Monthly Meetings

Monthly Meetings Director Francesca Wels has done us proud. In November, ZIWA celebrated its 24th birthday with an evening apéro at the Belvoir Park hotel in Zürich Enge. The theme of the evening was "How to wear a Hermès scarf". There are many scarf wearers in the group, it seems, or maybe it was the appeal of the convenient venue or the after-work drinks opportunity that drew 70 people to this event.

From Christine Landtwing and her colleague from the city centre branch of the famous brand, we learnt something of the history of their product, of which several examples were on display. Hermès was founded in Paris in 1837, making use of the Lyonnais method of screen printing to add colours to their designs. In 1979, different materials were introduced, and two collections per year were used to launch their new designs. The high quality silk comes from Brazil, and the scarves can be washed using olive oil soap to protect the colours. Dry cleaning is recommended however: the seams are sewn by hand, and the scarves are certainly not cheap.

There were sadly no free scarves being handed out but we were able to learn how to tie them. Working in pairs, we could try out different folds such as a bow, a bolero, a man's tie, a skirt, and a top. Possible looks were pictured on the wall and the two ladies helped those people not gifted in the scarf-tying department.

To take home with us, everyone present collected a bag containing a souvenir catalogue, a perfume spray and a card game. The evening continued with wine and canapés and the opportunity for conversation with those members who find it difficult to attend daytime events.

The December Christmas Lunch at the Zürichberg hotel attracted more members: over 90 ladies relished the opportunity to exchange seasonal greetings with their old friends as well as meeting a large number of new members. The last-minute publicity via the chairladies may have helped to swell the attendance at what was already set to be a delightful occasion with its special Swiss theme.There was a Swiss German quiz, a short lesson in Swiss Christmas traditions, a performance of carols by the recently formed Sing for Fun choir, and a surprise appearance by Samichlaus and Schmutzli.

First, though, we were treated to a glass or two of prosecco with a view over the snow-covered fields and rooftops of Zürich. Then we sat down for a delicious three-course lunch accompanied by a choice of wines and the chance for a gossip with our friends, interspersed with our efforts to solve the quiz compiled by Regina Engel, who also gave us a little history lesson.

Between the main course and the dessert, the ladies of the choir took their places to bring us some charming carols, led by choir leader Ruth Berry, who led off with a solo performance of the poignant 'I wonder as I wander.' The Swiss German carols were fun and the harmonious voices brought a tear to the eye of more than one member of the audience.

Then came the surprise entry of Samichlaus, in the shape of Sophia Würmli with her big book; she singled out all the Board members for comments on their good and bad behaviour - luckily I have forgotten them already - which was punished by a black smudge on the nose from Schmutzli, the 'dirty one', a heavily disguised Elizabeth Hess bearing her broomstick. This gave a great deal of hilarity to everyone.

Finally, there were more carols for the audience to sing along with, ending with a spirited rendering of The Twelve Days of Christmas.

Thanks to Francesca and her team and to all the Board members for another wonderful social occasion in the ZIWA tradition.