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 great delight some 175 arrived with the sun shining on the lake reflecting the blue of the sky and the glistening, snow-capped Alps providing an ideal back-drop for this annual event.
Participants, some of whom had travelled considerable distances, were met at the hotel entrance with a display of veteran British cars owned by Regional Chairman, Michael Bruce, before continuing on down to a to a large patio where drinks and canapés were served by friendly waiters. With conversation flowing, the original Barber`s Shop Sextet sang many of their memorable songs from a balcony above the crowd, thus creating a jolly, relaxed atmosphere.
There was access from the patio to a large room where generous sponsors – Know-it-All Passport, Brita, Jim`s Mini Market, Manor Chavannes and Michael Type had donated prizes to be won via the Tombola. The author, David Pilsworth, well-known to many BRA members as a Past Chairman, had a table to promote his latest book, Keeping God`s Secret, the subject of which seems relevant to the world problems surrounding us all today.
There were two fascinating events on the programme – ladies connected to the entertainment world, were interviewed to tell their interesting stories. One was Antonia Bruce who was interviewed expertly and sensitively by Jan Powell, a lady with an extremely successful career in broadcasting and journalism. I`m sure that many in the audience had enjoyed the TV series, Call the Midwife. When Antonia began her career in London as a midwife, she had in fact worked at the hostel portrayed in the programme and the feisty, attractive character of Trixie is modelled on her. The BBC called on Antonia to advise on the series. An amusing moment occurred when Jan gently asked her whether she had truly been of the same character as Trixie. She avoided answering positively, pointing out that her husband was in the audience.
Peta Tracy then introduced her Aunt, Diana Yardley, a delightful, petite lady aged 94 who was in sparkling form. She had been a screen and stage star in Britain in the 30s and 40s and when the first stage version of The Wizard of Oz came out in London in 1946, Diana acquired the leading role of Dorothy, played in the film version by Judy Garland whom she eventually met along with other luminaries such as Glynis Johns, Fay Compton and Trevor Philips. It`s worth noting that The Wizard of Oz will be playing in Geneva later this year and Diana hopes to be here to see it.
The evening concluded with a short address given in rousing tones by our Ambassador in which he offered an optimistic view of Brexit. This was followed by the Loyal Toast to the Queen and the Swiss Federal Council with everyone joining in a rousing and heart-felt rendition of God Save the Queen.
Rosemary Billinge