A RIGHT ROYAL OCCASION
The 18th century Château de Bossey, with its medieval tower, is a unique place in the Canton of Vaud where calm and serenity reign with large and magnificent lawns overlooking Lake Léman and views of the mountains in France. It was therefore chosen once again by Romandie West Region, in collaboration with the British Swiss Chamber of Commerce Geneva Branch, to be the location for celebrating the King’s Birthday on 11 June. However, unlike last year, the day dawned ominously with dark clouds promising to drench participants. Nonetheless, in the spirt of optimism, the château’s staff had erected sun awnings over cocktail tables outside but also made arrangements inside. In the event, it was possible to use both.
As participants arrived at the château entrance, they were greeted by two Pipers in full Highland dress, Romandie West Chairwoman, Pam Walsh OBE and the BSCC Chairman, Richard Golding. To underline the composition of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, the United Nations Choir under the direction of BRA member, Kirsty Griffiths, sang well known songs associated with England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The one for Wales was even sung in Welsh! Following addresses by Pam and Richard, the formal part of the evening ended with Camilla Chalmers of the British Embassy in Berne proposing the Loyal Toast. With the weather behaving itself and plenty of wine and canapés available, many participants stayed on well past the scheduled finishing time.
Michael Type
Romandie West