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ISSUE 4 - A
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HAVE YOU CONVERTED ? S R W R O F W O N E G N A H C E H T E K A M ALSO IN THIS ISSUE
S E R U S A E M E T A R E P DES
e Blanc on the French MP Etienn de Gex future of the Pays
Full details on how to upgrade to DAB+ in the home and the car
WHEN IN ROME We talk to the BBC Rome correspondent, David Willey
THE CHASSE SEASON st An expert guide to the be son sea e wines for the Chass
PLUS... THE NEW WRS - LEARN A NEW LANGUAGE - SINGLE IN GENEVA? - HEALTH & WELLBEING & MUCH MORE!
Published by Anglo Media Group SA Images Building, 1st floor 9, rue de Veyrot, 1217 Meyrin Switzerland T +41 (0)22 989 53 10 Directors Peter Sibley & Mark Butcher Editor Bill Harby Creative Director Matt Martin Publication Manager Sarah Over Designed by Media Frontier www.mediafrontier.ch Advertising & Promotion WRS T +41 (0) 22 989 53 10 E - advertising@worldradio.ch Print Run 25,000 Distribution International Organisations, NGOs, Multinational companies, Hotels, Geneva Airport, Shopping Centres, International Schools, Tourist Offices FRONTIER MAGAZINE All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without prior written permission is strictly prohibited. All prices listed are correct at time of going to press but may be subject to change.
GET YOUR COPY! We hope that you enjoy Frontier Magazine, which is available at a number of locations across the region. Why not pick up an extra copy for friends & family? If you would like to have Frontier Magazine delivered to your organisation or business, please give us a call on : +41 (0) 22 989 53 10
WRS is dead. Long live WRS. I was a fan of the recently laid-to-rest old WRS, though I rarely listened to the station live. (The last couple of years I’ve gone to a station formerly called Radio Frontier for my music.) At the old WRS website I scanned the local news and BBC headlines, and listened to occasional recorded segments online. Even though I despise gardening, I quickly became a groupie of Hester Macdonald’s “Dig It!” gardening tips. I’m a slut for knowledge and wit. We are delighted to say that Ms. Macdonald has brought Dig It! to the new WRS, and she also makes her Frontier magazine debut in this issue. In future issues we’re going to ask Hester to really get her hands dirty and share her gardening expertise with you in her inimitable style. Here at the magazine, we’re making our garden grow. In this issue we have quite the cornucopia for you – subatomic particles at CERN, classic Brit cars in Lausanne, strategies for singles in Geneva, a workshop for writers in English.
We also have 2 intriguing interviews: one with the French minister of parliament who has his eye on all the building cranes sprouting in Le pays de Gex; and another interview with the BBC’s veteran Italy correspondent about covering our loveably dysfunctional neighbor to the south. And we have a brief history of English language radio in Switzerland, written by one of its key players, our own Mark Butcher. He tells us about the radio station, which, during WWII, with perfect Swiss neutrality, broadcast Winston Churchill then Adolf Hitler on alternate hours. Want to know if that distressed man on the train platform is having a heart attack? Want to know what wine to drink with this season’s dishes of wild game? Just want a good night’s sleep? It’s all here in this issue of Frontier. Read it and grow your mind. We think you’ll dig it.
Bill Harby. Editor
inside this issue
issue 04 | AUTUMN 2013 www.WORLDRADIO.ch | www.fmagazine.ch
24. DESPERATE MEASURES French MP Etienne Blanc on the future of the Pay de Gex.
38. THE MCKAY INTERVIEW We talk to the BBC Rome correspondent, David Willey.
6. INTRODUCING...THE NEW WRS
After many crazy weeks of preparing the transition from our previous incarnation as Radio Frontier, the new WRS was born!
8. JORDI - A SWISS ICON 10. HEART ATTACK? WARNING SIGNS AND WHAT TO DO 40. HUNT OUT THE PERFECT WINE Wine expert Simon Hardy recommends the perfect wines for the Chasse season.
12. HEALTH & BEAUTY / CLINICS 14. GARDENING GOLDEN RULES 18. DAB+ - THE NEXT BIG THING IS ALREADY HERE 20. DAB+ - HOW TO DO IT IN THE CAR
50. SINGLE IN GENEVA Single in Geneva - and how not to be!
22. ENGLISH RADIO IN SWITZERLAND - THE FIRST 20 YEARS
30. HELLO OLD BEAN! CLASSIC BRITISH CAR SHOW 32. LEARN A LANGUAGE IT’S GOOD FOR YOU 36. SWEET DREAMS 42. THE GENEVA WRITERS’ GROUP - 20 YEARS 44. SUBATOMIC PARTICLES 48. PLAN FOR THE WORST, HOPE FOR THE BEST 52. FRONTIER TALENT SIDETRACK 54. GET INVOLVED IN THE LOCAL COMMUNITY
INTRODUCING...THE NEW
After many crazy weeks of preparing the transition from our previous incarnation as Radio Frontier, the new WRS debuted on a beautiful Sunday morning, the first day of September. As we went on the air, we celebrated in the studio with a champagne breakfast. The best part of that morning was listeners’ emails and phone calls congratulating us – and challenging us.
WE HEAR YOU!
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Mark Butcher, founder and director of Anglo Media SA, the new owners of WRS Radio
an
Dave Goodm
Hansine Jo
hnston
M
any of you have told us how happy you are that some of your favorite presenters from the previous WRS have joined our team. Welcome Hasine, Dave Goodman, Hestor Macdonald, Dr. Michelle Wright and Ian the Gadget Guru!
sincerely thank you for your support. We can’t make this work without you. We know that the radio station will have to continually refresh and respond to changes in the market. That’s why we need you to tell us what you think.
Other bits of the new WRS are new. Like the fact that we are now a station with a local focus aimed at you – the English-speaking international community in the Lake Geneva region on both sides of the Swiss/French border. We know you place a high value on local information (no more Zürich traffic news, we promise), and you also want to have fun (our specialty).
There are practical ways you can help:
We’re operating out of new studios with bright, shiny new equipment, so, naturally, the first few days and nights of the new WRS were hectic – but a great deal of fun (always two crucial ingredients for a successful radio station). Another new thing about the new WRS – we are now a commercial enterprise. Our team is keen to make the station work as a business, and we know that the only way to do that is to be of value to you. We believe that the services and products our advertisers provide add to the rich mix of information and entertainment we offer. We know that, to survive in this digital age, it’s not enough to be just an amazing radio station, so we’re well on our way to becoming a multimedia monster. Our website will continue to grow, giving you more news and information about the Lake Geneva area, as well as live streaming of the radio station. And our soon-to-be newly designed Frontier magazine will continue informing and entertaining you. We are honored by your initial reaction to the new WRS, and we
Tell us about your events. We’re happy to publicise community and charitable fundraisers. Offer feedback on our programming. What do you love? What do you maybe not love so much? Please, think of our advertisers. These businesses and organizations understand the value of the international community. They have placed their faith in us. We hope that, when you need their products and services, you’ll place your faith in them. Now, our next big challenge is to make a digital radio station work. As you probably know, you need to tune in to WRS either online or with a DAB+ radio. Our website is full of ideas on how to easily purchase and hook up your DAB+ radio. We have fitters that can install high-end DAB+ receivers into cars like Aston Martins, or adaptors for under CHF100 that you can fit yourself. We also have links for manufacturers for radios for the kitchen, bathroom or bedrooms. It’s clear that DAB is the future – and so is WRS. We are the first commercial radio station on DAB+ in the Suisse Romande. And you are our first listeners... Here we go!
FRONTIER MAGAZINE ISSUE 04 - AUTUMN 2013
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THE LUXURY OF TIME Who would have thought that the Rhone glacier, Rhone pebble stones and paper-cut design would ever be the stimulus behind the spectacular re-launch of the “Michel Jordi” brand – transformed into a classy and subtle range of luxury watches and accessories, while still firmly dedicated to Swiss heritage? Founded in Geneva in 1988, the company created and still headed by Michel Jordi, continues its dedication to watchmaking, innovation and launching new concepts for the pleasure of those who appreciate the luxury of time.
FRONTIER MAGAZINE ISSUE 02 - SPRING 2013
FRONTIER MAGAZINE ISSUE 01 2012/13
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Natural inspiration
With the launch of the legendary Swiss Ethno Watch in 1989 on the threshold of Switzerland’s 700th anniversary, Michel Jordi set a milestone in Swiss watchmaking history. In 2011, this imaginative innovator has gathered all his watchmaking experience in creating his latest masterpiece. By reinterpreting the traditional Swiss art of paper-cutting and blending it with a smooth and modern design, he gave rise to the JORDI Swiss Icon collection. Michel Jordi has looked again at its roots and about what Switzerland does best: outstanding workmanship and keen attention to detail. This is a collection shaped and inspired by nature. The Rhone glacier and its river are a powerful source of energy and inspiration. The polished stones smoothed through countless ages of ice and rushing water, have been translated into the flowing contours of the case, topped by a domed sapphire crystal. This ergonomic shape was the core element in the development of the product, ensuring that the end result sits perfectly on the wrist.
When folk art meets contemporary design
Traditional Swiss paper-cutting is the art of using a blade or scissors to tell stories and elicit wonderment. This folk craft has existed for 2000 years, originally from China, and was raised to an art form in the 19th century by Swiss artisan, Johann-Jakob Hauswirth. Today, Michel Jordi skillfully integrates this revered Swiss art of storytelling with watchmaking prowess from the Vallée de Joux, cradle of fine watchmaking. This symbiosis of beautiful design, meticulous
engineering and stunning creativity applied on the dial of the watch and wristband are an open invitation to discover more. JORDI Swiss Icon offers products for both men and women who desire a unique and unmistakable identity. Watches remain the core products but are complemented by a wide range of stylish accessories, including handbags, scarves and elegant shirts with fun detailing. All are characterised by their contemporary design, “Swissness” and subtle references to the traditional art of paper-cutting. Writing instruments and eyewear are scheduled for the future. A Flagship Store has been open in Zürich, showcasing the brand philosophy. This boutique concept will be further developed in new flagship stores in Lucerne, Interlaken and Geneva, as well as Hong Kong, Beijing and Shanghai.
Innovation and excellence in the pursuit of quality
Built on 25 years of watchmaking passion and precision, JORDI Swiss Icon represents the quintessence of Michel Jordi’s remarkable path.
“Success is about constantly mobilizing new energy, finding new ways and unique concepts to surprise your audience again and again. Further, our over-riding driver is a commitment to excellence, resulting in the ultimate in luxury using the finest materials with no compromise on quality. This is the hallmark of Swiss-made workmanship.” - Michel Jordi
www.jordiwatches.com
Created for active, open-minded people who cherish the luxury of time - far from the hustle and bustle of the busy world, the collection features four lines to be discovered in more than 20 stores in Switzerland. Points of sale:
Geneva: O. Zbinden, Rue du Mont-Blanc 17, 1201 Geneve | Tel: 022 732 55 05 Vevey: Lionel Meylan, Place du marché 4, 1800 Vevey | Tel: 021 925 50 50 Fribourg: Boutique Susan, Rte de Matran 9, 1754 Avry-sur-Matran | Tel : 026 470 15 10 Zürich: JORDI Swiss Icon boutique, Am Central, Niederdorfstrasse 90, 8001 Zürich | Tel: 044 251 23 27
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Heart Attack? Warning signs and what to do. By Dr. Michelle Wright, Medical Director, HealthFirst Sàrl
Y
ou’re on the platform at Geneva station waiting for your train at the end of a long day. There has just been an announcement that the train will be delayed by 4 minutes. You notice the man next to you looks unwell, pale and sweaty. He loosens his tie and starts rubbing his chest. You reflect that a 4-minute train delay is not the end of the world, but he is clearly distressed. He walks unsteadily towards one of the platform benches and just manages to sit down. This man is more than distressed, he is having a heart attack – in medical terms, a myocardial infarction or acute coronary syndrome. Part of his heart muscle is being deprived of blood and oxygen
because a blood clot is blocking one of his heart blood vessels. But how would you know this? What are the signs of a heart attack? Would you be able to help him? Heart attacks are one of the cardiovascular diseases – diseases of the heart and circulation system – which include coronary heart disease (angina and heart attack) and stroke. Cardiovascular diseases are the world’s biggest killer. In Switzerland, they account for around 35 percent of all deaths. About 10,000 people die from a heart attack in Switzerland each year. That’s one person every 50 minutes. So it’s important that we know how to recognise the symptoms and what to do.
What are the typical symptoms of a heart attack? The most classic symptom is severe pain in the centre of the chest. The pain feels like a tightening or a heavy pressure. It can radiate upwards towards the neck, jaw, and shoulders, and down the arm. Classically, it’s the left shoulder and arm where pain is felt, but both shoulders and arms can be affected. The pain can also spread to the back or down to the upper abdomen. Difficulty breathing is another possible symptom as well as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, sweating and a change in colour – a person can look very pale or
grey. Someone having a large heart attack can collapse and lose consciousness and their heart can even stop beating (“cardiac arrest”). But heart attack symptoms vary from person-to-person. Not everyone gets all the classic symptoms. Some people experience more vague symptoms such as mild chest discomfort, or something that feels more like indigestion or heartburn.
Is it true that heart attack symptoms for women are different from those for men? Many people regard heart disease as a “man’s problem”, but the fact is that a heart attack can just as easily happen to a woman. Coronary heart disease kills three times more women than breast cancer does. A woman having a heart attack may experience the classic symptoms described above, but women are more likely than men
FRONTIER MAGAZINE ISSUE 04 - AUTUMN 2013
to have more subtle symptoms rather than severe central chest pain and pressure. Instead they may become short of breath, dizzy and develop pain or pressure in the lower chest, upper abdomen or upper back. Women need to take these symptoms seriously.
What should I do if I suspect a heart attack? Let us return to our man on the railway platform. Approach him calmly. Ask him to describe what he’s feeling. If you have the slightest suspicion that he is having a heart attack, you should call for medical help immediately. In Switzerland, the number to call for an ambulance is 144. In neighbouring France, call 15. The Europewide Emergency Services number is 112. With heart attacks, time counts. Doctors have a saying: “time means muscle”. The sooner a person can get medical treatment for a heart attack, the more likely the chance of saving their heart muscle from permanent damage. Help the man down to the floor and use something to prop up his back, head and shoulders (pillows, cushions, jackets, blankets, whatever is quickly available) so that he is not lying flat. Loosen anything tight around his neck or waist. Reassure him as much as possible – he will be scared. If the man has medication that he usually takes when he gets chest pain (some people have a spray or a tablet that they use under their tongue), help him to take that. Stay with the man until emergency services arrive. In our scenario on the platform, the situation worsens. The ambulance hasn’t arrived yet and the man becomes more unwell and loses consciousness. He collapses to the floor. What do you do now? Check for a response. Gently shake both of his shoulders. Talk to him: “Are you alright? Can you hear me?” He shows no signs of response. Shout for help from others. Then check to see if the man is breathing normally. With him lying on his back, get down on the floor beside him and look along his chest for signs of chest movement up and down; listen for breathing; feel for breaths against your cheek. If he is breathing normally, turn the man onto his side into the “Recovery Position”. This helps keep his airway open so he can continue to breathe normally. Keep the man warm, call emergency
What if it’s you?
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services again and describe how the situation has changed. If he is not breathing normally, you need to start Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). Again, get a bystander to call the emergency services back and tell them that the situation has changed. You can give hands-only CPR in this situation. With the man lying on his back and you kneeling at his side, place the heel of one of your hands in the centre of his chest. Place your other hand on top and interlock your fingers. Lean directly over his chest and push down hard (by about 5-6 centimetres). Release the pressure but don’t move your hands. Keep performing these “chest compressions” continuously at a rate of at least 100 beats per minute. Only stop if the man shows signs of a response (e.g. he moves, he starts breathing spontaneously), or the emergency services arrive at the scene to take over. When the emergency services arrive, answer any questions they may have, and let them take over. You have done all you can. Your calm response may have just saved this man’s life.
Be Prepared
No two heart attacks are the same. If you are experiencing chest pains or other worrisome symptoms, don’t hesitate to immediately call an ambulance and seek medical advice. Don’t ignore the symptoms. People won’t think that you’re making a fuss. Remember, seconds are crucial – “time means muscle”.
Does helping someone who may be having a heart attack sound scary to you? That’s only natural. To feel more confident, take a First Aid course to practice what to do in situations like this. In a calm, friendly environment, you’ll learn life-saving skills, including how to move someone into the Recovery Position and how to give CardioPulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). It’s better to be prepared. You never know when you may need it.
Dr. Michelle Wright is a British-trained general practitioner, who lives and works in Suisse-Romande. Along with Dr. Penny Fraser and their colleagues at HealthFirst, she has a passion for delivering health education and First Aid training to the English-speaking community in Switzerland. HealthFirst provides a range of dynamic, interactive First Aid courses to members of the public, businesses, and the humanitarian sector. Their native English speaking trainers also deliver the obligatory First Aid course for the Swiss Driver’s Licence to anyone from the age of 14. See www.healthfirst.ch for more details. Disclaimer: This article is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. All reasonable care has been taken in compiling the information but there is no legal warranty made as to its accuracy. Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. HealthFirst and Dr Michelle Wright are not responsible or liable, directly or indirectly, for any form of damages whatsoever resulting from the use of information contained in or implied in this article. FRONTIER MAGAZINE ISSUE 04 - AUTUMN 2013
promotion
INSIGHTS T : + 44 (0)1676 35550 // WWW.PSYCHOTHERAPYGROUP.NET // URSULA.OBRIEN@YAHOO.CO.UK
HEALTH & WELLBEING / CLINICS
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As a psychotherapist, I often hear clients say: “my life is out of my control”. Within a few sessions, (3 is usually sufficient) a situation related to conflict or stress can be resolved by breaking old and unhelpful patterns. When clients say: “I am feeling anxious and low”, I can help them acquire new coping skills. With a person-centred approach I specialise in a variety of issues ranging from depression and phobias to challenging relationships.
Most sessions I conduct via “Skype”. I provide a friendly, confidential service which gently encourages you to reach your potential, and is tailored specifically to your needs. I work for business and private clients and as part of “Psychotherapy Group” which follows strict PROFESSIONAL ethical principles and codes of conduct. Please contact me, Ursula O’Brien, to find out more about this solution-focused approach, and how I can help you.
CLINIQUE LA SOURCE T : + 41 (0)21 641 3333 // WWW.LASOURCE.CH // CLINIQUE@LASOURCE.CH The Clinique de la Source is a private establishment for acute multidisciplinary care (surgery, medicine, maternity ward) with 150 beds, located in the centre of Lausanne, close to public transport, in green and calm surroundings. Its services provide you with maximum security and comfort in order to put your mind at rest, whether you are hospitalized, or just come as an outpatient. La Source offers a friendly welcome and calm environment in comfortable and impeccable surroundings, all under the care of the best in the medical profession along with a personalized quality level of care aiming for perfection.
FRONTIER MAGAZINE ISSUE 04 - AUTUMN 2013
Today La Source is the biggest establishment in the region, offering a range of acute care including: medical and surgical oncology, digestive laparoscopic surgery, surgical cardiology, orthopaedics and neurosurgery, urology, gynaecology and obstetrics, and plastic surgery. It also owns one of the biggest institutes of radiology in the area, and has an in-house, state-of-the-art laboratory that provides analyses for in-house patients as well as for private doctors and other medical establishments.
LIFE MOTIVATIONS T : + 41 (0)22 774 33 48 // WWW.LIFEMOTIVATIONS.CH // INFO@LIFEMOTIVATIONS.CH
Their expert coaches and counsellors use a variety of techniques and have been helping people for more than 15 years. They also provide workshops and even train other trainers. Life Motivations (coaches) experts use the ground-breaking work of Louis Hay, author of the bestseller You can Heal Your life, (to teach)
the Belief Closet and many other techniques which are amazing tools to change limiting, disempowering beliefs into empowering beliefs that will help turn your life around. Life Motivations runs ASCA School accredited courses (in Reiki and other) and education workshops such as Reiki, Heal Your Life, and much more – in English and French.
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Life Motivations also works with companies with the aim to bring success with a positive mental attitude to CEOs and employees.
HEALTH & WELLBEING / CLINICS
The people at Life Motivations can help you get the most out of life. They will show you how you can get the best work- life balance, manage your time, improve your communication skills, build your self-esteem, achieve personal growth and improve your interpersonal relationships.
NEXUS THERAPIES T : + 41 (0)78 621 08 45 // WWW.NEXUSTHERAPIES.CH Nexus Therapies brings together a group of complementary therapeutic practitioners devoted to making connections for your health and well-being. Therapies include... Acupuncture, Chinese medicine, Yoga, Reflexology, Massage, Hypnotherapy, Coaching, Kinesiology, Meditation, Mindfulness, Psychotherapy, Ortho-bionomyÂŽ, Soa Therapy,
Gift Certificates Available Our centre is located in Grand-Saconnex, close to the international organisations, with public transport and parking nearby. For information about treatments, courses, retreats or free workshops visit us at: www.nexustherapies.ch
FRONTIER MAGAZINE ISSUE 04 - AUTUMN 2013
DIG IT.
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GARDENING GOLDEN RULES You don’t need a green thumb to grow a garden, just a little earthy knowledge. By Hester Macdonald, garden designer and founder of the Swiss Gardening School
G
ardening in this region can be hard to plan. Most books
Regular additions of well-rotted manure, leaf mould, or rotted bark
and websites in English don’t take account of the climate
will help to “open up” the soil, making it more workable, both in
here, and the windows of opportunity for planting are
vegetable beds and ornamental beds. The old maxim ”feed the soil,
short. The Swiss Gardening School has come up with some golden
and the soil will feed the plants”, is very relevant for clay soils, as
rules to help you enjoy your garden all year round.
any organic additions create essential soil structure and help that
Know your soil
squashable clay soil better resist future accidental foot traffic.
Most gardens in this region have clay
DIY pH tests are readily available in all garden centres. They are fun
soil with a neutral pH. If you don’t
to do and quite messy. Neudorff does a particularly easy one for
know what your soil is, here’s a simple
about CHF14.
DIY test: Take a small trowelful from 3 different spots, mix them together,
Know your site
then take a handful and gently wet
Learn where the sunniest, hottest or driest parts of your garden are,
it in the palm of your hand. Can you
and also where the coolest, dampest and shadiest parts are. There
roll it into a ball? If so, then you have
is always a perfect plant for the situation.
clay soil, as sandy soils collapse and won’t compress into a ball. If you can roll the ball of soil into a long “snake”, you have soil with quite a lot of clay in it, and if you can make the snake’s “nose” and “tail” touch - then it’s really a clay soil! Clay soils are generally rich in nutrients, but very easily compressed, particularly when wet. If the soil is wet enough to stick to your boots, you shouldn’t walk on it. It compresses the soil, which makes it difficult for plant roots to penetrate to find water and stabilise the plants. Raised beds for vegetables helps avoid walking on the soil, as you can reach in from the sides to dig, plant or harvest. FRONTIER MAGAZINE ISSUE 04 - AUTUMN 2013
The Swiss Gardening School offers courses on vegetable gardening. Our students often find that they don’t have a suitably sunny place to grow their vegetables. No worries, there are lots of shade-tolerant vegetable and fruit varieties. Swiss Chard is not only beautiful, but pretty much foolproof, tolerating heat, shade, forgotten waterings and attacks from pests. It crops whenever you’re ready to eat it, as baby leaves in summer salads or as fully-grown leaves and stalks, steamed or baked in the winter. Leeks and kale can also be grown in shade or sun, and it’s not too late to plant all of these right now if you get them in before the first frost. To save some precious growing time, look out for “plantlets” ready to plant. These are baby plants that have been germinated and grown on by the grower to help you avoid the mess and equipment required when growing from seed. Of course, the plants are much more expensive than growing from seed (at about CHF 4 to 8 for 6 to 12 plants vs CHF 2,50 to 4 for 200 seeds), but they are well worth it for quick planting and eating.
Plant right in the right place Match the plants to the soil you have, not the other way round. Clay-loving plants include hydrangeas, roses and hardy geraniums.
15 Hydrangeas will do well in semi to full shade, with plenty of variation in size, flower shape and colour of flowers – although if you have neutral to alkaline soil (rule number 1), then the deep blue flowered varieties will change to a mauve-pink in your soil, hydrangeas having a peculiar quirk where the flower colour changes with the pH of the soil. Roses, and other plants with similarly deep, long taproots, just love clay soils. They like the stability that clay gives them, and the rich fertility common in clay soils. The newer, repeat-flowering and disease-resistant forms are brilliant – we particularly recommend the David Austin roses for fragrance and sturdy resistance to cold and disease. You can buy them on-line direct as bare-root plants or in pots and in-flower from Schilliger and Tschanz. →
Don’t panic! There’s always next year. Even the experts forget to water, let their courgettes turn into marrows, or forget to prune their wisteria so that they can’t open the windows. Make a note and move on. Take pictures of your successes too; they will remind you of the good times and encourage you for next year. There are lots of good gardener’s diaries, Moleskine makes a particularly nice version – great for a gardener’s gift.
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Plan ahead Spring bulbs? Buy them in September when the choice is endless. Don’t wait until November when they are cheap and going mouldy. Only have a balcony? Bulb layering, which is one of our favourite techniques, gives you months of colour and interest in a small space. Choose larger bulbs, like tulips, for the bottom layer, a midsized bulb, like a daffodil, for the middle layer, and a small bulb, like a crocus, for the top. One of our favourite combinations is Tulipa ”Queen of Night” at the bottom, which yields a deep, velvety cup-sized bloom in May, then Narcissus ”Paperwhite” early-blooming, which is a white-flowered and very fragrant daffodil, and then the gorgeous Crocus ”Pickwick” with purple and white striped flowers in February-March.
FRONTIER MAGAZINE ISSUE 02 - SPRING 2013
Swiss Gardening School +41 (077) 440 2177 www.swissgardeningschool.com
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FRONTIER MAGAZINE ISSUE 04 - AUTUMN 2013
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THE NEXT BIG THING IS ALREADY HERE!
By Mark Butcher, founder and director of Anglo Media SA, the new owners of WRS Radio
FRONTIER MAGAZINE ISSUE 04 - AUTUMN 2013
photo: www.pure.com
Welcome to DAB+, the future of radio broadcasting.
T
he Swiss federal government, in its infinite wisdom, has commanded that, from October, WRS shall be taken off the FM frequency. While we at the new WRS believe this is a huge disservice to the Anglophone community around Geneva, we’re happy our listeners can still easily find us on DAB+ (Digital Audio Broadcasting), as well as online with their computers, tablets and smart phones. For those of you who have been listening to Radio Frontier (now WRS) online for the last couple of years, the DAB+ platform may be new. So, a quick primer:
. eive DAB+y c e r t o n ill sa s will AB radio a DAB+ radio. It wubt, ask D d r a d n o Sta e you buy er. If in d ) Make sur he box or receiv(just between usso t DAB+ on assistant – but lly clued in yet, a sales op staff are fu ourself. h not all s check the box y
DAB stands for Digi tal Audio Broadcasting, DAB+ (plus) is an upgrade to the ol der system that’s been in use in seve ral European countries since th e late 1990s.
ted by ns are not lis . Though o ti ta s io d a r DAB+ find WRS t it’s simple to tly different u b y, c en u eq fr ios have sligh different rad the concept is always the S g, ways of tunin ning knob until you see WR e tu same. Turn th , then push “select”. Done. n ee r c on the s
er powered network of lowregion – a a g in us s k or e DAB+ w otted around th a transmitters d phone network. If you have le e bit like a mobil ur car, or are using a portable yo in io availab d a DAB+ r the strongest icing. d n fi l il w it , ot er n receiv ch without you signal and swittechnology, sometimes the al Thanks to digit use a combination of two or receivers may ters at the same time, which more transmitsignal even more robust. makes the
The simplest and cheapest way to get DAB+ in your car is to install an adaptor. This is a separate unit which can be attached to the windscreen, similar to a sat-nav. A low-powered FM transmitter in the unit will send the signal to your existing car radio. The drawbacks are that they can be unsightly and prone to interference, but they do work sufficiently. Perhaps the most important thing to note: If you’re buying a new car, make sure you get the DAB+ option. It will cost more now, but the plan is to switch off all FM by 2018, so if you haven’t got DAB+ in you car when it comes time to sell it, it will have an obsolete radio.
There are several for DAB+. For oldeways to equip your car style radio, you ca r cars with the ‘box’ replace it. You wil n buy a DAB+ radio to antenna as well. l need to replace the be a little more coFor newer cars, it may professionals can mplex, but auto repair of them on www.w do it for you (see a list result is your radi orldradio.ch), and the o wil date, but will lookl be brought up to the same.
While we hope you will spend all your radio listening time tuned to WRS, DAB+ radio will be a worthwhile investment, as over the next few months, plenty more stations will be starting on DAB - a conservative estimate would be 40 or more stations in the next year. If you have questions about DAB+, contact us via the website and we’ll be happy to help.
WWW.WORLDRADIO.CH FRONTIER MAGAZINE ISSUE 04 - AUTUMN 2013
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DAB+ 20
HOW TO DO IT IN THE CAR CALIBER PMT 700D
CONVERT NOW From 1st October WRS will no longer be on FM and will be broadcast on DAB+. If you want to listen in your car then you can either listen on the WRS mobile app or on digital radio. If your car does not have a DAB+ radio, and you don’t want to buy one, then help is at hand – you can buy an adaptor. We have found a number of adaptors on the market and as with everything, what you pay for is what you get. The more you spend probably the more reliable/ robust/guarantees you have. We are not in a position to recommend the products but this is what is out there.
This low cost, easy to install DAB+ adapter connects to your existing radio when you put it into your cigarette lighter. You tune your radio to match the frequency shown on the adaptor and away you go. It does come with a USB port so that you can charge other devices at the same time.
DABmotion available from Julian Jenkins, (ICC building by Geneva Airport) please phone first on 022 920 2015. The Caliber is available on amazon.co.uk (will deliver to Switzerland) & www.amazon.fr (for delivery in France). Keep checking the DAB+ page on the website www.worldradio.ch for updated information on suppliers.
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CHF 100.-
Similar to the Caliber PMT 700D are the InPhase Pro DAB+ and the DABMAN 60+
around
HIGHWAY BY PURE
CHF 150.-
SUPPLIERS You can ask for these adaptors in some radio supply shops and in French it is simply referred to as ‘un adaptateur DAB+ pour voitures’. You can also search online for them.
around
DAB 1001 BY DABMOTION You can either plug in and listen with this one (into the cigarette lighter) or you can fit it behind your dashboard and wired in. Some people may manage the fitting themselves while others will want to pay for someone to do it. It connects to your existing radio via a wireless interface and will automatically change the FM frequency so there is no need to do it manually. Julian Jenkins (well known as a sky tv installer in the area) is offering to supply the product at a cheaper price than can be bought in the UK, with an optional installation service in Geneva and Lausanne. 12 month guarantee with him if there are any problems.
Like the Caliber this adaptor connects to your existing radio with an FM transmitter and is attached to your windscreen. Another quickfit solution, stocks of this product might be limited.
around
CHF 180.-
English Radio in Switzerland
the First Twenty Years
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S
ome people believe that national English language radio is a new concept in Switzerland – they’re wrong. Switzerland has long seen the value of broadcasting in English to its citizens and Anglophone transplants. When I started working for Swiss Radio International in Bern in 1992, I presented a show on a station that had the very catchy name of Channel 1. It was a national cable network with an English language Breakfast Show. This cable network was run by the PTT (Postes, Téléphones, Télegraphes, the forerunner of Swisscom) and was designed to deliver radio to the valleys – more effective then than building lots of transmitters on mountain-tops. You can sometimes still see some of these radio boxes in old hotel rooms - normally a wooden box with a volume control and a 6 channel switcher. This network, called Télédiffusion or Telefonrundspruch, was in service before World War II. I’ve seen old programme listings from during the war which showed that, during the morning, the service carried BBC World Service for half an hour, and then Deutsche Welle for the next – and then back. The Swiss people got all sides of the story. This service never really closed, just changed. Now you can hear it as a cable and DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting) station called “Radio Swiss Pop”. It’s often played
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in supermarkets. Next time you hear it in Migros, just think it was a station that used to broadcast Churchill and Hitler in the same hour! When I did the national Breakfast Show on Channel 1 from 1992-1996, we had quite a number of listeners in prison, as the service was piped into the cells. We got letters from a surprisingly large number of UK citizens doing time in the country. We never asked why they were there, but played their requests anyway. Back in 1992, the idea of an English language radio station for a Swiss City on FM was already being considered. I was in a meeting to discuss where it should be. The regulator, Ofcom, had already signaled it would only consider one station, and that station would need to be in either Zurich or Geneva. It wasn’t an easy choice. Geneva obviously had the international organisations with their many English speakers, but Zurich had its larger population and large financial sector, which employed many expatriots. We eventually chose Geneva, and Channel 1 made a bid in 1992. We lost. In 1995 Ofcom announced a new round of FM licences for Geneva and Channel 1 bid again. This time we were successful, and in
1996, World Radio Geneva (WRG) started broadcasting. The start was bumpy. We were building a new station in a city that none of us really knew. The core team, including me, had come from Bern, and we’d employed others from the UK and the US. We instantly fell into the lazy trap of discussing whether the Swiss were too reserved as a nation, how to make a fondue, and how great Swiss chocolate is (ring any bells?). We also had a poor idea of who would like to advertise on this new commercial station. We targeted banks, high-end luxury goods and airlines. While some did start to advertise, it was not enough to make the station financially viable, and a number of times during the first few years the plug was nearly pulled. However, we also had plenty of high points. We produced excellent local news, including an evening show called “Geneva Tonight”. We engaged with the international community, holding events such as concerts and softball tournaments (the softball also highlighted the difference between the British and the US community – the Americans took it very seriously and wanted to win, the Brits saw it as a great opportunity to have a drink). We also had the very popular ski-bus. Some
may remember the winters of 1998 and 1999 when we ran a free bus to nearby resorts , and even gave free ski passes for the day. Hundreds of people took advantage of that. Unfortunately, the advertising revenue was slow in coming, and in 1998 we had to say goodbye to a chunk of the team to bring the costs down. While I was saved in that cull, I was unhappy with the direction of the station. I felt it was trying to please everyone – but was pleasing very few. In 2000 I left for a new project. The station continued to limp on, mainly because of its low cost base. I returned to WRG in 2002, this time as Programme Controller as well as Breakfast Show host. This position allowed me to make the changes I felt were necessary to turn the station around. I focused the music to make it far more accessible and uniform, basically a pop format (“Hot Adult Contemporary” in radio jargon), and made the breakfast show a bit less serious and more fun – I hope. We also
re-engaged with the community, organising more events. This saw the start of the highly popular comedy shows with stand-up comics at the Palladium in Plainpalais. The audience started to build – as did the revenue. We moved away from the high-end luxury good market to advertise businesses that more of our listeners actually used: bars, restaurants, garages etc. In 2005, the climb in audience was recognized by the industry in Switzerland, and WRG won the Radio Station of the Year award. But the end of local English commercial radio was coming. In 2007, the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation took over control and created a national English language radio station, World Radio Switzerland – WRS. Perhaps I don’t need to say that I felt this was a great loss to the Geneva area. The connection to the community was fractured. Although WRS, with its massive increase in budget, did provide solid news and information about Switzerland with a predominately new team, much of the fun, such as competitions and the on-air classifieds (remember Dorothy?) went.
Many people have worked hard over the years to bring English radio to Geneva. I haven’t mentioned any names here because of my limited space, and because I surely would have inadvertently left someone out. But if it hadn’t been for their hard work and commitment, English radio would have disappeared long ago. Now, as we all know, WRS has been privatized by the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation. Anglo Media SA, a company jointly set up by myself, Peter Sibley and a group of private investors, has bought WRS.But the federal government, in its infinite wisdom, has decided to revoke the FM licence attached to the station. This means you can hear the new WRS on DAB+ radio (see pages 10-20), and online at www.worldradio.ch. While this will bring challenges, we are confident that a fun but serious radio station with its finger on the pulse of the Geneva region in Switzerland and France will be successful. We’ve had lots of experience.
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DESPERATE MEASURES
The French government prescribes a plan of action that could be unpleasant medicine for the Pays de Gex ... The region’s 140,000 frontalier workers and internationals are bracing themselves to swallow a handful of bitter pills over the coming months. The first few relate to tax increases on income, investments and property, while the remainder link to the French government’s determination to boost contributions to State health insurance. Tough remedies for an economic malaise? Or central government interference that could do more harm than good?
A
fter decades of a win-win situation based on bringing home a Swiss salary to spend in France, cross-border workers in the Pays de Gex are watching French President François Hollande move the goal posts - and there’s very little they can do. Except relocate to Switzerland perhaps? But this is not an option for many as the cost of living, especially rentals for smaller houses and apartments, is considerably more expensive in the cantons of Geneva and Vaud. However, when it comes to buying a larger property and weighing up the long-term benefits for higher income ex-pat families then the competitive advantage of France becomes less obvious. Before the relatively recent accords that opened up frontalier status to all EU nationals, it was a status reserved for French workers under a bilateral agreement with Switzerland. Even though many were not
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local and had moved to the region to seek employment in Geneva, they were loyal to their country, and its cheaper shopping bills. However, the current generation of cross-border workers includes a more mixed community of ex-pats, who will live wherever is most beneficial to their personal circumstances. Is the development of the Pays de Gex beginning to slow? Will houses stop springing up in every field and meadow? Is Hollande finally blowing the whistle on the good times? We asked mayor of Divonne les Bains and MP for l’Ain M. Etienne Blanc about the key issues for the future of the Pays de Gex. Currently serving his 4th term in office in Divonne and chairman of the local action group le Commune des Communes, he has a vision for this region that includes encouraging R & D and the zoning of a special economic area around Geneva airport.
“over the past five years it has been seen that out of every three new employees arriving to work in Geneva, two of them will take up residence in France.” Will the high level of development in the French border area continue in the long term? And if it does continue how it should it be managed? “I think the development of the Pays de Gex will be maintained. It is very much connected to the European situation. As many countries raise taxes in the face of economic difficulties the Swiss have reduced theirs. Switzerland has a pragmatic approach to fiscal policy – low taxes, low levels of centralisation, controlled social charges etc, and this has made it very attractive to business. “For example, over the past five years it has been seen that out of every three new employees arriving to work in Geneva, two of them will take up residence in France. “However, it is also interesting to consider how fast this development has been. In the 1950s the Pays de Gex was like a garden. There were only 10,000 residents. As people arrived to work in Switzerland and the area developed there was an enormous consumption of land. This has created its own problems – of traffic, of environmental issues, of household waste, of energy requirements etc. “ People are very concerned about the potential destruction of the natural beauty of this region. Is this something you feel strongly about?
There appears to be a massive construction boom in the Pays de Gex at the moment. Why is this area developing so extensively and why now? “As we all know there is an historic element to this answer. Geographically the Pays de Gex lies at the gateway to Geneva and throughout French history – from Monarchy to Empire to Republic – there have been attempts to restrain the growth of the Protestant territory of Geneva. Consequently the alliances that were made at that time ensured that the city was obliged to remain within its perimeters and expansion was very limited. After World War II Geneva successfully forged an international profile through the UN agencies and the WHO etc and then went on to develop its economy enormously and very successfully through global finance, banking, assurance and trading. Large multinationals like Nestlé also developed and became global. But each development has created a pressure on space. So of course the city of Geneva began to look to the French countryside around it. “Today there are 450,000 residents of the canton of Geneva and 500,000 inhabitants in the French territory of Grand Geneve. Of course not all of these people are French; the figure includes the international community and also Swiss people who live here. There are also 100,000 people living in the neighbouring canton of Vaud who work in Geneva. So in a region of almost one million residents – with a growing need for homes and business space - it is obvious that there is less and less available land in Geneva. “Why do we have a construction boom in the Pays de Gex? In the next 15 years it is estimated that 300,000 additional people will arrive to live and work in this area. And there is no more space in Geneva. This is why the region is developing and will continue to do so.”
“We have one of the most beautiful natural regions in France, so of course we must protect it. In my view the way to best manage this development is through groups such as the Commune des Communes, where projects are discussed and if the opinion is that enough is enough, then building projects should be halted. Another idea is to create associations in every commune – we have one in Divonne - to look carefully and objectively at every building project. “Agenda 21, which refers to the 21st century, is also an important factor. It is designed to highlight biodiversity, ecology, protection of public spaces and the protection of resources such as water. The Pays de Gex is doing much to deal with household waste, energy saving etc. Public opinion is looking for protection like this and the movement is certainly “en route”. “Another area that I believe we should develop is around Geneva airport. I would like to see a special economic zone for the immediate vicinity of Cointrin airport, offering special incentives to encourage new business. This kind of innovative development should be a priority as it will bring employment and opportunities to our region.” Many people who live locally in France feel that the infrastructure – of schools, roads, leisure facilities – is not keeping pace with the building of new homes. How would you respond to this concern? “The economic development is in Switzerland; the homes are in France. The challenge is to develop the economy of France. It is difficult to encourage investment in our region that will help support the infrastructure we need. For example, a watchmaker from France – and we used to be the world leader in horology – arrives in this region. To pay a salary in France of Euros 1,000 to a watchmaker it costs the employer Euros 1,800. In Switzerland it costs the equivalent of Euros 1,300 for a company to employ the same person. If we look at company taxation it is 50% more attractive to employ someone in Switzerland. It’s also interesting to note that the Code of Working Practices is a 15 page document in → FRONTIER MAGAZINE ISSUE 04 - AUTUMN 2013
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Switzerland whilst in France our Code runs to 2,500 pages.... “The Swiss are helping us by creating French subsidiaries and by expanding activities such as tourism in the Pays de Gex and the Haut Savoie – there are many opportunities. But at the end of the day France must become more attractive to companies. One area where this is already successful is in research and we must create favourable fiscal conditions, such as tax credits, to encourage this. By creating an attractive fiscal climate for enterprises involved in R & D we will bring those companies to the region.w
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“Unfortunately to a certain extent, France is still run under the Jacobin system! The country is too centralised and it needs to become more area specific, so that regions can develop their own economic activities. For example, as I said earlier, if we took a 50 hectare zone around Geneva airport we could create a specific fiscal and legal space that would really encourage new companies. And what would be essential here is that the special fiscal situation is fixed and guaranteed, not one that changes every year. “Going back to your question about the infrastructure I would warn that if we do not support or create space for leisure activities, sports, cultural activities and commercial enterprises then we will end up with only housing – a deadly “banlieue” like you see in big cities around the world.” Property taxes are rising and there’s a proposed increase to health insurance costs for Frontaliers. How do you see the policies of François Hollande impacting on the Pays de Gex? People say they are considering leaving France and moving to Switzerland. Do you think there is a threat to the multinational feel to this region?
Hollande has a vision and he has made many promises to the French people. However, his vision is related to the tradition of the état provident. In France people are addicted to the idea that the State will look after them. The reality is that France cannot be like that any longer. It’s a chimeric dream! “What we actually need is less State interference; less taxation and a more fluid fiscal policy to encourage business. Today we have a national deficit of more than €20 billion ... We do not want to be a communist country, one of the final ones left on the planet. “Eventually Hollande will be obliged to meet with reality and if enterprises face higher taxes then there will be no growth. We need to live in a world in which initiatives are local; not State controlled. The days of having one vision for the whole country, for the entire population, are over. “The idea of a State system does not function. We should be allowed to develop locally, in a way that fits with our needs, and to make choices on a local level that connect with our lives. Take social policy as an example. It’s not possible to have the same conditions in Brittany or in the Massif Central as we have in the Pays de Gex. Here many of the closest hospitals are in Switzerland and yet it costs 20% more to have an operation there. State health care cannot support this. So yes, why not have private insurance? But when it comes to retirement you cannot then draw on the public system. It is a question of choice and of entering into personal contracts that suit the individual. I don’t believe that many of Hollande’s policies will actually happen – but we are right to be concerned!”
“I can understand this anxiety. But in politics you must often step back and look at the big picture. François
THOSE TAX AND HEALTH INSURANCE CHANGES FOR 2014 IN FULL New income tax rate of 45% on annual incomes of over €150,000 for individuals. (For households this is proportional to the number of people in the family.)
Earnings from capital and investments – taxation to be incorporated into income tax and social charges of 15.5% become applicable.
Impôt de Solidarité sur la Fortune (ISF aka Wealth Tax). If your net worth is greater than €1.3 million you are potentially liable. Residents must declare all worldwide assets, (with a five year exemption on foreign assets for new residents). Non-residents need only declare value of French property. Paid annually with income tax or by completion of an ISF declaration for a net worth greater than €2.57 million.
Frais de notaire on French property sales set to rise by up to 15%.
Contribution exceptionelle sur les haut revenues: To be paid alongside income tax at 4% for incomes over € 500,000, or for incomes over €1 million in the case of a couple. Annual tax relief (crédits d’impôts) to be cut to €10,000 (currently €18,000) and company owners no longer allowed to offset professional costs against liability for social security payments to employees.
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Wage-related contributions to the CMU (Couverture Maladie Universelle) could be as high as 13.5%. Pays de Gex lacking in clinic and hospital provision, so if frontaliers no longer eligible for Swiss treatments then expect long queues in France for GPs and specialists. The CMU reimburses only 70% of most treatment costs so many people will feel obliged to pay for supplementary insurance to cover this gap. Join the CMU and there is no way out. Contributions must be maintained even if you subsequently elect to pay premiums for private French or Swiss insurance.
O
ne of the rarest automobiles at this year’s Swiss Classic British Car Meeting in Morges will be the Bean Car, which is not named after a certain very quiet English TV and film character, because he wasn’t even born when the first Bean Cars were made in Dudley, Worcestershire and Coseley, Staffordshire between 1919 and 1929.
hello, old bean! are you off to Morges? Classic British cars (and owners) will be on display at the 22nd annual Swiss Classic British Car Meeting.
On October 5th, two of these old Beans will be among about 1500 gleaming, historic British automobiles parked side-by-side along Morge’s lake-side quay. Some makes -- Bentley, Aston Martin, Jaguar -- are well-known; others, like the Bean, Piper, HRG and Lagonda are now nearly forgotten. On this day, British motor manufacturers of the past 100 years will be represented in all their glory. For the past 20 years, on the first Saturday of October, Morges has been the destination of choice for the owners of some of the most wellmaintained and collectible classic British cars in Europe. It all began in 1992, when Keith Wynn was a member of a classic car club in Geneva called La Bielle Epoque, which is a terrible pun in French (a bielle is the connecting rod from the crankshaft to the piston). “We were just 12 members in the club,” recalls Wynn. “We felt that, to thrive, we needed to attract more members. So we decide to organize an event to attract other enthusiasts. As nearly all of us owned a British car, we figured a British Car Meeting would be safest – at least we would have a dozen or so cars present! I put an ad in a French classic car weekly newspaper.” Despite some very authentic British weather of fog, rain and cold, the first gathering managed to attract nearly 200 cars from all around Lake Geneva and neighbouring France to the Signal de Bougy car park above Rolle (selected for its parking space and restaurant that could handle large numbers unannounced). “Everyone who attended was most enthusiastic,” says Wynn, “so what was supposed to be a one-off turned into an annual event.”
Although the Bielle Epoque club very soon foundered, Wynn – who was then working in the Publishing unit of the World Health Organisation when he wasn’t polishing his 1936 Austin 12 or 1956 Triumph TR3 – decided to make the British Car Meeting an annual event. The 2nd edition, held at the same venue, attracted 400 cars. “I could see that the event was becoming popular,” says Wynn, “but also that we needed sponsorship to cover the increasing costs of staging the Meeting. Unfortunately, however, the rules at Signal de Bougy did not allow sponsoring”. Wynn’s wife Mary,
One intrepid owner, “Curly” Goodwin regularly leaves the Isle of Man in his little Austin Seven (a 1920’s baby Austin with a miniscule 700cc engine), drives up to Scotland to pick up his mate, then down to Dover and on to Morges. “Curly reckons that driving to Morges in this tiny car is a doddle, says Wynn. “As he once drove it from New York to California, and then decided to continue down to Argentina, he is probably correct. Once in Morges, he drives around the lake on the Friday before the Meeting.”
The Meeting is about more than the romance between cars and humans. A few years ago a young man parked his Triumph Spitfire next to a Morris Mini driven by a young woman; they got chatting and by the next Meeting they’d gotten married and come to Morges in their new classic car. More recently they have attended with two young future participants. Many classic British car clubs make a visit to Morges their end-ofyear road trip. The Belgian Triumph Club is one of the keenest, attending every year with at least 20 Triumphs, but there are also Club Jaguar d’Alsace, Triumphs from TR Register Italie, and this year, a contingent of vintage Aston Martins are due from the UK.
suggested Morges, because it has three roads leading through it, so Wynn wrote – not very hopefully – to the Morges Chief of Police. The municipality eventually agreed to welcome the meeting, and offered the lake-side quays to display the cars. The Swiss Classic British Car Meeting has been held there ever since, and has now expanded to the adjacent Parc de l’Independence and pedestrian promenade. It is the largest gathering of its kind in Europe. The formula for the vintage British car gathering remains simple: entrance is free to participants and visitors. On Meeting day, owners simply turn up when they want to and stay as long as they like. All British cars at least 20 years old are welcome. Every year, two or three makes or models are invited as the autos of honour. The spotlight this year will be on Aston Martin and Morris; both of these makes – representing the opposite ends of the motoring spectrum – are celebrating their 100th anniversary in 2013.
As can be imagined, organizing the event requires massive planning. Keith Wynn spends months in preparation. And none of it would happen without the contributions of numerous volunteers and hired help, not to mention all the sponsors, including WRS, Lake Geneva’s English language radio station. “The real hope is that the event will encourage young enthusiasts into the classic car movement”, says Wynn, “because, considering the quality of the restoration and maintenance that goes into these old cars, in the end, the present drivers are not the owners, they are only the current guardians of these vehicles. These cars will still exist long after the present keepers have gone, and who will be there to cherish them if it is not the young people of today?”
The Morges municipality and police continue to be extremely helpful – not surprising, as the event brings some 20,000 visitors to town each year. For vintage car lovers, it’s an opportunity to experience a living museum of beautifully preserved vintage British automobiles – and their remarkable owners. As one new participant, Michel from Vosges, France wrote in 2011, “Dear organizers, I spent an excellent day on the quays of Morges with my Lotus Elan. This was my first visit. A friendly welcome with no formalities, a great relaxed atmosphere, beautiful cars, in fact everything to make me want to come back.” The Swiss Classic British Car Meeting has no events or distractions, no rallies or drives, no competitions, no best-car-of-show. But that doesn’t deter owners from driving hundreds or even thousands of kilometres for the pleasure of parking their car in Morges this special day.
For more information visit
www.british-cars.ch Story and Photos by Stephen Butterworth
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Learn a
Language
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It’s good for you! by Denise Nickerson
Switzerland is one of only two countries with four national languages (Singapore is the other)...
H
ere,three of those languages – Swiss-German, French and Italian – are widely represented in schools, literature, media, and everyday life.
Since you are reading this, you’re one of the many English speakers here, including native Anglophones, Swiss citizens, and many people from other language backgrounds. So many of us use English it is practically an unofficial fifth language of Switzerland – used by internationals and Swiss alike to connect across cultures and cantons. Can you think of a more multilingual environment? The fact that the Swiss are very good at using English can be an excuse to avoid learning a new language when you arrive here – especially if you live in a large international city like Geneva or Zürich. But don’t let that stop you from making the effort. The benefits you gain from studying a new language will have both immediate and long term positive effects on your life – just think of it as a regular massage for your brain.
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Three good reasons to learn a new language here
Number 1 - Less Stress If you are experiencing your first international move, you may be reeling from cultural misunderstandings during what used to be the simplest tasks. You know what the apples are in the grocery store, but how on Earth can you fill up your spice rack? And what is that cleaning product for? And is that stern-faced neighbor helping you by showing you the mailboxes or complaining about your parking? When you don’t speak a bit of the local language your brain is in constant problem-solving mode, and flooded with stress hormones. Take a deep breath and remember that you are a smart cookie and can figure this out! Don’t get attached to the myth that only children can pick up languages quickly. World-class military language immersion programs for adults typically only last a couple of months. Immersion is the key word – so immerse yourself in the challenge! →
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Number 2 - More Contentment
Number 3 - Lots of Options
Linguistic isolation can lead to depression. Learning a new
As a multi-lingual country with a large international community,
language provides opportunities for connection with others on a
Switzerland provides easy access to world-class language
variety of levels, which can be a great natural anti-depressant. You’ll
instruction. There are inexpensive courses offered by the cantons,
feel more confident when you can begin to read the local press
which are keen on integrating their residents. There are also
and understand some of what’s on the radio or television. You’ll be
affordable summer courses at Swiss public universities. And there
able to exchange small talk at the bakery, or ask a question at your
are lots of commercial language schools – these cost more, but offer
child’s school. You’ll be able to satisfy your natural curiosity,and
intensive, normally high-quality instruction. Another option: Find a
learn about this new culture you find yourself in. Andyou’ll probably
local language exchange partner – perhaps it’s that person next to
make new friends along the way.
you on the bus. This way you can not only learn the language from a native speaker, but pick up useful information about your area.
International mobility can shake the foundation of your cultural identity, especially if you have followed a partner here. Learning to share who you are in another language deepens your understanding of cultural differences, and increases your crosscultural communication skills.
Three brain bonuses to learning a new language There’s another compelling reason to add a new language to your life. More and more studies show that learning a language builds brain power.
Number 1 - Keeping sharp A Canadian scientist, studying over 400 elderly patients diagnosed with Alzheimers, established that bilingual people who do get the disease, experience the onset an average of four years later than monolingual people.
Number 2 - Becoming perceptive According to a Spanish study, multilingual subjects had a significantly stronger ability to spot misleading information, and accurately observe their surroundings than their monolingual peers. This comes in handy whether you are a rocket scientist, detective – or the parent of a teen.
Number 3 - Juggling tasks Researchers in the United States had subjects use a driving simulator while doing other tasks. The “safest” drivers, able to drive best while distracted, were the bilingual and multilingual participants. What are you juggling in your international life? There are so many brain-benefits to learning a new language you would think it would be common practice around the world. Fortunately, bilingualism and multilingualism are common here in
Denise Nickerson, co-author of Education Guide Switzerland... is American and French. She learned French first the hard way (in an American high school) and then the fun way (by moving to France). She is a Fulbright scholar with a Teacher’s Certification and a Master’s Degree in Education. She has been a speaker in over 300 international schools as well as companies and organizations in 30 different countries, and loves her work as an international guidance counselor for young people and adults and an educational consultant. If you have an education question, she’ll find the answer:
Switzerland. So what are you waiting for? Join in, bring your brain,
www.allegoryhouse.com
and let the learning begin!
info@allegoryhouse.com
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Sweet Dreams By Roger Charles, Director of British Beds Worldwide Limited. Adapted from “The Good-Night Guide” “Sleep is the mysterious shift in consciousness that our bodies need every day”, writes Yinka Thomas in “The Good-Night Guide”, published by The Sleep Council in the UK (www.sleepcouncil.org.uk). “It’s vital for our health and well-being, as without it not only do we function poorly, but we also risk long-term health problems”. This informative leaflet goes on to list several practical steps you can take for a good night’s sleep. I’ve taken the liberty of condensing them into five tips here. Sweet dreams!
Take a good look at your bedroom and bed. They should be pleasant, inviting and welcoming. After lights-out, the room should be completely dark to help your body produce melatonin (see 4 below). A comfortable temperature is around 16-18 degrees. Use your bedroom only for sleep, snuggling with your sweetheart, or during illness. Replace your bed before it’s completely worn out: an uncomfortable bed can lose you an hour’s quality sleep every night – over 45 nights a year! Consider the two most important elements when choosing a new bed: comfort for pressure points like hips and shoulders, and support to keep your spine straight. Comfort comes from the best upholstery; support from the correct spring-tension. Don’t be fooled by the term “orthopaedic”. In the bed industry this means “hard or firm” and has nothing to do with the medical meaning. (Firm springs are best for heavier people.) If you wake up every morning with backache, you may well be sleeping on an unsuitable or worn-out mattress. (Visit www. perfectsleepenvironment.org.uk for more information). Consider your life-style. Are you “on the go” all day? Using
FRONTIER MAGAZINE ISSUE 04 - AUTUMN 2013
your computer up to the last minute at night? It’s best to use the hours before bedtime to relax and de-stimulate your brain. Turn the lights down. Adopt a bedtime ritual. Keep your feet warm – use a hot-water bottle if necessary. Avoid caffeine and alcohol for at least six hours, and have a “wee” just before bedtime. Banish laptops and tablets from the bedroom. And if you normally take an afternoon siesta, skip it and take a brief brisk walk instead. Learn relaxation techniques to deal with stress, worry and anxiety. Anxious thoughts increase the heart rate, stimulating the brain to produce beta-waves to activate other worries. Learn Cognitive Behavioural Therapy techniques to break this vicious circle. Learn to manage and slow your heart rate and brain activity through deep breathing or meditation techniques. Try the Stimulus Control 20 minutes rule: If you haven’t fallen asleep 20 minutes after going to bed, get up and do something relaxing like read a book (no thrillers or horror!). Then go back to bed when you get sleepy. You can also try speaking positive thoughts to override the negative ones. (The thoughts needed to produce the speech will break the chain).
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Try a “sleep diet” to balance your hormones. Melatonin is the important natural hormone that helps us grow drowsy as night falls. Our body produces it after dark from serotonin. Decreased serotonin levels can lead to anxiety and depression. To stimulate the production of serotonin we need the amino acid, tryptophan, which is found in foods like turkey, steak, chicken, and pumpkin seeds; and to a lesser degree, in peanuts, sunflower seeds, beans and milk. Melatonin supplements are available, but most experts agree that you should not depend on them regularly because they can reduce your ability to produce melatonin naturally. Other hormones can affect our sleep, too. Hormonal fluctuations in the years before menopause, low progesterone levels, an overactive thyroid or high levels of cortisol can all affect sleep. If you visit your doctor to help battle your sleeplessness, make sure to discuss these issues. As for sleeping pills, always consult your physician before beginning to take them – or before stopping them. These powerful
medications only have short-term effects, and don’t teach your body to sleep naturally. Exercise, but don’t over-do it. There’s no evidence to support claims that evening exercise disturbs sleep, so better in the evening than not at all. Feeling fitter and healthier goes handin-hand with improved sleeping patterns. I hope these tips will send you off to dreamland. Many thanks to Yinka Thomas for the information in “The Good-Night Guide” produced by The Sleep Council in the UK. You can read it at www.sleepcouncil.org.uk. At British Beds Worldwide Limited we are not sleep experts but we can certainly help you choose a bed that will provide excellent comfort and support. (And by the way, high pillows do help reduce snoring. I know)!
For further details visit
www.britishbedsworldwide.com
FRONTIER MAGAZINE ISSUE 04 - AUTUMN 2013
The McKay Interview David Willey, the BBC’s Man in Rome
One of the most distinctive voices on BBC radio, David Willey has been the BBC’s Man in Rome and The Vatican for 42 years. He has observed five popes and 19 Italian prime ministers. In August he sat down with Michael McKay in the plush surroundings of Geneva’s Hotel Beau Rivage to share his impressions, opinions and analysis of modernday Italy and the mysterious, enigmatic, citystate, which is the Vatican.
Michael McKay: You’ve lived in Rome for probably half of your professional life. Why do you love Rome?’ David Willey: Well, I fell in love with Rome when I was a student. I came to study Italian there in the 1950s and I thought it was the most wonderful place I’d ever been in. In fact, my very first job took me to Rome – I was hired by Reuters News Agency immediately on going down from Cambridge in 1956 and I found myself living the jet set life in Rome, which is almost unrecognisable from today’s
eternal city because of the, traffic, the building. Everything was at a much calmer pace and it was much easier to see the beauties of Rome. McKay: What’s going on in Rome today? I mean, whether it’s the politics of Rome, in Italy, or the unprecedented situation of having two popes, in one Vatican. Should what’s going on in Italy be of concern to non-Italians, to non-Catholics or people who don’t live there or have just mild curiosity?
Willey: Although it’s very ancient, it’s also very modern in the sense that Italy was only united for the first time since the Roman Empire 150 years ago, and then it had to be recreated, as it were, after the second World War and the fall of Fascism, so it’s a state which has really been rather politically weak in most of its recent history despite the glories of ancient Rome. McKay: When you say ”recreated” after 1945, give a couple of examples of what that recreation actually meant.
Willey: Well, you had to have a working democracy because Fascism had destroyed the Italian state. There was no freedom, you had the racial laws, for example, during Fascism. Mussolini and Hitler were pals, although they were not perhaps as close as Mussolini portrayed them at the time. But Italy basically had to start all over from scratch. The destruction of the Second World War meant that its industrial base had to be restarted and the 1950s and ’60s were boom times, and they talked about the Italian miracle, you may remember.
McKay: The fact that he apparently takes the bus or the tram, or took it just after his election, are these just cosmetic things or do you sense that something fundamental is beginning to happen at the leadership level.
McKay: What is holding back modern-day Italy? Willey: One word – corruption. Terrible corruption. McKay: So who really runs the place? Willey: Well, when I say corruption, I won’t be popular for saying this, but I feel that Silvio Berlusconi, his regime which has been operating in Italy for the past two decades, has, as it were, almost institutionalised corruption. Not that there wasn’t corruption before Mr. Berlusconi but … you can see from the number of court cases to which he’s subject, the number of times he’s been tried for tax fraud and corruption and political corruption has been one of the great problems of Italy today. For example the health services– the hospitals in Rome have a lot of equipment which is not working simply because regional and local government officers have put the money which has been paid by Italian taxpayers into their own pockets. McKay: But others must be complicit in that. Willey: Of course, of course. The whole country has become complicitous. McKay: You’ve been watching the Vatican now for more than 40 years and have known 5 popes. What effect have the scandals within the Vatican had – such as the disgraceful behavior of these paedophile priests – on the way the Vatican sees itself inside the inner sanctum? And do you think that a Jesuit pope can do anything about it?
Willey: Huge question. Well, the Vatican is a bit of an anomaly. It’s a sovereign state. The pope is a monarch, a bit of a medieval monarch in comparison with other modern democracies, but I think your question really is too complex to answer in one answer. All I can say is that the Roman Catholic Church today is facing an unprecedented series of challenges of credibility as a result of the paedophile priest crisis. It is suffering from a financial crisis because its income has diminished as a result of these scandals. The faithful are not contributing like they used to. The number of priestly vocations is falling, religious vocations are falling, the Jesuits, for example, have lost about half their membership in recent decades. It’s a very, very serious question, and although the number of priests in the world remains almost static, most of the new priests are in the developing countries. So the old Catholic Europe is gradually being superseded by the new Catholic South. That’s to say Latin America and Africa and to a minor extent, even to Asia. The church as it’s been known during most of modern history is fading away and a new church is going to come. Have we reached the tipping point? That’s the interesting question now posed by the election of Pope Francis, who is very different, not only the first pope from Latin America, but a very different sort of leader of the Catholic Church to his immediate predecessors.
Willey: He personally does represent something completely new in the Vatican – a much humbler, more simple attitude towards leading the Catholic Church than traditional popes of the past and particularly Italian popes. However, the entrenched positions of the people who run the Vatican are so strong that I think he’s going to have a lot of problems in trying to carry out the reforms for which he was apparently elected. One of the really interesting things was in the preconclave discussions in Rome earlier this year, how cardinals from all over the world were very, very critical of their church and about what’s been going on in the Vatican. I think under Benedict things really got to a pretty pass, as one might say, and Benedict himself threw in the towel as it were because he felt that he didn’t have the physical or intellectual strength to carry on. It was an unprecedented situation. So really it’s an open question at the moment how far Francis is going to be able to carry out these promised reforms.
The McKay Interview www.mckays.ch Michael McKay, based in Founex, Switzerland, is an international communications, public affairs and management strategies consultant with over 40 years experience. He is also an experienced master of ceremonies, event moderator and broadcaster who is heard regularly on WRS. FRONTIER MAGAZINE ISSUE 04 - AUTUMN 2013
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40
Hunt out the perfect
Wine
By Simon Hardy, presenter of ‘On the Grapevine’ on WRS
N
ature signals the arrival of autumn in many special ways: the surrounding foliage turns to a rich array of orange, red and gold, flocks of birds fill the sky as they migrate south to
find warmer climes and the vineyards are bursting with ripe grapes ready for the harvest. Autumn also heralds the start of the game season when we relive the age-old tradition of hunting and gathering food in the wild.
Enjoying game to the fullest would be incomplete without a glass
Restaurants, butchers and grocery stores tempt us with the promise
or two of wine but, as usual, the choice is not necessarily simple.
of meaty flavors to excite our senses – wild game like venison, wild
Since this part of Europe has a tradition and taste for “la chasse”
boar and partridge. The accompanying choices of seasonal side
(the hunt), the wines I’ll suggest all come from Switzerland, France,
dishes like braised red cabbage, spaetzli, pears poached in red
Italy and Spain.
wine, glazed chestnuts and wild mushrooms, further heightens the sensation of gastronomic experience. –.
In most cases, game dishes prefer red wine as a partner. However, depending on the meat and the sauce, you should beware too
Besides
adding
variety
to
the
in
powerful or too tannic a wine. The flavours of game meat are
restaurants,seasonal wild game is also relatively nutritional. Game
typically quite delicate, so young red wines with aggressive tannins
like venison and wild boar has about one-third fewer calories and
will tend to overwhelm. Likewise, the sauce for the dish can be quite
quite a bit less fat than meats like chicken, pork and beef, while
concentrated in flavour, so it is worth favouring a slightly lighter
game birds such as duck, partridge and pigeon have about half the
wine.
calories.
FRONTIER MAGAZINE ISSUE 04 - AUTUMN 2013
menu
at
home
and
Venison
Partridge
When roasted, it is best paired with Pinot Noir. If your budget is unable to stretch to Burgundy (especially from the Côte de Nuits), there are worthwhile options available from several regions of Switzerland including the Grisons, Valais and Vaud. A good alternative to Pinot Noir would be a Côtes du Rhône or, if you want to bring out the gamey flavour of the meat, a Ribera del Duero from Spain. Grilled venison pairs well with wines made with Syrah from the Northern Rhône such as St.-Joseph or Cornas. For venison casserole prepared with vegetables, herbs and red wine, you could look to a more full-bodied wine from the Médoc region of Bordeaux with a predominance of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend. Another interesting option is Humagne Rouge or Cornalin, a more rustic style of wine with good structure and tannins from the Valais. Finally, there are some who swear by the weight and aromatic intensity of an Amarone della Valpolicella from Italy.
With this game bird, it’s better to avoid wines with excessive tannins. Look for red wines that are fruity and not too full-bodied, such as several expressions of Syrah from the Northern Rhône (CrozesHermitage, St.-Joseph). Beyond this region a number of notable examples are produced in the Valais and also in the Languedoc area of France.
Pigeon With a roast you need to choose a full flavoured, mature red Bordeaux, such as St-Estèphe, Rioja (Reserva or Gran Reserva quality) or even Amarone from Italy. Filets cooked with fruits are well matched by Merlot, either from Bordeaux (St.-Émilion) or from the Ticino region of Switzerland.
Wild Duck
Wild Boar While Pinot Noir or even a Morgon or Moulin-à-Vent from Beaujolais are possibilities, the stronger flavour of the meat pairs nicely with Chianti Classico (especially Reserva quality). If it is served as a robust stew, you can reliably turn to a Châteauneuf-du-Pape, especially one made from a varied blend of the permitted grape varieties. Other good options: a Fitou from the Languedoc or a Bandol from Provence made with the distinctive Mourvèdre grape.
If you want recommendations for specific producers and vintages of any of these wines please contact me at simon.hardy@fittingwines. com. Happy hunting!
Simon Hardy Simon loves wine and knows an awful lot about it. He has been awarded the Diploma in Wines & Spirits, the top qualification at the Wine & Spirit Education Trust in the UK, and is an Associate Member of the Institute of Wines & Spirits in London. He is the founder of Fitting Wines and presents a weekly wine show ‘On the Grapevine’ with Mark Butcher on Radio Frontier.
Fitting Wines We provide a range of personalised wine services in Switzerland to help you discover and enjoy great-quality and good-value wines from all countries and learn more about the world of wine. Our services are tailor-made to your tastes, needs and budget – whether you are a novice or a connoisseur. Contact us at www.fittingwines. com to receive your very own ‘Personal Taste Profile’™, exclusive to Fitting Wines.
www.fittingwines.com
The richer flavour of this type of duck can demand a more flavoured wine such as Crozes-Hermitage or, as a treat, Côte-Rôtie from the Northern Rhône. Nevertheless, a simply roasted or plainly cooked dish can match the delicate flavours of Pinot Noir from Burgundy or Switzerland, or even the high acidity and ripe tannins of a mature Barolo or Barbaresco from Italy.
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T H E
G E N E VA WRITERS’ GROUP CELEBRATES 20 YEARS By Mary Pecaut
Where do Anglophone literary souls go to hone their writing craft? For two decades, the Geneva Writers’ Group (GWG) has been home to writers of all genres, providing instruction in creative non-fiction, poetry, play-writing, and fiction.
Born out of monthly writing workshops initiated by author Susan Tiberghien, the GWG has grown from 18 members in 1993 to over 200 from over 30 countries today. While the scope of activity has increased over the years, the focus has remained the same – to encourage all those who wish to develop their writing skills in English. A 10-member steering committee with Susan as chair develops an annual program of activities from September to June. In addition to monthly workshops, the GWG has broadened its scope to provide a wide range of services including coordinating small independent critique groups, providing a mentoring service and participating in literary salons. Two significant biennial events are also held a Meet the Agents weekend where members have the opportunity to speak directly with an agent regarding their work and an International Writers conference with outstanding instructors
FRONTIER MAGAZINE ISSUE 04 - AUTUMN 2013
from around the world. Over the years there have been many writers from the GWG who have had publishing success. Some recently published authors including Carmen Bugan, Bashir Sakhawarz, D-L Nelson and Wallis WildeMenozzi will participate at the literary festival, Le livre sur les quais in Morges from Sept ember 6-8. Wallis will join Susan Tiberghien to lead a workshop on ‘writing your life.’ Katie Hayoz and Daniela Norris will conduct a workshop for children. See www.lelivresurlesquais.ch for further details. To commemorate its 20th anniversary, the GWG initiated a literary prize, judged by distinguished authors Dinty W Moore (non-fiction), Bret Lott (fiction) and Wallis Wilde-Menozzi (poetry). The winning pieces by Patti Marxsen, Nancy Freund and Adrienne Hahne can be viewed on the GWG website : www.genevawritersgroup.org The committee is staffed by accomplished
volunteers who also manage the website, a facebook page, and the publication of a biennial anthology of poetry and prose entitled Offshoots. The 12th volume of Offshoots, Reflections, with Mary Pecaut as editor-in-chief was published in June and features the work of 62 authors. It is available locally at two English language bookstores: Off The Shelf in Geneva and Books Books Books in Lausanne. New York Times best selling author Bret Lott, wrote this about Offshoots 12, “There is a genuine love of language everywhere present in this fine collection – but more importantly, there is a shared vision of what the word can do: illuminate, edify, transform and make whole. The Geneva community of writers is the genuine thing, a fellowship of artists committed to the practice of literature. This is an excellent collection.”
Some recently published GWG writers books
43 Rapeseed Nancy Freund
Untethered Katy Hayoz
Murder in Paris D-L Nelson
Maargir - The Snake Charmer Bashir Sakhawarz
The 9th Geneva Writers’ Conference
Who to expect at the conference
The 9th Geneva Writers’ Conference will be held Jan. 31-Febrary 2, 2014 at Webster University. These biennial conferences are limited to 200 participants and fill up quickly, so early registration is encouraged. Once again a stellar group of instructors and panelists will be present - see below:
Fiction: Tananarive Due, Romesh Gunesekera, Henry Sutton Mimi Thebo Non-fiction: Sven Birkerts, Susan Tiberghien, Marion Winik, Poetry: Brenda Shaughnessy, Wallis Wilde-Menozzi Agents/Editors: Tasja Dorkofikis, Sophie Lambert, Sarah Levitt, Ladette Randolph Panelists: Chris Castellani, Katie Hayoz, Melisa Rosati
For more information visit
www.genevawritersgroup.org Award winning poet, Naomi Shihab Nye congratulated the GWG on their 20th anniversary. “What a joy it is to know that the magnificent Geneva Writers’ Group has existed 20 years! This eclectic family of voices representing so many countries, backgrounds, ages, and stories, represents in the most powerful and moving way what lives of expression can be and do.” From small beginnings - monthly meetings above the Cafe du Soleil in Petit Saconnex, to larger, slightly more formal events at the Geneva Press Club, the GWG has always maintained its heart and a warm welcome. Whether you are a novice or an expert, interested in writing crime thrillers, young adult novels, screen plays, memoir or poetry - you will find a home at GWG.
Don’t miss these forthcoming Readings from Offshoots 12: Sept 21st at 16:45, Geneva Press Club October 8th at 18:30, Off The Shelf Bookstore, Geneva November 12th at 19:00, Books Books Books, Lausanne
How to become a member of the GWG An application can be made by downloading a membership form from www.genevawritersgroup.org and submitting it to info@ genevawritersgroup.org. For those who wish to print and mail the form, please send to Susan Tiberghien, 24 chemin des Mollies, 1293 Bellevue.
FRONTIER MAGAZINE ISSUE 04 - AUTUMN 2013
44
SUBATOMIC PARTICLES JUST WHAT THE DOCTOR ORDERED
Recently, with Hollywood’s help, novelist
had proof of the existence of the long-
Large Hadron Collider (LHC), the largest,
Dan Brown of The Da Vinci Code fame,
postulated but never observed subatomic
most expensive scientific instrument in
put the spotlight on CERN, the huge (and
particle known as the Higgs boson. So
history. The LHC, first conceived in 1984, is
hugely important) scientific centre north of
what’s the big deal about this teeny tiny
an incredibly complex gizmo extending into
Geneva. In Brown’s, Angels and Demons,
particle? Just that its existence helps
France that uses magnets and super cold
someone steals antimatter from CERN to
explain why the universe has mass.
temperatures to smash subatomic particles into each other at nearly the speed of light.
make a bomb. That’s why they call it fiction. Most people living around Geneva know
Cool. But why?
CERN – the European Organisation for
something about CERN. We’ve seen the
Nuclear Research – has already been much
striking enormous brown sphere that looks
in international news since last year when
like a gargantuan atomic nucleus having
“Scientists here study unimaginably tiny
physicists there announced they were
a picnic on the grass. What we have not
particles – the components of atoms – the
99.99-percent certain (about as good as it
seen is the 27-kilometre circular tunnel
fundamental constituents of matter”, says
gets in quantum physics) that they finally
100 metres below ground that houses the
Manuela Cirilli, from CERN’s Knowledge
FRONTIER MAGAZINE ISSUE 04 - AUTUMN 2013
model of collaboration: CERN now counts more than 10,000 visiting scientists from more than 100 countries. The challenge is to apply this model to multidisciplinary collaborations in health care, according to Dosanjh. “A fruitful transfer of knowledge and technology from fundamental particle physics research to the biomedical domain can be catalysed and enhanced if medical doctors, biologists, physicists and engineers exchange information, identify challenges, and develop together global strategies”, says Dosanjh. To help this process, CERN organised the Transfer Group. “By studying the collision
radiotherapy with X-rays, says Dosanjh.
products, physicists can gain insight into
“Another form of radiotherapy uses
the structure of the subatomic world.”
protons and other particles to target a cancerous mass”, she says. “And
These insights help prove (or disprove)
accelerators produce radioisotopes, which
theories about the birth of the universe.
are used in nuclear medicine for diagnosis
Again, cool – but somewhat removed from
and treatment”.
everyday life, right? Particle physics also uses large-scale Perhaps, says Cirilli, “but the tools of our trade find applications in a variety of fields, and sometimes have a societal impact that goes beyond the initial scope and expectations”. One worldwide example: the World Wide Web, invented at CERN in 1989 by British scientist Tim BernersLee to facilitate communication among his colleagues. He is not responsible for Facebook or Youtube. But science and technology developed at CERN have helped us do more than share videos of cute kittens. Subatomic particle
“grid computing”, which allows multiple
“Exciting new projects” seem to be almost anywhere you look at CERN, and, as we see, it’s not all about faraway concepts like the birth of the universe. So to CERN, and their research that’s so beneficial to our health, we offer a toast: “Santé!”
Physics for Health in Europe workshop in 2010. One outcome: CERN is now studying how to use one of its accelerators to provide beams of particles for radiobiology experiments. Another CERN project will produce radioactive isotopes for medical research. CERN has also joined forces with the International Conference on Translational Research in Radiation Oncology to organise a series of conferences in Geneva. These conferences “provide a much-needed occasion for scientists from many different disciplines to discuss scientific advances”, says Dosanjh. “The seeds planted at these meetings are giving life to new exciting projects.”
research at CERN and other labs has led
users to share computing power and
to important diagnostic and therapeutic
storage capacity over the Internet. CERN
advances in health care. A notable example
became interested in grids to cope with
is the medical imaging system known
the huge amounts of data gathered at
as positron emission tomography (PET),
the LHC, and is now a leader in the field.
which can give a detailed 3-D image of
“Grids are ideal tools for a wide range of
internal organs showing tumors or other
biomedical uses, from screening of drug
problems. “Advances in particle detectors
candidates and image analysis, to sharing
have been fuelling new developments in
and processing health records”, says Cirilli.
medical imaging since the first Computed
Also, computer simulation tools developed
Free public tours of CERN are offered Mon
Tomography (CT) scanners in the 1970s”,
for particle physics are commonly used in
- Sat. in English and French. They fill up
says Manjit Dosanjh, CERN’s Life Sciences
a wide range of medical applications, as
fast, so reservations are recommended.
Advisor. “Faster and more sensitive
they can accurately model geometries and
Group tours are also available. Visitors may
detectors will eventually permit real-time
interactions of particles with matter.
also walk in anytime to see the fascinating
patient monitoring during irradiation”.
Free public tours
exhibits, “Microcosm” and “Universe of
Accelerators are also routinely used
Besides technology, the particle physics
Particles.” outreach.web.cern.ch/outreach/
in hospitals for conventional cancer
community brings to society a working
visites/index.html.
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48
Plan for the Worst, Hope for the Best By Gavin Pluck, European Director, Guardian Wealth Management
“If I had my way I would write the word ‘Insure’ upon every door of every cottage and upon the blotting book of every public man, because I am convinced that with sacrifices which are inconceivably small, families and estates can be protected against catastrophes which would otherwise smash them up forever.”
W
inston Churchill was a man of many wise words but it is these words that ring particularly true for me.
Most of us hear the word “insurance” and think of cars, holidays and houses. Very few of us think of our own lives and the security of our families. But ask anyone what their number-one priority is and the majority of people will say the welfare of their family. While we quite happily invest in our future and that of our family through pensions, savings, medical insurance and good education, I often find that less importance is placed upon protection products. It’s a worrying trend that, while we seek to make the most of our money through the good times, we can often find that there is little provision in place for the bad times. As an international worker, having peace of mind that your family – wherever it is on the globe – is protected in the worst-case scenario, cannot be underestimated. Yes, there’s a part in each of us that thinks “it won’t happen to me”. But if life teaches us FRONTIER MAGAZINE ISSUE 04 - AUTUMN 2013
anything, it’s that things don’t always pan out like we’d hoped. Having the right life insurance in place means you can protect the well-being and independence of those around you at a time when they will be feeling the most vulnerable.
obvious questions: Would your family be OK financially without its breadwinner? How long could they rely on your savings? Knowing the answers to these questions will often be a deciding factor on what solution is best for you.
I often ask clients why they don’t have life insurance. Some simply make the mistake of thinking that, because they’re relatively young, fit and healthy, they’re not the “target audience” for life insurance. After all, isn’t a life policy for those at risk of something bad happening?
My mother, like many of her generation, doesn’t like to give too much thought to the unthinkable, and will usually deflect such questions about life insurance with phrases such as “Don’t worry, God will look after me”. While that’s a nice thought and may well be the case, I know that additional income would have made her life much easier following the death of my father.
Then there are those who don’t believe they need it because they don’t yet have children. And of course some just want to put off having to incur extra costs in the belief that it’s a waste of money until they’re older. But these assumptions can be costly. If there is anyone in your life who depends on you financially, then surely there is a moral obligation to try to ensure that they are protected in the event of something unexpected happening. When looking at life insurance, you need to ask yourself the
We know that God works in mysterious ways – but so do many insurance policies. That’s why it will help to have the guidance and advice of a financial adviser who can recommend what is best suited to you. Of course, relocation to a foreign country, and having to contend with a new job, new surroundings, new language and new culture is undeniably challenging, and brings with it many things to consider. But ensuring you
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have life protection in place should be right up there with making sure your savings account and pension are in place. For most domestic citizens, obtaining life insurance can be a simple task, but for expats, this becomes more complex. Many companies headquartered in one jurisdiction will not be prepared to cover overseas residents. If you already have a policy, be sure to check exactly the kind of cover it offers. Don’t take for granted that you’ll be protected. For those without a policy in place, or who are in search of a new one, you may be better off sourcing your life insurance from an international company. Always check the level of cover that is provided through your employer, as there is a strong chance that you will find that this won’t be suitable for your family’s needs. In Switzerland and France most financial institutions that provide large loans or mortgages will also provide insurance to cover such debt. However, the fact that you have a level of cover does not automatically mean that it will be enough. It is important to check
and see what your family may require in such an event and address any shortfall.
put investment opportunities at the top of the agenda.
While you may arguably benefit from a lower premium if you source your life insurance locally, chances are you will be better off working with an international company that has experience working with international workers. This is especially true if there is a chance of a future relocation.
As important as other aspects of financial planning can be, one should never let them take precedence over life insurance.
If something happens to you, your family may find it difficult making a claim with a local company. Or misunderstandings may arise over the level of cover in different jurisdictions. Life insurance is generally sought to make life easier following the death of a loved one who provided financially. So the claim process needs to be as smooth and hassle-free as possible. Of all the financial issues that need to be taken care of – such as savings, investments and pensions – adequate life cover should always take priority. Unfortunately, in my experience, this is often overlooked by many international financial advisors who seem overly keen to
There are many forms of life insurance, including Critical Illness. It’s not a case of one size fits all or “I’ll just take that one”. To get it right will require shopping around or having a good advisor to assist you. While it may not be the most obvious choice when it comes to ordering your finances, critical illness can cover you against a wide range of illnesses, including heart attack, stroke, and common forms of cancer, and should not be underestimated. Having peace of mind can prove priceless. Gavin Pluck - European Director Guardian Wealth Management Tel: +41 22 710 7864 www.gwm-intl.com
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50
Single
in Geneva
Meeting someone nice – mission impossible? By Trea Tijmens, of Dating Success
A
s a successful matchmaker and dating coach in the Geneva area, I have spoken to thousands of singles here and throughout Switzerland. While most of them say they are looking for love, many believe that it is Mission Impossible. Is it really? Not at all. It just takes focusing on your goal and maximizing opportunities. Where can you meet potential partners? Anywhere and anytime – at the bakery, dry cleaners or grocery store, in the elevator or the train, at the coffee machine or the bus stop, on the ski slopes or at the spa. Most singles I speak to say they are very motivated to find a partner. On a scale of 1 to 10, where 10 is extremely motivated, over 95 percent give me a 9 or 10. However, when I then ask them how many new potential partners they meet in person and interact with in an average week, over 80 percent say one or none. Women often say they don’t think there are many available men in the Geneva area because no men approach them. But when I ask men here whether they approach women, most say no. Why not? They say it’s because most women look like they don’t want to be approached. Clearly, this is a matter of crossed “single signals”. We have single men and women both wanting to meet each other, but not showing that they’re available and looking. There are all sorts of things you can do to increase your chances of finding a partner.
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Here are a few tips I teach in my dating seminars
Look good Show some style in your clothing, spruce up your personal grooming, dab on a drop of cologne or perfume. All this helps attract that guy or lady you may have your eye on. How we look impacts how we feel, and our packaging should support our inner beauty.
Smile So simple, yet so important to show that we’re approachable.
Break the ice Don’t just smile, say something! What should you say? Keep it simple. Start with “Hello,” and see what kind of response you get. Then, if you’re still interested, ask friendly, open-ended questions. Show curiosity. Show that you’re listening by asking further questions. And look for opportunities to share what’s interesting about yourself.
Some No Nos! 1. Don’t block that empty seat near you at the café or on public transport 2. Don’t be too absorbed with your book, newspaper, computer, smartphone or phone conversation 3. Don’t cut yourself off with earphones 4. Don’t build a body wall with crossed arms, or a frown, or by turning away from others 5. Don’t refuse to make or return eye contact
Finally, one more important step to take: Dare to make that first step! You have to be willing to take a few risks when it comes to finding a partner. Besides, what exactly is the risk of saying hello to someone? So what if they don’t respond. Don’t fret about it – it’s their loss! I know you don’t want to meet just anyone; you want to find that really special, amazing lady or gentleman who is just right for you. The point is, that you cannot know whether someone is right for you unless you meet them. So stick with the above tips and you will be amazed to discover the possibilities!
What do men want? Women have certain ideas about what men want when dating. Gentlemen, help us set the record straight by completing our online survey and tell us what you really want and think about dating! visit :
www.datingsuccess.ch
Next dating seminar 28th September 2013 For more information visit:
www.successmatch.ch
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K C A R T E SID frontier talent presents...
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BSTER ON E W Y L IL G S G -ROCK T SOLO” SIN K U L O O E F ID A H V E A N T E A G IME ITH “TAKING THE T VIE”, A SONG SHE WROTE W TLY ADDED NUANCE O EN “AFTERNOON M ACK. IT’S A LYRIC WITH REC M THEIR GENEVA HIDEOUT BAND, SIDETR ER THE BAND ARE OFF FRO TES IN LONDON. B DA CTOB BECAUSE IN O FIRST EVER SERIES OF CLU TO THEIR
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VE IN GENEVA
SIDETRACK: LI
S
idetrack –Webster on vocals, Michael Romig and Adam Selby on guitars, Mathew Welling on bass – have been gigging around Geneva and Suisse-Romande for the past couple of years. The band have gotten local radio airplay, and have two CDs available.
SIDETRACK:
DURING THE
VIDEO SHOO
T FOR “AFTER
NOON MOVIE
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from her bandmates. “I’ve been inspired by many anglophone folk artists so writing in English comes more easily to me”.
Most of Sidetrack’s members have known each other since 1992, when Welling, Romig and Selby were in primary school together. Gilly Webster came along in 1996 when they all went to the international school, La Châtaigneraie. That’s where they met other occasional band members, Adam Hughes (guitar), Duncan Hails (drums) and Andrew Pal (drums, percussion, Now, after “taking their time” in Geneva, a city that’s not guitar). Keyboardist Dave Keen is a friend of a friend. exactly the center of the universe on the international music scene, Sidetrack are excited about playing around London in “Matt, Adam, Mike and I are the core group, but it’s fluid”, says Webster. “It depends on the venue. If it’s a jazz club, we love mid-October. having Dave’s keyboards. And if there’s room on stage for “It’s going into the unknown”, says Selby. And that’s a good Duncan’s drums, we like that.” thing. Matt Welling says the band’s sound has undergone a “spherical The band is “ripe for it”, says Webster. “We’ve got material, it’s expansion” over the years, delving into hard rock, gypsy music, jazz and country. All this has been especially interesting for time to do something”, she says. Webster, who grew up with the likes of The Beatles and Nina Romig he can’t wait to dive in for “an intense week where we Simone. don’t do anything but play music”. All these influences are hard to spot in Sidetrack’s own The band members all have day jobs. Webster and Welling jazzy folk-rock sound, which evolves out of lots of “organic”, are teachers, Romig works at the Alkarama Foundation, an experimentation, says Selby. “We put time towards not only rehearsing but messing about, and sometimes that’s three international human rights NGO, and Selby works for a hours of useless sound, but every now and then you’ll get multi-national corporation. something.” “Afternoon Movie” came to life this way. The band members themselves are multi-nationals, with roots in the UK, Switzerland and Belgium. English is their common And now, London is calling, clearly the band’s sidetrack to mother tongue, and almost all their songs are in English. greater exposure. “Writing lyrics is a very personal thing”, says Webster, who Written by Luke Dolan writes the band’s music and lyrics, with plenty of collaboration
“It’s going into the unknown”
HAVE A LISTEN TO “AFTERNOON MOVIE” AT SIDETRACK’S WEBSITE: WWW.SIDETRACKBLUE.COM FRONTIER MAGAZINE ISSUE 04 - AUTUMN 2013
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get involved in the local community Sarah Fransen speaks with key members of our local community.
American International Women’s Club (AIWC) Interview with Penny Tirado The American International Women’s Club in Geneva, is a non-profit volunteer-run organisation, offering support and opportunities to English-speaking women of all nationalities since 1958. Penny Tirado had been living in Geneva for two years when her mother-in-law came to visit, and suggested Penny join the AIWC, as she had few English speaking friends. Penny has now been a member for 32 years, and has been hugely involved in the Club since the beginning. When I asked Penny if there was an “average” member, she laughed. She told me that the members are all women, and they all speak English, but that is where the similarities end. Members are varied in age (from 20 years old), and there are more than 55 nationalities. Some are working women, some are trailing spouses. All have a shared interest in speaking English, at any level. The
Club currently has more than 550 members with a huge variety of interests. Most activities are run from the Club Rooms by volunteer members. The Club aims to provide fun, mental improvement, social networking and teaching. Activities range from book groups and card games, to arts & crafts and sport & fitness. The Club is particularly proud of its language programmes, including French and English, and the support that it gives to the local community. Members and volunteers are always needed. Why not visit the AIWC on one of their Open Days, September 11 and October 9 from 10am to 12 noon at 11 Route de Chêne? Membership costs CHF250 per year. Find out more at www. aiwcgeneva.org or telephone 22 736 01 20.
The Library in English Full-service lending libraries offering books in English are a rarity in Europe. But we have one right in Geneva. The non-profit Library in English, established in 1930. is a great community resource. It is fully staffed by volunteers. Apart from over 12,000 books, the library has magazines and audio tapes. It also holds events, including a monthly writers workshop and a weekly Children’s Story Hour during term time. It’s also the sponsor of the popular twice-yearly Second Hand Book Sale. There is no such thing as an ”average user”. Members vary from FRONTIER MAGAZINE ISSUE 04 - AUTUMN 2013
retired people to babies, men and women of many nationalities. Membership costs CHF115 for a single person and CHF175 for a whole family (including parents, children and au pair) So, for the price of just five or six English or American paperback books bought in Geneva, members have access to the above benefits, and can be given personal recommendations and enjoy discussing books with others. For more details, either drop in to see the volunteers at The Library in English, rue de Monthoux 3, 1201 Geneva. Or email library@theLibrary.ch.
Playgroup & Literacy Programme Interview with Zoë Parks Zoë Parks, Director of the Playgroup & Literacy Programme (PLP) says that the PLP is a volunteer-run organisation that has been in existence for more than 25 years, providing a range of programmes for English-speaking families in Geneva, Vaud and neighbouring France. Zoë become involved with the PLP about three years ago when she moved here from England. She was introduced to the group through other mothers at school. She became a playgroup leader, then a teacher and is now the director! The PLP currently has more than 300 children from about 200 families taking advantage of the programmes, including the Mother to Mother Support Group (for expectant mums and mums of newborns up to nine months), the Playgroups for up to 4-year-olds with activities based on age, and the Literacy groups for children between 4 and 10. The group is run by over 80 volunteers, but Zoë says that there is always a need for more. Anyone can volunteer, including parents,
au pairs or grandparents. Roles to be filled vary hugely, but could include teacher assistants, special events coordinators or a volunteer to run the Mother to Mother group. Priority for places is given to children of volunteers. Apart from the Literacy programme, Zoë is very happy that over the past few years an active social side of the PLP has been developed. It is an ideal way to include dads or new parents in the programme. Events include a Christmas Party, Snowshoe and Fondue Day, Easter Egg Hunt and Sports Day. There are also First Aid courses. PLP membership is €58 plus the cost of the classes for your child. The group is based in Ferney Voltaire, France, just ‘behind’ the airport. For more information please contact either Registrar@plpgeneva. org for details of courses or Director@plpgeneva.org or Comms@plpgeneva.org
Rugby Club of CERN, Meyrin & St. Genis (RC CMSG) Interview with Jane Veness Rugby for women is not a common sport in Switzerland. In fact, there is only one team in Geneva, The Wildcats. Jane Vaness got involved with the Wildcats after spending many hours on the touch line at games where her husband and three children were playing. When a women’s team was started over 8 years ago, Jane thought she would tag along and make up the numbers. She started to play, really enjoyed it and, after a brief break, became completely hooked. Jane says that rugby is one of the best team sports, and that, no matter how good you are, you are only one of a team. You need to be able to absolutely count on your team mates. It requires excellent fitness (training twice a week almost guarantees that you will drop a dress size!), and there is an excellent social life (not purely around rugby).
The standard of rugby in Switzerland has improved hugely in the years Jane has been involved. The Wildcats travel all over Switzerland to play matches, and around Europe for tournaments. They’ve gone to Helsinki and Amsterdam the past two years. The woman players are of varied ages and several nationalities, and come from all walks of life. The RC CMSG also has five men’s teams, and is one of the largest clubs in Switzerland for children. Training takes place on Tuesday and Thursday in Meyrin, with matches played in St Genis. Membership costs about CHF100, including all training. For more information, contact Jane Veness at 079 507 6326 or via the CERN rugby website www.cern-rugby.weebly.com.
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promotion
LA PRAILLE SHOPPING & LEISURE T : +41 (0) 22 304 80 00 WWW.LA-PRAILLE.CH RTE DES JEUNES 10, 1227 CAROUGE, GENEVA Relax over coffee or lunch, enjoy bowling with friends or update your fashion look – at La Praille the possibilities are endless. Check out the choices: Ten restaurants & cafes, (including Da Giovanni, Coop, le Panetier, Molino, Martel, E-wok), hair styling & wellbeing, beauty & nails, a bank, the largest Coop hypermarket
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in Geneva and a traditional bakery serving delicious bread from a wood oven. La Praille also offers great family leisure: a 26-lane bowling alley, solarium, fitness club (with heated pool), and children’s nursery. La Praille is open 7/7 (until 9pm Thursdays). Ample parking/public transport.
SIGNY CENTRE T : +41 (0) 22 363 67 00 WWW.SIGNYCENTRE.CH 300M FROM THE A1 AUTOROUTE, EXIT NYON Easy parking, great shopping and a relaxing experience – Signy Centre is all about convenience! With 50 topname stores (including a giant Coop supermarket for wonderful fresh foods), you can shop for fashions then relax with a coffee or lunch while the children play at the supervised nursery. Or why not enjoy a workout
at the fitness club? Check out hair salons, a post office, pharmacy, travel agency and dry cleaning. Life is convenient at Signy Centre! Monday to Thursday: 9am - 7pm, Friday until 9pm and Saturday until 6pm. Free parking.
BLANDONNET SHOPPING CENTRE WWW.BLANDONNETCENTRE.CH ROUTE DE MEYRIN 171, 1214 VERNIER Ideally located south of Cointrin Geneva airport, at the crossroads between route de Meyrin and rue du Pré-Bois, Blandonnet Centre offers easy access to a choice of shops and cafés. Thanks to its indoor parking of more than 1000 places, free for 3 hours, and public transport connections right at the door (tram 14 and 4 bus lines), the Blandonnet Commercial Centre has the largest Coop store in French speaking
Switzerland, the only Interio store in canton Geneva and other shops such as Dosenbach, Interdiscount, Mobilezone, Yendi, dry cleaning, hair dressing and a pharmacy, not forgetting two restaurants (Coop and Aux bonnes choses). The centre is well laid out in a bright and airy environment. See website for opening hours and animations.
VITAM SHOPPING CENTRE T: +33 (0) 450 84 65 65 WWW.VITAM.FR 500, ROUTE DES ENVIGNES, 74160 SAINT-JULIEN-EN-GENEVOIS Located at the heart of the Vitam Centre for leisure and well-being, the Vitam Shopping Centre is the perfect place to browse and buy; to seek out original gifts or to treat yourself! More than 20 individual stores offer fashion, decoration, well-being, beauty and sport – representing more than
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90 famous brands. And what will really set the shine on your retail therapy? A spectacular setting, restaurants and a hotel! Five minutes from Bardonnex. Free parking. TPG Bus D Bel Air – Vitam (Wed, Sat, Sun).
OUTLET AUBONNE T : +41 (0) 58 853 75 20 WWW.OUTLET-AUBONNE.CH PRÉ NEUF, 1170 AUBONNE (NEXT TO IKEA, JUST OFF THE A1). There’s free parking and easy access with public transport, (Allaman station only 3 mins walk!) Open Mon-Wed 10 am – 7pm, ThursFri 10am – 9pm, Sat 9 am to 6 pm. See website for latest news.
CENTRE COMMERCIAL ST-ANTOINE - VEVEY T : +41 (0) 21 925 76 89 WWW.ST-ANTOINE.CH AV GENERAL-GUISAN 15, VEVEY Easy to access and easy to enjoy – that’s the St Antoine Centre at Vevey. With covered parking for more than 350 cars, and both trains and buses directly in front, St Antoine is all about convenience. Thirty big names and boutiques are present – offering hair
care, beauty, fashion, home-styling, electrical, flowers and travel – as well as places to enjoy a coffee or lunch. Children love the garderie and who can resist the fresh foods and quality labels at Manor supermarket? See website for location and hours.
CHAVANNES CENTRE T : +41 (0) 22 960 86 99 WWW.LES-CENTRES.CH OFF THE A1 AUTOROUTE AT THE COPPET/DIVONNE EXIT. The Chavannes Centre is more than a shopping centre. There are 40 shops ranging from top brands, to household goods to specialized outlets and a large Manor department store and supermarket – stocking local delicacies and a wide range of food from all over the world.
The Chavannes Centre is also an excellent place to relax and eat, with restaurants such as Manora and Planet Caviar. There’s free parking and day-care available as well. The Chavannes Centre, where you’ll find everything.
VAL THOIRY COMMERCIAL CENTRE T: +33 (0) 4 50 41 20 20 WWW.VALTHOIRY.COM ACCESS: Y BUS FROM GENEVA – BLANDONNEX DIRECTION. BY CAR: JUST OFF THE D884. The Val Thoiry Commercial Centre is located just off the D884 at Thoiry, only 5 minutes from Swiss the border at Meyrin. In the centre, there are 66 shops, several restaurants and cafés and a Migros Hypermarket. There are also a number of large stores in the adjoining commercial zone.
Shop opening times: Monday to Friday from 9.30 a.m to 8.00 p.m. and Saturday from 9.00. The Hypermarket is open from 9.00 a.m. to 9.00 a.m. Monday to Friday and from 8.30 a.m. on Saturday.
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