PORCELAIN THROUGH THE CENTURIES Although the Chinese were making porcelain over 2,000 years ago, due partially to having a rich supply of the clay known as kaolin, it was not until 1704 that the German physicist, Ehrenfried Walther von Tschirnhaus, finally cracked the secret of how it was done. For many years porcelain was a […]
The snow had long melted, the sun shone and a hint of spring lay in the air. We had indeed chosen the date well in reserving this ancient hostelry for RW Region’s first 2019 social gathering, held on 20 February. Whilst health and other reasons reduced the initial 29 reservations, 21 Members and their guests […]
On a grey and rainy St Nicholas’s night, more than thirty of us from Romandie West got together for some pre Christmas cheer in the welcoming warmth of the Auberge de Founex. There was more than just roast turkey on the menu. All guests were required to sing for their supper with some rousing carols, […]
It had snowed a little overnight and the day itself was cool and overcast. Such conditions were perfect for hosting RW’s first Autumn 2018 social event. 32 Members, guests and current non-members came together on 20 November, in the ancient and welcoming Carnotzet of Jean-Pierre Deblue’s Cave des Biolles, close to Founex/VD. After negotiating winding […]
In planning the annual Queen’s Birthday Party in each of the BRA’s six regions, the organisers can only hope for good weather and a good participation. In the case of Romandie West’s event on 21 June our prayers were more than answered. The temperature was perfect as we gathered at the prestigious Geneva English School […]
As the opening notes of the Diamond Jubilee rang through the magnificent Victoria Hall in Geneva, we knew we were in for a special evening. This was no town hall ‘oompa’ brass band, this was the Geneva Arquebuse Brass Band under the expert direction of Jean Pierre Chevailler. The atmosphere in the hall warmed and […]
In the presence of the British Ambassador to Switzerland, His Excellency David Moran and his wife, the celebration of our Queen`s 91st birthday took place at the Barcarolle Hotel, Prangins, on 23 June. The event organizers were a little anxious about the number of people who would actually come on the day but to our […]
The Château de Vullierens stands above Morges amongst the most beautiful countryside imaginable. The first building was erected in the 14thcentury but the present château was constructed between 1712 and 1715 and is now classed as an historical monument of national interest. The views from the house over the surrounding countryside are spectacular. The present […]
At the village of Juriens, in the Pied du Jura, is a magnificent private collection of Swiss cow bells, some dating back to the 1500s. On 26 April a small group of us discovered this treasure hidden behind barn doors. They are the property of Olivier Grandjean who greeted us warmly and led us to […]
Discreetly located in a quiet corner of Geneva’s Old Town, next to the 857 years old cathedral of St. Pierre, is the International Museum of the Reformation. It retraces the 500 years’ history of the Reformation movement initiated by the German priest, Martin Luther, supported amongst others by the French theologian and pastor, Jean Calvin, […]