SWISS REVIEW / 03 2017

will always be indebted to the staff of the SwissChurch in London who looked after the kids’activities. It has been particularly pleasing to seethat the number of youngsters taking part hasincreased each year.

Our national day is a unique opportunityfor Swiss citizens and friends of Switzerlandto come together to celebrate our history andfor our children and grandchildren to learnabout their heritage.

To achieve this degree of success, you needa strong dedicated team willing to spend timeand energy for the cause. Our committee mem-bers had these attributes, but we felt that itwas now time to hand over to new blood withrenewed energy and ideas. This iswhywe invitedthepresidents or representatives of all Swiss clubsand societies from in andaroundLondon to cometogether to elect a new committee according toour rules. But unlike 2009, the request was metwith silence, which begs the question: If theundersignedhadbeen theAmbassador,would theresponse have beenmore successful?

REGIONAL EDITIONUNITED KINGDOM & IRELAND

EditorialI would like to take this opportunity to say my farewells,as this is my final issue as editor of the Swiss Review.Exactly six years ago I began my search for Swiss-relatedstories the length andbreadthof theUK, and subsequentlyIreland, to entertain and inform you, the Swiss expatcommunity. I have met some wonderful people on theway, whether at embassy functions, Swiss club gatheringsor simply via email exchanges.

■ Although I am not Swiss you have always mademe feel verywelcome and it has been an absolute joyto serve you these past six years. A special thank yougoes to my now good friend and designer Marc(@ on-IDLE)whoworks tirelessly – and for very littlemoney – to ensure beautifully presented pagesand finally, I’d like to wish your new editor GioiaPalmieri every success for the future. ANDREW LITTLEJOHN,

«UK & IRELAND PAGES»

Swiss National Day London’s festivities, whichhave always been regarded as a celebration ofSwiss culture and heritage and enjoyed byhundreds in the south-east of England, have forthe first time in 6 years been cancelled. DanielPedroletti, the outgoing Chair of the SwissNational Day London Committee explains why.

Following the failed celebration of the SwissNational Day in 2009, the then Ambassador ofSwitzerland invited thepresidents or representa-tives of all Swiss clubs and societies in andaroundLondon to explore the possibility of organising awell-planned and attractive celebration in 2010.After a constructive discussion, the foundationswere laid for a brand new organisation and therules andnewnamewere adopted. SwissNationalDay Londonwas born.

From 2010 to 2016, we produced six success-ful events, each attended by over 300 people.(An exception was made during the Olympicyear when the Swiss Embassy set it up.) Forus, the emphasis was always on planning aprogramme suitable for thewhole family.We didour best to cater for everybody, from toddlersright through to octogenarians. Everyone wasmade to feel welcome.

On one occasion, participants were given theopportunity to have a go at playing the Alphorn,which they discovered was no easy task. On twooccasions we had a choir in their traditionalcostumes flown in from Switzerland, once fromla Romandie and once from Ticino. Young andold were more than happy to sing along. We

News: Does Swiss National Day London have a future?

Daniel PedrolettiOutgoing ChairSwiss National Day London

info@swissnationalday.co.uk

SWISS REVIEW / 03 2017

II Regional Edition United Kingdom & Ireland

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Feature: Switzerland triumphs at CruftsSwitzerland enjoyed dog history at this year’s Crufts winningthe Large Agility Award. It’s the first time a Swiss Team has won atrophy at the world’s largest dog show. Collie Cute, led by hertrainer Simon Brenca, made the most eloquent sharp turns andtwists, highest jumps and fastest sprints to pick up the prestigiousinternational prize. TheSwissReviewcontacted the champion trainerfrom Bern shortly after their victory on the ‘green carpet’ to findout what it takes to train awinner.

Simon Brenca (SB): Training is a series of building blocks. Stepby step, the dog focuses on each individual obstacle. These blocks aregradually put together in short sequences and varying difficulty levels.A dog can start taking part in competitions at 18months. Each animallearns at its own speed and this we have to respect. It’s like in school,some students learn faster thanothers. Butmost important is develop-ing a strong relationship between dog and handler.

Swiss Review (SR):What do you look for in a dog to know it willbe good performer?

The Regional Consular Centre (RCC) in London looks after Swissnationals in the United Kingdom and Ireland, fulfilling many of thefunctions of a municipal administrative authority in Switzerland.

It is important that your records and contact details withthe RCC are up to date so please forward any changes by post(16–18 Montagu Place, London W1H 2BQ) or e-mail(rcclondon@eda.admin.ch).

Twice a year the Embassy publishes an electronic newsletterwith information of interest to Swiss nationals living in theUnited Kingdom. To download past issues and to subscribe tofuture mailings, please visit the Embassy’s website:www.eda.admin.ch/london -> News -> Newsletter

SB: For me it’s much more important that I choose a healthy dog.I look into the genetics, their ancestry. Howdid their parents perform?But in the end it’s the handler that makes the dog. The handler trainsthe dog, pushes him and teaches him. We virtually ‘form’ the dog ourway. I don’t mean this in a negative way.

SR:What does it feel like when it is just you and your dog aloneon the green carpet?

SB: Standing at the start, Cute (my dog) betweenmy legs, I quicklygo through the course in my head one last time. One last deep breath.Ready, set, the whistle blows, and we’re off! From now on I justfunction, running through the course, Cutenever for one secondout ofmy sight. I hear the crowd somewhere off in the background. I can’tallow myself to be distracted. A tiny bit of inattention can result in amistakeor evenworse in adisqualification. The greatest feeling iswhenI cross the line, Cute jumps into my arms and I turn around to see‘1st place’ flashing up on the big screen. It’s at that moment all theadrenaline dissipates and is replaced by emotion.

Cute on her way to victory

SWISS REVIEW / 03 2017

IV Regional Edition United Kingdom & IrelandAlthough he also worked with painting and drawing, Giacomettiis most famous for his sculptures, particularly his figures.

The human head was an important motif in the artist’s work.He was fascinated by the idea that one’s life lies within our eyes.

Giacometti preferred to use models who he knew personally,including his brother Diego.

Giacometti’s studio in Paris at 46 Rue Hippolyte was, despitehis success, far from glamorous.

In 2010, Giacometti’s life-sized bronze sculpture of a man soldfor 140 million dollars, becoming the most expensive sculpture.

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Feature: A Class Act

Dr Louis Guenin is a Swiss dentist andone of Britain’s leading dentists workingin Central London with his sonDr Christian Guenin as senior partner ofHolford Partners dental surgery inthe centre of London’s prestigiousHarley Street district.

Dr Guenin provides the best modernfamily dentistry with a stunning viewover Cavendish Square. All dentalservices are provided including whitefillings, hygienist appointments, cosmet-ic dentistry, implants and orthodonticsfor all ages.

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You will probably find that the dentalpractice is uniquely different from anyother you might have experienced.It is different because the aims aredifferent.

We specialise in prevention and healthand beauty and comfort, making surethat all dental emergencies are seenpromptly. A friendly atmosphere, warmsmiles from the staff and a comfortinghand to hold is all important. Treatyourself to our kindness and care.

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020 7499 9806smile@HolfordCuraden.comwww.HolfordCuraden.com

GIACOMETTI – 5 FACTS

Arts: Alberto Giacometti retrospectiveFor fourmonths this year (10thMay – 10th Septem-ber), the Tate Modern in London has been givenunparalleled access to the Fondation Alberto etAnnette Giacometti’s collection and archive tocreate the first major Alberto Giacomettiretrospective in the UK for more than twodecades. The exhibition includes rarely seen plas-ters anddrawings.Alongside thesearemore famil-iar bronze sculptures and oil paintings showingGiacometti’s distinctive elongated figures.

Sculptor, painter, draughtsman and print-maker, Alberto Giacometti is one of the greatartists of the twentieth century. To coincide withTate Modern’s Giacometti exhibition, the SwissReview looks at five interesting facts about theartist and his varied career.

SWISS REVIEW / 03 2017

V

adequate replacement for Fendant) andeven add in a fewwee drams of Kirsch.It was an enjoyable evening, thanks toall who attended.’

RUTH MUHEIM

3: Yorkshire Swiss ClubWe are pleased to report that MariaAtkinson was asked, and accepted, totake over the presidency of YorkshireSwiss Club at our AGM in March atthe Stansfield Arms in ApperleyBridge. Outgoing President, Evy War-dill, was thanked for her hard workand commitment during her 13 yearsin office. Thanks were also conveyedto Jennie Dransfield who has agreedto stay on as secretary to ensurecontinuity. Following the President’sreport and acceptance of the accounts,everybody enjoyed the delicious mealand company of compatriots.

For information about forthcomingevents please contact Jenny on01924495929orMariaon01423781239or marcols.atkinson@gmail.com.Maria is looking forward tomeeting asmanymembers, and especially poten-tial new members and their families,over the comingmonths.

JENNIE DRANSFIELD

4: La Causerie welcomesLa Causerie was originally formedin London during the early 1930s as asewing club for Swiss French ladies.Now, our French speaking groupmeetsregularly on the second Tuesdayof each month at the Swiss Churchin Endell Street, sharing a convivialtime and living up to the name of‘La Causerie’.

We organise outings, visitmuseums, go for walks in London’smany parks and go to restaurants.Come and meet us at one of ourget-togethers, where we will be happyto welcome you.

For more information, pleasecontact Lisa Hall.

Email: lisa.moerschwil@gmail.comPhone: 020 8894 2114.

GENEVIÈVE HIGGIN

CowbellringerRuben

Tuckinginto a

comfortingfondue

Evy Wardill(outgoingPresident)and JennieDransfield(Secretary)

A trip onthe London

Gondola

1

4

1: North Wales Swiss ClubThis year’s Eisteddfod, anannualWelshfestival of music and poetry, is beingheld on the Isle of Anglesey in August.Each townon the islandhas beengiventhe task of raising funds to help coverthe costs of the event. Llangaffo, avillage in the south, suggested anAlphorn concert – a first for Anglesey!

Early on the 8th April, we enrolledour sonRuben to takepart in amusicalworkshopby renownedAlphornmusi-cian, Frances Jones. Themorningbeganlearning about the goat horn, then thecow horn, as well as various otherhorns, culminating in the Alphorn.Ruben managed to successfully play afew notes on all the instruments.Frances not only illustrated the fore-runners of the Alphorn but also gavethe children andadults an insight into’its history.

Our appetitewas set for the eveningconcert,whichbeganwith an introduc-tion to Switzerlandandadescriptionofhow theAlphorn cameabout. Even theSwiss amongst us learned a thing ortwo! Everyone was left amazed withthe renditionofAmazingGrace and theWelsh contingent truly livedup to theirreputation as ‘The land of song’ afterthe entertainment ended. There waseven an opportunity to play theAlphorn, which is by no means aseasy as it looks, but was taken up by anumber of guests.

It was a delightful and informativeevening,whichendedaround 11pmandleft us wantingmore, so we hope to beable to welcome Frances at one of ourNorthWales SwissClubmeetings soon.

BEATRICE SCHLEGEL

2: Edinburgh Swiss ClubEvery year in spring, Edinburgh SwissClub organises a Fondue evening tobring some Swiss traditions to theScottish capital and to satisfy somecravings for ‘Swissness’, developedduring thewintermonths in Scotland.

In preparation, we use, of course,original Swiss cheese in their originalSwiss caquelons with Swiss cooks

2

3

stirring, just tomake sure it turns out right.With a glass or two of white wine (andmaybe some Kirsch), and after having im-mersed pieces of tasteful bread into themelted cheese, it is nowonder someguestsshould become nostalgic and suddenlyburst into traditional Swiss songs whichrang out across Saughtonhall Communitycentre, the venue for this delightful event,mixed with stories from the homeland;absolutely the best cure for homesickness!

Franz Muheim: ‘A recipe which youcannot beat: get a room full of Swiss, meltcheese – thanks toour ancestorswhogiftedus lactose tolerant genes – of course, whitewine is a must (a good Viognier is an

SWISS REVIEW / 03 2017

VI

For further details of all our events andvenue-related enquiries please contact Nat:

venue@swisschurchlondon.org.uk+44 7590 879 201

Society: Swiss Church London proves its versatilityIn amongst the hustle and bustle of London’sbusy theatre district in Covent Garden are theimmense green doors of our beautiful GradeII-listed building.

Behind these doors sits a light-filled haven ofpeace and serenitywherewe consistently engagewith the Swiss community with our Sunday Ser-vice,weddings, baptisms and community events.

Butmore recently, ourdelightful building andspacious roomshave extended far beyond the tra-ditional use of a churchproving it to be a versatileand sought after space in London’sWest End.

Weplayhost to corporate andprivatedinners,film nights and press launches. The space can betransformed into a lively and creative rehearsalroom andwe pride ourselves in offering the localcommunity free lunchtime recitals fromstudentsof the Royal Opera House. We are also becomingrecognized as a venue forhigh-end fashion showsduring London FashionWeek.

All this, and a warm welcome, is why we aresuchapopular space for repeat venuehire, attract-ing a myriad of different people with distinctevents from across London and beyond.

Politics: Ireland nominates its new ASO representativeFrançois Mayor was born in Laus-anne in theCantonofVaudandhasbeen living abroad since 1979,working for the Federal Depart-ment of ForeignAffairs andending

his career as Consul General ofSwitzerland inMarseille, and then170miles north in Lyon.

François retired in September2016 andmoved toDublinwithhis

wife. His years as an expat and hisprofessional experiences dealingwith the issues of the SwissAbroadcontributed to his nomination torepresent Swiss living in Ireland.

2. Tables set for aChristmas dinner

1. Setting thestage for London

Fashion Week

3. A beautiful and elegant weddingvenue (Photo by Kathryn Pike,www.klpphotography.co.uk)

4. Royal Opera House LunchtimeRecital

5. Final rehearsal for BrandenburgChoral Festival Concert

1 2

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SWISS REVIEW / 03 2017

VIIRegional Edition United Kingdom & Ireland

Feature: Alphorns in Guatemala!In January, eight Swiss alphorn players and our own UK star player,Frances Jones, played their Swiss mountain horns at a number ofunlikely locations in Guatemala, in Central America.

It was thewhimof Swiss playerWerner Ruetsch, who runs a thriv-ing coffee and cardamomplantation inGuatemala, eightmonths on siteand fourmonths from his other home in Grindelwald.

‘I thought itwouldbewonderful to show thedelights ofGuatemalatomy alphorn-playing friends’, saidWerner, ‘andwhat a fabulous timewehad,warm sunshine every day, playing by crater lakes, up an activevolcano, in among ancient Mayan temples and in front of glisteningwhite cathedrals’.

The musical tour party of fifteen Swiss and Frances with her hus-bandMartin, travelled throughoutGuatemala for twoweeks in the careof Suizomaya, aholiday company set upbyanother ex-pat Swiss alphornenthusiast, Mario Gigandet.

Mastering the art of being Swiss isn’talways easy, even if you are Swiss.Nowtohelp youmake it (or fake it) ac-claimedauthorDicconBeweshaspro-duced an entertaining and insightfulinstruction manual titled How to beSwiss. Using satire, the author’s lat-est book covers a myriad of topicsfrom socialising to history, andfrom culture to politics.The first step to Helvetic

heaven is often the toughest: howto greet the Swiss when youmeet them. Once you’vepassed that test, the next

takes youback in time through thehistory every Swiss knows (or shouldknow). Further steps will have you

living and laughing like the Swiss, see-ing the world through their eyes,negotiating apoliticalmaze, andfind-ing Swiss bliss in the simplest ofthings. Not forgetting the SwissCommandments, which are revealedin their full glory.

By the end, you will have learnthowtoenter a liftproperly anddiscov-eredwhy 1908was sucha special year;youwill knowhowto spendyour Sun-days and have navigated the Swissarchipelago.

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SWITZERLANDTRAVEL & CULTUREGUIDESILVIA SCHOCH, EDITOR

NEW!

SWISS REVIEW / 03 2017

VIII Regional Edition United Kingdom & Ireland

IMPRESSUMHOW TO CONTACT THE EDITOR: Reports of Swiss society activities, news,coming events, correspondence, articles and advertising for the ‘Switzerlandin the UK & Ireland’ section of the Swiss Review, should go to the editor:ANDREW LITTLEJOHN81 Brondesbury Road Tel: 020 7372 3519London, NW6 6BB mail: editor@swissreview.co.uk

DESIGN:Implemented by Marc Peter – on-IDLE Ltdwww.on-idle.com

The deadline for the next UK issue is:Monday 21st AugustDate of publication: Thursday 21st September

Next IssuesThe Swiss Review, with its ‘Switzerland in the UK & Ireland’ supplement,is published six times a year (four with the UK supplement)in February, April, June, August, October, December.

Vanni Bianconi is a Swiss poet andtranslator from Locarno, Switzerlandwho now lives in London. His poemshavebeen translated into various lan-guages and published in book form,magazines and anthologies.

He’s the founder and artistic direc-tor of Babel Festival and of the multi-lingual webmagazine ‘Specimen. TheBabel Review of Translations’. TheSwiss Review’s new editor Gioia Palm-ieri met up with Vanni recently to dis-cuss his latest publication andprojects.

Gioia Palmieri (GP):What is Babeland how does it fit into the inter-national landscape?

Vanni Bianconi (VB): Babel is aliterary festival that focuses ontranslation. Translation is a fundamen-tal practice for the diffusion ofknowledge and of written pleasure.But translation can also be understoodas ‘linguistic hospitality’, a practicethat prompts you to meet foreignersin their land, in order to be able toinvite them into your own home.A translatormustmaster the structureof a foreign language, but also theparticular ways it is used in differentcontexts and its cultural significance.Therefore, translationoffers amodel forother kinds of hospitality, which isparticularly pressing and necessary inamulticultural andmigrating world.

GP: As writer and translator whatdoes ‘multilingualism’ mean to youand what is its value in a multilingualcountry such as Switzerland, andin the UK, where English is the mainspoken language?

VB: I cannot speak about England –even if England has recently spokenquite clearly for itself. But havingrecently worked in London on severalliterary projects – a festival in London,

a festival in Switzerland,which focusedonnon-English London-basedwriters,and my book London as a SecondLanguage – I came to realise that thediversity we associate with this cityis far from being assumed as apositive value, and the same goesfor its multiplicity of languages.London is ultimately a monolingualcontext, where many languages aretolerated. In Switzerland, on the otherhand, despite its multilingualism isgrowing more and more theoretical,the plurality of languages is still con-sidered apositive asset. Inmost cases atleast, ‘multi’ is more hospitable than‘mono’.

GP: Are foreign languages often,and usually, translated in the UK?

VB: Only 1.5% of published booksare translated, and this is a very lowpercentage. Of course, English encom-passes a large variety of countries andcultures, and attracts many writersfrom other languages too. However,

thispotential diversity ismostly tamed.The driving force is the market, forgood and for bad. Most foreign writerswriting in English and publishing intheUKcomplain that they are forced tomeet the ‘client’s’ expectations, andaretherefore prompted to adapt to theBritish literary tradition and so on.

GP: Specimen is a new magazineedited thanks toBabel, the festival thatyou founded. Why this project andwhat is its purpose?

VB: ‘Specimen. TheBabelReviewofTranslations’ is a new project thatbrings linguistic hospitality a few stepscloser: it’s a cultural webmagazineentirely typographical and multilin-gual, that commissions, translates andpublishes texts in any language andalphabet: if culture thrives ondiversity(and ‘multicultural’ is therefore pleo-nastic) this old modernist dream isfinally made possible with new tech-nologies providing rich and fertile soilfor words to come.

CULTURE: A linguistic hospitalityfor different cultures

VanniBianconi

His latest book is available herewww.humboldtbooks.com

Specimen magazinewww.specimen.press

Babel Festivalwww.babelfestival.com