Revealed: Forgotten Swiss hero

He was a Swiss who joined the D-day Invasion tosave lives and lost his own. Now there are plans tohonour him in his homeland. Turn to Page 3.

Celebration: National day

Three hundred and fifty London Swiss get togetherto fete the birth of the Confederation with a giantparty. Story and pictures in centre pages.

Pledge: Ambassador’s promise

The new ambassador, Anton Thalmann, sees partof his role going out and about to meet his fellowSwiss in all parts of the country. See Page 7.

Switzerland in the UK has its own Internet site,continually bringing you up to the minute news ofthe latest events as well as major stories from themost recent issues and links to other interestingsites in both the UK and Switzerland. To access itgo to: www.swissreview.co.uk

News about any forthcoming events that will be ofinterest to our readers should be emailed to:editor@meakin.net

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Dramatic differences in the healthcare and lifeexpectancy of people living in Britain and Switzerlandare revealed in recent healthcare statisticspublished by the OECD, the Organisation forEconomic Co-operation and Development*.

With its crisp mountain air and clean environment,Switzerland is traditionally seen as a healthy nationwhile the UK is perceived as industrialised,overcrowded and less healthy and these stereotypeshave been justified by the OECD findings.

They show that Switzerland’s mortality rates arelower, waiting timesare shorter andmedical technologyis more advancedresulting in patientsatisfaction levelsthat are the highestin Europe.

While Switzerland’slead may be partlydue to its geography,it is also supportedby the country’shealthcare systemwhich is seen as oneof the world’s finest.

Financed througha tightly regulatedinsurance industry itenables the people to decide how much they spendon their healthcare rather than being financed bytaxation and under Government control, which is thecase with the UK’s National Health Service.

The result is a comprehensive and universalservice with fewer inequalities and better access tohealthcare than in the UK.

However, these benefits come at a cost. OECDfigures show that Switzerland outlays 10.8 per centof its Gross Domestic Product (GDP), second only to

Norway and the United States. The UK spends just8.4 per cent, putting it in 16th position among theOECD’s 33 member states.

Switzerland spends €3,640 a year per capita whilethe UK spends €2,461. However, in Switzerland agreater proportion goes on private healthcare with aspend of €1,487 as opposed to €428 in the UK.

The bottom line is that you can expect to live longerin Switzerland where average life expectancy frombirth is 81.7 years (women 84.2, men 79) comparedwith 79.4 years in the UK (women 81.6, men 77.2).

Life expectancy at65 is also higherwith women tippedto live for a further22.2 years inSwitzerland and20.1 years in the UKand men anticipatedto live for a further18.6 years inSwitzerland but 17.4in the UK.

Also, Swisshospitals are betterequipped with nearlythree times moreMagnetic ResonanceImaging (MRI)scanners and more

than four times the number of ComputerisedTomography (CT) scanners than in the UK.

*Formed in 1961, the OECD provides a setting wherethe governments of 33 countries compare policyexperiences, seek answers to common problems,identify good practice and coordinate domestic andinternational policies. Its aims are to supporteconomic growth, boost employment and raise livingstandards.

Total lifeexpectancy

Annual cancerdeaths per100,000 population

Annual strokedeaths per100,000 population

Annual heartdisease deaths per100,000 population

The healthof the nationHow Great Britain and Switzerland compare

A matter of life and death: What the latet OECD statistics have to sayabout some of differences between the two countries

SWISS IN THE UK 5.10 16/09/2010 14:50 Page 1

SWISS IN THE UK 5.10 16/09/2010 14:50 Page 2

How tocontacttheeditor

Repor ts of Swiss societyactivit ies and comingevents, and ar ticles andcorrespondence for the‘Switzer land in the UK’section of the Swiss Review,should go to the editor:

Derek Meakin30 Manor RoadBramhall SK7 3LY.Tel: 0161 296 0619.His email address is:

editor@meakin.net.All enquiries regarding

advertising should go to:Jeffrey Long19 Heather CourtBingley BD16 4BA.Tel/Fax: 01274 560 780.The Swiss Review, with its

‘Switzerland in the UK’supplement, is publishedfour times a year – inJanuary, April, August andOctober. The next issue, willbe published in January2011.

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It’s the forgotten story of a Swissliving in the UK who during thewar volunteered to join the RoyalNavy as a sick bay attendant andwas to heroically lose his own lifewhile saving others in theNormandy invasion.

The remarkable story of ArturoFanconi is recalled in a letter tothe Swiss Review from a readerliving in Hove.

Rudy Compagnoni writes:I read with interest the articleconcerning the recognition of

Cpl. Schiess at the Château dePenthes in Geneva.

I believe another Swiss shouldbe equally honoured.

Arturo Fanconi, whose parentscame from Poschiavo in theGrisons, and who had an interestin first aid, volunteered as a sickbay attendant in the Royal Navy.

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He was present at the Utahbeach in Normandy on D-Day inJune, 1944. He repeatedly wentinto a minefield to treat andretrieve wounded Americans untilhe was himself killed.

For this he was awarded thePrince Albert Medal in gold. Thehighest award for saving life.Incidentally it was the final timethis decoration was awarded.

If so happens that while visitingNormandy some years ago wevisited a museum at Quineville nearUtah beach where this heroricevent is recorded – complete withphoto and copy of the citation.

I also saw a letter written by thecolonel of the American regimentinvolved.

My own family also comes fromPoschiavo and they knew Arturo’sfamily. I also met Arturo when he

visited us on leave.His family live in IIminster,

Somerset.I believe that after the war a

deputation from Poschiavo visitedArturo’s grave at a Normandycemetery.

With the importance of HenriDunant and connection with the RedCross I feel that Arturo’s braveryshould also be recorded at theChâteau de Penthes.

The Prince Albert medal: Named afterthe consort to Queen Victoria andmade of solid gold, it was awarded forthe saving of life at sea.

Another wartime Swiss hero ‘whoshould be honoured at Penthes’

Utah Beach: the gauntlet of deathUtah Beach, one of thekey landing sites on theNormandy coast, was thescene of ferocious fightingas the Allied invasion ofFrance got under way inthe early hours of D-Day,June 4, 1944.

The assault startedwhen hundreds of landingcraft, built of plywood andeach carrying 36 Americantroops, and others ferryingin amphibious tanks,reached the beach before the German defenders knew what washappening.

Further inland, waves of paratroopers were dropping from the skies.But what started as a largely silent stealthy operation soon erupted in

an explosion of fire as the battle to secure the vital beach got under way.The Battle of Utah Beach was to become a textbook classic. But it

came at a price.The troops swarming into the mile-wide beach were met with a

relentless barrage of artillery fire which cost the lives of 300 men.

Armed to the teeth, American troops scrambleashore at Utah Beach

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SWISS IN THE UK 5.10 16/09/2010 14:50 Page 3

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Retiring Swiss Ambass

farewell to his many fri

function as ambassado

National Day is the ideal time

Accordianist andrestaurateur ArminLötscher livensup the event withthose traditionalSwiss songs thatalways bring backfond memories ofthe homeland

SWISS IN THE UK 5.10 16/09/2010 14:50 Page 4

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There was an exciting new location forSwiss living in London for their annualcelebration of Swiss National Day – and

what a superb venue itturned out to be.

University CollegeLondon, acclaimedas the fourth topuniversity in theworld, has 648

professors – farmore than any

other

university in the UK – and an academicand research staff of more than 4,000. Ithas a student community of 22,000,almost a third of them from more than140 countries outside the UK.

It was this academic powerhouse thatplayed host for the first time to the manySwiss societies and clubs in the Londonarea for a joint celebration of NationalDay, and the event attracted more than350 Swiss, including many with theirEnglish friends.

Leading members of the Swisscommunity turned up to ensure everythingwent off without a hitch, includingAmbassador Alexis Lautenberg using the

occasion to say goodbye. Embassy chefJacques Pasquier was there with his teamof helpers to look after the food. Celebritychef Anton Mosimann had designed asuperb Mosimann special salad, and topTicinese architect Ian Giuliani was headbarman in charge of a tempting array ofdrinks.

And there was music galore to keepeveryone on their toes. Top musicianClaudio Allodi, whose wife is Swiss,brought along his famous orchestra,Armin Lötscher with his accordion led thelively children's lampion parade, and therewas a surprise appearance of FrancesJones with her alphorn.

In many parts of Britain other Swiss clubs were celebrating National Day in their ownindividual way. At the event in Manchester, which always attracts a large number ofSwiss from many parts of the Northwest, professional horn players Helen and NeilGrundy brought along their alphorns. And over in Yorkshire Swiss club members wentreally up in the world by getting together at the ancient Cow and Calf Inn at the topof Ilkley Moor with its very spectacular views of picturesque Wharfedale, one of thelongest and most beautiful valleys in the county.

ss Ambassador Alexis Lautenberg makes the most of the occasion to say a personal

his many friends in the Swiss community. As guest of honour, this was his last official

ambassador before leaving London for his new home in Brussels Starting ’em young: Getting to grips with themysteries of the alphorn

ideal time to catch up with old friends and share reminiscences

Thanks to Margrit Lyster for providing additional information about this event.

SWISS IN THE UK 5.10 16/09/2010 14:50 Page 5

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Leading Swiss kitchen appliance firmV-ZUG has come up with analternative solution for wealthy Britishinvestors whose income has beendecimated by the recession. Take themoney out of shares and make alifestyle investment in a top qualitykitchen!

As potential clients move theircash around in an attempt to weatherthe financial storm, many are seekingnew ideas. V-ZUG believes thatpurchasing a high-end kitchen is a

good alternative investment and thisis one of the reasons why it hasdecided to move into the UK marketat a time when others are pulling out.

Time will tell whether it is a goodidea. But managing director TimHutchinson, who has been importingSwiss goods to the UK for 17 years,is confident that the quality of itsproducts will prevail.

“Ours is a very special range indeedand we intend to protect it carefullyand wisely,” he says. “We are offering

a splendid and genuinely differentproposition for British consumers whoare looking for top quality kitchenappliances that have their ownidentity and don’t follow the crowd.”

To protect its brand, V-ZUG will notbe seen on every high street but willbe sold through special ‘destination’studios. Earlier this year it opened itsnew UK showroom and distributioncentre which includes a fully workingtraining kitchen. For further details,visit www.vzug.co.uk.

The team from Zug who want toredesign the kitchens of Britain

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Tea Room ■ Craft Bakery ■ Chocolatier

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Tim Hutchinson: Been importing fromSwitzerland to the UK for 17 years

Part of the fully working training kitchen in the V-Zug training centre

New kit dealsGeneva-based sportswear supplier Burrda has signed kit deals withrugby’s Northampton Saints and football’s Wolverhampton Wanderers,Leicester City and Watford. It is also the official supplier to the BritishHandball Association.Tattoo contractSwiss event infrastructure supplier NUSSLI has won a contract forplanning and construction of the grandstand at the Royal EdinburghMilitary Tattoos for 2011 and 2012.No icing on this cakeSwiss cheese specialist Emmi has teamed up with Eric Lanlard, the starof Channel 4’s Glamour Puds, to create a stunning wedding cake madeentirely of cheese. The five-tiered masterpiece featured award winningcheeses from the Emmi range including Tête de Moine which was used forthe top section and to create the rosettes that decorated the cake.SW

ISS

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SWISS IN THE UK 5.10 16/09/2010 14:50 Page 6

New Swiss Ambassador AntonThalmann: ‘I look forward to a longand profitable acquaintance with theSwiss community in this country’Anton Thalmann. who has succeeded Alexis Lautenberg as SwissAmbassador in London, has sent this message to readers of the SwissReview:

I am delighted to extend a warm greeting to all my fellow citizens viathe pages of the Swiss Review as I begin my term as Ambassador ofSwitzerland in the United Kingdom.Switzerland and the UK have a long and strong shared history, and it ismy hope and expectation that the ties that bind us will only strengthenfurther in the coming years.

In an increasingly globalised world our activities here at the Embassyaim to highlight both the distinctive specificities of Swiss culture andsociety, and the fruitful collaborations and exchanges we can sharethroughout the UK as part of our public diplomacy programme.

I look forward to a long and profitable acquaintance with the Swisscommunity in all parts of the country as part of this work, and wish youall every success in your continuing endeavours.

7

Dr Nigel ChatwinFMH Medecine Generale (CH)

MRCGP, MD, DTM&H (UK)

SWISSDOCTOR

Please contact me at:

1 Kennilworth RoadCrosby, Liverpool L23 3AD

Tel: 0151 257 6702www.drarunghosh.co.uk

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One of the first tasks forAmbassador Thalmann when hearrived in London was to confirmthe Swiss Ambassador’s AwardConcert tour which has become aregular event in the Swisscommunity calendar.

This year’s tour features youngSwiss pianist FrancescoPiemontesi, with performances atthe Wigmore Hall in London onOctober 26, Manchester Cathedralon October 27 and St Cecilia’sHall, Edinburgh on October 28.

Born in 1983, Francesco studiedwith Lora Doallo in Lugano and withArie Vardi in Hanover. He firstcame to international prominenceas a prize winner in the 2007Queen Elizabeth Competition inBrussels and through his close

collaboration with the pianistsAlfred Brendel, Cécile Ousset,Alexis Weissenberg and MitsukoUcida. In 2009, he received afellowship from the Borlett-BuitoniTrust and was also announced asa BBC New Generation Artist.Highlights of his programme include

Bach’s Partita no 1, Schubert’sPiano Sonata D 664, Liszt’s LaVallée d’Obermann andSchumann’s Fantasie.

With a particular interest inchamber music he has performedas soloist with leading orchestrasand has recorded for EMI Classics.

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The First of August Committeewould like to thank the main sponsors of the National Day celebration – Carand’Ache, V-ZUG and Swisscanto – plus generous donatons from the New HelveticSoceity, Unione Ticinese, City Swiss Club and the Swiss Church. Also more than250 prizes, including SWISS air tickets, hotel stays in Switzerland and London,Swiss rail passes, a Mondaine clock and a Nespresso coffee machine.

Ambassador Thalmann at his desk: ‘We have a long and strong shared history’

Prize winning pianist Francesco in Award Concert tour

Francesco Piemontesi in concert

SWISS IN THE UK 5.10 16/09/2010 14:51 Page 7

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Poor punctuality lands easyJet in troubleIt’s the airline that carries morepassengers between the UK andSwitzerland than any other. But noweasyJet is at the centre of a growingrow concerning poor punctuality.

Thousands of passengers havecomplained about unacceptabledelays, cancellations andsupplementary charges.

Swiss newspapers havecriticised the budget airline. Andeven its founder, Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou has joined the outcry.

Sir Stelios quit the board in Mayin a row over strategy but he is stillthe largest single shareholder with38 per cent of shares. His privateholding company, easyGroup, ownsthe ‘easy’ brand and licences.

Following reports that less than50 per cent of easyJet’s internationalflights left the UK’s Gatwick airporton time, Stelios sent a scathingletter to chairman Sir Michael Rakedemanding that the company improveits performance by October 17.

If there is no improvement, hewarned he would terminate theairline’s ability to use the ‘easy’name and orange brand.

easyJet Chief Executive CarolynMcCall has admitted that theyhave an issue with punctuality andput it down to crew shortageswhich were being investigated.

The company maintains that it

has not breached any conditionsthat would allow Stelios toterminate its brand licence.

Switzerland has more than apassing interest in easyJet’sactivities.

Last year the operator carried

four million passengers to andfrom Geneva airport, making it theNo 1 airline with 38 per cent ofthe market. It employs 362 airportstaff and creates more than4,000 jobs in the Geneva region.

Its importance to the region’seconomy is even stronger duringthe Winter when it runs 50 flightsa day between British airports andGeneva, carrying 10,000 Britishskiers each week-end.

Earlier this year, easyJetconcluded a court battle with Steliosover the use of the licence for non-airline products such as car hirewhile he wants 75 per cent of itsprofits to come from air transport.

However, despite taking a £65mhit from the volcano disruptions,easyJet recently posted a 5.3 percent rise in three-month revenueto £759.2million. It still expectsfull-year pre-tax profits in the rangeof £100/150million.

SwissChristmasFairIN AID OF THE SWISS CHURCH IN LONDON

Thursday Saturday18November 2010 20November 20106pm - 10pm 11am - 4pm

Once again the Swiss Church opens its doors forthe popular Swiss Christmas Fair! We will beselling Swiss products, homemade specialities anddifferent types of Swiss food. There will be aChildren’sCorner and a rafflewith fantastic prizes.

The Swiss Church in LondonThe Swiss Church in London79 Endell Street79 Endell StreetLondon WC2H 9DYLondon WC2H 9DY

wwwwww.swisschurchlondon.or.swisschurchlondon.org.ukg.uk020 7836 1418020 7836 1418

And SWISS increases flight frequencySWISS International Airlines is to introduce a second Airbus A320 onits successful Heathrow-Geneva route, starting next March.

The route was only launched earlier this year in response to highcustomer demand.

At the moment three of the aircraft used on this six times dailyroute are operated by sister airline bmi.

Sir Stelios HajiIoannou: Joined theoutcry about poor performance

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