A Word from the Committee

As we embark on a New Year, I wish everyone all the best, lots of happiness and – most of all – good health in 2021. Although the outlook for the year ahead is generally mixed, there are some landmark events to look forward to.

Dear Swiss Club Members,

Dear Readers of ‘Relax’,

As we bid farewell to 2020 – a year we will certainly not forget anytime soon – I trust you had a wonderful Christmas. Many of us would usually travel home for Christmas, something which was not possible for most this year. I hope the Club has been able to add some cheer to your Christmas experience.

As we embark on a New Year, I wish everyone all the best, lots of happiness and – most of all – good health in 2021. Although the outlook for the year ahead is generally mixed, there are some landmark events to look forward to.

First of all, 2021 is the year the Swiss Club turns a venerable 150 years old. Despite its respectable age, the Clubhouse will be rejuvenated and modernised without compromising on its historic charm. Bar any unforeseen circumstances, the renovated Clubhouse is scheduled to reopen in its entire glory at the end of the first quarter 2021. You can look forward to a revamped Pergola and the new Arbenz lounge ‘Under the Stars’. Due to popular demand, the Jungle Cove seating by the pool will remain even after the Pergola has reopened. We will keep you informed about the various new and exciting changes closer to the official opening of the Clubhouse.

Furthermore, the 150th anniversary of the Swiss Club in 2021 is reason to celebrate. The year-long celebration will showcase various Swiss traditions and the best Switzerland has to offer – beyond chocolate and cheese. Although we planned for big events once a quarter – open to both Members and the public – we will most likely have to scale them down considerably or even postpone them to 2022 due to the ongoing pandemic and Singapore’s cautious approach to returning to a ‘new normal’. The first event is scheduled to coincide with the opening of the renovated Clubhouse. More information will follow closer to the date. Watch this space!

I would like to thank the many Members who responded to our Members’ Survey – a platform to express your ideas and affection for the Club. An overwhelming number of Members participated and we are very grateful for your words of encouragement, as well as your concerns, criticism and ideas for improvement. We heard you. Some of your suggestions have already been put into action, and others will follow.

Last but not least, I am confident that you will agree with me when I say that the Swiss Club team has done a formidable job in 2020 to keep the Club running and improving despite the difficult circumstances caused by the pandemic and the ongoing renovation.

My thanks go to the entire team for going the extra mile in 2020 and providing all of us with a superb Club experience. A word of encouragement or thanks from you to the staff will go a long way. What better occasion than the 150th anniversary for all of us to work together to make the Swiss Club an even better home away from home for everyone!

Wishing you a Happy and Prosperous New Year.

See you at the Club!

Rolf Gerber Swiss Club President rolf.gerber@swissclub.org.sg