REGISTERED BY AUSTRALIA POST - PUBLICATION No. VBH 6369
SEPTEMBER 2008
National Day celebrations for young and old Lampionumzug – Lantern Procession
Festivities at the Club
The rain and at times almost gail-force wind stopped just in time as around 100 people of all ages gathered for the traditional ‘Lampionumzug’. This event has grown in popularity every year despite the often unfavourable weather prevailing at this time of the year.
Whilst the children and parents enjoyed themselves upstairs after the ‘Lampionumzug’, the party continued for members and guests at the fully booked Club Restaurant.
The procession took a different route than in previous years. We started from Federation Square, were the eight large flagpoles along Flinders Street were decorated with huge Swiss flags hoisted by the Melbourne City Council to acknowledge Swiss National Day. The procession then slowly made its way along the Yarra towards the MCG. Gerd Schwärzler with the drum, Peter Häusler and Roland Isler with Swiss and Australian flags were followed by young and old proudly carrying bells and brightly shining lanterns. Some footy fans must have been wondering what team this noisy and colourful crowd is supporting and many passers-by enquired curiously about what this was all about! After a pleasant walk in the cold winter night, everyone arrived at the Club’s 2nd floor, which was decorated in the red and white Swiss colours. The children were heading for the buffet with yummy sausages (special thanks to Marlies & Sepp Krummenacher from Ormond Meat & Smallgoods for the donation!), chips (thank you Roger, as always), yoghurt, lollies and cordial. The parents were treated to traditional Älplermagronen and Mostcrème (thank you, Barbara, for the delicious dessert). We hope that young and young-at-hearts had a fantastic time and will help us celebrate again next year. Pencil it in your 2009 diary – it is a true way of celebrating your Swiss heritage!
A very lively atmosphere ensued as soon as John Wanner and his ‘Kapelle Grüezi Mitenand’ played their first tune. Naturally, the delicious dinner menu created by Roger Moullet and the excellent service by the girls did its part to enhance the celebratory mood! This 717th anniversary of Switzerland was extra special for John Wanner (80) and Urs Marfurt (75) as they together commemorated their milestone birthdays the same day. The Alphorn tune courtesy of Irma Thalmann and the welcome by Club President Rolf Huber signalled the official part of the evening. Everyone raised to sing the National Anthem accompanied by ‘Kapelle Grüezi Mitenand’. Following this, Mr Ernst Hofstetter, Deputy Consul General of Switzerland, visiting from Sydney with his family, addressed the members - see page 6. It was fantastic to see so many people having a great time! Thanks to everyone that attended and a special thank-you to all the helpers that made this Swiss National Day 2008 again a not-to-be missed event on the Swiss Club calendar! Continued on page 6
From the
Editor’s Pen
Dear Reader, in this issue I’d like to introduce to you a new regular contributor. Damian Schaller, who represents the ‘younger generation’ of Club members, will be writing about the world wide web and perhaps inspire us less web-savvy people to go surfing. Thank you and welcome Damian! As always, we would welcome any feedback from you. Share with us the experience or web discoveries you have made! See ”Damian’s Websurf“ on page 17.
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