REGISTERED BY AUSTRALIA POST - PUBLICATION No. VBH 6369
DECEMBER 2009
Triple anniversary gala dinner, a night to remember! contributed much to the success of the evening. Their repertoire did not fail to have an affect on the guests as they hummed, sang and moved along happily to many familiar tunes.
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Barbara Kündig, the President of the Swiss Club, started off the proceedings immediately followed by a short address by Mr Meli. Then Roland M.L.W. Grasset’s visit Isler announced a rather unexpected visitor - the first President of the Swiss Guests that attended the gala dinner Club, Monsieur Marc held at the club on Saturday, 14 “We had a fantastic Louis William Grasset! November to commemorate the night, one of the best. In walked a rather 110th anniversary of the Swiss The organisation bewildered looking man, Club of Victoria, together with committee deserves a dressed in 19th century the 60th anniversary of the Folk medal. It was so much attire. What followed was Dance Group Alpenrose and fun to be there. Thank a humorous theatrical the 130th anniversary of the you for giving us a dialogue between Roland Swiss Society of Victoria would fabulous night, good and M.L.W., who was agree - the organising team food, good company sent back to earth to comprising of Rita Schwärzler, and lots of fun!!!!!” talk about himself and Barbara Kündig and Roland the Swiss Club and what Sylvia Hochuli Isler did a great job. happened after the first The event was totally booked attempt failed in 1904. The sketch was out and many, who left it too late to written by Roland and was designed to book, unfortunately missed out on a provide a historical reflection in a novel wonderful night of entertainment, good and fun way. M.L.W. was played by none food, a rather unexpected visit and the other than Hannes Black who people are chance to secure some great bargains at normally used to seeing serving dinner the silent auction. Guests of honour were newly arrived Consul General Mr Markus Meli and his charming wife Christa who visited the club for the first time. Tables were elegantly dressed befitting a gala event with a white orchid taking centrepiece on every table. These beautiful flowers became part of the silent auction at the end of the evening and were eagerly snapped up by guests. Wonderful musical entertainment provided by Dieter and Julia Bajzek
and drinks behind the bar of the club restaurant. The performance was wildly applauded and judging by the laughter the audience thoroughly loved it. Hannes immersed himself in the role and his theatrical experience was clearly a big contributor to the success of the sketch.
Rita Schwärzler talking about our ‘Mafia’
After M.L.W. went back to heaven, Barbara, on behalf of the Swiss Club and all assembled guests, congratulated the members of the Folk Dance Group Alpenrose and their leader Sylvia Hochuli on their 60th anniversary. Sylvia addressed the guests and bestowed a special honour upon Gwen Eckhardt, who is a founding member of the group, by presenting her with a specially inscribed plate. Then addresses by former presidents Oscar Nicolet (1961-1963), Franz Doos (1969) and Peter Meury (1970-1973 & 1976) were read, providing an interesting account of what was important in the life of the club in the 60s and 70s. ‘Kriminaltango’ by Hazy Osterwald was the prelude of Rita Schwärzler’s talk about the ‘Swiss Club Mafia’. Rita, wearing hat and dark glasses, presented it in her usual charm and wit that everyone loves. For the unknowing reader, it should be said that there is,
Dieter and Julia Bajzek
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89 Flinders Lane • Melbourne 3000 • Victoria • Australia • w w w.s w i s s .o r g.au/s w i s sc lu bv i c
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