Relax Swiss Club, the Home for All Nationalities
Jul | Aug
2018 SUMMERFEST FUN Oh What a Day!
HOLIDAY BOREDOM-BUSTERS Summer Camp Calendar
WE WELCOME OUR NEW AMBASSADOR Mr Fabrice Filliez
COLOURFUL CLUB LIFE Gorgeous Graffiti Seats
FOOTBALL FEVER Watch, Play, Train at the Club
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Inside this Issue SWISS CLUB 3 4 5 6 6 7 7
A Note from the Editor Club Management, Staff and Reservations A Word from the Committee Preliminary Architectural Redevelopment Update Opening Hours A Message from the General Manager Welcomes and Farewells
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DINING 8 9
On the Menu July and August On the Wine List
EVENTS 11 12 14 16 18
Our First Summerfest!
Eventful July A Lovely Mother’s Day Our First Summerfest! Kaleidoscope of Colours A Relaxed Father’s Day
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SPORTS 20 20 21 22 23 24
Spo(r)t On!: Get Your Kicks Here Get Active: Keep Your Football Game Strong German-Swiss Golf Club Competition Schedule We’re Always Game Despite the Rain! A Jam-packed Slamming Season Sensational Summer Camps
INTEREST 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33
On the Menu July and August
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Utterly Relaxing Treat From Toe-to-Top
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Sensational Summer Camps
A Warm Welcome from the New Swiss Ambassador A Meaningful Exchange with Our Young Guests from Switzerland Meet a Member: The Marvellous McGraths First Impressions: The Kos Family’s Journey Continues Utterly Relaxing Treat From Toe-to-Top Meet a Staffer: Your Restaurant Manager Raymond Last Word Fitness, Friends, Fun! Programme of Activities in July and August
A Warm Welcome from the New Swiss Ambassador
A Note from the Editor Dear Members and Readers, Hello, again! I recently had the pleasure of attending the Swiss Club’s first-ever Summerfest. It took me back to school carnivals, church fetes, fundraising picnics, Christmas pageants and a whole slideshow of fun, festive outdoor occasions from my past. There was something nostalgic about this charming event that put everyone present in a relaxed and happy mood. The stoic Swiss Alpine Lions played on throughout the six-hour event, despite the heat that turned their faces a deepening shade of pink. I couldn’t help but wonder if their gleaming brass instruments were hot to the lip… Carsten, on the other hand, cleverly engineered an opportunity to cool off, by volunteering himself at the Dunk Tank for a fun finale! On the subject of summer, school holidays are on the horizon. Having raised two sons in Singapore and endured twelve long summer breaks, I know how a mother can get to yearning for the beginning of the first semester. That’s where the Summer Camps of the Swiss Club come to the rescue. Read all about the offerings in this issue. If you’re travelling home, wherever that may be, or holidaying someplace new, happy travels to you. If you’re staying ‘home’ in Singapore, make the most of every day! Yours, Suzanne Lauridsen Editor, Relax
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swissclub.org.sg MCI (P) No. 019/03/2017
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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, Deputy General 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
“
Club staff, management and Committee Members have made a significant effort to improve our offerings over the past fiscal year and we are starting to see the benefits at last.
Dear Members of the Swiss Club, Best wishes from the Committee for a restful summer break, whether you are staying in Singapore or flying off to see family and friends. The club welcomes 20 Summer Members this year. We hope you enjoy a quiet and relaxing time at the Club and make full use of the our many facilities during this relatively peaceful time. Many thanks to the management team, staff and members who made our first Summerfest such a great success. We had more than 250 guests for the event, which was combined with the annual seven-aside football tournament on our newly refurbished multipurpose sports field. We are already looking forward to a similar event in 2019 and hope to refine it so that it is even a greater success. Feel free to offer suggestions on how we can make the 2019 Summerfest even better than the first. The next major event we have lined up for the Club is Swiss National Day on Saturday 4 August. This is one of the Club’s largest events, with more than 700 people expected for live music, good food and a very lively atmosphere. We look forward to seeing you then and are keeping our fingers crossed for good weather. After Swiss National Day and summer’s end, it will be time to start preparing for Oktoberfest 2018. Staff have already started planning for this event, the dates and the prices are set (and somewhat reduced) and we will begin releasing tickets to Members during the summer. Please keep an eye out for the specially priced Member ticket offers, as once the tickets are released they tend to go very quickly. Of course, before Swiss National Day and Oktoberfest, we will have the FIFA World Cup! Special menu items and drinks promotions have been planned and many games will be screened either in the Rifle Lounge or at the Jungle Bar. Late-night games will be available but must be booked with sufficient numbers to ensure that it is a worthwhile proposition for the Club. Please check the Club website or speak to the staff if you need any information on what is available. Sadly, Italy fell to Sweden in a qualifying round playoff and the USA were eliminated by the Caribbean juggernaut Trinidad and Tobago in their final regular qualifying match. Our two sons Marco and Giulio are left with only England to support from their selection of three passports. Let’s hope the England matches don’t go to penalties at any point. Moving on to Club administration, we have had a good financial performance as we approach the end of our fiscal
year. The Club is very slightly behind budget at the moment, which is really quite an achievement considering that the number of expats in Singapore underwent the biggest drop in 15 years, as Carsten noted recently. The main positive surprises in financial performance have been the performances of Arbenz and Pergola. Club staff, management and Committee Members have made a significant effort to improve our offerings over the past fiscal year and we are starting to see the benefits at last. The financial discipline and organisational effort made by Carsten and his team have really been noticeable this year, and I think this is the main reason that the Club has performed so well in a difficult expat environment. For me, the performance of the F&B outlets is particularly heartening. Member feedback has played an important role in refining what is available, so please keep providing feedback via our comment cards or directly to Club management. Rest assured that we are listening and are doing our best to improve things further. We are all well aware that sometimes, during crowded periods at the weekends, service can take longer than we would like. This is frustrating for staff, Members and guests alike. Our new point-of-sale system and workflow improvements will hopefully alleviate this to some degree, but peak periods are still going to be somewhat slower than quieter periods. Finally, we have the issue of upcoming architectural work on the Club. There is a legal requirement that we address some of the structural issues of the Club buildings and we have been given a deadline by our regulator. We cannot avoid making changes and must move into compliance with local regulations in the near future. The Committee has spent a significant amount of time with various architectural firms and consultants learning about and discussing the many, many options that are available. Thanks again to all of the Committee Members, staff and regular Members who have contributed to this lengthy process, as it has been a significant undertaking. The Open House should present a good opportunity for Members to examine the Committee’s chosen solution. Please feel free to give feedback before the AGM in September. All the best, and enjoy the summer!
M. Bell Michael Bell Secretary
michael.bell@swissclub.org.sg
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S W I S S
C L U B
Preliminary Architectural Redevelopment Update Dear Fellow Members and Friends of the Swiss Club, On Monday 18 June 2018, all Club Members were invited for a preliminary architectural project design presentation. A total of 54 Members registered for the event. We appreciate the positive and constructive feedback received, which will assist the Committee to move the project forward to its next phase. Following is a summary of the developments so far: • The Club is facing the regulatory requirement to have the unapproved structures (Pergola roof, Tandoori kitchen, Jungle Bar) legalised by submitting official plans to the relevant authorities latest by March 2019; • In order to get this under way, seven architect firms with a proven track record in heritage building redevelopment and hospitality were invited by the Committee for company profiling; • Four architect firms were shortlisted and provided with the terms of references; • Given the relative short timeframe, two architect firms submitted their concept, design and fee proposal within the timeline; • The two designs were presented to Club Members on 18 June 2018 and the Members present offered their feedback on their preferred design; • The appointment of the successful architect was confirmed thereafter; • The Committee is now collaborating with the architect for the final concept design, taking into account the collected feedback and recommendations; • The project, as it progresses, will be shared with members through the ‘Relax’ magazine and/or newsletters; • The final proposal will be presented at the AGM on 24 September 2018 for approval by the Club’s voting Members. The Swiss Club Committee looks forward to your continued support. Yours sincerely, The Swiss Club Committee
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
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C L U B
A Message from the
General Manager
“
Dear Members,
Our financial year, (FY17/18) ending 30 June, recorded a vastly improved operating and net result compared to previous years.
First and foremost, best wishes for a wonderful summer, whether you spend it in Singapore, at the Club or overseas with family and friends. Have a fabulous time! By the time ‘Relax’ is dropped in your letterbox, some of you may have already left Singapore – unfortunately, not just for a vacation, as we sadly must say ‘bon voyage’ to many Members who are relocating. Although we welcome new Members regularly, it’s miserable to see familiar faces and friends leave our beautiful Club. For the past three years, the Club’s membership base has been dropping by an average of approximately 100 Members per year, which is far from ideal. With this in mind, a substantial strategic plan for Marketing, Membership and Communications has been drafted to intensify visibility and collaborations, as well as provide more value for our current Members. We have already introduced reciprocal arrangements with overseas Clubs and an improved events calendar that celebrates our diverse Membership base. By mid-June, 20 families had signed up for our annual 2-month Summer Membership. A warm welcome to all. I hope the facilities and the many camps on offer provide fun for the whole family. Do ask our Member Relations Team for advice should you consider a more permanent status at the Club. With the World Cup roaring, the Jungle Bar is the place to be! Cheer on your favourite team while enjoying the excellent
food and beverage promotions. Just ask our World Cup jerseywearing staff for schedules and screening times. May the Best Team Win! As you flick through the following pages, you’ll see that two of the Club’s major events are yet again approaching, namely the Swiss National Day on 4 August and our ever-popular Swiss Club Oktoberfest from 26 to 30 September. We look forward to your support, and encourage businesses to take advantage of sponsorship opportunities. Both events provide excellent brand exposure and customer engagement. In closing, a special note of appreciation and thanks goes to all staff for their hard work and dedication during the past twelve months. Our financial year, (FY17/18) ending 30 June, recorded a vastly improved operating and net result compared to previous years. Thanks must also go to the Committee for their support and collaboration with management on multiple levels, and of course to you, dear Members, for your trust, constructive feedback and repeated patronage of the many Club activities throughout the year. Once again, have a great summer – and see you back at the Club! Warmest regards, Carsten Kjeldmann General Manager carsten.kjeldmann@swissclub.org.sg “Swiss Club, the Home for All Nationalities”
The Swiss Club welcomes: Name Bertrand Cesar & Fabienne-Aranda Cesar Josselin & Ludivine Prats Simon & Veronica Trott
The Swiss Club farewells: Type of Membership Term Term Term
Name Thomas & Fiorella Kupfer Philippe & Jaya Machet Walter & Maria-Helen Brandstaetter Mark Hedley & Hedley-Kim Su Hee Tommy Lund & Lund-Jeong Kyong Nam Frank & Sandra Wagner Edwin J & Annette R Wheeler Frederik & Andrea Groth Matthew & Sonia Osborne
Type of Membership Diplomatic Ordinary Associate Associate Associate Associate Associate Non-Swiss Nominee Term
ON THE MENU July and August
As always, the Swiss Club brings you an ever-changing menu of seasonal specialties, local delights and healthy dining choices. Enjoy our patriotic picks during August, in honour of Singapore’s National Day!
MON DAY
T U E SDAY
W E DN E SDAY
Enjoy 50% off all draft beers, all day
Kids eat for free with every adult main course ordered, all day
$16.50 per portion
Cheers for Beers!
Kids ‘r’ Kings ’n’ Queens
Raclette Nights
T H U R SDAY Seasonal Fresh Fish from New Zealand
A variety of exquisite dishes showcasing premium seafood from the pristine waters of New Zealand
SEASONA L SPECIA LS JULY
1 to 16 July 2018: Spotlight on Snapper
Pergola
Sliced Red Snapper with Tofu and Vegetable Soup Sliced Red Snapper with Tofu, Vegetables and Noodle Soup
$11.50 $12.50
16 to 31 July 2018: Hainanese Chicken Rice
Pergola
Steamed or Roasted $11.50 AUGUST
1 to 15 August 2018: Celebrating Singapore National Day
Pergola
Laksa $12.50 Prawn Mee $13.50 16 to 31 August: Power Grains on Parade
Pergola
Cajun Spiced Salmon Fillet $19.50 Bulgur Wheat, Tomato, Red Onion, Mint, Dill, Yoghurt Dressing
Farro Bowl $16.00 Kale, Avocado, Apples, Soft-boiled Free Range Egg, Light Curried Vinaigrette
Umami Broth $16.00 Buckwheat, Bok Choy, Carrot, Shiitake, Miso, Ginger
Terms and conditions apply. Pictures for illustrations purposes only.
F R I DAY
Beer, Wine, Sake or Whisky Tasting Complimentary Pre-dinner Selected Beverage Tasting
July
ON THE W INE LIST
Santa Carolina Reserva Chardonnay
Santa Carolina Reserva Carmenere
$65 per bottle $14 per 150ml glass
$65 per bottle $14 per 150ml glass
The Reserva Chardonnay is from Casablanca Valley. Promotes a long ripening period a prime example of Chardonnay. Pale amber in colour. Full toasted pears with citrus notes. Smooth texture, balanced acidity, flavours of lemon, mandarin orange, and créme brûlèe on the palate.
Grapes originate from La Rinconada vineyards based in the Rapel Valley, closely linked to the Cachapoal River. Its soils are a mixture of sand, clay and loam, ideal for growing Carmenère and Malbec. Silky tannins, notes of plums with spiced red currants and black berries that linger on the finish.
E, HOM T A K E S AV O U R ! AND S AV E
Santa Carolina Reserva Chardonnay
Santa Carolina Reserva Carmenere
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.
August Wilde Wilde White
K+K Cuvee
$65 per bottle $14 per 150ml glass
$65 per bottle $14 per 150ml glass
Origin from winery K+K Kirnbauer Mittelburgenland, Austria. This harmonious marriage of Sauvignon Blanc and Welsch Riesling impresses with its seductive nose of summer herbs.
Origin from winery K+K Kirnbauer Mittelburgenland, Austria. This cuvée is matured in large oak barrels and has a bright ruby red with violet shimmer, fruitymineral nose, cherries, blackberries on the palate. It connects the warmth of the zweigelt with the spice of the blaufränkisch.
E, HOM T A K E S AV O U R ! AND S AV E
Wilde Wilde White
K+K Cuvee
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.
Beers of the Month for July and August
For Corona and/or Peroni
$8 per bottle $35 per bucket of 5 Terms and conditions apply.
Al ar l Na e W tio elc nal om itie e! s
CELEBRATE
SWISS NATIONAL AT THE DAY SWISS CLUB
Adults
$60 Children
(aged 5 - 12 years)
$30
Children Under 5
FREE
SATURDAY 4 AUGUST 2018, FROM 6PM
Featuring
Swiss Alpine Lions brass band Apero sponsored by the Embassy of Switzerland Sumptuous buffet with raclette stations Traditional lampion parade and bonfire Lucky draw with attractive prizes SPECIAL MEMBERSHIP OFFER
Celebrate with 50% OFF Lifetime/Term (12 months) Memberships Terms and Conditions: Valid from 4 August – 15 September 2018. Not valid in conjunction with other promotions. Excludes F&B credits and rebates.
Visit www.swissclub.org.sg or follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more information and the latest updates.
swissclubsingapore
y l u J l u f t n e v E g Bubble Wrap Pavainriotin le us textures of bubb
Kids love to feel the rsting the ‘pop, pop, pop’ of bu wrap and hear the of tactile ds loa ve ha s. They’ll puffy bubble pouche ly, bumpy their very own bubb fun and take home e! painted masterpiec Date: Time: Fee:
Saturday, 14 July 2pm to 4pm $10 (Member) $15 (Guest)
Trip to Singapore Zoo
Book ahead for a fun family day out at the 64-acre (26-hectare) Singapore Zoo, home to more than 2,800 animals representing over 300 species. Travel by tram or on foot to enjoy amazing themed habitats, including underwater galle ries where you can watch otters, pygmy hippos and giant crocodiles at play. Date: Time: Fee:
Saturday, 21 July 10am to 4pm $40 (Member) $45 (Guest) $28 (Children aged 3 to 12 years)
Includes: Drinks and light snack, 2-way transport between Swiss Club and Singapore Zoo
CLUB NOTICE The Club will conform to its regulatory annual power electrical shutdown on 16 July 2018 between 9am and 6pm. In conjunction with the shutdown, our Annual Staff Party will be celebrated with team bonding and a fun day out. As operations and services will be reduced, we recommend limited use of all Club facilities. Operations will resume as per normal on 17 July 2018. Pergola’s breakfast buffet will be available from 8am to 10am and thereafter all F&B outlets will cease operation. Please note that the Club’s Shuttle Bus and Club Security (24 hours) will be operational as per usual. For any emergency, please call 6591 9437.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
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E V E N T S
A Lov Mothe
Luke and Leif Kos, aged 5 and 3 respectively Benno Wiebke
SUMPTUOUS SPREAD As always, Chef Adrian and his team laid out a sumptuous spread in the airconditioned comfort of the Rifle Lounge. Diners constantly ascended the short flight of stairs from Arbenz to partake of the full buffet, which included a breakfast section, a carving station, a foie gras station, a seafood bar, a charcuterie counter, a cheese selection, an Indian station, a pasta station and a dessert bar. ARTISTIC TRIBUTES The kids’ corner in the Rifle Lounge, ably supervised by the Swiss Club’s new recruit Christine, proved a hit with young crafters who busied themselves with coloured paper, crayons and glitter glue to make pretty cards for their mothers. No doubt many of the ladies present that day have already fixed their handmade cards to their fridges with magnets.
vely er’s Day
E V E N T S
With plates piled high, compliments to the chef and smiles all round, the Mother’s Day brunch at the Swiss Club on Sunday 13 May 2018 was a happy and heartwarming occasion for over 100 Members and their guests.
Family Denk: Mum Diana, Dad Christoph and Son Moritz, aged 7
Casper and Cici Beckpetersen, aged 7 and 9 respectively
Beltran Lopez, aged 6, and Mum Silvia
PICTURE-PERFECT It was not only the staff who made the day special, but the Members themselves. Just one glance at the elegant ladies, dashing gents and beautifully dressed youngsters confirms that the Swiss Club is quite possibly the most elegant private Club in Singapore. It really was a picture-perfect day!
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14 The sun shone and the iced lollies dripped over little fingers as the Swiss Alpine Lions played valiantly on despite the heat, accompanied by a never-ending torrent of splashes and laughter from the dunk tank. The Swiss Club’s first Summerfest was a resounding success.
Summerfest! Our First
FUN AND GAMES, MAGIC AND MUSIC The Swiss Club team, led by Paulina and Haresh, had put together a jam-packed programme for the day of the Club’s inaugural Summerfest. The day coincided with the ninth round of the Summer Cup Football tournament – a happy coincidence as it tuned out, since many of the thirsty players added to the mirth and merriment by joining us after their games for a cold beer and a bite.
The Swiss Alpine Lions deserved medals for their sheer endurance. Despite the heat, they never missed a beat. The traditional Swiss music, set the carnival tone of the day, which was enhanced with pretty circus-like tents over the market vendors and the food and drinks stalls. A carnival game arcade had been set up behind the stage, including the ‘Ducky Hunt’ nerf gun shooting gallery, ‘Toin Coss’, ‘Hole in One’ and, set a little further back towards the edge of the jungle, the classic carnival contraption of the dunk tank. The latter relies on an accurate throw of a ball to operate a lever that dunks the hapless sitting duck, perched on a seat poised over the tank. The day concluded with an invitation to ‘Dunk the GM’ issued by the GM himself. The honour went to young Felix Di Mio, aged seven, who should be commended for his strong arm and accurate aim. Carsten emerged from the tank looking somewhat refreshed, with debris of leaves clinging to his shapely calves. Adding a touch of exotica to the day was a belly dance performance, followed by a fun carpet auction at which several visitors bagged some
truly amazing bargains. A good old-fashioned tugof-war saw muscles flexing and bottoms dirtied by unceremonious tumbles. The winning team all received Swiss Club T-shirts or Oktoberfest aprons. A car boot sale in the car park saw Members plying pre-loved wares from Asian knick-knacks and artefacts to designer clothing. Down towards the sports field, The Other Guys urban art ensemble enlisted the talents of visitors to contribute some ‘legal graffiti’ to a multi-tiered bank of wooden seating. Dozens of budding young artists and a few adult ones picked up a can of spray paint and made their colourful marks on the community artwork.
FOOD AND DRINK, WINNERS AND GRINNERS Always an integral part of any Swiss Club event, the food and drink kept flowing throughout the day. Adrian and his team laid on the crowd-pleasing classics – cervelat and veal sausages, hamburgers, fries, and the hit of the day, chicken kebabs in pita bread. By the end of the day, some 48 kilograms of tender succulent chicken had been devoured. Over at the beverages stall, the hot items were Apple Spritzer and Krombacher Pilsener, as well as the aforementioned iced lollies in a myriad of sunshinybright colours. The assembled crowd was a healthy mix of Members and non-members, affording the latter an excellent opportunity to see the Club at its best. A Club tour was conducted at 3pm for a family of interested non-members, who will hopefully number among our Members soon.
E V E N T S
The everpopular Lucky Draw took place at intervals throughout the afternoon. The two grand prizes of a two-month Summer Membership, valued at $650 each, went to visitors, including one delighted vendor from the flea market. At 5pm, when the event had officially concluded, dozens of visitors still lingered, smiling drowsily in the sunshine and downing the last drops of their wine and beer. It was a party that didn’t want to end‌
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FEEL THE MAGNETIC ATTRACTION OF
VOLLEYBALL! • Open to young players aged 8 to 18 with competitive level skills in volleyball • Highly educated and FIVB-certified coaches familiar with the latest global trends and techniques • Managed by FIVB Level 3 certificated coach Bojan Mirković, the most qualified volleyball coach in Singapore • Finest air-conditioned facilities in Singapore at the Swiss Club and Singapore American School • Develops team spirit, improves fitness, provides endless fun!
Kaleido Take a walk down towards the multi-court and you’ll encounter a burst of colours covering the outdoor seating gallery. Formerly a dull grey, the seating has been transformed into an eye-catching graffiti installation. THERE’S AN ART TO BEAUTIFYING THE SWISS CLUB This initiative was spurred by the overwhelming positive response to the Club’s painted tree stumps in the playground. In the interests of making the Club vibrant while appealing to our junior Members, the painted seating is the result of a collaboration between the Swiss Club and home-grown graffiti artist, Azhar Mat Nor (aka Pure Libre or Scryptk) at the Summerfest. Azhar Mat Nor is a prolific jack (and master) of all trades, churning out fantastic street art, caricature, paintings, calligraffiti and more.
INTERESTED? Find us on Instagram international_volleyball_club #ivc #letskeeptheballflying
This graffiti installation was supported by the Club’s sporting partners, Proform Basketball Academy and International Volleyball Club. Motifs of basketballs and volleyballs can be seen on the painted seating, promoting the multiple sports played at the multi-court. The personal contributions of Members, kids and members of the public who attended Summerfest are also woven into the final masterpiece.
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oscope of Colours WITH THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS The Club would like to thank Azhar Mat Not and his team and our supportive partners, Proform Basketball Academy and International Volleyball Club, for making this community initiative a success. Article courtesy of Haresh Kumar, Swiss Club Sports & Recreation Manager
HAVE YOU COURT THE BASKETBALL BUG? • Basketball Training Academy and sports brand based in Singapore • Open to players of all ages and skill, coached by top passionate coaches • Fun developmental sessions for beginners to more intense trainings/competitive league games for the advanced players • Short Camps during school holidays • Weekend leagues for Under 11s, Under 13s, Under 15s, and Under 18s for both girls and boys • Try it, you’ll love it!
INTERESTED? Find us on Instagram
proformball
#ProformBasketball #Proformbball #ProFam
www.proformbasketball.com
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E V E N T S
A Relaxed Father’s Day
Not a drop of rain fell from the sky as Dads of all nationalities and ages enjoyed a cold beer and a hot barbecue at the Jungle Bar on Sunday 17 June. BARBECUED DELIGHTS Chef Adrian and his team had fired up the grill by 11am to fill the chafing dishes with a carnivorous feast of meat, meat and more meat. The star of the day had to be the lip-smacking Angus beef, with its marbling of fat glistening seductively through the charred surface… Yum! Counterbalancing all that red meat was a selection of fresh and healthy salads, including an eye-catching baby bocconcini and tomato salad and a mouthwatering salad of sliced white radish scattered with pomegranate arils. FOOTBALL AND FLYING FOX Throughout the afternoon, replays of the FIFA World Cup matches played on the TV over the bar, and conversations inevitably turned to the sporting event that has the world transfixed. Meanwhile, a succession of fearless kids cranked up the flying fox. Sporting Carsten lent his muscles to give the contraption a push, which, despite a hearty shove, didn’t quite make it to the end of the track (we think it needs a little extra oil). With babes in loving arms and sitting prettily in high chairs, tri-generational family groups and kids everywhere, Father’s Day at the Swiss Club was a truly heartwarming family affair.
A Reel
E V E N T S
FREE ENTRY
Good Time
SATURDAY NIGHT MOVIES Screening
• The Little Mermaid Saturday, 14 July 2018
• Cars
Saturday, 28 July 2018
• Beauty and The Beast Saturday, 11 August 2018
• Ratatouille
Saturday, 25 August 2018 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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Get Your Kicks Here
Be it as a player or a spectator, you can satisfy your passion for the beautiful game at the Swiss Club.
SPO RT O N! LIVE SCREENING OF 2018 FIFA WORLD CUP This summer, 32 teams head to Russia with the aim of being crowned the best in the world at the quadrennial international football tournament – 2018 FIFA World Cup. Live screenings of the world’s hottest tournament can be enjoyed here at the Club’s Jungle Bar and Rifle Lounge. Check our newsletters for updates on schedules and screenings. CABIN CREW TAKE OFF AT 9TH SWISS CLUB SUMMER CUP Back home, the 9th Swiss Club Summer Cup was organised on 9 June 2018 at the recently resurfaced sports field. A total of 10 teams competed at this annual tournament, which coincided with the
Club’s first Summerfest and drew a large turnout of spectators.
championship trophy whilst Swiss Club Tigers took home the Runner-up title.
In the nail-biting final, Cabin Crew Football Circle met Swiss Club Tigers. Both teams gave their all on the pitch, with Cabin Crew FC lifting the
The full day of matches culminated over barbeque and beers at the Jungle Bar that evening, where players had a great time unwinding. Till we meet again at the next Summer Cup!
Article courtesy of Haresh Kumar, Swiss Club Sports & Recreation Manager
Agility Drill
Keep Your
Football Game
Step Ups
Strong
Football heavyweights like Lionel Messi and Christiano Ronaldo have been gearing up for the World Cup with pre-World Cup boot camp trainings. Jason Stanley from Active Fitness shows us some moves on our very own FIFA approved turf pitch to keep you kicking in good shape!
ViPR Squat & Press
INTERESTED IN CLASSES OR 1-ON-1 TRAINING? Please contact Timothy Felix, Active Fitness Director at:
Article courtesy of Timothy Felix, Active Fitness Director
M: 9191 7475 E: getactive@activefitness.com.sg
“
If you watch a game, it’s fun. If you play it, it’s recreation. If you work at it, it’s golf. Bob Hope
German-Swiss Golf Club
COMPETITION SCHEDULE JULY 2018 MEDAL ROUND Date
Saturday, 28 July 2018
Tee-off commences
9am
Venue
TBC
Format
Stableford
Registration by
21 July 2018
AUGUST FUN TOURNAMENT Date
Sunday, 26 August 2018
Tee-off commences
2pm
Venue
Champions Golf Course Singapore
Format
Foursome/Putting Contest
Registration by
20 August 2018
INTERESTED IN PLAYING GOLF? If you would like to join our golfing group, take part in or register for one of the competitions, or find out more, please contact: Joachim Herrmann, Golf Convenor M: 8121 8902 E: germanswissgolfclub@gmail.com
• • • • •
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S P O R T S
We’re Always Game, Despite the Rain! ADULT SINGLES SWISS CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP In the Elite men’s category, we witnessed quality play on wet courts. Thierry and Pierre will remember their epic threehour semi-final for a long time. Though Thierry eventually won the match, he had to let Pierre play in the final as he was cramping and running out of gas after two matches played on the same day. In the final, Stefano showed us exactly why he’s considered the Club’s top player. He won the tournament, playing his typical smooth and stylish tennis. In the Intermediate category, Andy and Xavier played a classic game, as these two friends regularly play together. This time, Andy got lucky! In the Women’s category, Theda played strategically to win the tournament, despite some very nice tennis from
Vittoria. The Men’s Elite Plate Draw was won by the tenacious Matt, playing against Nick. Many thanks to all participants. See you soon for the Doubles Swiss Club Championship! Adult Singles Swiss Club Champions Women’s Winner Runner-up Men’s Elite Winner Runner-up
Theda Haushofer Vittoria Detaille
Stefano Pollina Pierre Lorinet/ Thierry De Panafieu Men’s Intermediate Winner Andy Detaille Runner-up Xavier Baumgartner Men’s Elite Plate Winner Matt Sibbing Runner-up Nick Weber JUNIOR TOURNAMENT The Junior Tournament attracted over 30 players. In particular, the 8 and Under category played great tennis. All of the kids showed real improvement. Maybe playing at the same time as the French Open inspired them?!
Andy and Xavier
Vittoria and Theda
Nick and Matt
Stefano and Pierre
In the 8 & Under category, the talented Etienne won the high-quality final against the great player Lasse. In the 10 & Under category, Edoardo followed in his dad’s footsteps and won the title against a very brave Henry. In the 12 & Under category, Renaud showed strong determination and great improvement to win against the skilled player, Timo. In the Open Intermediate category, we had a great final between two very fair
Despite almost daily rainfall, we saw some great tennis in two exciting tournaments in May and June. players, Maya and August. Finally, August triumphed. In the Open Elite category, the more experienced Sebastien finally won against the young Lucas in a very close match. Well done, both! Thanks to all participants and parents too. See you at the next Junior Tournament! Junior Tournament Winners 8 & Under Winner Etienne Aste Runner-up Lasse Sandberg 10 & Under Winne Edoardo Pollina Runner-up Henry Lauber 12 & Under Winner Renaud De Panafieu Runner-up Timo Oesch Open Intermediate Winner August Malpel Runner-up Maya Henrichwark Save the Dates Weekly Summer Tennis Camps for Children See the Swiss Club newsletter to register. For further information, email us at swissclub@forty-fifteen.com Junior Group Programme resumes on Monday 13 August 2018 Welcome Back Social on Saturday 1 September 2018, 4pm to 7pm Junior Tournament #3 • Friday 7 September 2018, from 5pm onwards • Saturday 8 September 2018, from 2pm onwards • Sunday 9 September 2018 (if required) Adult Doubles Swiss Club Championship Saturday 17 November and Sunday 18 November 2018
Article and photos courtesy of Pierre Capdeville, 40XV Tennis Director Lucas and Seb
Timo and Renaud
EVERYONE!
Etienne and Lasse
Maya, August and Alex
TENN S IS FOR
Edoardo and Henry
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S P O R T S
Swiss Club Stars
A Jam-packed
Slamming Season Our junior tennis players barely had a chance to catch their breath – not including the grunts we regularly hear from the direction of the courts. MATCH AFTER MATCH The first season of 2018 started with the Lacoste JTT League, which segued into the second Interclub Friendly, and culminated with our in-house Junior Tennis Tournament. Not to mention the daily training sessions with our coaches. It was game, set, and match on 24 May with the Interclub Friendly against Hollandse Club. A total of 13 kids from the Swiss Club, aged from eight to 14 years old, showed their Dutch counterparts just how much heart it takes to win, and win big. Though the Dutch Club players outnumbered our juniors three to one with 34 players, and almost all of them physically doubled the size of our Swiss Club juniors. Out of the 17 matches played, our juniors won 10 of them.
Swiss Club Warriors
The result was even more significant because all 13 kids played three matches back to back. Congratulations, Juniors! This was the Swiss Club’s second successful Junior Interclub Friendly. The last one was played at the British Club last December, which yielded the same language of love – namely, we won! LIFTING OUR GAME However, our juniors aren’t resting on their laurels. The level of tennis in Singapore is increasing season by season, as seen in this season’s JTT League. The Swiss Club juniors were challenged and disappointed by the lacklustre results. To be fair, our teams were either first-timers in a competitive league, or they’ve moved to a more challenging category. That said,
Swiss Club Acers
standards are rising and our juniors are determined to rise to that occasion. We wish them the best of luck. Last but not least, a big thank you to coaches and team managers for your contribution to the junior programme.
Photos and article courtesy of Aileen Aschwanden
Have you always wanted to learn tennis? Are you an accomplished tennis player who wants to lift their game? Look no further. Regardless of age or ability, you’re welcome to join our junior programme or adult clinics. For tennis lessons, please contact our Director of Tennis Pierre Capdeville at pierre@fortyfifteen.com. The junior competitive teams are always looking for players. If you have young ones who are interested, please contact Aileen Aschwanden at aileenpatricialim@hotmail.com.
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E V E N T S
Sensational
Summer Camps
These summer holidays, there’s no excuse for hearing those two words every parent dreads – ‘I’m bored!’ Take your pick of the fun-filled and action-packed summer camps at the Swiss Club. Register now to avoid disappointment. FOOTBALL CAMPS Dates
Camp 1: Camp 2: Camp 3: Camp 4:
25 – 29 June 2 – 6 July 30 July – 3 August 6 – 8 August
Time
9am – 12pm
Ages
4 to 13 years old
Venue
Swiss Club Sports Hall
Fee
$375 (Member) / $425 (Non-member) Snacks and drinks provided
To register or find out more, please contact Olliver T: 9821 3869 or E: info@cufa.com.sg
FITNESS CAMPS 2-Day Camps Dates
28 – 29 July 2 – 3 August 9 – 10 August
Time
1pm – 4pm
Ages
12 to 14 years old (Minimum 5 kids per camp)
Venue
Indoor Sports Hall
Fee
$100 or $60 Daily drop-in (Member) $115 or $75 Daily drop-in (Non-member)
3-Day Camps TENNIS CAMPS 25 – 29 June 2 – 6 July 9 – 13 July 30 July – 3 August 6 – 10 August
Dates
25 – 27 June 30 July – 1 August 6 – 8 August
Time
1pm – 4pm
Ages
12 to 14 years old (Minimum 5 kids per camp)
Time
10am – 12pm
Venue
Indoor Sports Hall
Venue
Swiss Club Tennis Courts
Fee
Fee
$290 per kid (5 days) $70 per kid (Daily drop-in, minimum 3 days)
$150 or $60 Daily drop-in (Member) $165 or $75 Daily drop-in (Non-member)
Dates
To register or find out more, please contact Pierre Capdeville T: 9236 3594 or E: swissclub@forty-fifteen.com
To register or find out more, please contact Jason Stanley T: 9026 3452 or E: getactive@activefitness.com.sg
FUN CAMP Dates
25 – 29 June • 6 – 10 August
Time
9am – 12.30pm
Ages
4 to 12 years old
Fee
$65 (Member) / $75 (Non-member) Snacks provided
FUN CHESS WORKSHOPS Dates
Tuesday 3 July
(Registrations close 26 June)
Tuesday 31 July
(Registrations close 24 July)
SWIMMING LEARNING CAMP Dates
2 – 6 July • 9–13 July • 30 July – 3 August
Time
Time
9am – 12.30pm
Ages
6 years old and above (Min. 5 kids per workshop)
Ages
4 to 18 years old
Venue
Pavilion and Lawn Chessboard
Fee
$65 (Member) / $75 (Non-member) Snacks provided
Fee
$80 (Member) / $96 (Non-member)
To register or find out more, please contact: Rahah Kastermans E: Swiss@aquaducks.com.sg Jeroen Kastermans E: Jeroen@aquaducks.com.sg
9am – 12pm
To register or find out more, please contact Philipp Ziegler T: 9005 2206 or E: info@chess-spark.com.sg
All prices are subject to GST. Terms and conditions apply.
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I N T E R E S T
A Warm Welcome from the New Swiss Ambassador The Embassy of Switzerland in Singapore has a new Head of Mission. Since 3 May, H.E. Mr. Fabrice Filliez has taken over the responsibility of representing the Swiss Confederation in Singapore and Brunei. A career diplomat and lawyer, he previously filled the position of Ambassador for multilateral tax issues at the Swiss State Secretariat for International Finance.
Dear Swiss in Singapore, Dear Friends of Switzerland! Upon my arrival in Singapore, I was impressed (not to mention, privileged) by the warm welcome that I received from my colleagues, the Swiss community and Singaporeans. This made my start as Ambassador smooth and efficient and reconfirmed my perception of Switzerland’s positive standing in this fascinating country. During my first weeks, I could already see that Switzerland and Singapore share many underlying values that connect them even more strongly than the existing intercontinental roots. Our countries have similar understanding of prosperity in which human capital is integral; they uphold the strong belief that respect for diversity and open-mindedness contributes significantly to people’s well-being. Both Switzerland and Singapore enjoy being considered as role models in research, innovation, finance and good governance. Today, the two countries have excellent relations. High-level visits take place on an ongoing basis. Senior officials meet regularly to discuss a wide range of issues of mutual interest. Both Switzerland and Singapore are important trading partners for each other, and the numbers continue to show a positive trend. A significant factor that helps to fortify social and cultural bridges is the vast and vibrant Swiss community here. More than 4,000 Swiss reside in Singapore, with about 400 Swiss companies present. My priority during my tenure as Ambassador in Singapore is to further strengthen the established multidimensional ties and enhance cooperation in all sectors. There is still a lot to learn from each other about how to tackle the common challenges we face, for the benefit of both countries’ citizens and business communities. It is a pleasure to be here, and I am looking forward to the years ahead! Fabrice Filliez Ambassador of Switzerland
I N T E R E S T
NEWS FROM THE
A Meaningful Exchange with Our
Young Guests from Switzerland Every year in spring, the Swiss School in Singapore hosts a group of exchange students from one of the municipality schools from its Patronal Canton of Zug. This year, we were delighted to welcome eight exchange students from Risch-Rotkreuz, Switzerland, and their teacher Ms Juliana Schmidt. WARM HOSPITALITY AND INTERESTING EXCURSIONS Each child was assigned to a host family whose children were in the Primary 6 class. These families went out of their way to ensure that their exchange child felt at home and had an enriching experience here in Singapore. Over the course of two weeks, the students joined the Primary 6 class for regular lessons and also took part in school excursions to Chinatown, Little India, Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and Pulau Ubin. It was a wonderful opportunity for the students to enjoy a change of pace, meet new people, practise their English skills and experience the local culture in vibrant, cosmopolitan Singapore. SAVOURING SINGAPORE Towards the end of the second week of their exchange programme, we asked the students to share their impressions of the Lion City, Swiss School and the local lifestyle. When asked what they liked most about Singapore, local food was high on all of their lists. Butter chicken, roti prata, chicken rice and dumplings were among the most loved dishes. Exchange students Rebecca and Fabienne found the taste of durian quite intriguing and numbered it among the most memorable foods sampled in Singapore. Students also praised the cleanliness of the city, its impressive tall buildings,
abundance of nature and interesting culture. The exchange teacher, Juliana Schmidt said, “I liked the local food especially. The food is affordable and the choices are amazing. There is also a lot to see in Singapore that’s great!” PLEASANT SURPRISES AND DELIGHTFUL DIFFERENCES Next, the exchange students discussed about the differences between their schools and the Swiss School in Singapore. They all really liked the location of the Swiss School in the tropics nestled amongst lush nature. Exchange student Elena commented, “The Swiss School here is much bigger and the lessons are more fun.” Meanwhile Darline found it interesting that students here were required to wear uniforms whereas in Switzerland, they wear casual clothes to school. Laura said, “The major difference I noticed was that the classrooms here are air-conditioned and the students mostly speak English.” MEMORIES MADE AND FRIENDSHIPS FORMED Students were asked about their favourite part of Singapore’s culture and what they will miss most about their time here. “There are many religions here in Singapore. It’s impressive how people of different cultures live harmoniously together,” remarked Tobia. Lenny and Jamie found it fascinating that people here happily queue and wait patiently in line. Exchange students Darline, Laura and Rebecca said that they will especially miss the Swiss School, their host families and their new friends in Primary 6. Ms Juliana Schmidt and the rest of the students agreed, and added that the weather and nature will be greatly missed too. Likewise, the Swiss School in Singapore will fondly remember the visit from the exchange students from Zug. Article courtesy of Reena Rai Photos courtesy of Swiss School in Singapore
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I N T E R E S T M E E T
A
M E M B E R
The Marvellous McGraths Three high-spirited, curly-haired blonde beauties, a chubby-cheeked strawberry-blonde baby girl, a buff young dad and a superwoman mum – unruffled and relaxed, despite the joyous chaos unfolding around them. This was our first impression of the McGraths. SOLDIER, STUDENT, BANKER, AUTHOR, DAD Sam McGrath is a former British major and paratrooper who has served two tours in Iraq and another two in Afghanistan with the legendary Parachute Regiment. During his years of service, he ran the Parachute Regiment Selection Course, selecting and grooming soldiers for the elite forces. But wait, there’s more. He has written a successful book, published by Random House and entitled ‘The Para Fitness Guide’, which was named The Sun’s Book of the Week upon its release in 2010. Another book, entitled ‘Paratrooper’, is due to be published by Bloomsbury in January next year. In case you think this information was volunteered to shame us mere mortals, let it be known that it was prised out of him. In fact, he pointed out that he and Annie hail from the very working-class town of Preston, near Manchester. He also took more obvious pride in his equally humble wife, Annie, than in his own achievements. He shared that she had just come 29th out of 1,500 women in the Sundown Marathon. We were utterly enchanted by Annie and Sam’s small but formidable all-female regiment of Eliza, aged eight, Nellie, aged six, Beatrice aged four and Tess aged one. Chatty but not bratty, the girls could barely contain their energy during the interview, but nonetheless made meaningful contributions in the form of food recommendations and activities. Back to Sam. A graduate of Barclays’ MBA Graduate programme, he has worked for the past four years as a Managing Director at Standard Chartered in Singapore. Before embarking on motherhood, Annie worked in logistics and supply chain management. The family now live at Watten Estate.
fitness and enjoy the company of fellow expats with an “expeditionary mindset”. Sam and Annie had equally kind things to say about the Swiss Club.
“
We love being at one with Nature. Annie McGrath
“We’re almost in the wild here. We love being at one with Nature,” said Annie. She shared that the girls love to “run wild and get dirty”. Annie and Sam also praised the continuity of staff at the Swiss Club, noting how staff members remember their names and greet them with genuine warmth. When we asked Annie and Sam for some parting words of advice for fellow Members, Annie said, “Bring your friends. They’ll love it!”.
A Few of the McGraths’ Favourite Things at the Swiss Club
LOVING SINGAPORE, LOVING THE SWISS CLUB Sam and Annie have been in Singapore for eight years, having left England just after the birth of Eliza. The balance of their all-girl brood were born in Singapore.
Eliza
Big pool, diving board, flying fox, pork schnitzels
Nellie
Running wild all over the place, the playground, pork schnitzels
Beatrice
Playground – especially the swing, hot dogs
Annie gratefully acknowledged the quality of life that living in Singapore enables them to enjoy, including the weather, the never-ending things to do and the affordability of help at home. Sam added that living in Singapore enables them to maintain a high level of
Annie
Dahl and naan, new healthy salad menu
Sam
Main course specials, Thai beef salad
Everyone Playing on the basketball courts, meeting with friends
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I N T E R E S T
The Kos Family’s Journey Continues F I R S T
I M P R E S S I O N S
their white wedding in Sausalito, California, six years after their civil ceremony. Mum and Dad shared that their handsome young sons were very much involved in the ceremony and served as tuxedo-clad ring-bearers – delivering the wedding bands in a toy truck!
“
It’s really cool how the different cultural groups mingle and accept each other. Christin Kos
EMBRACING DIVERSITY Given their multicultural origins, the Kos family are already loving and embracing the diversity of Singapore. “It’s really cool how the different cultural groups mingle and accept each other,” said Christin, with obvious admiration for this little nation.
Patrick and Christin Kos and their sons, Leif and Luke, touched down in Singapore on 19 January 2018, and joined the Swiss Club just a few days later. Our lush jungle-like grounds reminded them of their most recent home, the leafy tree-lined French Concession in Shanghai. WELL-TRAVELLED AND HIGH-FLYING Patrick is Swiss-Czech, and Christin hails from the chill capital of the world, San Francisco. Their genes mingled beautifully in their two American-born sons, 3-year-old Leif and 5-year-old Luke. Patrick’s position as the regional Head of Compliance at Roche has taken him literally around the world. Prior to Singapore, the family lived in Shanghai for three years. Before that, Patrick was posted in San Francisco for five years, where he met and married Christin.
Though Patrick jokingly led us to believe he joined the Swiss Club “for the cheese fondue”, Christin set us straight when she praised the Club’s diverse culinary offerings. They are big fans of the Tandoori Corner, and the constantly changing menu of seasonal and local promotions. “We love the way the menu rotates the different cuisines. We recently enjoyed the kebabs promotion,” shared Christin. A CLUB THAT TICKS ALL THE BOXES For the Kos family, the Swiss Club was a natural choice. “It was a combination of the jungle setting, the convenient location, the swimming pool…” shared Patrick. “…And the classes!” Christin added. Christin shared that she has already joined the yoga classes, and that both Leif and Luke have taken tennis, swimming and karate. Both boys attend the neighbouring Swiss School, and the family live nearby at Hong Kong Park.
Before motherhood, Christin worked as a strategy consultant in international development, collaborating with illustrious partners such as the Gates Foundation and the United Nations.
Christin was full of praise for the easter brunch, and in particular the organisation that was evident in the table planning. She noted that all the family tables had been placed close to the balustrade overlooking the chess board area, so that the children could play, paint Easter eggs and get their glitter tattoos within full view of their parents.
A LOVE AFFAIR CONTINUES Patrick and Christin struck us as a ridiculously happy family. We wondered out loud and asked if they were newlyweds. As it happened, they had recently celebrated
The interview ended with restless wriggling. Leif and Luke were commendably well-behaved, but the ‘boy energy’ could no longer be contained… We bid the Kos family farewell as Leif and Luke ran off to play.
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UTTERLY RELAXING TREAT FROM TOE-TO-TOP
Beginning with a blissful foot spa and continuing with a pampering facial, my 75-minute Spa Therapy Treatment at the Swiss Club’s Aveda Spa was a deeply relaxing, multi-sensory experience, from the soles of my lavender-scented feet to every pampered pore on my stroked, scented and kneaded face. CUSTOMISED TO YOUR SKIN CONCERNS Before commencing the facial, Yukari presented a choice of three oils from Aveda’s Talasara™ range: illuminate (for pigmentation), nourish (for hydration) and renew (for anti-ageing). She explained that my choice of oil would be blended into every step of the treatment. I went for renew, because, as every woman knows, it’s never too early to start an anti-ageing skincare regime. Here is a snapshot of my pampering.
1
Welcoming Ritual My session began with a foot scrub and soak, scented with lavender from the Dead Sea. As I wiggled my toes, I sipped on a delicious cup of caffeine-free Comforting Tea – a blend of peppermint leaf, licorice root, sweet fennel and basil. Next, Chakra 7, a calming aromatherapy
oil, was wafted past my face. I felt my whole body heave a sigh of relief…
2
Cleansing Yukari applied balancing cleaner, exfoliant and composite oil with gentle strokes of the hand and two soft but firm brushes.
3
Massage A blend of radiant oil and serum was applied and massaged into my face. Yukari’s hands were firm but gentle, and the floral and fruity scents that enveloped me were amazing. I felt like I was lying in a field of flowers, fringed by an orchard of citrus trees…
4 5
Deep Peel Next, a blend of plant base and plant peel was applied.
Masque First, an eye mask consisting of composite oil and renew oil was applied, followed by a face mask and steaming. During the steaming, Yukari gave me a hand and forearm massage with gorgeous rosemary-infused cream.
6
Finale After wiping my face with a warm towel, Yukari applied eye cream, toner, serum, cream and sunblock. And I floated out the door on cloud nine…
This article is based on a first-hand visit to Aveda Salon & Spa by Pam Quah, Editorial Manager, ‘Relax’
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I N T E R E S T M E E T
A
S T A F F E R
Your Restaurant Manager Raymond
Raymond Ho, your Restaurant Manager, joined the Swiss Club in March 2017. After graduating from university in Ohio, he has worked in hotels, restaurants, pubs and gastrobars, but loves working at the Swiss Club the most.
TEAMWORK TRIUMPHS A fit-looking 40-year-old, Raymond is the father of Justin and Jayden, aged 16 and six years old. Born in Malaysia, he is now a Singapore citizen who values and applauds the little red dot for its efficiency, safety and transparency. At the Club, Raymond is responsible for enforcing service standards, managing budgets and meeting sales targets. He commends his team for their friendliness, diligence and their team spirit. He generously acknowledges that his colleagues’ willingness to work together makes his work so much easier.
AAVVEEDDAA
“Teamwork is the most important factor in a restaurant’s success,” said Raymond with conviction. Raymond enjoys working for his clientele as much as he enjoys working with his colleagues. In his former workplaces, relationships tended to be transient and superficial. Here, he gets to build relationships with the Members. Getting to know them by name, as well as their wining and dining preferences, is a source of great satisfaction for this affable host. In terms of dining recommendations, Raymond is full of praise for the new
menus, and enjoys working with Adrian and Aaron. He singled out the everpopular schnitzel and Omega-3 salad as signature dishes which never fail to please diners. AFTER HOURS When he’s not working, Raymond enjoys jogging, gym-going and swimming. True to his roots, his favourite cuisine is Chinese, especially when it’s lovingly prepared by hs wife, Cara. Her minced meat noodles are a favourite. His beverage of choice is a cold weissbier – a legacy of his time at the Swiss Club, perhaps?
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
Last Word
SUCCESSFUL SWISS SCHOOL APPRECIATION LUNCH
IN PRAISE OF AMAZING BRUNCH
Dear Paulina,
Dear Paulina,
I just wanted to say thank you for the yesterday’s lunch. The food has been excellent and it was a huge success!
What a great brunch again! Chef Adrian and his crew did an amazing job and we had a great time enjoying Mother’s Day at Arbenz.
Best regards, Karin Theodoracatos-Altwegg
Best regards, Christoph Denk
KUDOS FOR KID-FRIENDLY EVENT Dear Paulina, Thank you for helping organising the event today. I am aware that it might get challenging with a big group, ordering individually on the same time on different Membership accounts, with hungry kids jumping around. I wanted to thank you and the staff of the Pergola for their patience and for keeping all orders and additional orders so well on track. Best regards, Monika Anderegg
THANKS FOR A WONDERFUL EVENING Hi Aaron, I just would like to come back to you and thank you for the wonderful evening we had last Saturday at Jungle Bar. The food was delicious and the service excellent. Thank you to the Swiss Club Team! Have a great day, Nadine
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I N T E R E S T
PROGRAMME OF ACTIVITIES IN JULY AND AUGUST 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 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) TBC COMPETITION & DEVELOPMENT CD1, CD2, CD3, CD4 Mon 17:00 – 18:00 CD1 Tue – Fri 17:00 – 18:00 Sat* – 09:15 – 10:15 (*TBC during Summer Break) CD2 Tue – Fri 17:00 – 18:00 Sat* – 08:30 – 09:30 (*TBC during Summer Break) CD3, CD4 Tue – Fri 17:00 – 18:00 Sat* – 08:30 – 09:30 (*TBC during Summer Break) *Summer Break Schedule: 25 June to 5 August 2018 WATER POLO Mon 18:00 ADULTS’ TRAINING Fri 08:30 – 09:30 (Leisure Pool)
34 BADMINTON Thu 20:00 – 22:00 (Sports Hall) 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) BIKE RIDES ON SUNDAYS Please check Newsletter for more details. GOLF German-Swiss Golf Club Please contact Joachim Herrmann at E: germanswissgolfclub@gmail. com or T: 8121 8902 JASS 31 Aug, 26 Oct, 7 Dec (Rifle Lounge) Please contact Aileen Aschwanden at E: jass@swissclub.org.sg for more details.
I N T E R E S T
MUAY THAI DUO Private Session Sat 11:00 – 12:00 (Aerobics Studio) Please contact Melanie Wragg at E: info@islandwellness.sg or T: 9068 2619. (Note: Pre-registration is required for this class) PARKOUR Thu 17:00 – 18:00 (Around Club) 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 Pre-registration required securing bike for class. INDOOR CYCLING Tue 08:30 – 09:20 Please contact Kristel Heather 24 hours before class at E: getactive@activefitness.com.sg or T: 9696 6246.
KARATE KYOKUSHIN KARATE Wed 17:00 – 18:00 4 years and above Parents are welcome to join class (Aerobics Studio)
BOOT CAMP Mon 18:00 – 18:45, 18:45 – 19:30 (Sports Field)
Please contact the instructor, Sensei Lai, at E: ekl@caa.columbia.edu or T: 9185 0900 for more details.
Thu 08:30 – 09:15 (Outside Gym)
ZEN DO KA KARATE Thu 17:00 – 18:00 Mini-Ninjas, 4 – 6 years Little Dragons, over 6 years (Aerobics Studio)
(Note: During rain, Boot Camp will be held at the gym)
KIDS FIT Sat 14:00 – 15:00 (Outside Gym) Please contact Jason Stanley 24 hours before class at E: getactive@activefitness.com.sg or T: 9026 3452.
Please contact the instructor, Sensei Peter Robertson, at E: zendoka@yahoo.com or T: 9837 8637 for more details.
PERSONAL TRAINING Please contact Timothy Felix at E: getactive@activefitness.com.sg by appointment only.
MAHJONG Mon 19:30 – 22:30 (Rifle Lounge)
PILATES PILATES REHABILITATION Private Session Mon 08:30 – 09:30 (Aerobics Studio)
Please contact Jill Boschung at E: jillbos@yahoo.com or T: 9022 4605 for more details.
PILATES MATWORK Wed 08:30 – 09:30 (Aerobics Studio) Please contact Christabel Lim at E: christabel_lyh@hotmail.com or T: 9619 5820. (Note: Pre-registration is required for this class) SKAT Wed 20:00 – 23:00 (Jungle Bar) Please contact Hubert Nerlich at E: hubertnerlich@gmail.com or T: 6734 0034 for more details. SOCIAL DANCE Alternate Thursdays 20:30 – 21:30 2 Aug, 16 Aug, 30 Aug (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 Melanie Wragg at E: info@islandwellness.sg or T: 9068 2619.
GOT A SUGGESTION? If you would like to suggest a new activity, please contact:
(Note: Pre-registration is required for this class)
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