Swiss Club Magazine - May/June 2018

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Relax Swiss Club, the Home for All Nationalities

May | Jun

2018 HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY AND FATHER’S DAY! Celebrate at the Swiss Club

A JOYOUS EASTER Photographs and Memories

PARTING WORDS, FOND MEMORIES A Letter from Ambassador Kupfer

EVENTFUL CLUB LIFE What’s On, When and Where

MEET YOUR FELLOW MEMBERS The Fabulous Families Schweizer, Blickensdorfer, Flath and Kos


SWISS CLUB

SUMMERFEST FREE ADMISISION

F&B DUNK TANK GAMES ENTERTAINMENT LIVE

FLEA MARKET CARBOOT SALES

A R T & C R A F T BAND

OPEN HOUSE

FROM SIXTH AVENUE MRT Swiss Club Membership Card can be used for F&B

36 SWISS CLUB ROAD, SINGAPORE 288139 WWW.SWISSCLUB.ORG.SG | EVENTS@SWISSCLUB.ORG.SG


Inside this Issue 3 4 4 5 6 6 7

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SWISS CLUB

A Note from the Editor Club Management, Staff and Reservations Committee A Word from the Committee Welcomes and Farewells Opening Hours A Message from the General Manager

Eventful May and June

Seasonal Specials

DINING

8 On the Menu May and June 9 Seasonal Specials 10 On the Wine List

EVENTS

12 Happiest Easter Ever! 14 Eventful May and June

SPORTS 16 16 17 18 19 20 23 23

Spo(r)t On! Get Active Meet a Staffer: Hello, Haresh! Nice Weather for Tennis A Friendly Inter-club Doubles Tournament Yippeeee... Easter Fun! Couple Time with Padel Family Time with Swimming

24 25 26 28 30 32 33

A Fond Farewell to Our Ambassador A Thematic Lesson on Cows Meet a Member: A Tale of Two Bankers Meet a Member: A High-flying Mum and Her Hard-hitting Sons First Impressions: The Mainly German, Very Worldly, Wholly Wonderful Family Flath Last Word Fitness, Friends, Fun!

INTEREST

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A Thematic Lesson on Cows

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20

Yippeeee... Easter Fun!

A Fond Farewell to Our Ambassador

A Note from the Editor Dear Members and Readers, As we approach the midway point of the year, it’s a good time to look back in awe/wonder/horror (though hopefully not) and ask yourself – so what have I done? If you’re anything like me, you’ve never quite ticked all the boxes on your personal to-do list. Then again, you’re probably no slouch, and are not abjectly disappointed by your achievements. Perhaps it’s just human nature – we seem to never allow ourselves to be completely happy and fully satisfied. Well, here’s some good news. The Swiss Club can help you achieve more in just about every area of your life. Firstly, with so many activities and beautiful settings for relaxing, it’s easy to spend quality time with your family. It’s also a great setting to wine and dine clients and partners, and offers a variety of venues for corporate events customised to your needs. And if you’ve failed to meet your fitness goals, there are no excuses. You have a gym, two swimming pools, and a jam-packed calendar of sports and fitness events to choose from. On that very topic, don’t miss the Pilates and Yoga events that your Sports Manager Haresh has lined up for you. Make sure you make the mum and dad in your family feel like a queen and a king, if only for a day (though preferably for longer), at the Club’s Mother’s Day and Father’s Day celebrations. And why not deepen your knowledge of fine wine and whisky at our masterclass and wine appreciation class in the Rifle Lounge? Here’s to a great two months, and a fulfilling rest of the year. Thanks for reading and contributing. Yours,

Suzanne Lauridsen Editor, Relax

RELAX is edited and designed by SPEcial Pte Ltd. Suzanne, Copy

E: suzy@spe-cial.com

T: (65) 9820 9520

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swissclub.org.sg MCI (P) No. 019/03/2017

/swissclubsingapore

@swissclubsingapore

@SwissClubSing


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S W I S S

C L U B

CLUB MANAGEMENT, STAFF AND RESERVATIONS CLUB

FOOD, BEVERAGE & EVENTS

Carsten Kjeldmann, General Manager E: carsten.kjeldmann@swissclub.org.sg DID: 6591 9421

Aaron Lim, F&B Operations Manager E: aaron.lim@swissclub.org.sg DID: 6591 9457

MEMBERSHIP

Adrian Vogt, Executive Chef E: adrian.vogt@swissclub.org.sg DID: 6591 9428

Serene Yee, Member Relations Manager E: serene.yee@swissclub.org.sg DID: 6591 9426 FINANCE

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

Lydia Zhai, Chief Accountant E: lydia.zhai@swissclub.org.sg DID: 6591 9450

Paulina Halim, Marketing & Communications Manager E: paulina.halim@swissclub.org.sg DID: 6591 9430

FACILITIES & MAINTENANCE

SPORTS & RECREATION

Mohamed Aslam Bin Mohamed Omar, Facilities & Maintenance Manager E: mohd.aslam@swissclub.org.sg DID: 6491 9455

Haresh Kumar, Sports & Recreation Manager E: haresh.kumar@swissclub.org.sg DID: 6591 9438

Kumar Samy, Grounds & Housekeeping Manager E: samy.kumar@swissclub.org.sg DID: 6591 9451

ADMIN & HR

THE GUESTHOUSE ROOM RESERVATIONS E: theguesthouse@swissclub.org.sg T: 6591 9420

COMMITTEE

Apple Chew, Administration & Human Resources Manager E: chinphing.chew@swissclub.org.sg DID: 6591 9422 DINING RESERVATIONS W: www.swissclub.org.sg/restaurants T: 6591 9420 F: 6591 9452

MEMBERS AND RESPONSIBILITIES Rolf Gerber President E: president@swissclub.org.sg or rolf.gerber@swissclub.org.sg

Adrian Jacklowsky Deputy President E: deputypres@swissclub.org.sg or adrian.jacklowsky@swissclub.org.sg

Markus Blattmann Treasurer E: treasurer@swissclub.org.sg or markus.blattmann@swissclub.org.sg

Michael Bell Secretary E: secretary@swissclub.org.sg or michael.bell@swissclub.org.sg

Felix Kobel Sports E: felix.kobel@swissclub.org.sg Mel Koehler Sports E: mel.koehler@swissclub.org.sg Caroline Steger F&B, Guesthouse E: caroline.steger@swissclub.org.sg Claudia Keller F&B, Guesthouse E: claudia.keller@swissclub.org.sg Robbie Hills Marketing/Members Relations E: robbie.hills@swissclub.org.sg Pooja Agarwal Marketing/Members Relations E: pooja.agarwal@swissclub.org.sg William Forwood Property & Masterplan E: william.forwood@swissclub.org.sg


S W I S S

C L U B

A Word from the

Committee Dear Fellow Swiss Club Members,

I am very happy to inform you that the Club has taken some positive steps towards reducing the amount of plastic used.

As a newly appointed Committee Member, I feel very privileged to share with you some of the new happenings at the Swiss Club. Together with Claudia Keller, I am responsible for Food & Beverages (F&B) in the Committee. I didn’t get there by chance – indeed it is very close to my heart as I am a foodie and enjoy a nice glass of wine! In order to work closely with the management of the Club, we have created an F&B Subcommittee to which we recently welcomed some additional Swiss Club Members: Cristobel Morison, Rebecca Forwood and Annette Woschek. A big thanks to each of them for joining us in our pursuit of ever improving the Club and the experience for the Members. To be even more successful in understanding your needs, in February we launched the ‘Guests Comments Form’ initiative in order to hear from YOU. You will have hopefully already filled in the form and helped us in this manner. All comments received are reviewed so please make sure to share as openly as you wish about your experience in the Arbenz, Pergola and Jungle Bar. Feedback is key to understanding our community better.

containers are paper, too. Remember that each little action has an impact so please help the planet – do not ask for a straw if you don’t really need one, say no to plastic covers for your take-away coffee and so on. THANK YOU in advance for your help. Finally, the Club has been organising some really fun events and I hope that you have already marked your agenda for the following: Kids’ movie night – following the success of the first few movie nights, the Club will be proposing movie nights twice a month – watch out for the next one! Summerfest on 9 June – this will be a great family day where everyone will find some fun activity. Swiss National Day on 4 August – register early to benefit from the early bird promotion! As always, being a Members’ Club we would like you to feel that you are very much a part of it and enjoy it to its fullest, so please do not hesitate to share your ideas and experiences. Thank you,

One of the changes implemented in March, following Members’ comments, was the addition of some healthier food and drink options to the Pergola menu. Look out for the excellent Maple Dijon Tofu Burger – I personally love the Gourmet Burger, but this one with its sweet potato fries will definitely compete with it! In addition, the Avocado Tofu Power Bowl and a sustainable Barramundi fillet served with sautéed kale are but a few of the recent additions to the ‘Healthy’ Section. There is also a whole new list of fresh juices to pick from, and the option of requesting gluten-free pasta. In the Arbenz, get tempted by the Chef’s Degustation Menu (5 or 7 courses)! Another topic close to my family’s heart is sustainability and the use of plastic. I am therefore very happy to inform you that the Club has taken some positive steps towards reducing the amount of plastic used. The plastic cups have been replaced by paper cups and the take-away

C. Steger Caroline Steger

caroline.steger@swissclub.org.sg F&B, Guesthouse

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S W I S S

C L U B

The Swiss Club welcomes: Name Manuela Braegger-Wuest & Heinz Braegger Michael & Yana Haag Thomas & Michelle Jost Stefan & Vanessa Koller Thomas Ludescher & Riccarda Zuellig-Ludescher Marc Philippe & Thayna Schlatter Patrick & Cristina Schueffel Tzvetelina & Michael Westphalen Olivier Pascal Mivelaz & Katharina Maria Kaluza Christian Osvald & Osvald-Luong XuanHuong Chung Byung Hoon & Cha Hana Munish Dhall & Abhilasha Mahan Philip & Tania Joslin Bjoern Sandberg & Yuan Tian Tyler Sherwood & Khoo Pek Ne Angela James Donoghue & Pamela Quah-Donoghue Thomas David Wynn-Jones & Simone Sabine Pfeiffer Ronan & Laurence Lory

Type of Membership Ordinary Ordinary Ordinary Ordinary Ordinary Ordinary Ordinary Ordinary Ordinary / Associate Ordinary / Associate Associate Associate Associate Associate Associate Associate Transferable Associate Transferable Term

The Swiss Club farewells: Name Thomas Betzler & Linda Zachmann-Betzler Eric & Elisabeth De Lassus Neil Robin Mathison & Anne Maureen Galvin-Mathison Ingmar & Tanja Burgardt Thomas & Kristy Cornell Robert & Anne Marie George Jan & Verena Wittenberg Jean-Pierre Saf & Claire Langree-Saf Andre Sion

Type of Membership Associate Associate Associate Associate Transferable Associate Transferable Associate Transferable Non-Swiss Nominee Term Term

OPENING HOURS CLUB PREMISES

THE GUESTHOUSE/RECEPTION

Daily: 07:00 – Midnight

T: 6591 9420 Daily: 10:00 – 20:00

DINING OUTLETS ARBENZ T: 6591 9424 Closed on Mon and Tue Lunch: Wed – Sun, 12:00 – 15:00 (Last orders: 14:30) Dinner: Wed – Sun, 18:30 – 23:00 (Last orders: 22:00)

For restaurant reservations, please call 6591 9420 between 10:00 – 20:00. After office hours, please call 6591 9431. Online restaurant reservations www.swissclub.org.sg/ restaurants

PERGOLA T: 6591 9431 Mon – Sun: 08:00 – 23:00 (breakfast buffet from 08:00, à la carte breakfast from 09:00) (Last food order: 21:45; Last beverage order: 22:30)

Dress Code: Smart attire (E.g.: polo shirt, short or long-sleeved shirt, long trousers, closed shoes) Lunch Sat and All Day Sun: Casual attire (no singlets, slippers, sports attire or swimsuits)

TANDOORI CORNER T: 6591 9431 Mon – Tue: Closed Lunch: Wed – Sun, 11:30 – 15:00 (Last order: 14:30) Dinner: Wed – Sun, 18:00 – 21:45 (Last order: 21:30) JUNGLE BAR Fri – Sun: 10:00 – 22:00 Mon – Thu: Closed (open for banquet and sport events only) (Last food order: 21:45; Last beverage order: 22:00)

SPORTS FACILITIES Daily Tennis/Padel Court Football Field Leisure Pool Gym Multicourt

07:00 – 23:00 07:00 – 22:30* 07:00 – 22:00 07:00 – 22:30 07:00 – 23:00*

Mon – Fri Lap Pool Sports Hall

06:00 – 22:00 18:00 – 22:00

*Can be booked for exclusive usage

Weekends, Public and GESS School Holidays Lap Pool 07:00 – 22:00 Sports Hall 07:00 – 22:00** Outlet opening hours are subject to changes. **Fees apply for usage of Sports Hall. Prior booking is required.


S W I S S

C L U B

A Message from the

General Manager

Dear Members,

The Committee and Management are united in exploring innovative ways to make the Club and its value proposition better.

It is hard to believe that this issue of ‘Relax’ concludes the first half of 2018. With this in mind, the Committee and staff would like to thank existing Members for their continuous patronage and support of the many initiatives and promotions hosted over the past months. We also bid a warm welcome to our newly joined Members and those joining us over the coming months. A recent report by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) revealed that the number of foreigners working in Singapore fell by 32,000 last year – the biggest drop in 15 years. This shift is felt at our neighbouring schools as well as at the Club itself. We have experienced a decline of approximately 100 Members year-on-year, which financially affects us, too. We could sit back and accept the consequences. Instead, the Committee and Management are united in exploring innovative ways to make the Club and its value proposition better. We are delighted that the Singapore Cricket Club and One⁰15 Marina affiliations are bringing added value. As of April, we have welcomed close to 200 of their Members, and hope that you have found the time to visit these excellent Clubs, too. In view of this, we have reassigned two of our experienced Department Managers. Paulina Halim, who has been overseeing Marketing, Banquets and Events, will now focus on Marketing & Communications, with a focus on boosting the Club’s exposure, new membership promotions and programmes. Aaron Lim, whom I’m certain you have met, will extend his portfolio from Food & Beverage Operations Manager to include banquets, member and external events. You may find both their contacts under the Club Management page. Please join me in wishing them the best of luck in their new roles. With summer around the corner, our two-month Summer Membership will take effect from 15 June, priced at just $650. If you have friends or know of newcomers to Singapore staying for the summer, point them in our direction and we will ensure that they get pampered from head to toe. Should your referral result in a full Membership, do touch base with Ms Serene or her Member Relations team, as successful referrals will be rewarded

with F&B credits. Speaking of summer, you may have noticed the new sun-loungers and parasols at the pool. Thank you for your helpful feedback, which helps improve the Club for the enjoyment of all. There is no better place to experience the FIFA World Cup extravaganza than at the Swiss Club. Lots of fun soccerrelated activities and prizes are up for grabs, so come and cheer on your favourite team and bring your friends along. If soccer is your sport, come support the 9th Annual Summer Cup on 9 June at our newly refurbished sports field. We’ll also be celebrating Summerfest, with games, car boot sales, a flea market and wonderful market food. The opportunity to dunk the General Manager is an occasion not to be missed. Look out for more information inside this magazine. This is no doubt my favourite season in Europe, when summer fruits and vegetables such as spinach, apples, new potatoes, strawberries and rhubarb are at their peak. Not to forget the ‘king’ of them all – the spargel or white asparagus, which apart from its exceptional taste also provides a bundle of nutritional values and has just 18 calories per 100 grams. (That’s without the Hollandaise sauce.) Both Arbenz and Pergola showcases the delicacy for one month only. On a final note – thank you, Julia and Mia, for owning up and learning from your mistakes. These young ladies realised that locking all the lockers in the Pavilion’s female changing room was an irresponsible thing to do. Lesson learnt we trust. Your sincere apologies are hereby accepted. Have a great summer and enjoy the next two months ahead. See you at the Club! Warmest regards,

Carsten Kjeldmann General Manager carsten.kjeldmann@swissclub.org.sg “Swiss Club, the Home for All Nationalities”

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ON THE MENU May and June

At the Swiss Club, we truly take your tastebuds on a trip around the world. From exquisite white asparagus from Germany to lip-smackingly spicy Indian curries, our ever-changing seasonal promotions are a culinary adventure waiting to happen.

M O N DA Y

Cheers for Beers! Enjoy 50% off all draft beers, all day

T U E S DA Y

Kids ‘r’ Kings ’n’ Queens Kids eat for free with every adult main course ordered, all day

W E D N E S DA Y Raclette Nights

$16.50 per portion

T H U R S DA Y

Seasonal Fresh Fish from New Zealand A variety of exquisite dishes showcasing premium seafood from the pristine waters of New Zealand

F R I DA Y

Beer, Wine, Sake or Whisky Tasting Complimentary Pre-dinner Selected Beverage Tasting

Terms and conditions apply.


SEASONA L SPECIA LS MAY

1 to 31 May 2018 White Asparagus Festival White Asparagus Cream Soup, Grilled Hokkaido Scallop $16 White Asparagus, Soft Boiled Egg, Saffron Espuma, Roasted Young Potatoes, Hazelnut Chunks $26 White Asparagus, Seared Foie Gras, Horseradish & White Chocolate Shavings, Boiled Young Potatoes $34 200g/400g White Asparagus, Boiled Young Potatoes, Hollandaise Sauce $23/37 80g Cooked Ham $7 80g Smoked Salmon $8 60g Black Forest Ham $8 White Asparagus Cream Soup $10 Garlic Tiger Prawn, White Asparagus Potato Ragout $24 Herb Crusted Beef Tenderloin (160g), White Asparagus, Roasted Young Potatoes $27 200g/400g White Asparagus, Boiled Young Potatoes, Hollandaise Sauce $23/37 80g Cooked Ham $7 80g Smoked Salmon $8 60g Black Forest Ham $8 JUNE

1 to 15 June 2018 An Indian Culinary Pilgrimage Sahi Prawn Curry Mutton Dalcha Masala Mushroom Palak All served with Basmati OR Naan Bread

$17.50 $16.00 $14.50

16 to 30 June 2018 Wonderful Waffles! Pesto Waffle with Smoked Salmon and Horseradish Sour Cream Waffle with Roasted Chicken, Avocado Spread, Tomato Cilantro Salsa Waffle with Banana & Nutella Waffle with Berry Sauce and Vanilla Ice Cream

$12.50 $11.90 $9.50 $10.50


ON THE W INE LIST May

Hear No Evil Organic Sauvignon Blanc 2017 Country of Origin: Australia

See No Evil Organic Shiraz 2017 Country of Origin: Australia

$65 per bottle $14 per 150ml glass

$65 per bottle $14 per 150ml glass

The nose is fresh and delicate with restrained floral and gooseberry aromas given complexity by river-stone and white apple notes. The palate displays lime, citrus and passionfruit flavours carried by a fine mineral acid backbone.

The palate is opulent and inviting, flooded with dark plum and blackcurrant fruit flavours and framed by exotic smoked spices and fine-grained savoury tannins. The finish is long and impressively detailed for such a rich and mouth-filling wine.

E, HOM T A K E S AV O U R ! AND S AV E

Hear No Evil Organic Sauvignon Blanc 2017

See No Evil Organic Shiraz 2017

Mixed Case

Take home

Take home

3 bottles of white & 3 bottles of red @ $276

6 bottles @ $270 $45 per bottle

6 bottles @ $282 $47 per bottle

Take home

Terms and conditions apply.

June Clarendelle Blanc Country of Origin: France

Clarendelle Rouge Country of Origin: France

$65 per bottle $14 per 150ml glass

$65 per bottle $14 per 150ml glass

Pale crystal-clear colour. The nose features attractive floral aromas (rose petal), as well as fruity nuances ranging from tropical fruit such as pineapple to white peach. The rich, spicy SĂŠmillon and Muscadelle grapes have contributed to making the blend both mineral and full-bodied. This wellbalanced wine has a fresh menthol aftertaste.

A deep colour and a soft bouquet of liquorice and blackcurrant. The wine has violet and slightly toasty nuances on the palate. The texture is velvety and the flavour altogether powerful and elegant. There is a wonderful refined balance between high-quality tannin, concentration, tension, and freshness.

E, HOM T A K E S AV O U R ! AND S AV E

Clarendelle Blanc

Clarendelle Rouge

Mixed Case

Take home

Take home

Take home

6 bottles @ $270 $45 per bottle

6 bottles @ $282 $47 per bottle

3 bottles of white & 3 bottles of red @ $276 Terms and conditions apply.


Celebrating the most amazing woman in the universe

Mother’s Day Brunch Member $75 | Guest $85

Arbenz Restaurant | Sunday, 13 May 2018 | 11:00 - 15:00

Children (5-12) $55

Free Flow Champagne, Housepour Wine and Beer $40 per person RSVP by 9 May 2018 Further information call 65919420 email recept@swissclub.org.sg

A Hot Grill and a Cold Beer for a Cool Dad FREE

Father’s Day BBQ at the Swiss Club Sunday 17 June Jungle Bar, 11am to 3pm

Bottle of Beer for Dad!

Members : $45 per person Children( 5–12 YO ) : $25 per person Guests : $55 per person RSVP by 10 June 2018. For more information, call 6591 9420 or email events@swissclub.org.sg


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E V E N T S

Happiest Easter Ever! With an engaging array of activities for children, a mouth-watering spread of food and close to 100 guests, this year’s Easter brunch was a joyous family occasion and possibly the happiest Easter ever celebrated at the Swiss Club. FOUR HOURS OF FUN The Club’s traditional annual Easter brunch attracted an impressive turnout of 98 guests, of which a third were children. Here are some highlights. AN EGGS-CELLENT EFFORT! Congratulations are in order for the winners of our elaborate Easter Egg hunt, which involved answering questions concealed inside eggs and rising to a series of physical challenges that included ’hopping like a bunny’ and ’singing a song for 20 seconds’. First prize-winners were the Martinez Marroquin family team including Imma, Laia, and Diana. They won a Mother’s Day brunch for two adults and two children! The second-prize winners were the Lauber family, including son Henry, who won a Mother‘s day brunch for an adult and a child!


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E V E N T S

ARTINESS AND CRAFTINES The Easter egg painting yielded some eggs-quisite little masterpieces from the budding young artists. Children also queued patiently to be adorned with glitter tattoos, which sparkled prettily in the sunshine. EASTER FEASTER! What would Easter be without a feast? Chef Adrian and is trusty team went all out to produce a sumptuous international buffet accompanied by a carving station serving luscious rosemary-marinated leg of lamb, roasted spatchcock and imported US beef striploin. The array of decadent desserts included an adorable rabbit-shaped cake made from mango and yuzu mousse, a dark chocate raspberry cake and choc-dipped strawberries. Yes, chocolate was the recurring theme!

Now Easter’s over, let’s look forward to the next special occasion – and make it all the more special by celebrating it at the Swiss Club.


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Eventfunel May and Ju

Much to Do in May Veggie Stamping Date: 12 May Time: 2pm to 4pm Venue: Pavilion

s and Kids Clay Art for Parent Saturday 5 May Date: pm Time: 10am to 12 ge un Lo e Rifl Venue:

Programme: No need to waste those mealtime lefto vers! Turn uneaten fruits and vegetables into stam ps that kids can use to create food-inspired mas terpieces. Suitable for: Children aged 4 to 15 year s Note: Minimum 5 participants/maximum 15 participants. First-come-first-ser ved basis

Instructor: d, Major apy/Clay Art traine Psychology/Art Ther tion of a member of Associa in counselling and re, Australian po ga Counsellors Sin Psychotherapists & Certified Clay tion and Deco Clay. Counselling Associa A. co Clay Japan and US Instructor from De Fee: + 1 child), $120 per pair (1 adult freshments inclusive of light re

Single Malt W hisky Maste rclass D

ate: Wednesday 16 May Time: 7p m to 10pm Venue: Rifl e Lounge Fee: $55 per Mem ber $65 per Gue st

lass Baking C s ie k o o Kids’ C 19 May aturday S : Date 2 to 4 pm Time: Pavilion Venue:

me: ! Program to bake cookies w o h Learn child .org.sg $10 per : e e wissclub s F @ ts n e : ev Register


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Women’s Mixer – Makeover, Diamond’s Insider and Tarot Reading! Date: Saturday 19 May Time: 2pm to 5pm Venue: Rifle Lounge Programme: Workshop 1: How to Read your Diamonds with Vidhu Kumar Vidhu has successfully led her diamond jewellery business across India, Dubai and Singapore. She is a Diamond Graduate from Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Her qualifications along with her 18 years of experience in the industry make her an expert on diamonds, their properties and the best way to find a good deal. Workshop 2: Makeover Tips with Gayatri Menon Gayatri Menon is a professional make-up artist and Image Consultant, trained at the reputed Australian College of Professional Styling. Her workshops have been attended by the likes of Julie Begin of Cirque Du Soleil and she is a visiting stylist for Resorts World Sentosa, Southern Spice Music and many many bridals, celebrities & fashion shows. Workshop 3: Tarot Reading by Priya Iyengar Seek out what’s in store for you in the year of the Dog with Priya Iyengar, a renowned tarot reader who is frequently featured on television. With a decade of experience in tarot reading, she can help you find answers from your past, present and future! Enjoy light bites and refreshments together with a fabulous jewellery showcase and lucky draw with special prizes from Taula Jewellery. Fee: • $15 per pax for Members • $20 per pax for guests • $25 per pax at the door Register: Please contact Paulina Halim at T: 6591 9430 or E: events@swissclub.org.sg Arbenz New Menu: Modern Contemporary Cuisine from Around Singapore

Lots to Love in June : ith PHS Hairscience Ladies’ Luncheon w gins Here! Your Hair Miracle Be Wednesday 6 June Date: m Time: 10am to 1p ge un Lo e Rifl e: Venu Programme: by PHS with a presentation 3-courses set lunch ecialist sp alp sc ding hair and Hairscience, the lea Highlights include: cks by hair experts • Insider tips and tri atment/ alp analysis and tre • Complimentary sc dation product recommen care ard-winning home aw • Exclusive deals on products or gift worth $328 $35 inclusive of a do Fee:

French Win e Apprecia tion Class

Date: Wed Time: 7 nesday 6 June pm to 10pm Venue: R ifle Lounge Fee: $40 per M ember $50 per Gu est

Date: From 23 May Venue: Arbenz

World Cup P romotion

Date: 15 June – 15 July Venues: Per gola and Jung le

Bar


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SPO RT O N!

The Joys of Pilates and Yoga In May and June, the Swiss Club joins Pilates and Yoga communities around the world to celebrate International Pilates Day and International Day of Yoga. Come and experience the bountiful benefits of Pilates and Yoga – in mind, body and spirit. International Pilates Day “Physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness.” Joseph H. Pilates Pilates Day is an annual international community event celebrated on the first Saturday of May every year. The Pilates Day mission is to foster the public’s appreciation and awareness of the Pilates Method through a network of varied, innovative, and high quality grassroots Pilates events accessible and affordable for all. Date: Time: Venue: Fee:

5 May 2018 9am – 11am Indoor Sports Hall $30 per Member/$35 per non-member, inclusive of a gift pack worth $60 and no-bake energy balls

Programme: • Introduction to Pilates method and breathing principles • Pilates Mat class • Pilates Equipment demonstration using 3-piece studio equipment (flex-band, fitness circle and toning balls) To register: Please contact Island Wellness at E: info@islandwellness.sg or T: 9068 2619

“Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self.” The Bhagavad Gita Recognising Yoga’s universal appeal, on 11 December 2014, the United Nations proclaimed 21 June as the International Day of Yoga by resolution 69/131. The International Day of Yoga aims to raise awareness worldwide of the many benefits of practising yoga. Date: 23 June 2018 Time: 8am – 10am Venue: Lawn near Chessboard (Alternative venue in the event of wet weather: Pavilion) Fee: Complimentary, open to all levels of yogis ranging from beginners to advanced Programme: • Perform Yoga asanas adhering to the manual of International Day of Yoga • Get your hands decorated with henna tattoo • Take charge of your health with the principles of Ayurveda To register: Please contact Haresh Kumar at E: haresh.kumar@swissclub.org.sg or T: 6591 9438 Receive International Day of Yoga memorabilia when you register for International Day of Yoga before 9 June 2018!

Article courtesy of Haresh Kumar, Swiss Club Sports & Recreation Manager

Over the weekend 6 to 9 April, the Active Fitness team attended the actiFit Seminar in the Sands Expo and Convention Centre. THE BETTER WE ARE, THE BETTER YOU CAN BE The weekend of pro-active learning was in line with our philosophy to continually improve and grow as fitness professionals. This puts us in a better position to help the clients who train with us. The engaging and informative convention covered seminars and workshops ranging from muscle realising and rehabilitation

to group exercise planning, dance and nutritional guidance. As always, Active Fitness consciously stays abreast of the newest findings and trends that are emerging around the world and in Singapore. If you’re looking for your next fitness fix or seeking an improvement in the quality of your life, and hoping to have fun while doing it, come train with the ‘funnest’ fitness people out there!

Article courtesy of Timothy Felix, Active Fitness Director

INTERESTED IN CLASSES OR 1-ON-1 TRAINING? Please contact Timothy Felix, Active Fitness Director at: M: 9191 7475 E: getactive@activefitness.com.sg


M E E T

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Hello, Haresh! You’ve probably seen him around the Club with a smile on his face and an inquisitive gleam in his eye. His name is Haresh Kumar, your Sports and Recreation Manager. SINCE SEPTEMBER… Haresh joined the Swiss Club on 11 September 2017, and already he’s left an indelible mark on the Club. He has overseen the successful upgrading of the Sports Field and playgrounds, and continues to introduce an exciting and often exotic array of activities to Members. Born and bred in Singapore, 32-year-old Haresh has an amazingly varied employment history with one common denominator – he’s worked for a succession of Government ministries and statutory boards. Former employers include People’s Association, SPRING Singapore (now known as Enterprise Singapore) and the Singapore Turf Club. LOVES AND WISHES, SCHEMES AND DREAMS Haresh is due to marry his sweetheart, Uma, in the middle of the year. Besides Uma, Haresh’s great passion in life is learning. “What excites me most is when I am able to deepen my knowledge and steepen my learning curve,” said Haresh. By his own admission, when he joined the Swiss Club he knew next to nothing about the Swiss community. Since then, he has researched its culture and customs and soaked up information like a sponge. Haresh loves the stunning natural landscape of the Club, almost as much as he loves a challenge. To date, his proudest moment has been the unveiling of the bright and beautiful painted tree stumps in the playground. In his opinion, this humble art installation is a step closer towards transforming the Swiss Club into a unique Club environment, unrivalled in Singapore. “I believe that every one of us can make a world of difference in a small way,” shared Haresh. Haresh laments the way that children are losing their onceinstinctive ability to physically play. He urges parents to ‘disconnect’ with their smartphones, tablets and gadgets, and encourage their children to do the same. When asked for some parting advice to Members, Haresh said with feeling, “Make the most of every green space!” From the sound of it, Haresh intends to do just that. Watch the hitherto under-utilised spaces around the Club for evidence of Haresh’s green schemes and dreams…

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S P O R T S

Nice Weather for Tennis Pierre (left) and Kai Chuen (right)

Sebastian (left) and Akshay (right)

Lucas Aschwanden

The fine weather in March and April offered us abundant possibilities to play tennis. And play we did. HEALTHY COMPETITION We are proud to share that 10 teams currently represent the Swiss Club in Singapore – four Adult teams and six Junior teams. This level of participation shows a real commitment from Members, players, the management team and the coaching team. We are united in our efforts to do our best for this lovely Club.

rankings. They are now respectively ranked at number 30 and 50 in Singapore. On top of that, Akshay and Sebastian are great doubles players and their friendship and awesome team spirit attained a ranking of 19. Well done, guys!

The Swiss Club team spirit is growing, and we can see a lot of improvements. Thanks for your support and positive feedback. Knowing that you are happy on the tennis courts gives us immense job satisfaction.

LADIES, WE APPLAUD YOU! The year started with a great effort from the ladies in the newly formed tennis ladder, with 26 ladies immediately registering. The ladder gives active ladies the opportunity to play competitive singles matches rather than just doubles, as in the WITS and LTS leagues. The ladder can accommodate players of any level, and all Members are invited to join at any time.

CONGRATULATIONS TO… We would like to congratulate some outstanding players for their recent achievements in the National Singapore Tournaments (Spex). In particular, Kai Chuen reached the final in the Under 10 category, and Lucas Aschwanden went through to the Semifinal in the Under 12 category. Thanks to these great results, Kai and Lucas are currently ranked in the top 10 in Singapore which enabled them to be selected for the Singapore National Team Squad! Sebastian Wiegele and Akshay Menon also played some good Spex tournaments and attained great

I’ll let you in on a secret – working hard and having fun here is the key to the success of our little champions.

Meanwhile, the ladies’ STA singles team entered the second season. After a successful start, the team finally closed the tournament in third place out of eight teams, behind Tanglin Club and NUS. Congratulations on an impressive effort. COMING SOON… Two big tournaments are coming. The Single Swiss Club Adult Championship will be played on the

Article and photos courtesy of Pierre Capdeville, 40XV Tennis Director

last weekend of May – from 26 to 27 May. Matches will be played from 5pm onwards on Friday, and for the whole day on Saturday and Sunday. The tournament dinner will be held on Saturday evening. Keep your weekend free and join us for a fun competition! The Junior Swiss Club Tournament #2 will take place on the first weekend of June, from 1 to 3 June. To register, please sign up online through the Swiss Club newsletter. WHO’S UP FOR SOME SUMMER HOLIDAY FUN? Summer holidays are coming very soon – can you believe it? 40XV will offer your children and their friends Summer Tennis Camps every week of the summer holidays from Monday to Friday, 10am to 12pm. Camp will start on Monday 25 June and end on Friday 10 August. Register via the Swiss Club newsletter.

PLEASE NOTE The Regular Junior Tennis Programme will break on Saturday 23 June (our last day of play) and will restart on Monday 13 August.


A Friendly Inter-club Doubles Tournament The Tanglin Club recently challenged the Swiss Club to a friendly tennis doubles tournament. INJURIES, NO INJURED PRIDE After readily accepting, Corinna organised the ladies’ team and Michael put together the men’s team. The biggest challenge was finding eight ladies and twelve men who were able to play on Sunday 14 April, especially since several gentlemen had succumbed to injuries. Finally, we had assembled our teams.

On the day, Caroline, Christine A., Cornelia, Gabriela, Guyu, Lelya,Theda, Vittoria, Christophe, Dirk, Harry, Javier, Klaus, Michael, Nic, Raphael, Sandro, Stéphane, Wolfgang and Xavier arrived at the Tanglin Club, where they were warmly welcomed by Lillian and her teammates. The ladies formed four teams and the men six, then played against their counterparts for 30 minutes. We

played four rounds and counted the total number of games won and lost. Unfortunately, Tanglin had the stronger players and the Swiss lost both the ladies’ and the men’s competition, the latter by a small margin. Despite the defeat, we all enjoyed the game and the hospitality of the Tanglin Club. We promised to reciprocate soon.

Article and photos courtesy of Michael Gorriz

A Reel

FREE ENTRY

Good Time SATURDAY NIGHT MOVIES Screening

MAY • Cinderella 12 May • Happy Feet 26 May JUNE

• Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs 9 June • Wreck-It Ralph 23 June Venue

Chess Area at the Swiss Club

(or at The Pavilion, in the event of wet weather)

Stay tuned for more details, coming soon!

Food and drinks will be available for sale


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Yippeeee… Easter Fun! Before you know it, we’re a quarter way through 2018. Where did the time go? We don’t know, but what we do know for sure it is that the months of March and April mean one thing at the Swiss Club – Easter Holiday Camps. Kids had lots of fun playing football and tennis and attending the swimming camps held at the Club.

HAVING A BALL If you thought football was a boys’ game, think again. Girls had their fair share of fun at the Football Camps conducted by Cosmo United Football Academy (CUFA) from 26 March to 29 March and 2 April to 6 April 2018. Claudia Keller, mum of Virginia, sang the praises of the camp: “Virigina has been a part of the girls’ team at CUFA. She loved the camp so much that she was hesitant to go on vacation and would have preferred to stay longer for the camp. She never felt football was a boys’ game. For her, it was a great add-on to her usual training and CUFA did a great job in putting the camp together”.

COURTING YOUNG TALENTS Holidays are the best time to get onto the courts and have some sun (luckily it did not rain!) Tennis Camps, conducted by Forty-Fifteen from 2 April to 6 April and 9 April to 13 April 2018, groomed young talents and balanced coaching

Article courtesy of Haresh Kumar, Swiss Club Sports & Recreation Manager Photos courtesy of participating Sports Providers


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on techniques with adding the fun quotient to play. Young Member, Lucie Aste was all smiles throughout the camp: “We played fun games and learned new things. I have been able to improve my forehand and backhand.”

We played fun games and learned new things. I have been able to improve my forehand and backhand.

Lucie (second from left)

Lucie Aste

SPLASHING FUN Easter Camps are never complete without the addition of water! aquaDucks’ annual Easter Camps have been a favourite amongst juniors for many years now. Kids had a splashing good time at this year’s Swimming Camps from 2 April to 6 April and 9 April to 13 April 2018. Jeroen Kastermans of aquaDucks feels swimming brings out the best in kids. He added: “Coaches work hard to make learning fun while keeping the waters safe for kids. When kids have fun, they become more involved in learning and reflect that energy back to coaches which in turn raises the energy levels of the camp.” SECURE YOUR PLACES AND SAVE THE DATES It’s never too early to plan ahead. Start blocking your calendars for the next series of holiday camps at the Swiss Club!


22

E V E N T S

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Couple Time with Padel

Family Time

with Swimming

April was another month of fun on the padel court. Sporting couples gave their all on court in a fun, respectful and friendly spirit.

The highlight of the swimming calendar, the Swiss Club Swimming Championships were once again a roaring success.

GOOD FUN WITH FRIENDS It was good fun for all couples involved, including Christina Olivian-Anguita and Andrew Wood.

A HEALTHY CROWD AND A FAMILY AFFAIR This annual event, organised by the fun and ever-spirited team of aquaDucks, saw dozens of families gather by the lap pool on 22 April 2018. Among the 40 categories for swimmers of various ages, the Fathers’ Race (25m Freestyle), Mothers’ Race (25m Freestyle) and Family Relay (4 x 25m Freestyle) offered fun opportunities for group participation among the swimming families.

Playing in the padel tournament for the very first time, Christina Olivian-Anguita felt that padel was a good “… bonding sport where all could have fun, improve existing skills and footwork”. Andrew Wood agreed that padel “… helps couples get fit and challenges other couples” to improve their teamwork. With padel, you will often glimpse a new side of people you have already gotten to know off-court – and you may well see another side of them. What’s more, you can prolong the fun with a few beers after the game!

Congratulations to the Schoppe family on their win in their Family Relay. Birgit Schoppe credits Dirk Kastermans with laying the foundation for her three sons’ winning swimming techniques. She added, “The boys loved swimming with Dirk so much that they still swim till today. I too started taking lessons with aquaDucks to be up-todate with techniques.” Congratulations to all winners and families!

Dirk Kastermans, founder of aquaDucks and the man who has inspired a lifelong love of swimming in generations of Swiss Club families

Article and photos courtesy of Lucas de Miguel, 40XV Padel Coach

Article and photos courtesy of Haresh Kumar, Swiss Club Sports & Recreation Manager


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A Fond Farewell to Our Ambassador

After almost six years at the Head of the Swiss Embassy in Singapore and 35 years in the diplomatic service, Ambassador Thomas Kupfer retired from the Foreign Ministry at the end of April 2018. His successor, Ambassador Fabrice Filliez, arrived in early May from Switzerland. You can look forward to getting to know him in the next issue of ‘Relax’. Meanwhile, Ambassador Thomas Kupfer shares his parting thoughts and sentiments in this letter. DEAR SWISS IN SINGAPORE, DEAR FRIENDS OF SWITZERLAND, When my spouse Fiorella and I arrived here from our previous posting in Seoul in August 2012, we came with an open mind and curiosity for the experience that was to be our time here in Singapore. As it turned out, it has been an experience that has left many lasting impressions, fond memories and personal friendships. As Ambassador of Switzerland in Singapore, I could build on the long-standing and by all means extraordinarily wellestablished ties and friendship between our two countries. The strong presence of the many Swiss companies, institutions and individuals made our efforts very pleasant and fruitful. It was always a joy to be representing such a numerous, active and deeply rooted Swiss community here in the city state. Looking back on my almost six years of office here, certain events inevitably stand out. On the diplomatic level, this is certainly the case for the two Presidential visits, first by Singapore’s President Dr. Tony Tan Keng Yam to Switzerland in May 2014, and later the Switzerland’s President Johann Schneider-Ammann State visit to Singapore in July 2016. Both visits were the first of their kind. Another diplomatic milestone were the festivities around the 50-year jubilee of diplomatic relations between Singapore and Switzerland that we celebrated last year. On a more personal level, I will always remember the outstanding personalities I had the pleasure to meet and the friendships that were formed. But all good things come to an end in due time. For me, personally, this time is now. After 35 years of interesting and meaningful work for the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, I look forward to entering a new phase of my life with a new set of challenges. Hopefully some of those will bring me back to the Lion City.

Singapore has left its mark in my book of life and it will always have a special place in my heart. Majulah Singapura! To the long friendship between our countries and people! I am sure that my successor Fabrice Filliez and his family will also enjoy their time in Singapore. With my very best wishes and my thanks for all your support during my stay,

Thomas Kupfer


I N T E R E S T

NEWS FROM THE

A Thematic Lesson on Cows Cows supply us with milk, cheese, meat and leather. They stare at us from milk cartons and postcards, and in India they are considered holy. Where do they live, how are they kept, why do they have five stomachs, and where do they descend from? Primary Six had the chance to learn all of this and more about cows. Here is how a student describes her learning experience.

A PRIMARY SIX STUD

ENT WRITES…

re quite interested s on cows and we we tic lessons in class wa ma the ent rec r ou t cows is their of One thing we learned abou this animal. The first t ou ab th dep in k at the cow’s re to learn mo also took a closer loo tive names for it. We pec res the d an rts ryone. So pa different body med a bit gross to eve the one thing that see bly ba pro s wa en, ich digestion system, wh the first stomach, rum and it goes down into ss gra ts ea cow A s: thi before moving down basically, it works like into the cow’s mouth . It is regurgitated up ed ten sof s get asum d foo where the mach known as the om t, it goes to the third sto tha er Aft ch. ma asum. sto d om into the secon lly digested in the ab bed before it is actua sor ab be l wil ter wa where some of the

cow pops up. black and white dairy mostly an image of a s, cow of nk thi of cows and ple When peo many different breeds to learn that there are ing nd ou ast ite qu s However, it wa pular breed. lstein, is the most po , also known as the Ho the regular dairy cow

r mache. To do this, king a cow out of pape of this lesson was ma ect asp g itin exc will not stick to st The mo p so the paper mache whole cow in cling wra the er cov t you to d nee l first, you wil of newspaper in so tha and dip the little strips ste pa the re pa the pre to it. The next step is ite paper strips. Once you overlap it with wh en Th . ers lay l era sev h hollow structure so can cover the cow wit middle section of the the gh ou thr cut to ve will ha foam, which will whole thing is dry, you comes the insulation base structure. Next the m fro it ove n foam rem that you can in shape. The insulatio ure so that it remains uct str firm d The an ble give the cow a sta nd firmly on its limbs. s so that it is able to sta leg llow ho the o int ed onto the head. For the will have to be spray styrofoam and glued l ua act of de ma re cow we rofoam, both in ears and horns of the different types of sty will have to fill it with you rt, pa dy bo llow rest of the ho liquid and solid form. t only interesting but on cows, as it was no son les s thi d oye enj really part. We were My classmates and I s the most enjoyable paper mache cow wa the g kin Ma ll. we as mwork. informative e due to efficient tea hin a short span of tim wit t jec pro ole wh able to finish the

Article courtesy of Fiona Jost Photos courtesy of Philipp Werfeli/ Melanie Brunner

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M E M B E R

A Tale of Two Bankers Swiss Club Members Joerg and Alejandra Blickensdorfer jokingly call themselves ‘the best of Switzerland’. Joerg is a trueblue Swiss, while Alejandra hails from Colombia. Both work for Swiss banks, and their successful ‘merger’ has paid handsome dividends in the form of two lovely daughters. GIRLS, GIRLS, GIRLS! Joerg, happily outnumbered by women, respectfully refers to his wife as ‘the Queen’ and his daughters as ‘the Princesses’. Princess Paloma is six years old, while the younger Princess Penelope is four years old. Both young ladies were beautifully dressed for this interview and photo shoot, no doubt influenced by the great personal style of their vivacious and lovely mum. When we noticed that Penelope’s left cheek was slightly bruised, Dad explained that it was due to an accidental fall that resulted in the loss of a baby tooth. He also confirmed that, in their household, the Tooth Fairy can be banked on to pay the girls a visit whenever a tooth is deposited. A BRIDGE TO SWISS AND LOCAL CULTURE The Blickensdorfers have been in Singapore for seven and a half years, and Members of the Swiss Club for the last five of them. They are generous in their praise of both Singapore and the Swiss Club, and have no intentions of leaving anytime soon. Joerg explained that Club life is important on a number of levels. Given that the girls were born in Singapore, the Club represents a bridge to Swiss culture. It is also serves as a bridge to local culture, as it upholds selected Asian traditions and numbers many Asians among its Members. In addition, Joerg underlined the importance of the social aspect of the Club, for both personal and professional reasons. When he started to lavish praise upon the Sports Field, we expected him to elaborate on a passion for playing soccer. However, it soon became clear that he valued it first and foremost as the venue for the annual Oktoberfest. Regular revellers, he and Alejandra are once again looking forward to this year’s beer-soaked extravaganza. COMMUNITY OF CARING AND HELPING Being a working mother, Alejandra truly appreciates the opportunities for relaxation that the Club provides. She attributes it not only to the resort-style ambience of the premises, but to the fact that she can kick back a little, confident in the knowledge that everyone looks out for each other as well as each other’s children. “There’s a community of helping each other here, among the staff and Members,” shared Alejandra.

There’s a community of helping each other here, among the staff and Members. Alejandra Blickensdorfer

POOLS, PLAYGROUNDS… PEOPLE Joerg and Alejandra make full use of the Club’s facilities, singling out the two pools, the two playgrounds, the gym and the Guesthouse for special mention. They also book the function rooms for the girls’ birthday parties, and have sent Paloma on tennis camps during the summer school vacation. “According to her own assessment, Paloma now serves better than Roger Federer,” shared proud Dad. A powerful testimonial indeed. They family dine frequently at Arbenz, where they enjoy the Swiss classics such as tartare and veal with rösti, as well as the value-for-money wine list. At Pergola, they relish the raclette and the Rivella, a signature Swiss soft drink that is only available in Singapore at the Swiss Club and Huber’s Butchery. Paloma recommends the schnitzel and Movenpick ice cream, while Penelope swears by the chicken nuggets. Possibly the kindest words of all were reserved for the people at the Club. Joerg commended Ravi’s cheerfulness and helpfulness, especially with regard to wine recommendations. Alejandra commended Paulina, who responds to her emails immediately and helps her with ‘everything’. Actually, we have a hunch that Joerg, Alejandra, Paloma and Penelope bring out the best in people, wherever they are in the world.


Summer Membership

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15 June - 15 August 2018

$650* / Family No subscription fees

se

Swiss

ou h b u l ub C

Splashing Fun in the Sun

Cl

For more information

Call 65919420 | Email membership@swissclub.org.sg Terms & Conditions apply. Price stated is subject to GST

Welcoming children from 6 months to 6 years old. Playgroup, Nursery, Preschool & Kindergarten We recognise children as capable, competent, curious and full of potential. We believe that children should not be isolated in their learning with pre-packaged knowledge; understanding that children learn as an active process, supported through a partnership of parents and educators who believe in them. And we believe children’s desire to seek knowledge is ignited when immersed in an environment rich in resources, materials, beauty and inspiration. ENQUIRE NOW.

www.bluehouseinternational.com


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M E M B E R

A High-flying Mum and Her Hard-hitting Sons Worldly German Members Maren Schweizer and her strikingly handsome young sons are anything but average. A CEO and entrepreneur, Maren is also a licensed airline pilot. ROTTWEIL-PARIS-SINGAPORE Maren holds a doctorate in Social and Economic Science and a master’s degree in engineering. She has managed a startup executive airline, flown jets and served on the board of ZVEI, the German Electrical and Electronic’s Manufacturers Association. For 10 years, she helmed her family’s electronics business, having nurtured it into a global tech company focused on revolutionising the automotive industry. What’s more, Maren does all that while raising her two young sons – 12-year-old Maxime, who was born in Paris, and 8-year-old Tom, who was born in southern Germany. Going by their quiet confidence and impeccable manners, she is doing an amazing job. Originally from the Black Forest, or ‘cuckoo clock country’ as she affectionately calls it for the sake of the geographically ignorant, Maren loves Singapore. Her love affair started in childhood, when she accompanied her parents on a business trip. “We visited a Chinese pharmacy Chinatown, to buy a tub of Tiger Balm,” Maren recalled fondly. “For many years thereafter, I was in Singapore twice a year and fell in love with the fast-paced, exciting environment.” She moved here four years ago with her children. MEMORIES ARE MADE OF THIS Maren and her sons joined the Swiss Club in 2016, after a trial Summer Membership. Maxime attends the adjoining German School, and comes to the Club four times a week to play tennis. Tom attends the German School’s other campus, and comes once a week for tennis. The whole family visit the Club almost every Sunday, and sometimes twice on weekends. “The Swiss Club is our living room,” said Maren. As a working mother with a hectic schedule, she seldom makes plans but simply turns up, confident in the knowledge that they will meet friends with whom to socialise and play. Maxime’s fondest memory of the Club was ‘almost winning’ the Swiss Club tennis tournament in February. Tom, on the other hand, fondly recalls staying at the Guesthouse for two weeks when the family moved house, as well as attending a spook-tacular Halloween party the year before last.

The Swiss Club is our living room. Maren Schweizer As for Maren, her fondest memory is a disarmingly simple one. “I remember pushing my boys on the swings – they would always want to go higher and higher!” she recalled with a smile. (Perhaps the highflying spirit is gene-deep.) MUCH TO LOVE AT THE CLUB While Maren loves the ambience and the friendly staff at the Swiss Club, the boys appreciate the tennis courts and the playgrounds. Maren particularly enjoys picnicstyle meals at the al fresco seating area by the courts. When it came to the hot topic of food, Max revealed his gastronomically adventurous spirit when he said, “I like everything – Indian food, Swiss food, everything!” When asked to recommend his favourite dishes, Tom volunteered, “Chicken nuggets, schnitzel and long potatoes.” Apparently, when Mum repeatedly warned him not to overdo the French fries, he simply changed their name to ‘long potatoes’. (That boy should go far with such a resourceful attitude.) Maren touched on another appealing aspect of the Club when she said: “Joining the Club is a great way to settle in Singapore. Many of the Members have lived in Singapore for many years and are happy to share their experiences and advice,” she shared. On the topic of sharing, thank you, Maren, Maxime and Tom, for sharing your experiences with us.


Mazing lOving sTrong tHoughtful sElfless bRilliant

a

Fectionate fAbulous sTeady cHarming rEassuring bRave af

H A P P Y M OT H E R ’ S D AY A N D FAT H E R ’ S D AY to all mums, dads, mother figures, father figures and expecting parents of the Swiss Club.


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I M P R E S S I O N S

The Mainly German, Very Worldly, Wholly Wonderful Family Flath groups live in harmony. Everyone is open to other people’s festivals and traditions.” Elaborating on the subject of Singapore’s friendliness, Tasso remarked on the exceptionally welcoming warmth of the expat community in Singapore. “There’s an openness here that is not typical of Germans,” he said. The girls are also relishing the freedom that Singapore’s safety affords them, as well as its excellent pubic transport system. “You can get practically everywhere in Singapore by MRT,” said Valentina.

Pergola is our second kitchen. We recently welcomed the delightful family Flath to the Swiss Club. Dad Tasso is German, while mum Cristina is German but spent her formative years in Spain. The couple met, married and had their oldest daughter in Switzerland, after which the younger two were born in Miami. A WHOLE LOT OF MOVING Cristina and her three lovely daughters, Tassia aged 14, Valentina aged 12 and Fiona aged 10, arrived in Singapore in February 2017. They joined Tasso, who had arrived in the summer of the previous year. It is fitting that Tasso Flath is the Regional CFO of DHL Global Forwarding, a company he’s been with for 18 years. He knows a thing or two about moving. While the family are now happily settled in Singapore, they regularly return to their family residence in the Swiss Alps, at Davos Klosters. THE SWISS-SINGAPORE CONNECTION “The transition between Switzerland and Singapore has been an easy one. The safety, the beauty, the cleanliness, even the price levels are very similar,” remarked Cristina. From a business perspective, Tasso enjoys the convenience of direct international flights from Changi. He also appreciates the warm tropical weather, especially its therapeutic effects on his ‘maturing’ body. Tassia spoke for the whole family when she said, “I love the ethnic diversity and the way the different cultural

Tasso Flath

LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT, AND BITE While Tasso had heard good things about the Swiss Club from friends and colleagues, Cristina experienced its charms first-hand when she dined at Arbenz as the guest of a Member. Since joining the Club in January of this year, they have been dining there ever since. “Pergola is our second kitchen,” Tasso remarked with a chuckle. The Club’s proximity to the German European school is a definite plus for Tassia and Valentina. While Fiona studies at the junior campus, she plays football at the Club every Monday. She commended both the excellent pitch and the water fountain, which allows her to refill her water bottle as often as she wants. Cristina fondly recalled last year’s Oktoberfest, which the family had attended even before joining the Club. She feels that the wonderful family day on Sunday is something that Munich celebrations should adopt. When we spoke, Cristina was in fact in the process of planning a post-Confirmation party for Tassia at Arbenz. (Congratulations, Tassia. We hope the party was a fitting memento of your special day.) IN A WORD… We thought we’d let Tasso, outnumbered by women as he was on the day, have the last word. When asked what he loved most of all about the Swiss Club, he simply said, “Serenity.” All that remains to be said is – a big thank you to the family Flath. What a pleasure it was to meet you!



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Last Word

DINNER – A WINNER! Hi Carsten, Thanks again for having the staff push me to attend last night. I thought it was pretty good. It certainly highlights the club’s capacity to host mediumsized events of that nature. Michael

PIZZA CLASS – A BLAST! Thank you so much for the pizza class, our children found it really fun! They loved it :) And they ate all their pizza so fast :) They are asking for another class with Chef Adrian, maybe to bake doughnuts or muffins or cupcakes? Just a suggestion for your consideration!
 Cristina Schueffel-Istria


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PROGRAMME OF ACTIVITIES IN MAY AND JUNE Join in our regular activities and form binding friendships as you keep fit. We have something for all interests, ages and levels of fitness. FOOTBALL FAMILY SOCIAL FOOTBALL Sun 15:00 – 16:30 (Sports Field) Sun 16:30 – 18:00 (Sports Field) SOCIAL FOOTBALL Mon 20:00 – 22:00 (Sports Field)

TENNIS MEN’S SOCIAL Sat 15:00 – 18:00 (Courts 2, 3 & 4) Haresh Kumar at T: 6591 9438 E: haresh.kumar@swissclub.org.sg

Please register with Urs Lichtenberger (E: ulichtenberger@bluewin.ch) and Thomas Koechli (E: tkoechli@gmail.com) to get on the mailing list. An email is sent to Swiss Club members every Friday to get players registered for football on Monday.

LADIES’ TEAM TRAININGS Courts 4 & 5

GERMAN TEAM FOOTBALL PRACTICE Tue 20:15 – 22:00 (Sports Field)

Fri 08:00 – 09:30 (STA Team) 10:00 – 12:00 (Ladies Group Training)

Rino Binder E: info@gas-sg.com (German All Stars) SWISS TEAM FOOTBALL PRACTICE Wed 20:00 – 22:00 (Sports Field) League games on Saturdays Coach: Urs Brutsch E: urs.brutsch@hpwm.sg FOOTBALL TRAINING FOR KIDS Training on Saturday 09:00 – 10:30 (Sports Field) Open to all Swiss Club Players born between: 1 January 2007 to 30 June 2015 Cosmo United Football Academy 7 April – 30 June 2018 Olliver Marx E: info@cufa.com.sg W: www.cufa.com.sg M: 9821 3869

Mon 09:00 – 11:00 (WITS Team) Tue 10:00 – 12:00 (WITS Team)

JUNIOR PROGRAMME Mon – Fri 16:00 – 19:00 Sat 08:00 – 12:00 • Parent/child and tiny tots programme • Junior introductory/ development programme • Junior intermediate/ advance programme For times and dates, please see the 40XV display at the tennis courts. FORTY-FIFTEEN (40XV) Tennis Director: Pierre Capdeville E: pierre@forty-fifteen.com Please check the tennis noticeboard for courts allocation for coaching and social tennis. PADEL Padel Tennis Coach: Lucas de Miguel M: 8344 5364 E: lucas@forty-fifteen.com LADIES TENNIS LADDER Corinna Gorriz at E: corinna@gorriz.de T: 8725 6761

SWIMMING aquaDucks E: swiss@aquaducks.com.sg M: 9487 5183 (weather update only) PARENT AND CHILD 30 mins sessions Mon – Fri 14:30 – 17:00 (Leisure Pool) PRESCHOOL LTS 30 mins sessions Mon – Fri 14:30 – 17:00 (Leisure Pool) Sat 10:00 – 12:00 (Lap Pool) LEARN TO SWIM 30 mins sessions Mon – Fri 14:30 – 17:00 (Leisure Pool) Sat 10:00 – 12:00 (Lap Pool) COMPETITION & DEVELOPMENT CD1, CD2, CD3, CD4 Mon 17:00 – 18:00 CD1 Tue – Fri 17:00 – 18:00 Sat 09:15 – 10:15 CD2 Tue – Fri 17:00 – 18:00 Sat 08:30 – 09:30 CD3, CD4 Tue – Fri 18:00 – 19:00 Sat 08:30 – 09:30 WATER POLO Mon 18:00 ADULTS’ TRAINING Fri 08:30 – 09:30 (Leisure Pool)


34

I N T E R E S T

ZEN DO KA KARATE Thu 17:00 – 18:00 Mini-Ninjas, 4 – 6 years Little Dragons, over 6 years (Aerobics Studio)

AEROBICS BODY TONING Tue & Fri 08:30 – 09:30 (Aerobics Studio) Please contact Andrea Holzmann-Zaouchi at E: holzmann.a@hotmail.com or T: 9835 4674 for more details. ARCHERY Sat 10:00 – 11:00 (Multi Court)

PILATES PILATES FLOW Mon 08:30 – 09:30 (Aerobics Studio) Please contact Island Wellness at E: info@islandwellness.sg or T: 9068 2619.

Please contact the instructor, Sensei Peter Robertson, at E: zendoka@yahoo.com or T: 9837 8637 for more details.

NEW

(Note: Pre-registration is required for this class)

MAHJONG Mon 19:30 – 22:30 (Rifle Lounge)

PILATES MATWORK Wed 08:30 – 09:30 (Aerobics Studio)

Please contact S. Manokar, PBM at T: 9126 7154 or K.R. Letchumanan, PBS at T: 9766 7113 for more details.

Please contact Jill Boschung at E: jillbos@yahoo.com or T: 9022 4605 for more details.

Please contact Christabel Lim at E: christabel_lyh@hotmail.com or T: 9619 5820.

(Note: During rain, theory sessions will be conducted)

MUAY THAI DUO Sat 11:00 – 12:00 (Aerobics Studio)

BADMINTON Thu 20:00 – 22:00 (Sports Hall)

Please contact Island Wellness at E: info@islandwellness.sg or T: 9068 2619.

Please contact Martin Goerg at E: badminton@swissclub.org.sg for more details. BASKETBALL Fri 18:00 – 19:30 9 – 12 years old (Multi Court) Please contact Noel Pollock at E: info@proformbasketball.com or T: 8448 5507 for more details (Note: During rain, Basketball will be held at Sports Hall)

(Note: Pre-registration is required for this class) PARKOUR Thu 17:00 – 18:00 (Around Club)

GOLF German-Swiss Golf Club Please contact Joachim Herrmann at E: germanswissgolfclub@gmail. com or T: 8121 8902 JASS 8 Jun, 31 Aug, 26 Oct, 7 Dec (Rifle Lounge) Please contact Aileen Aschwanden at E: jass@swissclub.org.sg for more details. KARATE

NEW

Please contact the instructor, Sensei Lai, at E: ekl@caa.columbia.edu or T: 9185 0900 for more details.

(Note: Pre-registration is required for this class) SKAT Wed 20:00 – 23:00 (Jungle Bar)

NEW

Please contact Derrick at E: derrick@superfly.asia or T: 8511 5510. (Note: Pre-registration is required for this class) PROFESSIONAL FITNESS SERVICES AQUA BIKING Wed 19:00 – 19:45 Sat 08:00 – 08:45, 09:00 – 09:45

BIKE RIDES ON SUNDAYS Please check Newsletter for more details.

KYOKUSHIN KARATE Wed 17:00 – 18:00 4 years and above Parents are welcome to join class (Aerobics Studio)

NEW

Pre-registration required securing bike for class. INDOOR CYCLING Wed 07:00 – 07:45 Sat 11:00 – 11:45 Please contact Kristel Heather 24 hours before class at E: getactive@activefitness.com.sg or T: 9696 6246. BOOT CAMP Mon 18:00 – 18:45, 18:45 – 19:30 (Sports Field) (Note: During rain, Boot Camp will be held at the gym) Thu 08:30 – 09:15 (Outside Gym) KIDS FIT Sat 14:00 – 15:00 (Outside Gym)

Please contact Hubert Nerlich at E: hubertnerlich@gmail.com or T: 6734 0034 for more details. SOCIAL DANCE Alternate Thursdays 20:30 – 21:30: 10 May, 24 May, 7 Jun, 21 Jun (Aerobics Studio) Please contact Richard Little at E: richard@dancereflex.sg or T: 8358 7688 for more details. VOLLEYBALL Wed 20:00 – 22:00 (Sports Hall) Please contact Wissam Nabaa at E: wnabaa@gmail.com for more details. YOGA HATHA FLOW YOGA Thu 17:40 – 18:40, 18:45 – 19:45 (Pavilion) Please contact Claudia Garati at E: yoga@garati.ch or T: 9855 5378 for more details. HATHA YOGA Sat 09:00 – 10:00 (Pavilion) Please contact Nadja Pizzo at E: yogawithnadja@gmail.com or T: 9145 4408 for more details. SALON AND SPA SERVICES AVEDA SALON & SPA Please contact T: 6463 0400 or SMS 9655 8165 for more details.

Please contact Jason Stanley 24 hours before class at E: getactive@activefitness.com.sg or T: 9026 3452.

GOT A SUGGESTION? If you would like to suggest a new activity, please contact:

PERSONAL TRAINING Please contact Timothy Felix at E: getactive@activefitness.com.sg by appointment only.

Haresh Kumar, Sports & Recreation Manager E: haresh.kumar@swissclub.org.sg T: 6591 9438


COMING SOON TO BUKIT TIMAH.

Chatsworth is opening a Bukit Timah Campus for K-13 (Grade 12) students in August. Chatsworth Orchard will become a K-6 Campus. Find out how your child can beneďŹ t from an inclusive school that seeks to nurture their potential. APPLY NOW.

+65 6737 5955 chatsworth.com.sg information@chatsworth.com.sg

SINGAPORE

Cert No.: EDU-2-2047 Validity: 12-11-2016 to 11-11-2020



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