Welcome
Founded in 1946, the British Residents’ Association of Switzerland (BRA) is a non profit organisation, for British, Commonwealth and Irish Citizens. The Association organises numerous cultural, recreational, and social events for the benefit of its members in each of its regions.
We look forward to meeting you soon at one of our regional events.
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4
Sep
2017
Welcome to the New BRA Website
For a number of years our website has provided information to BRA members. However, its age was causing Nigel Coombs increasing effort and heartache to keep it going. Last week, an update installed by our service provider proved incompatible with our existing application and “knocked out” our website to the extent that we were unable to enter it even for maintenance. The BRA Council agreed last year to build a more modern website. Deborah Gorsatt took on the project and, aided by our Secretary, has worked hard with the consultant to develop this new site. We have decided to bring the new website on-line now to ensure that BRA members have continued access to the information they need to plan their activities. Although some parts remain under construction, we hope that you find this new site informative and easy to use. I would like to thank Nigel Coombs for the supreme effort he has put in over the years to develop and maintain the old site. Deborah, Noreen and Thierry Butikofer (our consultant) have put in many long and hard hours to develop the new site and to make good the loss of our old site; they deserve our thanks particularly […]
2
Jul
2017
BREXIT UPDATE, 26 June 2017
The UK Prime Minister has announced that the British government will continue pension uprating, payment of disability benefits and healthcare cover after Brexit for British expatriates in the EU.Speaking in the House of Commons on 26 June 2017, Theresa May said: “The UK will continue to export and uprate the UK state pension and provide associated healthcare cover within the EU. We will continue to protect the export of other benefits and associated healthcare cover where the individual is in receipt of those benefits on the cut-off date”. The cut-off date refers to a date, yet to be set, between the article 50 trigger day, March 29, 2017 and the day the UK leaves the EU, which may be March 29, 2019. She added that subject to negotiation, the UK would like to continue to participate in the European Health Insurance Card scheme so UK cardholders continue having free or reduced cost healthcare on visits to the EU, and vice versa. The obligations agreed to in the EU withdrawal treaty will bind the UK as a matter of international law, she said. “We will also incorporate the commitments into UK law, guaranteeing we will stand firmly by our part of […]
31
May
2017
Automatic Exchange of and the Swiss Voluntary Tax Programme
Swiss Taxpayers And The Automatic Exchange Of Information (AEI): The Swiss Voluntary Disclosure Programme (VD) And The Simplifed Procedure Of Tax Recovery Available To Heirs The following important information has been provided by BRA member, Peter Steimle, whose company, Steimle & Partners Consulting Sagl, is based in Lugano. Should further information be required, his office maybe contacted by e-mail at info@steimle-consulting.ch or telephone: 091 9139900. The VD procedure applies to undeclared assets and income wherever located and exempts individuals and companies from fines and criminal prosecution. The disclosure programme is also available to heirs, with the simplified procedure for the recovery of taxes on undeclared assets and income of the testator. Both VD programs represent the only concrete opportunity for Swiss taxpayers to regularize their tax situation without incurring administrative and criminal sanctions. The many political attempts to introduce a general Swiss tax amnesty have not been successful up to now. The new global standard for the Automatic Exchange of Information (AEI), relevant for tax purposes The aim of the AEI standard is to effectively combat cross-border tax evasion. At the moment more than 100 countries, including Switzerland, have in principle adhered to the introduction of this new global standard. In accordance with the Multilateral Agreement […]
1
May
2017
Berne is Best European Capital City
Berne in Switzerland has been crowned the Best European Capital City to work in, while the Albanian capital Tirana is the worst! London came 18th in this research conducted by silverdoor.co.uk. You can see it here! The research compared the cost of living, average monthly salary, unemployment rate, traffic commute and average hours worked in each capital.
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Diary Dates
26
Sep
2017
Inside Como
Time: 08:45 meet for car sharing to go to Tavernola (Maslianico, direction Como) The free parking is approximately 300m on the right (direction Como)when arriving from Maslianico. Walk across street, take official boat to Como, arrival Piazza Cavour. Boat every ½ hour, taking 8 minutes. Guided tour starting 10.00 with a very good English-speaking guide. Take 13.00 funicolare to Brunate for lunch at Trattoria dei Brunate. Place: Tavernola (Maslianico, direction Como) Cost: Share of Euros 140 for guide, 2.60 A/R boat ,5.50 A/R funicolare plus lunch of your choice Reservations: Beverly Ortelli or Penny Osti, E-mail: p.osti@bluewin.ch 1superspider@bluewin.ch
26
Sep
2017
Monthly Book Club, Basel
Place: Restaurant Flügelrad, Basel Date: The last Tuesday of each month Reservations: Phone or e-mail to be sure it is taking place If you are interested contact Jackie Pearson at: Jackie.pearson@teleport.ch or telephone 061-811-7531 TO BE READ AND DISCUSSED BOOK AUTHOR To be discussed The Seven Sisters RILEY Lucinda 26th September 2017
03
Oct
2017
Monthly Round Table, Basel
Place: THE RESTAURANT ALTE POST, CENTRALBAHNSTRASSE 21, 4051 BASLE Cost: Pay for what you consume Reservations: Not required PLEASE NOTE THAT ON THE 3 OCTOBER WE WILL BE MEETING AT THE RESTAURANT ALTE POST, CENTRALBAHNSTRASSE 21, 4051 BASLE BY THE SWISS RAILWAY STATION. Do not miss this chance to catch up with old and new friends. It has proven to be a real backbone event for the North-West Region and is well attended.
07
Oct
2017
Monthly Round Table, Sierre
Place: Britannia Pub, Sierre Cost: Pay for what you consume Reservations: None required, just turn up This is a regular chance to catch up with friends, chat over a drink, and meet new friends. It’s easy to find us…. we always have the Union Jack flags on the table. The Valais/Wallis Round Tables are now held in Sierre and is a good opportunity for both areas to meet up. Only 2 minutes’ walk from the train station, it is easy for people to get there. Added bonus…. they serve British beer, Guinness on draught and they have darts boards… any one for a game?? Deborah Gorsatt
10
Oct
2017
San Nicolao A Giornico Visit
Time: 08.30 – 08.45 meet for car sharing in Lugano in order to be at San Nicolao for the very reduced visiting time of 10:00 to 11:00 Place: Up the Val Leventina, Giornico, in Ticino Cost: Cost of lunch you choose, plus any entrance to the churches Reservations: Penny Osti E-mail: p.osti@bluewin.ch Marie-Laure Bosco will lead us on a visit to the Bassa Levantina, in Ticino to see three beautiful old churches, including San Nicolao a Giornico. The area is within easy reach of Lugano, There will be lunch after the visit at the Grotto Pergola, a local grotto in Giornico with specialities from the Lombard-Ticinois cuisine.
11
Oct
2017
Round Table, Neuchâtel
Place: Hotel des Arts, rue Portales 3, Neuchâtel Cost: Pay for what you consume Reservations: Not required – just turn up but it would be helpful to know if you intend to come Contact: Joy Sandoz, E-mail: joy.sandoz@gmail.com or Tel: 032 7531139 In view of the success that various regional round tables have had, we have decided to start one in the Central Region, namely in Neuchâtel. This will begin in September 2017 and provide a chance to catch up with old friends and perhaps entice new members to join the BRA.
15
Oct
2017
Concert
Place: Victoria Hall, Geneva Cost: Entrance is Free; a collection will be held in favour of the Richard Walsh Music School for blind orphans in South India. Reservations: Please confirm your presence to Pam Walsh on pam@pr-walsh.ch All BRA members, their family and friends are warmly invited to a concert by the brilliant Arquebuse Brass Band of Geneva. Seats will be reserved for BRA members who register before 30 September.
19
Oct
2017
The ‘Magic Valley’ Of Loetschental
Time: Meeting at 11.10 (arrival with the Post Auto from Goppenstein Station) Place: Post Auto Bus Stop, Altersheim-Kippel (Lötschen) Cost: CHF 60. Pay either by paying-in slip or bank transfer to the BRA Secretary. No shows will be charged. Reservations: Angela Meier-Jones by 5 October E-mail: angiemeier@gmx.ch The cost of the visit includes:– – Guided tour of the Lötschental Museum in Kippel. – Welcome apero in the Dorfplatz of Kippel. – 3 course Lötschentaler Luncheon in the Restaurant Dorfkeller in Kippel. – Guided tour of St. Martins Kirche, Kippel – Guided Tour of Blatten Village – Dessert followed by tea/coffee on the terrace of the Edelweiss Hotel, Blatten. There is a limited amount of walking during the visit so wear appropriate footwear for cobbled streets and paths. The pace will be relaxed to suit everyone.Anybody wishing to extend their visit with an overnight stay should contact David Love directly. Further information about the visit can be obtained from David and Jenny Love by contacting them by e-mail: david.love@arrivain.com
28
Oct
2017
Joint BRA/ RAFA/ RBL Lunch
Time: 11:00 Display Tables 11:30 Aperitif 12:30 Lunch Place: Glockenhof Hotel, Sihlstrasse 31, Zürich Cost: CHF 65 Members, CHF 75 Non-members Reservations: As soon as possible and by Tuesday 20 October at the latest E-mail: joannakoch@bluewin.ch dianadivo@gmail.com info@deanlightmetals.com Our traditional lunch this year is moving to the centre of Zurich, in the historic Glockenhof Hotel. We are planning a larger space for Display Tables, welcoming Skiing with Heroes, Philip Bellamy’s unique British Naval warship models, as well as Royal British Legion and the Royal Air Forces Association members. There will be a seasonal menu with a vegetarian alternative.
31
Oct
2017
Monthly Book Club, Basel
Place: Restaurant Flügelrad, Basel Date: The last Tuesday of each month Reservations: Phone or e-mail to be sure it is taking place If you are interested contact Jackie Pearson at: Jackie.pearson@teleport.ch or telephone 061-811-7531 TO BE READ AND DISCUSSED BOOK AUTHOR To be discussed The Seven Sisters RILEY Lucinda 26th September 2017
03
Nov
2017
Monthly Round Table, Basle
Place: Restaurant Rebhaus, Riehentorstrasse 11, Basle Cost: Pay for what you consume Reservations: Not required Do not miss this chance to catch up with old and new friends. It has proved to be a real backbone event for the North-West Region and is well attended.
04
Nov
2017
Autumn Lunch
Time : 12 :15 drinks followed by lunch 13 :00 Place : Osteria Gallo d’Oro, Strada Cantonale 3, Davesco-Soragno Cost: CHF 64 for members and CHF 70 for non.members Reservations to: Mrs Patty Pellegrini, Via Baroffio 1, 6850 Mendrisio, tel: 091 6465352, or Mrs Penny Osti, tel/fax: 091 9701654, email: p.osti@bluewin.ch, or Mrs Beverly Ortelli, Tel: 091 630 0086 email: 1superspider@bluemail.ch When reserving (see above) please advise if you need transport. Parking is available at the restaurant with additional parking just past the entrance. The ARL bus leaves from the bus station, Auto Silo, Via Balestra, at 12:00 precisely, arriving at the bus stop just past the restaurant at 12 :15. The phone number of the ARL Information Centre is 091 9733131. As in the past, drinks from the bar will be at individual cost. The lunch menu, which includes red or white wine, mineral water and coffee is : Scelta di antipasto: Ravioli di brasata Ravioli di tortelli di magra fatti in casa Insalata di carciofi Gamberi al vapore con zucchini Scelta di arrosto di punta di vitello farcita con verdure e patate al forno O Pesce del giorno alla griglia o alla mediterranea Dolce a scelta: Mille foglie, Gelato della casa, semifreddo di croccantino
07
Nov
2017
Monthly Round Table, Sierre
Place: Britannia Pub, Sierre Cost: Pay for what you consume Reservations: None required, just turn up This is a regular chance to catch up with friends, chat over a drink, and meet new friends. It’s easy to find us…. we always have the Union Jack flags on the table. The Valais/Wallis Round Tables are now held in Sierre and is a good opportunity for both areas to meet up. Only 2 minutes’ walk from the train station, it is easy for people to get there. Added bonus…. they serve British beer, Guinness on draught and they have darts boards… any one for a game?? Deborah Gorsatt
10
Nov
2017
Zürich Toy Museum
Place: Zürich Toy Museum, Fortunagasse 15, Zürich (off Rennweg), meet downstairs; to take lift to the museum. Time: 10:50, for tour at 11:00 (participation limited to 10 members) Cost: CH10 including entrance and guided tour It is advisable to call beforehand in case there are last minute changes. Joanna Koch: Tel: 076 3194146, e-mail: joannakoch@bluewin.ch Diana Divo: Tel: 044 9842327, e-mail: dianadivo@gmail.com Robert Dean: Tel: 052 6591156, e-mail: info@deanlightmetals.com Reservations: Diana Divo as above, also mentioning whether likely to snack afterwards. It is a privilege that Ruth Holzer, whose mother founded the museum, and is the granddaughter of Franz Carl Weber, will give us a personal tour of the museum which will be opened especially for the BRA visit. This is a unique opportunity to visit this little bijou in one of the oldest parts of Zurich. It is small but first-rate with a collection of European playthings from the 18th to the mid-20th century. The toys mirror in miniature the life of the respective eras: trains and steam engines bear witness to the technical revolution, dolls and their costumes illustrate fashion trends, dolls houses show the domestic life of earlier generations. Pewter figures, antique games, wooden toys, children’s books, stoves – everything that belongs to the theme of toys […]
11
Nov
2017
Round Table, Neuchâtel
Place: Hotel des Arts, rue Portales 3, Neuchâtel Cost: Pay for what you consume Reservations: Not required – just turn up but it would be helpful to know if you intend to come Contact: Joy Sandoz, E-mail: joy.sandoz@gmail.com or Tel: 032 7531139 In view of the success that various regional round tables have had, we have decided to start one in the Central Region, namely in Neuchâtel. This will begin in September 2017 and provide a chance to catch up with old friends and perhaps entice new members to join the BRA.
15
Nov
2017
Visit to the Chagall Collection
Place: Kunstmuseum Basel / Meet at the main entrance Time: 14:30 Cost: Entrance fee on day. Marc Zakharovich Chagall was a Russian-French artist of Belarusian Jewish origin. An early modernist, he was associated with several major artistic styles and created works in virtually every artistic format, including painting, book illustrations, stained glass, stage sets, ceramic, tapestries and fine art prints
28
Nov
2017
Monthly Book Club, Basel
Place: Restaurant Flügelrad, Basel Date: The last Tuesday of each month Reservations: Phone or e-mail to be sure it is taking place If you are interested contact Jackie Pearson at: Jackie.pearson@teleport.ch or telephone 061-811-7531 TO BE READ AND DISCUSSED BOOK AUTHOR To be discussed The Seven Sisters RILEY Lucinda 26th September 2017
02
Dec
2017
Christmas Dinner
Place: Hotel de Peyrou, 2000 Neuchatel Cost: CHF 50 (Drinks not included) – No shows will be charged Reservations: Joy Sandoz on Tel: 032 753 11 39 or E-mail: joy.sandoz@gmail.com To facilitate catering, please reserve by Monday 21 November The Hotel de Peyrou is on the way down from the station, bus 107 “direction Place Pury”, arrêt: Les Rochettes. For those coming by car there is ample parking behind the restaurant. The chef de cuisine is Australian so we can guarantee a real Christmas dinner with all the trimmings.
03
Dec
2017
Monthly Round Table, Basle
Place: Restaurant Rebhaus, Riehentorstrasse 11, Basle Cost: Pay for what you consume Reservations: Not required Do not miss this chance to catch up with old and new friends. It has proved to be a real backbone event for the North-West Region and is well attended.
07
Dec
2017
Christmas Lunch
Date: Thursday 7 December Cost: The three-course lunch will cost CHF 65 Reservations: It is advisable to call beforehand in case there are last minute changes. Joanna Koch: Tel: 076 3194146, e-mail: joannakoch@bluewin.ch Diana Divo: Tel: 044 9842327, e-mail: dianadivo@gmail.com Robert Dean: Tel: 052 6591156, e-mail: info@deanlightmetals.com Please reserve this date for our special Christmas get-together when once again we will be entertained by Bob Dean’s fun and funny stories. We are currently looking into some different venues and the final invitation will come to you by e-mail. Keep an eye on the BRA website at www.britishresidents.ch and get in touch with one of the North-East Region Team for an update.
07
Dec
2017
Monthly Round Table, Sierre
Place: Britannia Pub, Sierre Cost: Pay for what you consume Reservations: None required, just turn up This is a regular chance to catch up with friends, chat over a drink, and meet new friends. It’s easy to find us…. we always have the Union Jack flags on the table. The Valais/Wallis Round Tables are now held in Sierre and is a good opportunity for both areas to meet up. Only 2 minutes’ walk from the train station, it is easy for people to get there. Added bonus…. they serve British beer, Guinness on draught and they have darts boards… any one for a game?? Deborah Gorsatt
07
Dec
2017
Christmas Dinner and Carols
Place: Auberge de Founex, Grand Rue, Founex Cost: CHF 55 (not including wine) Reservations: chairman.romandie-west@britishresidents.ch The RW Events Team is planning to return to the Auberge this year for a three course dinner with traditional Christmas fare. The Auberge, which is in the heart of the village has excellent parking nearby. The No. 811 bus from Coppet or Nyon stops by the Auberge. Do join us again this year to ensure a splendid start to the festive season.
08
Dec
2017
Christmas Luncheon
Time: Apéro 12:00 hours Cost CHF 65.00 (Please pay on the day). Coming up to the Christmas season what could be nicer than the North-west Regions Christmas luncheon. The Freie Strasse is in the heart of the city and shopping area and easily accessible by taking the tram to the Marktplatz. This year the menu, including the apéro, will be made public before the date it will of course be up to the usual standard and have a vegetarian alternative. Please send the application by the 1 December to Angela Meier-Jones, e-mail angiemeier@gmx.ch or tel: 079-322-4452.
11
Dec
2017
Round Table, Neuchâtel
Place: Hotel des Arts, rue Portales 3, Neuchâtel Cost: Pay for what you consume Reservations: Not required – just turn up but it would be helpful to know if you intend to come Contact: Joy Sandoz, E-mail: joy.sandoz@gmail.com or Tel: 032 7531139 In view of the success that various regional round tables have had, we have decided to start one in the Central Region, namely in Neuchâtel. This will begin in September 2017 and provide a chance to catch up with old friends and perhaps entice new members to join the BRA.
05
Jan
2018
New Year Get Together
Date: Friday 5 January Time: 17:30 to 19:30 Place: British Cheese Centre, Viaduct Markthalle, Limmatstrasse 231, Zürich – Trams 4 and 13 to Dammweg Cost: Drinks at own cost. Cheese and Biscuit platters will be offered by the BRA as a New Year gesture Reservations: It is advisable to call beforehand in case there are last minute changes. Joanna Koch: Tel: 076 3194146, e-mail: joannakoch@bluewin.ch Diana Divo: Tel: 044 9842327, e-mail: dianadivo@gmail.com Robert Dean: Tel: 052 6591156, e-mail: info@deanlightmetals.com There is limited space in the Marktalle. All will be welcome, including children and dogs. Once again we will meet and greet BRA Members and their friends to celebrate the New Year in this unusual and lively venue. Owner of the Cheese Centre, Michael Jones, will entertain us with his charismatic depictions of his lovely cheeses from different parts of the United Kingdom and the success he has enjoyed in introducing them to the Swiss. Come and enjoy them together with Pimms, cider, Hot Toddies and more.
