Coffee Mornings in the Clubroom
On the first Saturday of every month during the club year members meet from ten to twelve o'clock for a cup of coffee or tea and some delicious treats. The coffee mornings are always the perfect event to catch-up with friends and to meet new members!
At the same time the library is open to take out some books. We have a great selection!
Prosecco and Panettone
Instead of its monthly coffee morning, the Club organised Prosecco and Panettone at the Bar Festival on 6th January, 2024. This was a great success, with more than 50 members able to come. Katy gave a little presentation on panettone, part fact, and sadly part unfounded speculation, and we provide a link to a transcript of this by popular demand here...
Quiz and Apero - Members for Members
On 13th February Alexandra and Anders Lantz hosted a quiz afternoon combined with an apero in the club room, very much enjoyed by some 20 members. The questions were challenging and interesting, such as identifying photos of celebrities in younger years, identifying singers and movies from music clips, a couple of questions on Ticino, and even how many hearts an octopus has (apparently two). The lucky winners got free tickets to an English Movie event, but all who were able to come had a most enjoyable time.
On 19th November, Alexandra and Anders Lantz hosted their second quiz afternoon and aperitif in the club room, which was thoroughly enjoyed by more than 20 members. This time the questions were even more challenging but very entertaining, such as identifying the eyes of celebrities, recognizing singers and films from music clips, identifying a close-up of a Coca Cola capsule. General knowledge was also put to the test. The lucky winners received a well-deserved prize.
Walks with Katy
In the most beautiful spring weather on Tuesday, 20 February, the members of the Anglo-Swiss Club of Locarno took their first hike of 2024. On the way to the Maggia river delta, Katy mentioned the rice and corn cultivation of the Terreni alla Maggia farm, the nearly 100-year-old wine cultivation, and pointed to the eaves of the farm building where 30, 50, or more swallow nests are located. From the sandy delta, they followed the Maggia back to the Ristorante Costa Azzurra, where everyone enjoyed the obligatory lunch with much laughter.
The autumn walk on Tuesday, 5 November was a leisurely one from Maggia to the beautiful Chiesa della Madonna delle Grazie, which was specially opened for us to see the fantastic votives and frescos. The votives and one fresco have been painted in the 19th century by Giovanni Antonio Vanoni from Aurigeno. Later in Aurigeno we admired also his murals and passed the house where Patricia Highsmith passed some time. We strolled to the next lovely old village Moghegno and back to Maggia for Lunch at the Ristorante Quadrifoglio.
Lecture with Helen Wallimann
Helen Wallimann traveled from Solothurn to Lake Maggiore to present her book, LIVING IN HOTELS, A MEMOIR. She spent her childhood during and after World War II in England at Brown's Hotel in London, which her father managed from 1942-45, and later at the Savoy Hotel in Cheltenham, which the family acquired. She recounted her life, which took place exclusively in hotels managed by her father. An extraordinary portrayal of life in that environment, seen through the eyes of a mischievous child who took great pleasure in observing the activities of adults. Her reading was filled with anecdotes to entertain those present. The book is accompanied by many photographic illustrations borrowed from hotel archives, allowing us to trace the development of the hotel industry in the mid-20th century.
Kurt's last Outing to Hermitage Santa Catarina del Sasso - Honary Membership
Kurt Amrein was presented with an honorary membership on March 20th in front of a grateful audience of over 30 members who had enjoyed the last excursion that Kurt organized in his capacity as Outings Coordinator. Over the years, he found many different and interesting places and organizations for us.
On this day, we visited the Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso. The descent led us down 240 steps to the picturesque hermitage perched on a steep cliff, one of the most fascinating historical sites on Lake Maggiore. We learned a lot about the history during the guided tour in English. After a shared lunch and the tribute to Kurt, we enjoyed an eventful journey home.
AGM and 90 th Anniversary Dinner
On 23rd March the Club held its first Annual General Meeting since before Covid in the hotel La Palma. The agenda for the day was concluded efficiently, pleasantly, and without controversy, though one member was heard to complain that a Melbourne society he belongs to manages to conclude proceedings within 5 rather than our 45 minutes. We will endeavour to improve.
These formalities having been dealt with, the 40 plus members present repaired to enjoy conversation and an aperitif, before sitting down to dinner. The 90th anniversary was marked by a short speech delving into the archives for 1934, followed by an appropriate cake.
Bar Festival - Apero
Casual get together, a good time for all.
Ghisla guided Tour and Lunch at Bistro Casino
On May 15, coincidentally a rainy day, around 30 club members were guided in English through the magnificent temporary exhibition by Renato Tagli from Cevio and the wonderful collection of the Ghisla couple. We also gained insight into the creation of the foundation, the collection, and the unmistakable museum building. During the subsequent lunch at the Bistro Casino, everyone enjoyed lively table discussions about art and the world.
Classic White Wine Varietals - Members for Members
Our local member Lisa Bruggink-Weis, sommelier and former wine industry expert, presented five classic white wine varieties. Informative details about the varieties, the process of white wine production, combined with tasting instructions, resulted in a highly entertaining event.
La Palma au Lac - Apero
Casual get together with lot of fun sending the Club off for the Summer break.
Evening Cruise with Apero on the Katja Boat
What a great event to resume the club's activities 2024/25 after the summer break! By the time of boarding the sun had chased away all clouds. Over 40 members attended the cruise.
Outing Dazio Grande, Rodi
A short walk down to the Piottino gorge, a guided tour of the Museum, an intersting outline of great Swiss and Ticino history!
Outing Azienda cantonale dei Rifiuti, Giubiasco
Have you ever wondered what happens to those blue or yellow garbage sacks after you deposit them in the container? Did you know that you are helping create energy to serve over 23,000 homes? Guided tour of this modern incinerator with no bad emissions.
