Looking at the last message I wrote for this website I realised with astonishment, that over a year has passed since then.
I can again report about our September 2023 AGM which was attended by more than 30 people. The committee had worked hard to have everything in place. The nicest part for me was the big surprise we created for Beat and Esther Birchmeier. The committee, (minus Beat), had decided to give this hard-working couple Honorary Membership.
Everybody who attends our special luncheons in Tempe or any other function can attest to how much effort Beat puts into making these events super special. Apart from that, he does many more things for our society, too many to mention here. Beat is organised to the dot on the last i, and Esther supports him with equal dedication. As the two were almost ready to fly off for a well-earned holiday in Switzerland we decided not to present them with flowers but with a voucher from Flower Power. This way, on their return, they could enjoy whatever they fancied from this flower supermarket.
Another much appreciated gesture for the over 80s in the Swiss community was a hand-delivered Christmas gift of a packet of authentic Guetslis (Swiss Christmas cookies) and a 2024 Swiss photographic calendar, sourced from Patenschaft Berggemeinden. This was another initiative meticulously organised and beautifully presented by Beat and Esther, who also arranged for our dedicated volunteers to deliver the gift packets. The SCCS received many messages of appreciation from our older compatriots for this thoughtful gift.
Unfortunately, one of our committee members, Paula Nakajima, had to resign in 2023 for family reasons. As she was in Switzerland, we could not thank her at the AGM for all she had done. Among other things, Paula has sent hundreds, if not thousands, of birthday cards to Swiss people older than 70. She too, belongs to those men and women who do things 100% right. Paula, we thank you for all you did for SCCS.
Throughout 2023 we had many enjoyable times. The concert outings were wonderful, though attendances were not as strong as in years past. Whether this is still the result of Covid and those lock down times, remains unclear. Attendances at the National Day and Christmas luncheons were about 90 people - also a little less than before. It may have to do with the fact that we now schedule them on Thursdays, rather than Saturdays. This however is a big advantage for SCCS, as the Concordia Club is closed to the public on Thursdays and so we have the benefit of exclusive use of the club.
The Casual Lunch on the third Friday of the month is getting more popular with sometimes up to twenty people present. A Jass-group has developed out of that jolly get-together. It is only small so far and some more players would be more than welcome. The Jass-group meets at lunchtime on the first Friday of the month, also at Concordia Club in Tempe (see notice on the Activities page).
In late 2023, we sent out an email to our members (and a letter to those who are not electronically connected) about being prepared for the future. It is not the most pleasant topic to talk about but a very important one, since none of us is going to live forever. I urge you to read it and to act on it if you haven’t already done so. (See the following message.)
I hope you enjoyed lovely times with your family and friends over Christmas, and send you my very best wishes for 2024.
Regula Scheidegger, President
Mob 0432 031 085
At the September 2023 AGM president Regula Scheidegger surprises events coordintor Beat Birchmeier, while Marianne Pearson (property coordinator) and
Martin Scarpino (treasurer) look on.
Venue: Rosso Italian Restaurant, Gladesville.
In acknowledgement of their tireless work for the society, Beat and Esther Birchmeier are awarded Honorary Life Membership to the Society, by Regula Scheidegger.
The committee of eight members was assisted by a dedicated group of volunteers who generously offered their time to hand-deliver 120 Christmas packages to our elders, located all over Sydney and beyond. Beat, our events coordinator planned the logistics exercise, down to the last cookie and address label, and in November 2023 assigned volunteers to specific recipients.
Each packet contained a box of Wiehnachtsguetsli, a calendar and a letter from our president with Christmas greetings.
Over 100 guests attended this special luncheon. The event was convivial with carefully decorated tables, adorned with Swiss chocolates (naturally), and packets of home made Swiss Christmas cookies for each guest. Entertainment was provided by an accordionist. Regula Scheidegger played a piece on violin entitled Kleines Fantasiestück über 'O du fröhliche', accompanied by Tomas Drevikovsky on piano. Guests reminisced as they joined in with singing. A cheerful atmosphere was once again provided by the Swiss dancing group Alpegruess. The Lucky Door Prize hamper along with the tombola, ensured that every guest took home a gift. Guests were pleased to meet Mr Jérôme Charbonnet, Deputy Consul (seated next to Regula in the photo Gallery). As we've come to expect, the Concordia staff provided a quality meal and attentive service. Yet another very popular event, meticulously arranged by Beat Birchmeier and wife Esther. More photos in the Gallery.
The event was wonderful. I enjoyed talking away in Schwiizerdütsch and every time I attend I see another familiar face. Everybody is so kind and nice to talk to. The preparation and all the work put in to organising was absolutely fantastic.
I had such a great time. - Remark from a guest.
Swiss Community Care Society