09. March 10
09. March 10 41
This is a short summary, for the full Bulletin in PDF, click the following link:
President John opened the meeting by extending a warm welcome to our guests and fellow members.
Four way test led by visiting Rotarian Gilbert in English & German
Sergeant at Arms Charles welcomed:
Visiting Rotarians:
- Rtn. Jacob Zilber, RC Indian Land, SC, USA
- Rtn. Charles Chan, RC Taipo, Hong Kong
- Rtn. Philinn Moslberge, RC Reutlingen – Tübingen Germany
- Rtn. Andrea Volpe, RC 2060 Cividale Del Friuli Italy
- Rtn. Elisabeth Villao, RC KØse Nord, Danmark
And visiting guests:
- Mr. Robert Webb, guest of Rtn. Gilbert
- Mr. Gian-Marc Widmer, guest of Rtn. Curt
- Ms. Sprunglin Yuan, guest of Rtn. Ruby
- Ms. Klaus Eiegles, guest of Rtn. Ruby
- Mr. Dickson Leung, guest of Rtn. Ruby
- Mr. Bossmart Simon, guest of Rtn. Ruby
- Dr. Bennovon Canstein, guest of Rtn. Marlis
- Mr. Benny Shadmi, guest of Rtn. Nicolas
- Mr. Gary Permenter, guest of Rtn. Josephine
- Ms. Joanna Dear, guest of Rtn. Ruby
- Mr. Vicent TeboÜl, guest Rtn. Ruby
- Mr. Arics Lam, guest of Rtn. Ruby
- Mr. Jan H.W. Kuhlefelt, guest Rtn. Curt
- Mr. Augstin Carioni, guest of Rtn. Einar
Banners were exchanged with the following Rotary Clubs:
- RC Reutlingen – Tübingen Germany
Reports & Announcements:
Bazaar Sponsorship Awards
2009 Bazaar chairman Rtn. Ruby presented appreciation awards to representatives from the bazaar sponsors:
- LehmanBrown
- Marriott Hotel NE
- BISS School
- Harrow International school
2010 Ball updates
Ball chairman Raphael Goue announced the ball contracted will be signed shortly with Sofitel Wanda. Raphael gave an elaborate course by course description of the diner and mentioned that it is the same menu used for the French Chamber of Commerce Ball and the last chance to sample the culinary expertise of the young chef who developed the menu, who will be moving to another country shortly after the event. He will invite two members to a tasting and will get back to the members with a selection process. Members who are interested please contact Nancy.
No news on the wines which Raphael has assured the board would be complimentary. Unfortunately his menu duties have prevented him from being able to do much on the sponsorship side. To date we have 2 cash sponsors, including Pricilla and LehmanBrown and two in-kind sponsors including Swiss Air and a furniture company. Raphael is therefore asking for help to locate and entice sponsors and auction items. The ticket is RMB 1,000/each, each member is obligated to buy 4 tickets, those not attending should contact Raphael about making a donation.
Jazz Music
Rtn. Thomas announced that well-known German Jazz Vocalist Mr. Michael Schiefel will be performing his a-cappella repertoire on:
30 RMB cover charge
Monday 15 March 2010 9 PM
At YUGONGYISHAN 愚公移山:
West Courtyard Former Site of Duan Qirui Government,
Zhang Zizhong Road 3-2,
100007 Dongcheng district Beijing – China
北京市东城区张自忠路3-2号段祺瑞执政府旧址大门西侧 100007
Tel 电话: +86 10 8402 8477
Michael Schiefel is a post Wall phenomenon. Reviewers and fans sing his praises for chameleon-like idiosyncratic stylings. “Germany has never seen a singer like Michael Schiefel before,” Sueddeutsche Zeitung said last year of Schiefel, who is also a professor of jazz vocals at the Franz Liszt Conservatory in Weimar.He is listed as “one of the few great German jazz musicians who possesses a truly original style” (German Jazz Encyclopedia, 2005), whether performing solo or in concert he is a treat.
http://www.michaelschiefel.com
Speakers Program:
Rtn. Ruby introduced today’s speaker, Ambassador Blaise Godet from the Swiss Embassy in Beijing.
Ambassador Godet gave an interesting presentation on the Swiss approach to China. Overall he was very upbeat about the Sino-Swiss trade relationship and believes there are a number of areas where the countries can have productive trade. Switzerland is one of the few countries which has a trade surplus with China, and it his belief that the two countries have a complementary rather than a completive relationship. Specifically he mentioned Swiss expertise in the areas of banking, pharmaceuticals and value added merchandise like watches as areas with bright futures. For Chinese businesses, even though Switzerland is not part of the EU, he believes it will be an attractive doorway to the EU because of its numerous bilateral trade treaties, financial expertise and relatively more business friendly employment laws.
Rtn. Christian thanked Ambassador Blaise for his gracious and informative speech.
Unfortunately the speech was marred by a number of side conversations which the Ambassador could clearly hear. After the meeting he made a point of expressing his disappointment and it now stands as an embarrassing moment in our club’s history. His observation and a number of complaints by members make it imperative that we adjust our behavior. It would also be appreciated if those responsible were to express their apologies in writing. Many members have expressed an interest in having interesting and persuasive presentations and speakers which will not be possible if we get a reputation for being inconsiderate and juvenile. Those who do not wish to listen should in future leave the room.
