2009 edelweiss 2

REGISTERED BY AUSTRALIA POST - PUBLICATION No. VBH 6369

JUNE 2009

1954 - Sepp & Elenor Schmidig

THE

RO U CLU

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ABOU D N B

1953

1950

The Swiss Club of Victoria congratulates the past and present members of the Swiss Folk Dance Group Alpenrose on their 60 th anniversary!

1949

2009

2009 - Unterhaltungsabend

1993 - 45th anniversary reunion

89 Flinders Lane • Melbourne 3000 • Victoria • Australia • w w w.s w i s s .o r g.au/s w i s sc lu bv i c

IS SW S

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SWISS CLUB OF VICTORIA Founded in 1899

89 Flinders Lane, Melbourne Vic 3000 T: (03) 9650 1196, F: (03) 9650 3104 E: swissclubvic@swiss.org.au W: www.swiss.org.au/swissclubvic Club Opening Hours Lunch - Monday to Friday from 12noon Dinner - Wednesday, Thursday & Friday from 6pm. Friday Happy Hour from 5pm to 6.30pm.

Bookings: T: (03) 9650 1196 Swiss Club Catering For Weddings, Corporate, Seminars, Parties, Private Functions contact Chef & Catering Manager Roger Moullet T: (03) 9650 1196, F: (03) 9650 3104 M: 0409 040 249 E: swissclub@hotmail.com

COMMITTEE Barbara Kündig President T/F (H): (03) 9813 8843 M: 0402 018 363 E: barbara@swiss.org.au Rolf Huber Immediate Past President T/F (H): (03) 9807 0282 M (B): 0425 805 854 E: rhuber@swiss.org.au Gerda Probst Secretary M: 0439 936 313 E: gerda@swiss.org.au

Impressum News and Views published by the Swiss Club of Victoria. ‘Edelweiss’ appears quarterly in March, June, September and December.

Circulation 500.

For all enquiries contact: Roland Isler, Editor T/F: (03) 9558 3877 (H) T: (03) 9524 6335 (B) M: 0412 935 565 E: risler@swiss.org.au 67 St Georges Crescent Heatherton Vic 3202

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OTHER SWISS ORGANISATIONS

Urs Derrick Wildi Treasurer T/F (H): (03) 9824 7930 M: 0403 040 930 E: uwildi@swiss.org.au

Swiss Society of Victoria (Benevolent Society) President: Primo Calabresi T: (03) 9857 7427 W: www.swiss.org.au/swissclubvic

Sigrid de Castella Membership Relations M: 0416 088 000 E: sigrid@swiss.org.au

Trachtengruppe Schwyzergruess Australian/Swiss Cultural Society President: Sylvia Hochuli T: (03) 9531 6575 E: hochuli@tpg.com.au

Oliver Altermatt Building Management M: 0410 684 263 E: oaltermatt@swiss.org.au

Groupe Romand du Victoria President: Marianne Puccinelli 7 Eric Court, Wheelers Hill Vic 3150 T: (03) 9561 9595 W: www.swiss.org.au/chfrvic

Patrick Rychner Corporate Communications/ Web Administrator M: 0404 657 886 E: paddy@swiss.org.au

Pro Ticino President: Claude Rossi 5 Falls Road, Hoddles Creek Vic 3139 T: (03) 5967 4542 E: marclas@hotkey.net.au

Damian Schaller Event Manager M: 0410 461 364 E: damianschaller@swiss.org.au

SWISS CLUB SUB-GROUPS Swiss Folk Dance Group Alpenrose President: Sylvia Hochuli T: (03) 9531 6575 E: hochuli@tpg.com.au Swiss Companion Singers Convenor: Heidy Giger T: (03) 9889 9321 E: gigi45@bigpond.com Ladies Luncheons Convenor: Heidy Giger For bookings T: (03) 9650 1196 For information: T: (03) 9889 9321 E: gigi45@bigpond.com Saturday Morning Swiss School Convenor: Andrea Pinch T: (03) 5331 6762 E: pinch@hotkey.net.au W: www.swiss.org.au/scvschool Swiss Playgroup Ingrid Preston T: (03) 9772 0516 Chantal Imbach T: (03) 8407 3766 W: www.swiss.org.au/playgroup The Young Swiss Group Convenor: Amy Bohren 2/9 Grandview Grove Bayswater Vic 3153 M: 0409 041 528 E: abohren@swiss.org.au

Swiss Yodel Choir Matterhorn President: Marco Unternährer 3 Bluegum Court, Upwey Vic 3158 T: (03) 9388 8777, (03) 9752 6996 (H) W: www.swiss.org.au/matterhorn Swiss-Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI) General Manager: Marcel Svatos Level 5, 23-25 O’Connell Street Sydney NSW 2000 T: (02) 9223 7222, F: (02) 9223 7211 E: support@sacci.com.au W: www.sacci.com.au Swiss-Australian Academic Network (SAAN) E: info@sanm.id.au W: www.saan.id.au Honorary Consul of Switzerland (Victoria) Erika Kimpton 697 Toorak Road, Kooyong Vic 3144 T: (03) 9824 7527, M: 0413 042 728 E: erikakimpton@optusnet.com.au Council of the Swiss Abroad Representative: Walter Purtschert 11 Hornby Street, Beaumaris Vic 3193 T: (03) 9589 6080, M: 0413 444 666 E: wpurtsch@bigpond.net.au

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

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President’s Message Dear member, I am pleased to inform you that at our recent AGM the entire committee plus one additional member were reconfirmed ensuring continuity for our club. I thank the members for entrusting me with the Presidency. Gerda Probst agreed to become the club’s Secretary and Derrick Wildi continues as Treasurer. Sigrid de Castella, our newest recruit, has taken on the membership.

Oliver Altermatt will continue to take care of the important building management portfolio. Patrick Rychner supports us on the creative and communication side and Damian Schaller will be our Events Coordinator, a very important position within a Social Club! At the AGM we also farewelled our President of the past two years, Rolf Huber, who steered our club with lots of energy and engagement. In the name of the committee and all the members, I thank him very much and we are all pleased that his experience remains on the committee as he will continue in the role of Immediate Past President.

for all age groups and tastes. Please come along to as many as you can, bring your family and/or friends. If there isn’t an event that suits you, why not organize a function for the club? Your committee can only do so much and we are always open to member’s ideas and initiatives (yes, you will have to organize it, but we support you!).

Our interest groups are an important part of our club life. They are all active and have been around for many years. However, it is the Dance Group Alpenrose that can look back on the longest continuous existence. Congratulations to the Dance Group on their 60th anniversary this year! Our best wishes and many thanks go to Sylvia Hochuli and her dedicated and talented group of dancers for giving us so much joy for the past 60 years by bringing Swiss culture to Melbourne and for their unwavering support of the Swiss Club. What an achievement!

It was great to see the Swiss Club featured on Coxy’s Break on National Television last month - wonderful promotion for us.

Thank you to all who volunteered their time, it looked fantastic.

If you missed it, come to the next movie night as we will screen it before the feature film.

Now that we have a new but experienced committee in place, we will continue striving to make the Swiss Club a welcoming and friendly place for its members and their families and friends in the heart of Melbourne.

As a social club, like a family, we are fortunate to have many members who know a lot what is going on in our community.

We appreciate that they are our eyes and ears and inform us of members who have something to celebrate or if they don’t fare well at the moment. Please keep it up.

Winter cold has come swiftly this year – time to rug up, get closer and warm the body and soul with some hearty Swiss dishes. There is no better venue than the Swiss Club! A cozy, warm and relaxed place to enjoy a variety of Swiss food thanks to Roger Moullet and his friendly team.

I wish you all the best over the coming winter months, take care of yourself and we look forward to seeing you at the club. Until then, our warmest regards from all of us on the committee.

The social calendar is again full with many different functions

Barbara Kündig, President

WINTER SPECIALS: Black Forest Cakes in all Sizes, Assorted Patisseries Chocolate or Vanilla-Srawberry Cakes Kirsch Gâteaux, Original Bündner Walnut Cakes

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Open Tuesday to Sunday 232 Blackburn Road, Syndal 3150 4

☎ 9802 7265 Swiss Club of Victoria

30 years: Alice Callinan, Joyce & Ernst Dornbierer, Ann & Tony Hyams, Marcel Seuret, John Wanner 35 years: Aranka Folino, Anne Rutishauser

Get well

Welcome to our new members We welcome Rosmarie O’Connell, Reginal Stanfield and Ros and Paul de Castella. We are looking forward to meeting you at one of our forthcoming functions.

Congratulations Pat and Primo Calabresi celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversay on 18 March. Congratulations from all of us!

Gwenda Clarke-Seiler, Wilma Dunkel, Joyce Dornbierer and Aida Jenny could all commemorate their 80th birthday. Anne Rutishauser is to celebrate her 90th birthday on 13th July. We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate them and wish them good health in many years to come.

At the AGM on 4 March, Erika Ochsenbein and Wolfram Pacher received an Honorary Life Membership due to 40 years of membership and at least 70 years of age.

It is official: the Swiss Club is growing! We would like to congratulate Samantha Hinderling and her husband Scott Crosby to the safe arrival of their baby girl Stevey in early February.

We are also happy to inform you that former committee member Simon Ochsenbein and his wife Kylie have become first-time parents. Jackson George arrived safely on 1 May. The members of the Swiss Club are sending their best wishes to sunny Queensland!

We have decided to formally acknowledge the long-standing, not yet Honorary Life, members in this space on a yearly basis.

The following membership milestones are reached during 2009; we would like to thank you all for your club loyalty.

20 years: Heidy Giger, Ernst Gilli, Raymond-John Mischler, Rosmarie & Bruno Oswald, Heino Tonisson 25 years: Dee Dee & Anthony Boll, Richard Bowen, Barbara Brodbeck, Barbara & Michael Dardel Jessop, Marlies & Sepp Krummenacher, Andreas Salvotelli, Sue & Franz Schnellmann

‘Edelweiss’ Deadlines 2009 September Issue: Covering Sept/Oct/ Nov Editorial Deadline: Monday, 10 August Mailing: Wednesday, 26 August December Issue: Covering Dec 09/Jan/Feb 2010 Editorial Deadline: Monday, 2 November Mailing: Wednesday, 18 November

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Our best wishes and thoughts go to our dear member Rena Wanner. We send our love to Hans and John and wish them strength and resolve at this difficult time.

We also send our thoughts and best wishes to Max Ammann who remains unwell.

Fritz Hochuli has also not been very well and we wish him a speedy recovery.

Chris Erb, grandson of Yvonne and Toni, had a motor bike accident at the beginning of May. He is currently in the Alfred Hospital and we hope he gets well and will soon be home.

To all members and friends who don’t feel too well, we send our love and good wishes.

The last farewell Albert Cymons passed away on 31 January. Albert arrived in Australia in 1948 and became a member in 1977. Our deepest sympathies to Claire.

Otto Krumm passed away on 29 May. Otto joined the Club in 1988. Our deepest sympathies to Nelly, Edith, Marcel and their families.

Ansley Kowalik passed away in 23 June 2008. Ansley had been a member since 1981 and enjoyed attending many club events. Her donation of a c.1899 dress was appreciated by the NGV Collection.

Dear members, if your partner, your friends or fellow members have a reason to celebrate, are unwell or have left for a better place, please let us know so that others know too. Please contact Sigrid de Castella (Committee) or the Editor.

From the

Editor’s Pen

Dear member, in the last edition of the ‘Edelweiss’, I spoke of the terrible bushfires, the day that now has been named ‘Black Saturday’.

It is a relief to know that we have not heard of any club member or anyone else within the Swiss community that has come to harm. Some damage to property has been reported but thankfully not to an extend of entire livelihoods having been lost.

Editor

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Record number of visitors at the Swiss Festival!

A sunny day greeted more than 1,500 visitors at this year’s open air Swiss Festival which took place at the Austrian Club on Sunday, 22 March 2009.

It was amazing to see such a large number of visitors, it broke last year’s record by several hundred!

Now in its seventh year the festival is held annually at the Austrian Club in Heidelberg West, a suburb in the north of Melbourne. From a small function at Flagstaff Gardens it has now developed into a major cultural event in Victoria. It is organised entirely by volunteers of the Swiss Festival Committee and supported by all Swiss community groups in Victoria. The committee has worked hard to put on a fantastic day!

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At this point I would like to introduce the organising committee to you: Amy Bohren (Secretary), Bruno Giger (Treasurer), Damian Schaller (Marketing/ Volunteers) and Erika Kimpton (Food & Beverage.) We meet regularly and plan the event in all its details.

The Swiss Community of Victoria presents the Swiss Festival to showcase Switzerland and its culture to all Victorians. The festival has become a meet and greet for Swiss compatriots who hail from across the state and indeed from around the country. The committee regards this as a great incentive to continue down the path of providing Swiss culture or “Swissness” in its many forms and shapes for young and old.

A survey has been conducted to help us make improvements where necessary and to better serve the community.

People attend for many different reasons, whether it is to catch up with long lost friends or sample some delicious Swiss specialities or just to enjoy Swiss music and folklore and soak up the great atmosphere.

The festival kicked off with a speech by the guest of honour and one of two major sponsors, the Ambassador of Switzerland, Dr. Daniel Woker. The Embassy of Switzerland in Canberra donated the “Ehrenwein”. The other major sponsor was the Swiss Club of Victoria providing us with insurance cover and licensing arrangements.

Swiss Club of Victoria

For a fledgling organisation like the SF sponsorship is vital and we thank our generous sponsors for their donations.

The Swiss community of Victoria acknowledges the generous support of sponsors and entertainers (in alphabetical order):

A diverse program included modern and traditional music, singing, dancing and yodeling.

Sponsors: • Austrian • Embassy of Switzerland in Canberra • Felco • Fromart • Henkell Brothers • Hiestand • Jetset Brandon Park • Koo Koo • Laederach • Lindt • Nestlé • Océ • Panalpina • Peter Lehmann • SBS • Société Générale de Surveillance • Swiss Club of Victoria • Swiss Import Corporation • Victorian Multicultural Commission

Swiss delights and beverages from all four linguistic corners of Switzerland were available. For children a jumping castle and a mini farm with a milking cow were provided, and for adults a “Zopf” and “Chäschüechli” demonstration was on show. A magician with an impressive array of skills presented extraordinary and impressive mini-illusions and special effects.

A guessing competition with a large number of prizes and a trash & treasure stall rounded off the great day.

A very special thank you goes to all our fantastic volunteers who worked tirelessly leading up to the festival, on the day and even on the day after. As a small token of appreciation the committee was able to offer free food and drink.

Next year’s Swiss Festival is already in the planning, we hope to see you all in 2010!

Yours sincerely, Rolf Huber, Chairman Swiss Festival Committee

Entertainers and performers: • Australian Swiss Search Dog Association • Chris Thalmann (Schwiizerörgeli) • Houlette (modern Swiss Folk Music) • Irma Thalmann (Alphorn) • Phillip & Victor (Accordion) • Swiss Companion Singers • Swiss Folk Dance Group Alpenrose • Swiss Yodel Choir Matterhorn • The Schwörgelis • Tom Webb (Singing Saw)

To view more pictures of the Swiss Festival 2009 please type the URL below into your browser (pictures courtesy of Damian Schaller): http://gallery.mac.com/ damianschaller#100364 w w w.s w i s s .o r g.au/s w i s sc lu bv i c

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Swiss Club of Victoria

Unterhaltungsabend Our Unterhaltungsabend on 9 May was a special occasion.

The club, packed to the rafters with supporters and friends, we celebrated the 60th birthday of the Dance Group. Past and present members made sure we celebrated in style.

‘Kapelle Grüezi Mitenand’ under the leadership of John Wanner, once again had their traditional effect on the patrons.

Everybody joined in and sang along to the popular tunes with the band’s medley.

Many thanks to John and the band for sharing their enthusiasm and energy. To Roger and his team, thank you for a most delicious meal and excellent service. A very big thank you to everyone who so generously donated prizes towards our Tombola. Not many guests left empty handed! It gave many mum’s a last minute present for mothers day. To everyone, thank you for being part in making the night a big success. I specially would like to thank the committee of the Swiss Club and Roger for their continuous support.

Practice is every Tuesday night at the Swiss Club. Come and join us! We would love to have more members. For information contact Sylvia on 9531 6575 or Nancy on 9890 7530.

Auf geht’s, to Brisbane Over Easter, the group travelled to Brisbane to participate at the National Brücke Dancefest.

Under the motto ”Auf geht’s“, Austrian, German and Swiss groups took to the stage to celebrate their diverse but common cultures. The Dancefest was another very successful weekend, everyone enjoyed the experience and all too soon we had to leave. On behalf of the group, I extend a big thank you to the organisation committee and the dance group “Alpenrosen“ Brisbane and the Brücke.

The next get together will be in 2011 in Sydney.

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Kapelle Grüezi Mitenand finally on CD! It was long awaited but now it’s here: the release of the first CD by our much loved ‘Kapelle Grüezi Mitenand’!

The official launch was at the Club on 9 May during the Unterhaltungsabend of the Folk Dance Group Alpenrose.

The double-CD by the fabulous John Wanner and his band, aptly called “Swiss Club Fox”, features 23 songs that are well known to members that regularly visit the Club on the first Thursday of every month. As an extra bonus, it also contains a historical narrative which includes 18 musical recordings from John’s personal archives, recorded between 1978 and 1980 at the Swiss Club!

The CD can be bought at the Club for $20. For mail order, please send a cheque/money order for $25 (including postage/handling), made payable to “JOHN WANNER”, to P.O. Box 26, Box Hill Vic 3128.

To truly make his 50th birthday a memorable occasion, John has also released a new CD featuring his own Big Band: “The JW Swing Orchestra LIVE!” Purchase details are the same as for “Swiss Club Fox” CD above (please ensure you specify which CD you wish to purchase).

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In memory of our dear friend – Hanspeter Frei The Swiss Club of Victoria has been very fortunate to have many valuable members over a long period, such as the late Hanspeter Frei.

As Treasurer of the Oktoberfest for nearly 20 years, his contribution to the well being of the Swiss Club was outstanding.

To remember his effort over a long time, the Oktoberfest Committee has been able to obtain an engraved Stein (donated

by Bernd Patzold).

It is appropriate that this Stein is now in possession of the Swiss Club.

Franz Schnellmann

SWISS CLUB MOVIE Don’t miss this Swiss Hit Comedy for young and the young at heart!

Mein Name ist Eugen Wednesday 22 July 2009, 8pm Swiss Club, 2nd floor

2005, PG, 100 min, Swiss German Directed by Michael Steiner. With Manuel Häberli, Janic Halioua, Dominic Hänni, Alex Niederhäuser From the literary classic by Klaus Schädelin, “Mein Name ist Eugen” is a coming of age story set in the 1960s. It tells of 12-year-old Eugen, Wrigley, Bäschteli and Eduard’s summer of adventure. When Wrigley’s parents announce their intention to pack him off to boarding school, the boys run away, searching for the fabulous treasure of Titicaca Lake, discovered by Fritzli Bühler, the “King of Rascals”, who apparently lives in Zürich. But then Eugen and Wrigley bump into their Scouts group on the train to Ticino and feel forced to join them. From there they escape again and attempt to cycle back to Zürich, but the boys’ disappearance is noticed and their parents get on their trail. As the boys continue their precarious journey over the Alps, they begin to doubt whether Fritzli Bühler really lives in Zürich and whether he actually exists at all.

Free for members, non-members gold coin donation.

Snippet: The best in script Few countries can claim so many elegant forms of writing as their own as Switzerland.

‘Helvetica’ by Max Miedinger is arguably the most frequently used font in the world. ‘Univers’ and ‘Frutiger’

by Adrian Frutiger are considered classics. In fact, what you are reading right now is set in Frutiger. The creators of these beautiful and enduring fonts rank among the most important font designers of the 20th century. These clear and elegant print styles are everywhere to be seen, even if the great masters of typography themselves prefer to remain in the background.

Enjoy dinner at the club, before or after the movie.

Please book with the restaurant on 9650 1196.

Support those that support your Club. Consider our Advertisers

‘OCR-B’ font, designed by Adrian Frutiger, has become an internationally-specified standard and is used everywhere on payment slips, cheques and bar codes.

The Companion Singers practice on the second and third Thursday of each month, and we always look for people who like to sing and relax and please their soul and mind in good company.

Max Miedinger and Adrian Frutiger, together with Hans Eduard Meier, Cornel Windlin and Ruedi Baur, represent the great Swiss tradition in the world of print and typographical design.

Come along to the Swiss Club, enjoy the good food and sing with us or phone our Convenor Heidy Giger on 9889 9321 or the Swiss Club at 9650 1196 for more information.

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Swiss Club of Victoria

Meet the Committee:

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

• Wednesday, 1 July • Wednesday, 2 September Price $22 pp for members, $25 pp for nonmembers. Includes 2-course meal, wine, soft drinks and coffee.

Non-members are also welcome, bring a friend or two. For information and bookings ring me on 9889 9321or Roger at the Club on 9650 1196. Bookings are essential!

Heidy Giger

1st Jass Night Results – Swiss Club, 29 March Singles

1. Sepp Goldiger ........................................2967 2. Marta Schnider ......................................2907 3. Beat Zaugg ............................................2871

Doubles

1. Marta & Alois Schnider ..........................5726 2. Doris Conrad & Hans Keller ...................5332 3. Robin Martin & Beat Zaugg...................5265

Upcoming Jass Nights - 2009 3rd 4th 5th 6th & Final

13 June 11 July 8 August 5 September

Swiss Club Swiss Club Matterhorn Swiss Club

Information supplied by Paul Eisenegger 9544 4681

Want a taste of Switzerland? Visit the Swiss Club Restaurant

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Unlike the rest of the committee, I was born here in Melbourne, the daughter of a Swiss father and English mother. Despite growing up ‘Aussie’, over the years I have explored my Swiss heritage which dates back to the 1100’s to Gruyère, Neuchâtel and Fribourg.

My great-grandfather, Charles Hubert came out to Australia in the 1860’s with his brother Paul to establish St Hubert’s and Yering Station in the Yarra Valley, originally cattle stations but were soon to become wine growers and producers. Whilst our name is very recognisable within the wine industry to this day it has become particularly well known from the 1980’s when my cousin Robert made his international mark on the marathon circuit.

My first visit to Switzerland in 1982 when I was 12 left me with fond memories of Fribourg and Bern and a strong desire to return. Studying French at school I became more keen to return but it wasn’t until 1990 that I finally managed to explore more of the country including Lucerne and Interlaken.

I met my husband, Antony Anderson in 1997 (who emigrated from New Zealand in 1978) and he has since embraced my love of Swiss culture and Swiss cuisine. We both work as Managers at IBM Australia Ltd, which can be very stressful, so we like to come for dinner and drinks at the Swiss Club, particularly on the first Thursday of the month when ‘Kapelle Grüezi Mitenand’ is playing. It’s a lot of fun.

Over the last 2 years we have journeyed to Switzerland twice, spending time with family and friends, as well as at the Fribourg Archives researching more of my family history.

Joining the Swiss Club was very important to me so that I could keep strong links with the Swiss community and to my heritage. Being Swiss is something I am very proud of, and it has become a big part of my life, and of Antony’s.

I am very pleased to be elected a new committee member and I look forward to meeting all of the Swiss Club members over coming months and years.

The Swiss Club Restaurant. It’s were you meet your friends.

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your Swiss Knowledge President’sTest Message Test your Swiss Knowledge Dear members and friends of the Swiss Club, The future looks bright for the Swiss Club, we have an increased number of attendees at our functions, good patronage of the club restaurant, a dedicated committee and rental income from both Roger Moullet and Terra Rossa, the newly opened restaurant on the ground floor. The secret of our success and the continued existence is based on the combined effort of all the volunteers who work tirelessly for the good of the club. We will basically have a club as long as there are members and volunteers. My heartfelt thanks goes out to all of you and to those who have built up this club. Long live the Swiss Club of Victoria!

However we cannot rest on our laurels as a standstill equals to regress. As a club we have to go forward and look to the future.

The committee is putting steps into place to rejuvenate and prepare a gradual handover from one generation to the next.

As part of the process we have introduced a new masthead (see lead story) and a new logo and are progressively working on returning benefits for our members. Another long term project will be the enhancement of the Swiss Club website, drafting of a new constitution and the redevelopment of the second floor. We as a club have the opportunity to create something new and exciting. The upstairs in my view is the playground for members and we need to find the right balance between commercial and social aspects. From a commercial point of view it would make sense to renovate the second floor and turn it into a meeting room with modern

The Swiss Club Doubles Championship was held on Any Suggestions? the 13 March at the Swiss Club.

1 2 facilities.

As aSwiss result proper marketing and promotion would Test your Knowledge be required. Another idea is to modernise the existing area as a multipurpose room i.e. members can use the upstairs and 3 meetings could be held as well. What do members want a place4 for in the city? Perhaps a place for celebrations (birthday parties, weddings etc.) perhaps a5 club lounge, a gym,6 a movie theatre? Dear member, tell us what you have in mind! We would like to hear from you!

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On another note the many Swiss groups of Victoria have been regularly meeting at the club for building closer relationships and not to loose sight of each other after the brick and mortar 8 Swiss Consulate in Melbourne closed its doors last year. In the course of these meetings the idea was born of a joint event of Swiss Victorian groups in 2008. It was decided to use the © G & M Probst Volksfest as the most promising model for success. To realise this project the Swiss Club has again applied for a grant with Across ©G& M Probst Multicultural Commission (VMC). The date for the Victorian 3. Name the group the Kaffeeklatsch ontake next year’s of Volksfest willorganising be the 6 April 2008 which will Across place13atSeptember the Austrian Club. I suggest you put it in your agenda now so youofwill not peripheral-device forget!

4. Name Swiss maker (i.e. keyboards, 3. Name of the group organising the Kaffeeklatsch on 13 September Across 4. mice Nameetc) of Swiss peripheral-device maker (i.e. keyboards, mice etc) Also please note that the club restaurant closes for the period 5. American carmaker, born in Switzerland in 1878 5.

American carmaker, born in Switzerland in 3.

Name of group organising theand Kaffeeklatsch on1878 13 September Friday, 21 December after lunch reopens for business 7. Name of the Swiss cartoon character (blue parrot with yellow beak)on 4.

Name of Swiss peripheral-device maker (i.e. keyboards, mice etc) 8.7. Name Swiss7educational reformer (1746 - 1827) of Swiss cartoon character (blue parrot with yellow Monday, January 2008 for a well deserved break.

5. American carmaker, born in Switzerland in 1878 7. beak) Name of Swiss cartoon character (blue parrot with yellow beak) As this is the forth and last edition of the ‘Edelweiss’ in 2007 8.

Swiss educational reformer (1746 - 1827) Down 8. Swiss educational reformer (1746 - 1827) on behalf of the committee I would like to take this opportunity 1. thank Swissall actress Ryder in James Bondsupport "Dr. No" and Down Down to of ourportraying readersHoney and members for their 2. What is Switzerland's largest city? continued involvement with the club!

Wishing you all a happy actress Honey Ryder in James Bond 3.1. Swiss First name of theportraying newest committee member 1. Swiss actress portraying Honey Ryder in James Bond "Dr. No" 6. “Dr. Commemorating the massacre of Swiss Guards during theyou French Festive Season and good health for the New Year!

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Lucerne?

3. club First in name of the newest committee member the 2. What is2008!

Switzerland’s largest city?

6.

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Lucerne?

3. Editor’s home Canton Rolf Huber, President 6. Commemorating the massacre of Swiss Guards during the French Revolution is what monument in Lucerne?

For answers go to page 17

committee would like Team Adrian Besley - LouisThe Schneider triumphed overto introduce a new communication Team Roger Moullet - Chris Laube tool – a virtual suggestion box on I look forward seeing everyone on the 19 our website!

WeJune lovefor to the hear from battle of the Bernard Sandoz Trophy. you, your ideas, suggestions or comments!

Rules are very simple, Come along, bring your friends and enjoy a happy Friday tellevening. us whatCost you $15 thinkper about the club, functions, the menu person including dinner. Start is etc. just7.30pm. click on suggestions and fire away. Quick and easy!

To give you an example if somebody (member or non-member Please pencil into your diary – Friday, 9 October: for this purpose) has plans for holding Swiss German language Swiss Club Singles Championship classes at the club, write us a little note and explain how this To book ringitRoger Club) box. or Louis on could workplease then post in the(Swiss suggestion 9439 7593 or 0418 645 313. If you have any queries or Generally speaking we encourage people with good ideas to suggestions do not hesitate to contact me. organise the event and see it through from the beginning to see yours all in June the committee is here to help! theHope end. to If assistance is needed Thank you!

Louis Schneider Here is the link: www.swiss.org.au/page.php?ID=517

4 12

Swiss Club of Victoria

July is going to be an exciting month for me when it comes to Internet surfing on Swiss subjects. In my column in the December issue last year I introduced you to the homepage of Swiss Television (Schweizer Fernsehen www.sf.tv) and i t s its various programs, which are available as podcasts. If you are from the German speaking part of our homeland you certainly remember “Schweiz Aktuell”, screening the latest Swiss news each evening at 7pm just before the Tagesschau. For the last five years the Schweiz aktuell team produced a living science project where everyday people are giving up their summer holidays to relive the lifestyle from a time gone by. Dressed in period clothing, housed in historically accurate accommodation and eating food from recipes no longer in use, the cast spends four weeks away from modern civilisation and comforts and tackles the day to day issues that people from this time would have faced.

Since 2004 various Swiss families have therefore lived like poor farmers during Gotthelf’s time 150 years ago (Leben wie zu Gotthelf’s Zeiten, www.sf.tv/sendungen/ schweizaktuell – search the archive from 26.07.2004 onwards for the summer episode and from 13.12.2004 until January 2005 for the winter series). 16 teenagers attended a alpine boarding school which was setup and run as in 1955 (Das Internat – same internet address as before, click on “Frühere Sendungen” on the left hand side, series commenced 25.07.2005). A ‘tribe’ experienced the living conditions of our ancestors 5,700 years ago (Pfahlbauer von Pfyn, 25.07. to 21.08.2007, http://www.sf.tv/sendungen/ pfahlbauervonpfyn/archiv.php?month=7&year=2007).

As a viewer you experience in a daily 20-minute show what is happening to these time travellers while scientific and historic advisors explain the background to these projects. There is no voting off or prize money to be won, the living science projects give you an unprecedented view of a time that we only know out of history books.

Part of German Language program on Melbourne 93.1fm

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

Ursula Schappi presents an entertaining half-hour program every Sunday from 8:30 to 9pm on 93.1fm To listen online visit www.sbs.com.au/radio

w w w.s w i s s .o r g.au/s w i s sc lu bv i c

Contact (02) 9955 7628

And as you can guess, this July a new project is underway with the title “Alpenfestung – Leben im Réduit” or in English “Alpine fortress – life in the military recluse”. Before and during World War II Switzerland prepared itself for a possible invasion by the axis forces that surrounded our country on all sides (visit www.fort.ch to see an overview and links to some of the defensive fortresses and bunkers in Switzerland).

The highly controversial plan of the alpine fortress known as the Réduit was conceived and put into action with the aim to concentrate and hide the entire Swiss Army in the alpine areas to deny any enemy invading all of Switzerland. From 27 July until 14 August 2009 you can see this TV program on the internet (www.sf.tv/sendungen/alpenfestung/) and follow families where the father will live as a WWII soldier in a artillery bunker fortress in the alps while his wife and kids work in the lowlands on a farm on the “Plan Zwahlen”. This plan was also known as the agricultural battle, as Switzerland was cut off from all foreign supplies it had to increase its food production by over 250% to ensure the survival of its population. Already you can watch episodes showing some of the preparations that go into getting such a living science project underway and introduces you to some of the historical advisors and scientific staff supporting this tv production.

PS: I have DVDs of “Leben wie zu Gotthelf’s Zeiten”, “Das Internat” and “Die Pfahlbauer von Pfyn” at home, please get in contact if you would like to borrow them for a week.

Damian Schaller Disclaimer: I’m not associated in any way with the internet sites featured in my column.

I’m not endorsing any content on these homepages.

Honour for Patricia Calabresi The Swiss Club is delighted to learn that longtime member Pat Calabresi has received a ‘Menzies Community Australia Day Award’ for her services to lawn bowls.

Pat was presented with the award by The Hon. Kevin Andrews MP during the City of Manningham’s Australia Day celebrations. Pat has been a member of the Doncaster Lawn Bowls Club for the past 22 years. In addition to her many successes as a lawn bowler and administrator, Pat is also an accredited umpire and coach.

The Menzies Award is to recognise the contribution people make to their local community and to celebrate our Australian identity.

The Swiss Club congratulates Pat on this wonderful achievement. Well done!

13

National Day 09 Celebrate Swiss National Day with your family at the Swiss Club Saturday 1st August 6.00pm at Federation Square near the big screen, Melway 2F

FESTA NAZIONALE SVIZZERA

Lampionumzug Our lantern procession will start at Federation Square. Our route will take us along the Yarra River and end at the Swiss Club in Flinders Lane. Back at the club, refreshments will be served for children and a dinner is organised for the parents.

FIASTA NAZIUNALA SVIZRA

Dinner A traditional and hearty Swiss dinner will be served at the Swiss Club 2nd floor.

Members: Children free Adults $16.00 Non-members: Children $ 6.00 Adults $ 20.00

BUNDESFEIERTAG

Reservations RSVP with Payment by 24 July.

For further information & RSVP go to www.swiss.org.au/event.php?ID=1151 or contact Damian Schaller on 0410 461 364 or damianschaller@swiss.org.au

FĂŠTE NATIONALE SUISSE

Bring your own lanterns and flags Lanterns with candles or batteries only, no flammable liquids please. Parents are responsible for their children at all times.

14

Swiss Club of Victoria

National Day Family Picnic Gembrook Sports Ground - Melway map 312 F9

Sunday, 2 August from 11.00am to 4.00pm Admission Free – Plenty of Shelter

National Day Celebration at the Club Saturday, 1 August, 7pm

Come and enjoy the traditional Swiss family picnic to celebrate this special day!

Entertainment: Get into the swing with “Kapelle Grüezi Mitenand”, from 7.30pm to 11pm

Grilled Sausages – Nussgipfel – Glühwein

3 course menu with Coffee & Tea

Children’s Games – Bonfire – Yodelling & Folkloristic Music

Cost: $35.00, drinks at bar prices

Children bring your Lampions!

Reservations: Book early with Roger on 9650 1196

Organised by the Matterhorn Society

Celebrate Switzerland’s 718th birthday!

Federal Charter Museum, Schwyz Evolution and development of the Swiss Confederation explained For decades, the Federal Charter of 1291 (Bundesbrief) was considered the birth certificate of the Swiss Confederation. Today, the history of the Rütli Oath, freedom and rebellion, of Wilhelm Tell and the expulsion of the Habsburg emperors is familiar to most of us.

However, did the formation of the Swiss Confederation really follow this well-known route? Naturally, things are never quite that simple.

If you have never been to the Federal Charter Museum (Bundesbriefmuseum) in Schwyz, and you are planning a journey to Switzerland, I recommend you make it an item on the itinerary, even if you are not ‘the museum goer type’.

A visit to the Federal Charter Museum will provide an amazing insight into the evolution and development of the Swiss Confederation, the history of our homeland. www.bundesbrief.ch w w w.s w i s s .o r g.au/s w i s sc lu bv i c

National Day Senior Members’ Luncheon Monday, 10 August, 12 noon For Swiss Club Members born 1939 and earlier The Committee of the Swiss Club of Victoria has much pleasure in inviting you to celebrate Swiss National Day 2009 with a Luncheon at the Swiss Club.

Please fill in the form below and mail to: Rita Schwärzler-Abbt, 18 Hertford Cres., Wheelers Hill Vic 3150 no later than 3 August.

For Information, please ring: Rita Schwärzler-Abbt: 9561 7811 or Sylvia Hochuli: 9531 6575 Cost: Complimentary for Members, non Members $32.00 Payment to be enclosed with application.

Yes, I would like to attend the Swiss Club National Day Senior Members’ Luncheon 2009 SCV Membership Card number(s):

Name(s):

Address:

Telephone: Email: Payment: _________ x $32.00 = $____________ Complimentary for Swiss Club Members

15

We have been supplying the Australian and international trade with our locally manufactured jewellery for over 30 years. Our opals are cut and polished and our jewellery is designed and crafted in our own Melbourne workshop.

For the first time you can now view our exquisite collection in our own showroom at 55 ELIZABETH STREET, MELBOURNE. Buy direct from your Swiss Goldsmith – buy Australian Made From inexpensive gifts to exclusive handmade pieces to your own custom made design.

For expert advice and great service ask for Paul Kramer or Hansruedi Gassmann Phone us on (03) 8611 2222 or visit us online on www.artofopal.com Our showroom is open Mon-Fri 9am-5.30pm and Sat-Sun 10am-4pm Special discounts to members, families and friends Also in our showroom:

Extensive collection of Aboriginal Fine Art, Paintings, Artifacts, unique Craft-Giftware www.malleeart.com

16

Swiss Club of Victoria

After strong acclaim in Germany, this high quality adventure audio book for children is now available in Australia:

“Lancelot – The one-armed Kangaroo”

by Adrian Plitzco (known from the SBS Radio German language program). Narrated and read by Australian actors Anne Phelan, David Tredinnick, Matthew Whittet and Alex Menglet ISBN: 9978-0-646-50399-8 2 CDs. Total playing time: 2 hours 22 minutes. The CDs come in a beautifully designed 6-panel-pack with lots of pictures, lots of music and text excerpts RRP: $24.95 Inspired by true events the author tells a funny, exciting but also heart-warming tale about loneliness, courage - and most of all - true friendship.

Lancelot is a joey.

His mother died in an accident, he has no idea who he is and where he comes from. He grows up on a farm with a farmer and his wife. One day Lancelot comes across a kangaroo mob - a truly big moment - because now he realises that he is not a human but a kangaroo! He desperately wants to join the mob, escapes from home and injures his arm so badly that it has to be amputated.

Left alone in the bush he has to overcome dangerous situations. He is lucky that a girl kangaroo from the mob is curious to find out who Lancelot is and wants to help him.

I have some great news for you all! On my recent visit to Switzerland I stumbled across a publisher that sells a range of what they call ‘souvenir’ cookbooks, focusing on specific regions/cantons of Switzerland and written in three languages (including English). These books are absolute gems and I will tell you more about them in the book review in the next edition of the Edelweiss. For now, I just let you have a little taste of my canton:

Altstätter Carrot Stew This is a hardy, traditional delicacy from Altstätten in the Rhine Valley of the Canton St.Gallen. It’s a perfect winter dish.

Peel the carrots and grate them coarsely.

Lightly braise the chopped onions in oil. Add bacon and braise.

Mix in carrots and juniper berries, pour over white wine and a little vegetable stock. Place beef breast on top, cover and braise until carrots are soft.

Slice beef breast and serve with carrots on preheated plates.

Serve with steamed potatoes and fresh whipped horseradish cream.

Serves 4 2 tbsp rapeseed oil 100g chopped onions 200g sliced bacon 1kg carrots 4 juniper berries 100ml white wine vegetable stock salt & pepper 400g smoked beef breast En Guete!

From the book ’St.Gallen Cooking‘ by Kurt Hanselmann, FONA Publishing

If you like to share your favourite Swiss recipe, don’t hesitate to contact me, I would love to hear from you! Editor

An Australian icon, the kangaroo, conquers children’s hearts - through their ears!

Available in bookshops or directly from the author: See: www.plitzco.com For more information or a review copy please contact: Adrian Plitzco on email: adrian@plitzco.com, tel: 03 54291 607, mobile: 0417 013 138. w w w.s w i s s .o r g.au/s w i s sc lu bv i c

Test your Swiss Knowledge - Answers Across: 3. Schwyzergruess; 4. Logitech; 5. Chevrolet; 7. Globi; 8. Pestalozzi.

Down: 1. UrsulaAndress; 2. Zurich; 3. StGallen; 6. Lion

17

A double century This year marks the 100th anniversary of the foundation of Pro Patria, one of the best known and most important benevolent organisations in Switzerland. It was mainly due to the foresight and driving force of an industrialist from St.Gallen by the name of Albert Schuster, that Pro Patria saw the light of day on 1 August 1909, Swiss National Day. Ever since then, Pro Patria organised collections on Swiss National Day in support of the poor and underprivileged in Switzerland. This was especially important during the war years. In 1923 the organisation started to sell the famous 1st of August badge as a fundraiser, it continues still to this day.

Since 1938 the well known Pro Patria stamps are issued in collaboration with Swiss Post as a further effort to raise funds.

Today Pro Patria has shifted its emphasis to the support of the cultural inheritance of Switzerland. The organisation receives no government support, relying entirely on thousands of volunteers, fundraising and public donations.

To celebrate this important milestone, ‘Swissmint’ has released a limited edition commemorative gold coin. It can be purchased from Swiss banks and ‘Swissmint’ (www.swissmint.ch) for the price of CHF 490 and will be available from 4 June.

Hans Erni and the president of Pro Patria Felix Rosenberg (right) The coin was designed by Hans Erni, arguably Switzerland’s most admired contemporary artist, who also turned centenarian on 21 February. The design of the coin features a young couple “looking confidently into the next morning’, as he describes it.

Known for his exploration of social realism, the 100 year old Erni has achieved renown for his paintings and drawings, as well as for his designs for opera settings, ceramics, tapestry, stamps, book illustrations, medals, murals and posters. A native of Luzern, Erni trained as a draughtsman before studying fine art in Paris and Berlin.

He describes himself as a ‘critical idealist, possessed by a missionary fervour to believe in the good of mankind’ A painter with a mission, his guiding principals being human dignity and world peace. See also: www.hans-erni.ch

18

Celebration at the crime scene When a bored author decided to kill off his detective hero, he chose the Reichenbach Falls near Meiringen as the perfect crime scene.

Hotel and tourist officials in the Bernese Oberland have been busy this month, especially on 22 May, as Sherlock Holmes fans worldwide pay homage to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle on what would be his 150th birthday.

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, author and creator of Sherlock Holmes

Visitors from the world’s 200-plus Sherlock Holmes societies have been planning pilgrimages to the crime scene. For it is here, at the top of the thundering Reichenbach Falls, that the fictional detective locked arms with his archenemy Professor James Moriarty, in a fatal hand-to-hand duel.

The Scottish physician began writing stories in 1882 after his medical practice failed. He eventually found success when he created Sherlock Holmes and his sidekick Dr John Watson in 1887. Making masterful use of his medical knowledge, Conan Doyle wrote about two Holmes cases a year thereafter and soon earned acclaim and fame from readers everywhere.

But success eventually Statue of Sherlock Holmes in Meiringen, in turned into front of the ‘English Chapel’ which today boredom houses the Sherlock Holmes Museum and he felt driven to produce more serious work. Yet the author could contrive no exit strategy for the character that won him fame – at least not until 1893 when he toured Switzerland with his wife. There, they visited the Bernese Oberland and while staying in Meiringen at the Park-Hotel du Sauvage visited the Reichenbach Falls. He had found the most perfect crime scene.

Swiss Club of Victoria

Roger Moullet – Mr Swiss Club Editor: Roger, perhaps we should call you ‘Mr Swiss Club’ because you are the man that represents the club every day to members and guests alike, indulging everyone with delicious Swiss fare. For most of us, all we know about you is that you are running the Swiss Club Restaurant, expertly and with a lot of charm and soul, and that you are hailing from Basel, which of course is unmistakable when you speak Swiss. I wonder though if you could tell us a bit more about yourself.

Roger: Being independent, meeting the Swiss Club members for a Yass and working together with the committee.

Editor: What are your future plans? Is there anything else you would like to do other than running the Swiss Club Restaurant?

Roger: No, the Swiss Club is my last adventure. But I am not thinking of retiring just yet, I’m still enjoying it too much and like to go on for another few years.

Editor: We often hear about celebrity chefs. Have you ever been one yourself?

Roger: Not unless you call being on Coxy’s Big Break a celebrity status! I have cooked for Martina Hingis on one occasion and also for Prime Ministers Bob Hawke and Malcolm Fraser. I was offered to cook at the Lodge in Canberra for Malcolm Fraser but I denied, because I did not feel like it, the money was lousy.

Editor: If you had the chance to cook for a celebrity again, who would it be and why?

Do you remember when and why you decided to become a chef?

Roger: I would like to cook for Roger Federer one day, if the occasion would arise because he is a great sportsman. And I would like to cook a nice home cooked meal for Ursula Andress because…

Roger: Yes I do, when I was 10 years old, helping my mum in the kitchen. I knew then that I wanted to become a cook. After finishing school, I started an apprenticeship at the Restaurant Fährimaa, Clara Platz, in Basel.

Editor: How did your career develop in Switzerland after you finished your apprenticeship?

Roger: After finishing my apprenticeship I left Basel and found a position as Commis Chef at the Grand Hotel Belvedere in Davos. During the off-season I did a short stint at the Bahnhof Buffet Aarau. After that, I returned to Basel and worked for 2 years in the Hotel Drachen.

Editor: When and why did you migrate to Australia?

Roger: It was in 1970 when the opportunity presented itself to fly to Australia for a mere $50! Only catch was that I had to commit myself to working in Australia for at least 2 years. I found employment with Hermann Schneider at the Two Faces Restaurant in Toorak.

Editor: The culinary standards in Switzerland would have been a lot different from what you experienced when you came to Australia. How did you cope and adapt to it?

Roger: Easy. Listen, look and learn from your customers. That’s what you have to do. When I opened my first Restaurant, the Basilea, I soon learned that too much Swiss food would simply not work. So I listened and experimented and created a cuisine that suited my Swiss and Australian customers.

Editor: How did your career progress once you had settled in Australia?

Roger: I sold the Basilea Restaurant in Camberwell South after 9 years and soon opened a new one, the Schouflörs in Blackburn South. After that, my involvement with the Swiss Club started by opening the Swiss Rösti Bar on the ground floor and eventually taking over the Swiss Club Restaurant up here.

Editor: What do you like best about running the Swiss Club Restaurant? w w w.s w i s s .o r g.au/s w i s sc lu bv i c

Editor: …ok, no need to explain, just let me know when you do get to cook for Ursula Andress. I’ll come along to take a few snapshots for the ‘Edelweiss’!

Of course there is more to life than work, even for a chef. So, when you are not working, what is you love doing?

Roger: Looking after myself, do a bit of running, eating out and catching up with friends and family.

Editor: Thank you Roger for this interview and for everything that you have done and still do for the Swiss Club!

Joke of the day!

Five Swiss travelling in an Audi Quattro are stopped at the Italian border. The Italian border control officer says: ‘This is illegal, five passengers in an Audi Quattro!’ Says the Swiss driver: ‘What is illegal about that?’ ‘Quattro means four’ says the officer. ‘But that’s only the name of the car’! insists the Swiss. ‘Here, have a look at the papers, it says: licensed to carry five passengers!’ The officer: ‘You can tell me what you like, quattro means four. You are carrying five passengers and therefore you have broken the law!’ ‘You idiot’ screams the Swiss ‘get me your supervising officer, I want to talk to someone that has a little more brain than you have!’ ‘Sorry’ says the officer ‘he can’t come, he is busy with those two people over there in that Fiat Uno!’

19

Spring has sprung in CH On 20 April the City of Zürich has celebrated one of its most traditional festivals: The Sechseläuten.

This festival, held on the third Sunday and Monday in April, marks the official start of Spring. The celebrations include colourful processions and culminate in the burning of an effigy known as the Böögg.

The festival goes back to 1818, when one of the city’s traditional guilds held a night time parade complete with musicians and horseback-riders. The idea caught on, other guilds followed suit and in 1839 the first coordinated Sechseläuten parade of all the guilds took place.

The name Sechseläuten, meaning “chiming six o’clock,” goes back much further in history than the parades: it derives from the fact that in winter the working day was limited by the lack of light, but once spring had come work could be carried on until 6pm.

The festivities open on the Sunday with a parade of children, mostly dressed in historical costumes. Unlike the adult parade, children from other communes, cantons or even countries are allowed to take part.

This is followed the next day by the parade of the guilds.

In mediaeval times the guilds were organisations grouping members of one craft or profession, but today very few of their members are still engaged in the work represented by their guild. However, they must all belong to old Zürich families and have a close connection with the city. Each year the guilds also invite a guest canton and a limited number of other guests of honour to join them in the parade.

The culmination of Monday’s festivities is the burning of the winter effigy, the Böögg.

The Böögg, looking like a snowman and stuffed with firecrackers, stands on a huge woodpile which is lit when the cathedral bells ring out 6 o’clock. As the pyre burns, members of the guild gallop round it on horses. The moment when the Böögg’s head explodes marks the official end of winter. And the faster this happens, the longer and hotter the summer is meant to be.

20

Immigration Bridge Australia Similarly to Sandridge Bridge spanning across the Yarra at Southbank, there is a pedestrian bridge going to be build across Lake Burley Griffin in the nation’s capital to commemorate the contributions of migrants to this country.

In all probability you or your ancestors are among the more than 10 million migrants who have permanently settled here in Australia since 1788. So this project is about you and your families.

The handrails of this 400 metre long bridge have been designed so they can be engraved with the names of over 200,000 immigrants.

You may choose to take part in this project by paying ($110 per name) to have your or your ancestors’ names among them.

Some 34 Swiss have done this already, including some club members.

To make this truly a people’s bridge, you are invited to tell your family’s stories of migration so they can be recorded on the surfaces of the bridge for future generations, and in the Migration Book for display on the Bridge and published online.

IBA (Immigration Bridge Australia Committee) has invited Architects Bligh Voller Nield, engineers ARUP Australia, composer Ross Edwards and poet Peter Skrzynecki to form with them a unique discussion forum to address the challenges of producing a design that will be world recognised.

The design team is ensuring that the Immigration Bridge will be one of the most significant constructions in Australia, a source of great national focus and pride. The bridge will be imaginative and inspiring, a national monument in conception, design, function and promotion.

This bridge will fulfil the recreational plans of the original designer of Canberra, Walter Burley Griffin in joining Acton Peninsula, home of the National Museum of Australia, with the Parliamentary Triangle.

The bridge will incorporate features that highlight Australian research and development – a continuation of the cutting edge technology that was a feature of the Snowy Scheme. The links with the Snowy Scheme, and that new chapter in Australian multi-cultural cooperation, are very strong. The Snowy set the tone for future Australian multi-racial harmony with over 30 nationalities working together on Australia’s greatest public engineering project.

Final design drawings for the bridge will be completed by the end of 2009 and construction will be undertaken from 2010 to 2012. See also: www.immigrationbridge.com.au Swiss Club of Victoria

Farewell to Consul General Mr J체rg Casserini On Tuesday, 12 May the heads of the various Swiss groups/ organisations gathered at the Swiss Club to farewell Consul General Mr J체rg Casserini. After a four year tour of duty, Mr Casserini will be leaving Australia on 7 June to take up a new posting in Manila, Philippines.

His successor, Consul General Mr Markus Meli, will be arriving in August from Amman, Jordan.

The Swiss Club of Victoria thanks Mr Casserini for everything that he has done for the Club and the Swiss community in Victoria, and wishes him and his family bon voyage and all the best for the future.

Position vacant: Teacher at the Saturday Morning Swiss School We require an enthusiastic and Swiss-German-speaking teacher to join us every second Saturday at the Swiss Club. We teach the children about the traditions, culture, language and history of Switzerland.

We would prefer a qualified teacher, but would welcome interest from people who enjoy working with children so that we can provide playful and educational activities to make the Swiss School fun and exciting for the children.

Details: Every other Saturday Morning (except school holidays) from 10:00am to 1:00pm at the Swiss Club, 2nd Floor.

Contact for any information and interest: Visit: http://www.swiss.org.au/home.php?ID=29 Andrea Pinch, Convener Phone 5331 6762, pinch@hotkey.net.au

Advance Notice:

Kaffeeklatsch We would like to extend an invitation to all our Senior Citizens (over sixty) to a wonderful afternoon of Coffee, Cakes and a Chat = Kaffeeklatsch, at the Swiss Club.

Sunday, 13 September, 2pm There is no charge for this cosy afternoon, however our Group is thankful for any donations.

Please reserve a place by ringing or leaving a message with Rita Schw채rzler-Abbt (9561 7811) or Rosmarie Oswald (9583 9048).

Log in and get the latest info on: www.swiss.org.au/swissclubvic

w w w.s w i s s .o r g.au/s w i s sc lu bv i c

RSVP no later than Monday, 31 August.

21

Swiss Events & Functions Please note that this calendar also list events other than those organised by the Swiss Club of Victoria and its subgroups. Please book all Swiss Club functions (bold entries) with Roger, phone 9650 1196 or fax 9650 3104 and check website for latest information and details of upcoming events.

For all other events please contact the relevant organisation (see page 3 for contact details).

MAY

Saturday

30

SAAN/SANM Trivia Evening

JUNE

Thursday Saturday Sunday Friday

04 13 14 19

Kapelle Grüezi Mitenand entertains Jass Night - Swiss Club Pro Ticino – get together at Cricket Willow Hepburn Springs Billiard Competition - Bernard Sandoz Trophy

JULY

Wednesday Thursday Saturday Wednesday

01 02 11 22

Ladies’ Luncheon Kapelle Grüezi Mitenand entertains Jass Night - Swiss Club Swiss Movie Night - ‘Mein Name ist Eugen’

AUGUST

Saturday Saturday Sunday Thursday Saturday Monday Monday

01 01 02 06 08 10 10

National Day Lampionumzug / Lantern Procession National Day Celebration National Day Family Picnic in Gembrook - Matterhorn Kapelle Grüezi Mitenand entertains Jass Night - Matterhorn Editorial Deadline – Newsletter September issue National Day Senior Members Luncheon

SEPTEMBER

Wednesday Thursday Saturday Sunday Sunday Wednesday

02 03 05 13 13 16

Ladies’ Luncheon Kapelle Grüezi Mitenand entertains Jass Night - Swiss Club (Finals) Fondue dans la neige - Groupe Romand Kaffeeklatsch - Trachtengruppe Schwyzergruess Half-Yearly General Meeting

OTHER REGULAR SWISS CLUB MEETINGS: Committee Meetings: Every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month Swiss Folk Dance Group Alpenrose: Practice every Tuesday evening at 8.15pm Swiss Companion Singers: Practice and social gathering every 2nd and 3rd Thursday of each month at 8pm Saturday Morning Swiss School: Every second Saturday Morning except school holidays, from 9.30am to 12.30pm Swiss German Playgroup: Meets every 1st Thursday of each month from 11am to 2pm Young Swiss Group: Dates for our get-together can be found on www.swiss.org.au or on our Yahoo group http://groups.yahoo.com/group/YoungSwissMelbourne/

22

Swiss Club of Victoria

ne Dancefest

Alpenrose at the Brisba

RO U CLU

THE

IS SW S

Unterhaltungsabend

T

ABOU D N B

1953

Multicultural Ball, members of the committee with Leader of the Opposition Ted Baillieu

2009 - Unterhaltungsabend

AGM, the new committee

1993 - 45th anniversary reunion

Lots of smiles at the Swiss Festival

1950