REGISTERED BY AUSTRALIA POST - PUBLICATION No. VBH 6369
DECEMBER 2008
An unexpected discovery
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Up to now, little was known about the first president of the Swiss Club, in fact, not even his full name was known. Despite extensive research by the ‘History Book Task Force’ at the time of compiling the history book, nothing could be found other than his initials and name: M.L.W. Grasset. Thanks to fellow member Beryl Black, this mystery has been resolved quite unexpectedly. Beryl, who knew a Grasset family living in Switzerland with connections to Australia, noticed hanging on a wall in the club restaurant a membership certificate from the year 1900, signed by the president M.L.W. Grasset. Beryl got curious and after contacting the family in Switzerland and researching its family tree, it was found that M.L.W. Grasset stands for Marc Louis William Grasset, and he was indeed the first president of the Swiss Club of Victoria! Not only do we know now what the initials stand for, From the first president to the current president: Beryl Black presenting what he looked like and that he was born in Geneva M. Louis W. Grasset’s William Tell to Rolf Huber in 1851, but we even have something very special that Club history and decided to present it to the Club as a gift. This valuable belonged to him. artwork will now befittingly adorn the walls of the Swiss Club as a Michelle Grasset, M.L.W.’s grand-daughter, many years reminder of the Club’s distant past. The Club is very grateful to Beryl ago gave Beryl something that was handed down to her Black for this most generous gift! by her grand-father: a framed image of William Tell. The image is not a painting or photography, but a very finely woven grey and silver textile. Back to seven again… Beryl realised that this is in fact a piece of In the September issue of the ‘Edelweiss’ he was introduced as a new editorial contributor and in this issue as a new member of the SCV committee! At the Half-Yearly General Meeting held on Wednesday, 17 September, Damian Schaller was elected as the seventh member of the committee. Great to see the committee at full-strength again! Read more about Damian on page 20.
M. Louis W. Grasset with his Australian wife Hannah Burville
From l. to r: Derrick Wildi, Gerda Probst, Barbara Kündig, Patrick Rychner, Oliver Altermatt, Damian Schaller and Rolf Huber
89 Flinders Lane • Melbourne 3000 • Victoria • Australia • w w w.s w i s s .o r g.au/s w i s sc lu bv i c
IS SW S
SWISS CLUB OF VICTORIA Founded in 1899
89 Flinders Lane, Melbourne Vic 3000 T: (03) 9650 1196, F: (03) 9650 3104 E: swissclubvic@swiss.org.au W: www.swiss.org.au/swissclubvic Club Opening Hours Bookings: T: (03) 9650 1196 Lunch - Monday to Friday from 12noon Dinner - Wednesday, Thursday & Friday from 6pm. Friday Happy Hour from 5pm to 6.30pm. Swiss Club Catering For Weddings, Corporate, Seminars, Parties, Private Functions contact Chef & Catering Manager Roger Moullet T: (03) 9650 1196, F: (03) 9650 3104 M: 0409 040 249 E: swissclub@hotmail.com
COMMITTEE Rolf Huber President T/F (H): (03) 9807 0282 M (B): 0425 805 854 M (H): 0417 013 066 E: rhuber@swiss.org.au Barbara Kündig Vice President / Secretary T/F (H): (03) 9813 8843 M: 0402 018 363 E: barbara@swiss.org.au Urs Derrick Wildi Treasurer T/F (H): (03) 9824 7930 M: 0403 040 930 E: uwildi@swiss.org.au
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 3877 T (B): (03) 9524 6335 F (B): (03) 9528 4792 M: 0412 935 565 E: risler@swiss.org.au 67 St Georges Crescent Heatherton Vic 3202
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Oliver Altermatt Building Management/Functions M: 0410 684 263 E: oaltermatt@swiss.org.au Gerda Probst Membership Relations/Functions T (H): (03) 9748 8540 M: 0439 936 313 E: gerda@swiss.org.au Patrick Rychner Corporate Communications/ Web Administrator/Functions M: 0404 657 886 E: paddy@swiss.org.au Damian Schaller Functions M: 0410 461 364 E: damianschaller@mac.com
SWISS CLUB SUB-GROUPS Swiss Folk Dance Group Alpenrose President: Sylvia Hochuli T: (03) 9531 6575 E: hochuli@tpg.com.au Swiss Companion Singers Convenor: Heidy Giger T: (03) 9889 9321 E: gigi45@bigpond.com Ladies Luncheons Convenor: Heidy Giger For bookings T: (03) 9650 1196 For information: T: (03) 9889 9321 E: gigi45@bigpond.com Saturday Morning Swiss School Convenor: Andrea Pinch T: (03) 5331 6762 E: pinch@hotkey.net.au W: www.swiss.org.au/scvschool Swiss Playgroup Ingrid Preston T: (03) 9772 0516 Claudia Dahinden T: (03) 9347 6913 W: www.swiss.org.au/playgroup The Young Swiss Group Convenor: Amy Bohren 2/9 Grandview Grove, Bayswater Vic 3153 M: 0409 041 528 E: abohren@swiss.org.au
OTHER SWISS ORGANISATIONS Swiss Society of Victoria (Benevolent Society) President: Primo Calabresi T: (03) 9857 7427 W: www.swiss.org.au/swissclubvic Trachtengruppe Schwyzergruess Australian/Swiss Cultural Society President: Sylvia Hochuli T: (03) 9531 6575 E: hochuli@tpg.com.au Groupe Romand du Victoria President: Marianne Puccinelli 7 Eric Court, Wheelers Hill Vic 3150 T: (03) 9561 9595 W: www.swiss.org.au/chfrvic Pro Ticino President: Claude Rossi 5 Falls Road, Hoddles Creek Vic 3139 T: (03) 5967 4542 E: marclas@hotkey.net.au Swiss Yodel Choir Matterhorn President: Marco Unternährer 3 Bluegum Court, Upwey Vic 3158 T (B): (03) 9388 8777, (H) 9752 6996 W: www.swiss.org.au/matterhorn Swiss-Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI) General Manager: Marcel Svatos Level 5, 23-25 O’Connell Street Sydney NSW 2000 T: (02) 9223 7222, F: (02) 9223 7211 E: support@sacci.com.au W: www.sacci.com.au Swiss Academic Network Melbourne (SANM) E: info@sanm.id.au W: www.sanm.id.au Honorary Consul of Switzerland (Victoria) Erika Kimpton 697 Toorak Road, Kooyong Vic 3144 T: (03) 9824 7527, M: 0413 042 728 E: erikakimpton@optusnet.com.au Council for the Swiss Abroad Representative: Walter Purtschert 11 Hornby Street, Beaumaris Vic 3193 T: (03) 9589 6080, M: 0413 444 666 E: wpurtsch@bigpond.net.au
Unless otherwise stated, postal address for all the above is: 89 Flinders Lane, Melbourne Vic 3000
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President’s Message Dear members and friends of the Swiss Club, You are reading the last issue of the ‘Edelweiss’ newsletter in 2008. With the year rapidly drawing to a close, I would like to extend my very best wishes to everyone for a blessed Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year. The end of year is the time to reflect on the challenges and achievements of the Swiss Club of Victoria. Our main challenge is the ageing membership. With an average age of over 50 we have an obligation to care for the elderly and at the same time encourage our off spring to take an interest in club life, keeping traditions alive and celebrate our “Swissness”. The saying goes “without a sense of caring there can be no sense of community” fortunately we have many members who go out of their way to look after the old and the sick. This makes us strong and I thank you for that. On the other front I call on all parents and grand parents to promote the noble ideas of the Swiss Club to your sons and daughters for participating in our activities and bringing in new ideas. The start of something new brings the hope of something great. It is an ongoing process and I am confident that the Swiss in Victoria will rise to this challenge. Another ongoing concern is the age of the building with mounting cost to maintain or upgrade the facility. We are still mulling over the use and the financial burden of redeveloping the second floor. No wealthy benefactor has knocked on our door yet. However it is the set goal of the committee to present a final concept to the members in the next year. Achievements however by far outweigh our worries. As previously reported the club is in a good financial position, debt free with a steady and predictable income. The members are represented by a strong and dedicated committee. At this point I would like to announce the addition of a new committee member, Damian Schaller, bringing the total to seven. It allows us to better spread the workload and work more efficiently. Damian has worked in committees before and is full of ideas, energy and enthusiasm. Please make him welcome.
you again as a member in 2009. Remember that apart from receiving four yearly issues of this newsletter packed with interesting information and stories, as a member you pay less at functions and best of all you get a 10% discount on the entire bill at the Swiss Club Restaurant on what is already good value for money. After the successful Swiss Festival held this year the SF committee decided to give it another go. I am pleased to announce that the next Swiss Festival will take place again at the Austrian Club on Sunday, 22 March 2009. Please diarise this date. All entertainers of the Swiss community will be asked to join in again. Volunteers are also needed for various jobs before, during and after the event. Please see the information in this newsletter. Sponsorship is essential to run an event of such magnitude; we are seeking expressions of interest either on a cash basis or in-kind services. If you wish to contribute in any way please contact the SF committee. Please be reminded that the Swiss Club Restaurant will be closed for a short period to allow Roger Moullet and his team to take a break and recharge the batteries (24 December 2008 to 5 January 2009.) They really are doing a fantastic job. In closing I would like to express my personal thanks to my fabulous committee, to those who always put up their hands to help and organise functions, to those who look after the frail and the sick and all members old and new for making 2008 exhilarating, productive and deeply satisfying. Please continue to be an active member - we should all take great pride in the Swiss Club of Victoria. Enjoy reading our newsletter and I look forward to seeing you at the club. Rolf Huber, President Owner Builder ad 80x88
6/5/08
From the Committee
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Swiss Club of Victoria
Hans Roth left us on 12 October, only days before his 89th birthday. Life was not the same after the passing of his wife Sylvia four years ago; he is now able to join her in a better place. Our thoughts are with the family and friends he left behind.
Welcome to our new members
Dear members, if your partner, your friends or 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
A warm welcome to our three new members: Kurt Beck, Hugh Douglas and Peter Lewis. We hope you are enjoying the club restaurant as well as the functions; we will hopefully be meeting you soon.
Congratulations A number of our longstanding members were celebrating their birthdays. Johanna Markocki and Hubert Mills could commemorate their 90th, while Agnes Da Pos, Maimu Fiechter and Otto Sedelies all celebrated their 80th. We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate them and wish them good health in many years to come.
Get well Annie Rutishauser has recently moved to the Martin Luther Home in Boronia. We send you our best wishes and hope that you will quickly settle into your new home. We wish a speedy recovery to Vreni Asher after her knee operation and to Nola Mauerhofer after her recent fall. Our support and thoughts are also with Paul Eisenegger. To all members and friends who don’t feel too well, we send our love and good wishes.
We seek your help! The Swiss Festival Committee is looking for Volunteers from the Swiss Club of Victoria for the upcoming Swiss Festival 2009, which will be held on Sunday, 22 March 2009 at the Austrian Club in Heidelberg. We are seeking your assistance to set up the festival, various tasks throughout the event itself as well as the packing up of stalls and equipment afterwards. Volunteers are needed for the following two-hour time slots on the Festival weekend: Friday, 20 March................ 16.00h – 18.00h Saturday, 21March.......... 10.00h – 12.00h & 12.00h – 14.00h
The last farewell
Sunday, 22 March............. 10.00h – 12.00h & 12.00h – 14.00h, 14.00h – 16.00h & 16.00h – 18.00h
Honorary Life Member Oskar Zurrer passed away in August.
Monday, 23 March........... 16.00h – 18.00h
Newsletter Deadlines 2009 March Issue: Covering March/April/May Editorial Deadline: Monday, 26 January Packing: Wednesday, 11 February June Issue: Covering June/July/August Editorial Deadline: Monday, 4 May Packing: Wednesday, 20 May September Issue: Covering Sept/Oct/ Nov Editorial Deadline: Monday, 10 August Packing: Wednesday, 26 August December Issue: Covering Dec 09/Jan/Feb 2010 Editorial Deadline: Monday, 2 November Packing: Wednesday, 18 November
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We will honour your two-hour contribution with a beverage and a meal at the festival itself; of course you can help in more than one timeslot and therefore increase your “volunteer payment”. Tasks on the day of the festival may include working at any food or beverage stall, selling tickets for the guessing competition or helping with the parking to name a few. The annual Swiss Festival has grown considerably in the last few years and we are expecting a crowd of over 1,000 spectators. This is our platform to showcase our fascinating history and culture to Australia, so become part of the team and support the Swiss Festival 2009 as a Volunteer! To let us know which timeslot suits you best, please contact the Swiss Festival Committee in person or contact Damian (responsible for volunteer organisation) via email or phone: 0410 461 364 or damianschaller@mac.com Damian Schaller, on behalf of the Swiss Festival Committee
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Welcome to the new Ambassador Friday, 12 September
Embassy of Switzerland in Australia
Dear compatriots, by the time you read this, my wife Myriam and myself will have already met quite a few of you, but of course not everybody and this by a long shot: There are no fewer than 4679 Embassy registered Swiss living in Victoria, 3476 (74%) of which are dual citizens.
The Swiss Club hosted a reception to welcome the newly appointed Swiss Ambassador to Australia, Mr Daniel Woker, together with his wife Myriam and children Laurent and Madeline, on their first visit to Victoria. Mr Woker is former Swiss Ambassador to Singapore and commenced his new posting in Canberra in August.
Apart from taking part in the SACCI Ambassador’s Golf Tournament, Mr Woker and his family were keen to met with representatives from the various Swiss organisations in Victoria. The Swiss community of Victoria welcomes Mr Woker and his family, wishes them all the best in their new Australian home and looks forward to a close cooperation.
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This alone shows the long, proud and continuing history of the Swiss in Victoria for whom the old and the new country are both part of their “Heimat”. After the first visits with Swiss, Swiss interests – but also a delightful, albeit cold, Swiss golfing day – I am truly impressed by the continuing endearment with the old country and its gastronomic and other customs: ‘Edelweiss’ and the Swiss Club, as much as the Swiss butchers, bakers, etc. are among the prime examples. Equally impressive are the Swiss economic interests I have seen so far doing just fine in Australia, from the sweet chocolates of Lindt & Sprüngli to the vigilant testing of SGS (Société Générale de Surveillance, Geneva; its Australian daughter company verifies, on behalf of the authorities, the environmental data on our fridges, dishwashers, etc.). All these, and indeed all of you are, in your respective areas of activity, goodwill ambassadors of the “Swiss label”. During the last six years of living and working in Singapore with my family, I have often experienced the continuing attraction of this label, a symbol of a country that looks back proudly on a long, and often lucky, history but also strives to be well positioned for the 21st century. Very different in size, both Australia and Switzerland have in common that they are multi-ethnic countries where the newly arrived often contribute considerably to growth and innovation. Of course, global connectivity and a basically open society, both hallmarks of our two countries, also pose considerable challenges. We have to find solutions on all levels, including between governments. That’s one of the “raisons d’être” of Swiss official missions abroad, such as the Embassy in Canberra and the Consulate General in Sydney. Both, directly or through our Honorary Consul for Victoria Ms. Erika Kimpton, are of course also at your disposal for inquiries, problems, comments, suggestions, etc. It is a subject of intense pride for me to have been appointed the official representative of Switzerland in Australia. My wife and myself are looking forward to stay in touch with you, in person, in writing and through the ‘Edelweiss’. Daniel Woker Swiss Ambassador to Australia
Swiss Club of Victoria
On behalf of the Swiss/Australian Community
The Pension Review Submission The case of Foreign Pensions paid to Australian Residents This is the case for the treatment of Foreign Pensions paid to Australian Residents as a result of entitlements due to previous employment in Switzerland (or other countries). It does not cover the case of professional delegates to Australia, but mainly permanent immigrants to Australia. Experiences are as a result of the recently concluded bilateral Social Security Agreement between Australia and Switzerland. The Government has concluded bilateral Social Security Agreements with a number of countries. One of the major objectives of such Agreements is the treatment of Australian citizens or residents when they reside in foreign countries, and their resulting pension entitlements when they return home. They also cover the question of pension income obtained at retirement stage. There does not appear to be a uniform system as to how such incomes from different (mainly European) countries are treated in the Australian Social Security system. Some countries appear to have more privileged arrangements than others. Problems have arisen at the receiving end of foreign pensions, when immigrants (especially from First World European countries) arrive in Australia, settle here and work for say 30 to 40 years. Whilst they are now prima facie entitled to an Australian pension (most of them have also become naturalised Australians), the foreign pension received often results in a reduction of their local entitlement. Due to the Pension system of their country of origin, they may be entitled to a pension from that country, mostly at a reduced rate. The reason is simple – many have worked for
a short period of time before coming to Australia, and may therefore be entitled to receive a minimum pension. In many cases, if not all, they have financially contributed to these pension funds in accordance with the Government system of each particular country (at their time of residence), and often it has been an after tax contribution. In some cases, such as Switzerland, countries have allowed the voluntary continuation of contributions to their system from an after tax Australian wage, thus providing additional old age security (similar to an Insurance policy). The Australian Government now includes this pension in the income means test for their own pension, and there are many cases where Australian Pension recipients (with no other assets) lose their pension in total or at least partly, together with the additional benefits! Surely, this defies any logic and it can be argued that Foreign Governments subsidise pension income of what are now Australian citizens or at least Australian residents. This pension can certainly not be treated like foreign income from an investment which is a different matter altogether. People who have contributed to Australia’s wealth for decades or even a lifetime should not be penalised in this way through a pension! I suggest a correction to this unjust penalty of immigrants! It is proposed that this pension should not form part of the means test, and should be treated with a concessional tax rate, if it has to be taxed at all. Superannuation Income in Australia has been tax-free since last year, and why should it be different for a foreign pension (the word pension/superannuation is surely only semantics in this case) which has already been taxed before? I am quite happy to provide additional information if needed Peter A. Meury Australian Delegate of the Council for the Swiss Abroad P.O. Box 278, Budgewoi NSW 2262 T: 0243 909 208, E: petermeury@bigpond.com
CHRISTMAS SPECIALS: Christmas Stollen & Gâteaux, Gingerbread Santas & Hauses, Fruit Cakes, Chocolate Christmas Trees, Traditional Christmas Bisquits: Brunsli, Mailänderli, Zimtsterne, Chräbeli, Biberli
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all our customers Open Tuesday to Sunday 232 Blackburn Road, Syndal 3150 w w w.s w i s s .o r g.au/s w i s sc lu bv i c
9802 7265 7
Movie documentary about the Swiss Club I am pleased to inform you that the production has been successful. It was a great experience and I enjoyed filming the variety of elements that make up the Swiss Club very much. I would like to thank everybody involved for their great support. The film will be screened at the Swiss Club in early 2009. The date will be announced in the next issue of the ‘Edelweiss’. Hope to see you there.
Hollywood at the Swiss Club Roman Meyer and Brent Jacuta in action
Roman Meyer
We have been supplying the Australian and international trade with our locally manufactured jewellery for over 30 years. Our opals are cut and polished and our jewellery is designed and crafted in our own Melbourne workshop. For the first time you can now view our exquisite collection in our own showroom at 55 ELIZABETH STREET, MELBOURNE. Buy direct from your Swiss Goldsmith – buy Australian Made From inexpensive gifts to exclusive handmade pieces to your own custom made design. For expert advice and great service ask for Paul Kramer or Hansruedi Gassmann Phone us on (03) 8611 2222 or visit us online on www.artofopal.com Our showroom is open Mon-Fri 9am-5.30pm and Sat-Sun 10am-4pm Special discounts to members, families and friends Also in our showroom:
Extensive collection of Aboriginal Fine Art, Paintings, Artifacts, unique Craft-Giftware www.malleeart.com
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Swiss Club of Victoria
Test your Swiss Knowledge 3 2 1
Singles
1. Hans Keller.............................................................................. 2827 2. Sepp Krummenacher..................................................... 2806 3. Beat Zaugg. ............................................................................ 2796
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4th Jass Night Results – Swiss Club, 6 Sept 5
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Teams
1. Doris Conrad & Hans Keller. ................................... 5502 2. Sylvia & Fritz Hochuli. ................................................... 5302 3. Martha & Alois Schneider......................................... 5279
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Swiss Club Yass König & Champion Team 08 König
1. Iris Anthonisz........................................................................ 8197 2. Bruno Jenny. .......................................................................... 8158 3. Hans Bless. .............................................................................. 8108
Team
1. Doris Conrad & Hans Keller. ................................ 15829 2. Sylvia & Fritz Hochuli. ................................................ 15775 3. Martha & Alois Schneider...................................... 15625
Melbourne Yass König & Champion Team 08 GÜNTER BRITSCHGI TROPHY Combined Swiss Club & Matterhorn König
1. Sepp Krummenacher.................................................. 13533 2. Trudi Wellauer.................................................................... 13514 3. Martin Weber..................................................................... 13403
Team
1. Trudi & Bruno Wellauer............................................ 25868 2. Sylvia & Fritz Hochuli. ................................................ 25856 3. Robin Martin & Beat Zaugg. ............................... 25735
Congratulations to the winning König & Champion Team 2008! Upcoming Jass Nights - 2009 Swiss Club
1st 2nd 3rd 4th & Final
28 March 13 June 11 July 5 September
Matterhorn
1st 2nd 3rd
28 February 16 May 8 August
Information supplied by Paul Eisenegger 9544 4681
The Swiss Club Restaurant. It’s were you meet your friends.
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Across 1. Alpine flower symbol of Switzerland 4. Which canton joined the Swiss Confederation in 1351? 5. Which Swiss/German writer won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1946? 7. Traditional folk music instrument from Appenzell 8. In which town is Switzerland’s oldest University? 9. Who defeated the Helvetians near Bibracte in 56BC? Down 2. Name of 19th century Swiss painter 3. Name of Swiss circus 6. First name of the latest cabinet member to join the Swiss Federal Council 10. Highest pass road (linking Switzerland with Italy) 11. Second name of the first Swiss Club president 12. Which international organisation did Switzerland join in 2002? For answers go to page 10
Part of German Language program on Melbourne 93.1fm
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 www.sbs.com.au/radio
Contact (02) 9955 7628
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«Chuchichäschtli» Publisher: Swissboox ISBN: 3-9523012-3-X Published: 2007 Binding: Hardcover or Paperback, 128 pages Price: CHF 13.00 This little Swiss-German dictionary or «Schwiizerdütsch Büechli» - in colour and format resembling the Swiss passport - contains over 1200 words and expressions, translated from German and English into Swiss-German. «Schätzli, Schmützli and Stützli» are words that are unmistakably Swiss. The uniqueness of Swiss culture owes not only to William Tell, the Matterhorn and chocolate - but also to an exquisite variety of dialects using amusing words and expressions. This little gem will acquaint Swiss and Australians alike with some of the very peculiar terms and phrases which are nonetheless commonly used throughout the Swiss-German part of Switzerland.
Ivan’s torta di castagne ticinese Chef and fellow club member Ivan Burch is revealing his favourite family recipe - chestnut cake! It’s a traditional delicacy from his home canton, Italian-speaking Ticino. Ingredients: Chestnut cake mix
Cake filling
200g chestnut pure 8 egg yolks 8 egg whites 220g icing sugar 1 tbsp vanilla sugar 1 tbsp ground cinnamon 90g plain flour
200g chestnut pure 100g icing sugar 3 tbsp cognac 250g whipped cream 3 sheets gelatine
Garnish (optional)
The booklet, with the same contents and format as «Chuchichäschtli», is also available in «Chäschüechli» (cheese) and «Chuefladä» (cow-hide) cover-designs.
Whipped cream Shaved chocolate Glazed cherries
From the Editor This booklet is really funny and makes a great gift idea. Remember, Christmas is just around the corner! My thanks go to Hildegard Fischer for suggesting it.
Mix the chestnut pure with the egg yolk, vanilla sugar, cinnamon and 50g of the icing sugar. Beat with a mixer until soft and fluffy.
Visit the publishers website www.swissboox.ch to order online and for more details.
Whisk the egg whites with the remaining sugar. Fold through the above ingredients. Butter the inside of a 20cm cake tin and sprinkle it lightly with breadcrumbs, to stop the cake from sticking. Bake for 40 min at 180°. While the cake is baking, prepare the filling: – Whip the cream; – Mix the remaining ingredients; – Fold the whipped cream into the ingredients. When the cake is ready, cool on a rack. Once cooled, slice in half. Fill the inside with some filling and cover the cake with the rest of the filling.
Test your Swiss Knowledge - Answers 1. Edelweiss; 2. Ferdinand Hodler (1853-1918); 3. Knie ; 4. Zurich; 5. Hermann Hesse (1877-1962); 6. Eveline (WidmerSchlumpf); 7. Hackbrett; 8. Basel (founded 1460); 9. Julius Caesar; 10. Umbrail (2,501m); 11. (Marc Louis William) Grasset; 12. United Nations
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You may wish to garnish with some fresh whipped cream, chocolate shavings and glazed cherries. Squisito! If you like to share your favourite Swiss recipe, don’t hesitate to contact the Editor. I would love to hear from you! Swiss Club of Victoria
The Swiss Club Championship Competition was held on Friday, 10 October on the top floor of the Swiss Club. It is with great sadness that the billiard group has learned of the tragic death of Andrew FrickMcLeod, and his partner, Charlene Zamudio in an air plane crash in Nepal. Andrew was a regular billiard player at the club and has been the winner of the last Bernard Sandoz Trophy in June. We will miss having Andrew play with us. Our sincere condolences and thoughts go to their families.
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After a one minute silence to remember our friend and fellow competitor Andrew and his partner Charlene, we started the competition with 18 participants. Peter McGrath triumphed over Chris Laube. A big thank-you to all participants and to Roger for looking after us. Best wishes for the Festive Season to all of you! Ken Frick, in the presence of Roger Moullet and Bruno Frick, accepting the Bernard Sandoz Trophy won by his brother Andrew
I look forward seeing everyone in 2009. Dates for 2009 will be published in the next Newsletter. If you have any queries or suggestions do not hesitate to contact me on 9439 7593 or 0418 645 313. Louis Schneider
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Kaffeeklatsch Sunday, 14 September The Trachtengruppe held another enjoyable Kaffeeklatsch for our Seniors. An afternoon of cake, coffee and conversation was much enjoyed by the large group who attended. It was a pleasure to welcome the newly appointed Ambassaor Mr Daniel Woker and his family. Unfortunately a significant number of people who had indicated that they would attend did not come on the day. We are considering the best way to organise these activities and maximise how we use the funds we raise. Please let us know if you have any suggestions on how to avoid this in the future, it dampens what was an extremely successful day. When you read the Newsletter, our Fahrt ins Blaue-Mystery Trip has been and gone. I am sure, that everybody had a good time.
On September 14 the group travelled to Wonthaggi to perform in a fundraising concert for the Rose Lodge elderly citizens home.
On behalf of the Trachtengruppe, I wish you all a happy Festive Season and good health for 2009.
We received a very warm “country welcome”. A big thank you to Fred Zwygart for organising the day and the hospitality.
Sylvia Hochuli
A special thank you to the Swiss Club, the Committee and Roger Moullet for their continuous support. We have been a subgroup for 59 years, and it is still a pleasure to be part of it! To all our friends and supporters who have generously donated prizes for the “Jass nights” and the Unterhaltungsabend, a very big thank you. We wish Paul Eisenegger a speedy recovery from a knee replacement. On behalf of the Dance Group I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year. And to all our sick friends a speedy recovery. Sylvia Hochuli
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Swiss Club of Victoria
Fête de l’escalade à Genève A yearly celebration in Geneva in memory of the successful defence of its independence in 1602. For over 400 years, the citizens of Geneva have been commemorating the defeat of the troops of Duke Charles Emmanuel of Savoy with their annual “fête de l’escalade”. During the night of the 11th to the 12th of December 1602, the longest night of the year according to the Julian calendar, the combined forces of the Duke of Savoy and his brother-inlaw, Philip III of Spain, launched a surprise attack on the proud and independent city-state of Geneva. The vigilant citizens of Geneva managed to prevent the attackers from scaling the city wall (climb = escalade). Some 2000 of the Duke’s mercenaries were severely beaten - several hundred died - and he had to retreat. For generations, the Dukes of Savoy had coveted the neighboring city-state of Geneva for its location and wealth. When Duke Charles Emmanuel mounted on the throne of the House of Savoy in 1580, he longed to make Geneva his capital north of the Alps and crush Protestantism in its stronghold. To achieve his objective, he alternated diplomatic and military offensives, intimidation, threats and promises of peace. In the end, all strategies failed. Worse, the day of the failed Escalade became the symbol of resistance and independence for the citizens of Geneva, who lost only 18 men in the battle. As a result, the Duke of Savoy was obliged to accept a lasting peace, sealed by the Treaty of St. Julien of 12 July, 1603. The night of the attack, the mercenaries silently marched along the River Arve and assembled at Plainpalais at 2 o’clock in the morning. A commando group, using bundles of brush and ladders, tried to climb the city wall. Once inside, their objective was to open the town gates to admit the assaulting army. However, a Genevan sentinel on the alert saw a shadow and just had to time to fire an alarm shot before he died. The citizens of Geneva rushed to successfully defend their independence. Besides the authentic historic events, there are a lot of anecdotes surrounding the Escalade. The most famous one is about a certain Mother Royaume (Mère Royaume). When she realised the city was being attacked, the mother of fourteen children seized a large cauldron of soup she had on the fire and hurled it onto the head of a Savoyard mercenary. In reference to Mother Royaume, an Escalade custom consists of selling a hot and tasty vegetable soup in the streets of Geneva during the celebration. Even more popular are the w w w.s w i s s .o r g.au/s w i s sc lu bv i c
famous chocolate “marmites”, a replica of her soup cauldron, filled with marzipan vegetables and decorated with the colors of Geneva. They are sold by confectioners and other shops and end up on dining room tables and office desks. The custom is to smash the chocolate pot, while shouting: “Thus perish the enemies of the Republic [of Geneva].” Other customs include the offering of mulled wine and children in Halloween-like costumes singing Escalade songs in local bistros and in the streets, for as much money as the audience cares to give them. The highlight of the “fête de l’escalade” is the procession on Sunday afternoon, with hundreds of members of the “Compagnie 1602” in full historical costume, horsemen, musketeers, crossbow marksmen, torch-bearers, a hangman and his assistant. The procession is accompanied by gun smoke, firecrackers and gun salutes. The annual procession ends in front of the Cathedral of Saint-Pierre with the proclamation of the Genevese victory. The “Compagnie 1602” was created in 1926 to perpetuate the memory of the Escalade. It is the successor of the previous association of 1898 called “L’association patriotique genevoise pour la rénovation de l’escalade”. The commemoration of the Escalade was often banned, notably under the Napoleonian occupation of 1798. The procession dates back to the mid-19th century. The private organisation receives no subsidies and relies on its members’ annual dues, donations, fund-raising, receipts from the sale of various literature and the famous soup. Most of the revenue is used for the costly maintenance of the historical costumes, arms, flags and the perpetuation of the Escalade celebration. The “Compagnie 1602” has some 2300 members which also participate in other patriotic commemorations such as the Swiss National Day and the anniversary of the landing of the Swiss troops at Port-Noir on 1 June 1814, which led to Geneva’s joining the Swiss Confederation in 1815.
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Performing at nursing homes has become a yearly tradition together with the Swiss Folk Dance Group Alpenrose, alphorn player Irma and musicians Chris and Tom. On Sunday, 5 October we visited and performed at three different old aged/nursing homes: • Tabulam (Templer) Home in Bayswater • Martin Luther Home in Boronia • Villa Maria Home in Wantirna All went well and the singing, dancing and music pleased the old folks and some even joint into the songs.
Joke of the day! The above was found in the Swiss tabloid “Blick”. The paper claims that the newly elected USA president’s greatgreat-great-great-great-great-great-grandfather’s name was Johannes Gutknecht and came from Kerzers (canton Fribourg). Yeah, right!
During 2008 we had many extra performances such as: 16.3.08: the Companion Singers Picnic Andacht at Wandin East Reserve; 6.4.08: the Swiss Festival at the Austrian Club in Heidelberg; 18.7.08: we farewelled Hanny Earl in the Boyd Chapel at the Springvale Cemetery; 1.8.08: Swiss National Day at a Swiss Restaurant in Lylidale; 3. 8. 08: we sang for Annette Ruegg’s 70th Birthday; 13.12.08: we will sing for our Seniors at the Senior Christmas Afternoon Tea at the Swiss Club. For the year 2009 we have some news: • On the 22 March the Singers will participate at the Swiss Festival. • PICNIC ANDACHT at Wandin East Reserve will not take place in 2009. We are very sorry and apologise to our dedicated supporters, as well as to the Trachtengruppe Schwyzergruess and their many supporters. The Companion Singers practice on the second and third Thursday of each month, and we always look for people who like to sing and relax and please their souls and minds in good company. Come along to the Swiss Club, enjoy the good food and sing with us or phone our Convenor Heidy Giger on 9889 9321 or the Swiss Club at 9650 1196 for more information. The Companion Singers send their best wishes to all friends and club members for a great and peaceful Festive Season.
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I want to wish everyone a wonderful Christmas and all the very best for the new year. A big thank you to the ladies for their continuous support and good company. Looking forward to see you and your friends again in 2009. Also many thanks to Roger and Staff and to my special helpers!! Dates for the forthcoming luncheons in 2009:
• Wednesday, 4 March • Wednesday, 6 May Price $22 pp for members, $25 pp for nonmembers. Includes 2-course meal, wine, soft drinks and coffee. Everyone welcome! For information and bookings ring me on 9889 9321or Roger at the Club on 9650 1196. Bookings are essential! Heidy Giger
Support those that support your Club. Consider our Advertisers
Swiss Club of Victoria
For all your first class selected meat, Swiss smallgoods and delicatessen Sepp & Marlies Krummenacher 634 North Road, Ormond, Tel: 9578 5049
Senior Christmas Afternoon Tea Saturday, 13 December 2008 at 2pm
Weihnachtslied Vom Himmel in die tiefsten Klüfte ein milder Stern herniederlacht; vom Tannenwalde steigen Düfte und hauchen durch die Winterlüfte, und kerzenhelle wird die Nacht. Mir ist das Herz so froh erschrocken, das ist die liebe Weihnachtszeit! Ich höre fernher Kirchenglocken mich lieblich heimatlich verlocken in märchenstille Herrlichkeit. Ein frommer Zauber hält mich wieder, anbetend, staunend muss ich stehn; es sinkt auf meine Augenlider ein goldner Kindertraum hernieder, ich fühl’s, ein Wunder ist geschehn.
The Swiss Club of Victoria with the support of the Swiss Society of Victoria, the Trachtengruppe Schwyzergruess, the Folk Dance Group Alpenrose, the Saturday Morning Swiss School and the Swiss Companion Singers invites Swiss Nationals born 1936 or earlier and Partners to a Senior Christmas Afternoon Tea at the Swiss Club of Victoria, 89 Flinders Lane, Melbourne. This event is free of charge. RSVP by 4 December 2008. For information please contact: Rita Schwärzler-Abbt, 9561 7811, ritaherbert@bigpond.com Sylvia Hochuli, 9531 6575, hochuli@tpg.com.au Please pass on the word to other Senior Swiss in the community, born 1936 or earlier.
Senior Christmas Afternoon Tea Reply slip Yes I/we are able to attend the Christmas Afternoon Tea: Name(s):
Theodor Storm Telephone: Want a taste of Switzerland? Visit the Swiss Club Restaurant
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Mail to Rita Schwärzler-Abbt 18 Hertford Crescent, Wheelers Hill Vic 3150
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Where does Santa come from?
Samichlaus Versli z’Australie, da bin ich dehei, und ha gwüss Sorge gha, ob ächt de Chlaus im Tannewald mich da au finde cha.
Exploring Yule and Christmas time traditions of different countries is fun and fascinating. When it comes to the fanciful Christmas gift-giver, it’s a complicated story. Mix Solstice Kings, Saint Nicholas, and baby Jesus up over a couple thousand years, season with local traditions, and you’ll get almost as many Santas as there are nationalities.
Jetz aber, Chlaus, bisch du ja da, das macht mich würklich froh, und morn verzell ich allne Lüüt, de Chlaus sig zue-mer cho. So, wäg-em Folge stahts nid schlecht, und d’Eltere hend gseit, sie heiged au scho es guets Wort für mich bi dir i-gleit. Gäll, Chlaus, du machsch kei langi Pflänz, ich säg gwüss: «Dank ders Gott», und ich versprich dir, dass ich gärn au wieder folge wott!
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The Atlas Project Major setback after a successful start In the September 2007 edition of the ‘Edelweiss’, I published a transcript of the SBS program ‘Dateline’, which reported on the massive Atlas Project in Geneva. A year on, this extraordinary scientific experiment has started and has made headlines around the world. Here is an update (Ed): The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) is a gigantic scientific instrument near Geneva, where it spans the border between Switzerland and France about 100m underground. It is a particle accelerator used by physicists to study the smallest known particles – the fundamental building blocks of all things. It will revolutionise our understanding, from the minuscule world deep within atoms to the vastness of the Universe. Two beams of subatomic particles called ’hadrons‘ – either protons or lead ions – will travel in opposite directions inside the circular accelerator, gaining energy with every lap. Physicists will use the LHC to recreate the conditions just after the Big Bang, by colliding the two beams head-on at very high energy. Teams of physicists from around the world will analyse the particles created in the collisions using special detectors in a number of experiments dedicated to the LHC. There are many theories as to what will result from these collisions, but what’s for sure is that a brave new world of physics will emerge from the new accelerator, as knowledge in particle physics goes on to describe the workings of the Universe. For decades, the Standard Model of particle physics has served physicists well as a means of understanding the fundamental laws of Nature, but it does not tell the whole story. Only experimental data using the higher energies reached by the LHC can push knowledge forward, challenging those who seek confirmation of established knowledge, and those who dare to dream beyond the paradigm.
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On the 10 September at 9.30am Atlas experimenters and physicists around the world celebrated as the LHC became operational and the first beams were circulated through the collider. Staff in the control room clapped as two beams of particles were sent silently first one way and then the other around the LHC’s 27km underground chamber. The scientific community and the word media waited for the first signals from the $10 billion machine. The first blip on a computer screen came soon after the LHC was activated. Physicists brushed off suggestions that the LHC, dubbed a ’doomsday device‘ by some, could create tiny black holes that could suck in the planet. ”The worries that scientists had were nothing to do with being swallowed up by black holes and everything to do with technical hitches or electronic failure,“ said Jim al-Khalili, a physicist at Britain’s University of Surrey. ”Things can go wrong at any time,“ said project leader Lyn Evans, ”but this morning we had a great start.“ And then, a week and a half later, something did go wrong. In a statement issued on 23 September, the Geneva-based European Organisation for Nuclear Research, known by its
Swiss Club of Victoria
French acronym CERN, said the problem stems from a helium leak in one of the sectors of the LHC. Scientists believe the leak was triggered by an electrical malfunction between two of the powerful magnets that help to power the LHC. In what is technically known as a “quench” the collider is said to have lost up to a tonne of liquid helium. In order to fix the leak, researchers will have to bring the LHC from its operating temperature of -271.3°C, up to room temperature, a process that will take between 3 and 4 weeks. That will run into the LHC’s planned Winter maintenance window, which means scientists won’t be cranking it up again until March or April of 2009. “Coming immediately after the very successful start of LHC operation on 10 September, this is undoubtedly a psychological blow,” said CERN Director General Robert Aymar.
Facts and figures The largest machine in the world… The precise circumference of the LHC accelerator is 26,659m, with a total of 9,300 magnets inside. Not only is the LHC the world’s largest particle accelerator, just one-eighth of its cryogenic distribution system would qualify as the world’s largest fridge. All the magnets will be pre‑cooled to -193.2°C using 10,080 tonnes of liquid nitrogen, before they are filled with nearly 60 tonnes of liquid helium to bring them down to -271.3°. The fastest racetrack on the planet… At full power, trillions of protons will race around the LHC accelerator ring 11,245 times a second, travelling at 99.99% the speed of light. Two beams of protons will each travel at a maximum energy of 7 TeV (tera-electronvolt), corresponding to head-to-head collisions of 14 TeV. Altogether some 600 million collisions will take place every second. The emptiest space in the Solar System… To avoid colliding with gas molecules inside the accelerator, the beams of particles travel in an ultra-high vacuum – a cavity as empty as interplanetary space. The internal pressure of the LHC is 10-13 atm, ten times less than the pressure on the Moon! The hottest spots in the galaxy, but even colder than outer space… The LHC is a machine of extreme hot and cold. When two beams of protons collide, they will generate temperatures more than 100,000 times hotter than the heart of the Sun, concentrated within a minuscule space. By contrast, the ’cryogenic distribution system‘, which circulates superfluid helium around the accelerator ring, keeps the LHC at a super cool temperature of -271.3°C – even colder than outer space! The most powerful supercomputer system in the world… The data recorded by each of the big experiments at the LHC will fill around 100,000 dual layer DVDs every year. To allow the thousands of scientists scattered around the globe to collaborate on the analysis over the next 15 years (the estimated lifetime of the LHC), tens of thousands of computers located around the world are being harnessed in a distributed computing network called ’The Grid‘. w w w.s w i s s .o r g.au/s w i s sc lu bv i c
Trivia Night On Saturday, 25 October we held our yearly fund raiser, the Trivia Night. Verena, Christina and Alex were busy organising all questions. A big thank you goes to Roger Moullet who offered the restaurant as venue; this gave the Trivia Night a nice atmosphere. The many participants were then guided through the quizzes and games by Verena, the master of ceremony for the night. All had a great night and no one left empty handed. We were able to raise just over $1000 for our Saturday Morning Swiss School. A big thank-you again to all our supporters on the night and of course all donors who make the Trivia Night possible: Aviv Cakes and Bagels Consulate General of Switzerland Corinne Moesch Esko Australia Fromart, Handcrafted Swiss Cheese Henkell Wines Hootsen Bakery Ilona and Vince Smits Lavendula Swiss Italian Farm Manhattan Group Roger Moullet, Swiss Club Restaurant Spiess Australia Tanner’s Swiss Patisserie The Swiss Club of Victoria Tri Nature Walma’s Meats, Smallgoods and Delicatessen Wursthütte We look forward to see many families back to the Saturday Morning Swiss School next year and hope to be able to welcome new families too. The Saturday Morning Swiss School will recommence next year on Saturday, 7 February. The other dates for the first term are 21 February, 7 March, 22 March (Swiss Festival) and 4 April. The Saturday Morning Swiss School wishes all readers a wonderful Festive Season and a happy New Year. Contact for any information and interest: Andrea Pinch, Convener Phone 5331 6762, pinch@hotkey.net.au
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Spirit of Davos – a flight for a global solution Presentation: Great Circle - The World Eastbound Father and son, Nicolas and Stephan Perren circled the world in a small single engine airplane with the aim to stimulate awareness and support for research of osteoporosis. On their journey Nicolas took some beautiful pictures of the landscapes from high above. Listen to the interesting stories of their adventures on the ground and in the air and view some of the best photographs taken on their way. This event is organised by the Swiss Consulate Sydney, SANM and Synthes Australia. RSVP by 2 December, event@ sanm.id.au. See www.sanm.id.au or www.spirit-of-davos.ch Date: Friday, 5 December 6.30pm for 7.00pm, Duration ca. 60-90 mins Venue: The Royal Society of Victoria 9 Victoria Street, Phone: 9663 5259
TOP to TOP in the Sydney to Hobart classic Perhaps you remember the story about TOP to TOP in the June edition of the ‘Edelweiss’, or you attended the presentation at the Club in March. Well, TOP to TOP is making News again. TOP to TOP will be entering one of the most famous sailing competitions, the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race with the yacht Pachamama. The 628 nautical mile course is often described as the most gruelling long ocean race in the world, a challenge to everyone who takes part. Now, for the first time in the 63 year history of this tough ocean classic, a Swiss yacht has made it to the starting line. Pachamama, owned and skipped by Dario Schwoerer, is a comfortable cruising yacht sailing as part of the TOP to TOP Expedition, the first expedition using only nature’s force to cross the seven seas and reach the summit of the highest mountain on each continent. The boat is an example for the cruising world, showing what is possible using renewable technologies only. See www.toptotop.org. The starting shot will be fired in Sydney on December 26 and it is expected that the winner will cross the line between December 27 – 31.
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Please meet Damian Schaller! Editor: Damian, I met you first as a member of the Young Swiss Group not too long ago. And then, as I already mentioned on the cover of this issue of the ‘Edelweiss’, I was fortunate enough to get you on board as a regular editorial contributor, and now you are the newest member of the SCV committee! Before you are going to challenge Mr Rudd for his job, I wonder if you can tell the readers a bit about you. Why and when did you come to Australia? Damian: Why did I come here? Well, in 1997 after I had finished my military service in Switzerland I wanted to fulfill a lifelong ambition to go on a road trip around Australia with a very good friend of mine. What was supposed to take about three months ended up being 14 months. The journey took us along the coast almost all the way round. My experiences during that time made me want to call Australia home one day. Three years ago I settled in Australia. I’m very happy to have achieved my dream to life and work in this country! Editor: Why was Australia, and not any other country, your lifelong ambition? Damian: I believe my parents had a big influence on my decision to choose Australia. I spent the first four years of my life in New Zealand - around the corner from Australia. After that, my family moved to Reinach, a suburb of the beautiful town of Basel (this comment earned me a few strange remarks at the Half-Yearly, of course all coming from people from Zürich!), where I grew up and went to school. Editor: You helped me, and the Swiss Club, a couple of times with the printing of this Newsletter free of charge, which is of course fantastic! Explain to us what line of business you are in to be able to organise such an unbeatable deal. Damian: For the past seven years I have been working for Océ, a Dutch company that specialises in the construction of digital printing systems that can print on anything from as small as a business card to a banner that could cover your entire house. My job in Marketing for Océ allows me to support the Swiss Club with all kind of printed matter such as the new banners in the entrance hall of the club. Editor: You seem to be an unstoppable dynamo, always on the move. What are you doing in your ‘spare time’? Damian: I’m a member of the SES (State Emergency Service) in the St. Kilda Area and respond to calls for help from the community in my spare time. I enjoy the training we have each Monday evening and the biggest “call-out” I attended so far was ‘Stormy Wednesday’ this year where the SES received calls Swiss Club of Victoria
for assistance every 4 seconds for more than 6 hours. I also have a great interest in visual media such as Photography and Movies and as a former member of a Carnival Brass Band (Guggemusig) my heart beats for good music! Editor: I am sure anyone from Basel would readily agree with you on this! How did you get involved in the Swiss Club? Damian: Two years ago my father retired and decided to visit me for three weeks in Melbourne. During this time he told me stories of his time in New Zealand and how he was a very active member of the Swiss Community of Auckland at the time. He suggested for me to join the Swiss Club in Victoria and get involved in their various activities. I’m delighted to say that this had a profound impact on my life here in Australia and I very much enjoy the company of all the friends I met at the club functions. I’m now a member of the Swiss Club of Victoria, the Young Swiss Group, the Joint Swiss Ventures and I’m on the committee of the Swiss Festival 2009 (which I helped to organise in 2008 as well). I’m looking forward to new exciting challenges in the Swiss Club Committee and hope to be of value to the Swiss Community here in Victoria. Editor: thank you very much Damian, for this interview and your commitment to the Swiss Club. I wish you all the best for an exciting future.
In this edition of my column I would like to share with you some interesting surfing destinations in regards to TV news and programs from Switzerland. We are very lucky to have SBS in Australia, which screens news on TV from around the world, such as the international edition of the “Tagesschau” from Germany, the “Telegiornale” from Italy or the French news. Due to the small size of our country though our daily news broadcast don’t make it to Australia, but never mind the Internet provides an answer to this predicament as well. Schweizer Fernsehen, Radiotelevisione Svizzera di lingua Italiana and Televsion Suisse Romande all offer their latest news and most of their TV shows as a live stream or download on their respective homepage. Of course news on an international level make the headlines in every corner of the world rather quickly, but its always nice to find out what has been happening in your local community in our home country. Especially when it comes to elections and votes on political matters, it helps a great deal to learn more about these issues through TV shows such as “Rundschau” rather than just the brochure which we receive with the voting material sent to us via mail.
SWISS CLUB MOVIE
The TV channel for the German-speaking part of Switzerland can be found on www.sf.tv that has more than 50 different TV shows and over 140 podcasts (see below) on offer.
Most successful Swiss Movie!
www.tsr.ch is the TV for the French-speaking region of Switzerland and www.rtsi.ch caters for the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland.
Achtung, Fertig, Charlie! Wednesday 18 February 2009, 7.30pm. Swiss Club, 2nd floor CH 2003, Comedy. Director: Mike Eschmann Swiss-German, English sub-titles With: Michael Koch, Melanie Winiger, Marco Rima, Mia Aegeter, Martin Rapold, Mike Müller In the middle of his own wedding, Antonio is lead away by the military police who escort him to the camp where he was supposed to start his military training. Upon arrival at the training base, things go from bad to worse. Willing to do anything to get back to his distressed fiancee, Antonio hatches a double-edged plan: start an affair with a female recruit – something that is strictly forbidden on the base and will lead to certain dismissal. Antonio targets good-natured female recruit Michelle, but doesn’t realise what he is getting himself into. This is when everything starts to go terribly wrong.
www.fernsehen.ch lists all Swiss and European TV channels and displays their current TV program as well as additional information about certain TV shows. Smaller regional TV channels such as TeleBasel or TeleOstschweiz are listed too and a link will take you to their respective homepage. An even easier way to see your favourite Swiss TV show is to subscribe to a Podcast that will automatically download to your computer as soon as the latest show is available. Podcasts are free of charge and all you need is a music program such as iTunes that allows you to watch the program at your convenience on your computer. The next edition will focus on our world famous Swiss transport infrastructure and what amazing things about can be found on the World Wide Web. Damian Schaller Disclaimer: I’m not associated in any way with the internet sites featured in my column. I’m not endorsing any content on these homepages.
Free for members, non-members gold coin donation. Enjoy dinner at the club, before or after the movie. Please book with the restaurant on 9650 1196.
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Login and get the latest info: www.swiss.org.au/swissclubvic
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Swiss Events & Functions December 2008 to March 2009 Please note that this calendar also list events other than those organised by the Swiss Club of Victoria and its subgroups. Please book all Swiss Club functions (bold entries) with Roger, phone 9650 1196 or fax 9650 3104 and check website for latest information and details of upcoming events. For all other events please contact the relevant organisation (see page 3 for contact details).
DECEMBER
JANUARY
FEBRUARY
MARCH
Thursday Friday Sunday Saturday Wednesday
04 05 07 13 24
Kapelle Grüezi Mitenand entertains at the Club Presentation: Great Circle - The World Eastbound (see page 20 for details) Samichlaus Breakfast - Fawkner Park Senior Christmas Afternoon Tea at the Club Club Restaurant closes after lunch
Monday Monday
05 26
Club reopens for 2009 Editorial Deadline - Newsletter March issue
Thursday Sunday Wednesday Saturday
05 15 18 28
Kapelle Grüezi Mitenand entertains at the Club Summer picnic - Groupe Romand du Victoria Movie Night at the Club Jass Night - Matterhorn
Sunday Wednesday Wednesday Thursday Wednesday Sunday Saturday Sunday
01 04 04 05 11 22 28 29
Churchill Island - Pro Ticino Down Under Ladies’ Luncheon Annual General Meeting Kapelle Grüezi Mitenand entertains at the Club AGM - Groupe Romand du Victoria SWISS FESTIVAL (all groups) Jass Night - Swiss Club Comedy Festival starts – 2nd floor unavailable until April 26
OTHER REGULAR SWISS CLUB 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 Group: Get-together every 2nd Wednesday of each month from 7pm
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Best wishes for the Festive Season to all members! I would like to take this opportunity to thank members for their valuable feedback, suggestions and ideas. And especially I thank the team of regular contributors for their great collaboration throughout the year! The Editor Swiss Club of Victoria