. It was a genuine pleasure to meet you!
FAMILY DINING RECOMMENDATIONS Josephine recommends… Butter Chicken Arthur recommends… the Swiss Burger Quirine recommends… Chicken Nuggets … and Food for Thought from Quirine "I'm six now, but I want to live till I'm 100. When I'm 99, I'll go backwards."