Dear Members,

Everybody's life, at least temporarily, has changed completely and I'm sure most of us are struggling to come to terms with it. The Swiss Club committee wish all our members the very best, courage and optimism to get through this challenging time, with the knowledge that we can beat this curse.

It is quite obvious that we cannot have any club functions for the foreseeable future. The AGM, Friday 17th April and Coffee Morning, Thursday 11th June, are both definitely cancelled.
We are not sure yet whether the Swiss National Day celebrations on Saturday, 25th July 2020 will go ahead. We will of course follow the government guidelines and keep you informed.
Franz Blum, our Hon. Secretary, has not been able to have the Annual Report (red booklet) printed, as the printers are now closed. They will be sent out when things return to normality.
On a happier note: We are very happy that the present Committee and auditors have all agreed to keep going for another year, and we hope that the majority of the members are in agreement!
Anybody who is willing to help at our events and/or join our committee would be very welcome and may contact me.

With regard to the "settled status" for Swiss Citizens residing in the UK. The Swiss Embassy has made a video on how to achieve this status. The email was sent out by the Swiss Embassy on 12th March 2020. All Swiss residents should have already received this. If not please go onto the Swiss Embassy website where you will find the necessary information.
I personally followed the instructions they advised on this video, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xV0YNhRuxrQ and used my Smart Android phone with the APP called EU Exit ID Document check. There are also various videos with regard to settled status which are useful to follow.
It took me about 20 minutes to successfully make the application for "settled status". I am now waiting for a response from the home office, which can take several weeks.
The Swiss Benevolent Society can also help in this regard, Tel. 020 7836 9119 (usually available Tuesday and Wednesday only). The deadline for the application is 30th June 2021 and the application is free of charge.
Swiss Citizens, who have dual nationality (UK and Swiss Passport) do not need to apply as they are already registered with the home office.

Hans Scheiwiller, Hon. Consul, Consulate of Switzerland in Manchester, sent us the following statement with regard to Proof of life (Pensions from Switzerland etc.), and I quote:
"I have heard from the Embassy, London, that for the duration of the Corona Crisis, it will no longer be necessary to have the AHV Life Certificates officially stamped by me (or any other source). The applicant just needs to sign and date the certificate him/her self and post it back to Geneva".

We wish again that you will all stay healthy and, if you are lonely because of isolating yourselves, call a friend and have a good old chat. This can really lift your spirits.

Take good care and STAY SAFE.

On behalf of the Committee Members

Juerg Bentele
President Swiss Club Manchester