ACTIVITIES
Activity Groups are open to all members of the IWC Lausanne. Non-members are welcome to try an activity once, in the hope that they will join our club.
Interested in joining an Activity Group?
Please contact the leader of that group using the email address as detailed.
Starting a new group or want to volunteer to run a group?
We are always looking for new activity groups or for volunteers to help run our groups. If you have an idea and are interested in starting a new group, then please contact our Activities Coordinator for general information on our activity groups and how to go about starting a new one at activities@iwc-lausanne.org.
MEMBERSHIP RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Do make sure you have read our IWC Participation, Responsibility and Photograph Waiver
MEMBERSHIP OF AN ACTIVITY GROUP: This is a members club run for the benefit of all its members. Please note that non-members are only allowed to attend an activity once, as a try before you buy encouragement for them to become members of the IWC. Under no circumstances can an activity have non-members join on a regular basis.
MEMBERSHIP RESPONSIBILITY: Members shall be responsible for payment of all reservations made and not cancelled by the stated deadline.
DISCLAIMER: Participation in Club activities is entirely at the member’s own discretion and/or risk. Neither the Club nor its representatives shall be held responsible for injury, damage, or loss incurred by participation in Club events or while using Club property.
PRIVACY POLICY: The Club is committed to protecting the Club members’ privacy and will act within applicable privacy protection laws as publicised to the membership and approved by the Board of Directors.
Day Groups
Art Appreciation
art@iwc-lausanne.org
When & Where: Monthly visits, both nearby and further afield.
We visit art exhibitions and when possible the studios of locally based artists. We usually benefit from reduced group rates on our gallery visits, and on the occasions that we need to travel to Berne or Geneva, there are frequently reduced train fares which include the gallery entrance.
Bridge
bridge@iwc-lausanne.org
When & Where: Bridge 1 meet every Thursday at 13:30 and Bridge 2 meet every Wednesday at 13:30. Both groups meet in a Member’s home.
We have two bridge groups due to a large number of participants and the difficulty of hosting more than two tables in people’s homes. Beginners are more than welcome in the Bridge 2 group, comprised of regulars and newcomers.
Free Spirits
freespirits@iwc-lausanne.org
When & Where: Monthly outings throughout Switzerland and occasionally France and Italy.
Share the experience of visiting a variety of interesting places with like-minded, friendly, sociable women. All outings are announced in advance in our E-News. Most trips last all day and require a fee to pay for entrance and a guide. We usually travel by train but occasionally by coach.
Gardening Group
gardening@iwc-lausanne.org
When & Where: Once a month for 7 months of the year, starting in March, at members’ homes or by visiting local gardens.
Members who have a garden, terrace or balcony are encouraged to open their space for a visit by the group, although by no means is this obligatory. Any suggestions for visits to public or private gardens, parks or botanic gardens are welcomed. We are united by the joy of beautiful outdoor spaces and a love of nature. We also have a lively WhatsApp group where we share photos of our visits both private and as a group, and share any hints and tips regarding all things horticultural.
International Cooking Lausanne
intlcookinglausanne@iwc-lausanne.org
When & Where: Once a month on a Friday at a member’s home.
Our group of cooks hail from all over the world. Hostesses choose a theme, provide the recipes, and members then choose a dish to prepare at home and share à table. There is usually a welcome back dinner in September, including spouses/partners and often a summer excursion.
International Cooking Vevey
intlcookingvevey@iwc-lausanne.org
When & Where: Monthly at a member’s home.
We are enthusiastic cooks who like to explore different cuisines and try new dishes. Each month a hostess chooses a theme and provides the recipes; participants then prepare a dish to share. The costs of the ingredients are shared equally by the group participating that month. We take turns hosting, the day is flexible, but always a weekday. In addition, we share recipes online in cooking together sessions; participants receive instruction and make the same dish in their own home. We also try to include culinary trips and activities in our program. You don’t need to be a great cook, just have an interest in exploring different cuisines and trying new dishes.
Knit-Wits
knitting@iwc-lausanne.org
When & Where: Every Monday between 10:00-11:30 at the bakery “Aime Pouly”, around the corner from the Clubhouse.
Do you like to knit? Do you want to improve your knitting? Do you even remember how to knit? Answer yes to any of the above and you are ready to join us!
Out to Lunch Bunch
out2lunch@iwc-lausanne.org
When & Where: Once a month, usually on a Wednesday, at a local restaurant.
Cost: Each member pays for the cost of their own meal and beverage.
Join us as we discover new and interesting restaurants in our region… a culinary ‘field trip’ shared with other food enthusiasts. What could be a better lunch experience? Once a month we will reserve a table for 12 at different venues, known for either their history, setting or cuisine, on a first-come, first-served basis.
Music Appreciation
music@iwc-lausanne.org
When & Where:
Cost: Each member pays for the cost of their ticket.
More information to follow…
Evening / Weekend / Impromptu Groups
Wine Meet-up
When: Usually on a Tuesday evening but it depends on wine merchant availability.
Where: Each date and venue is announced in the E-News.
Come along to an evening get together for IWC members and their spouses/partners. Relax, share a bottle of wine and get to know and spend time with fellow IWC members. Looking forward to seeing you !🥂🍾🥂
Impromptu Group
impromptu@iwc-lausanne.org
When & Where: Join us for fun and fellowship at our spontaneously organised occasions. Please contact the Impromptu Group by email to be included in the WhatsApp group. WhatsApp will be used to notify you of the upcoming occasions. This self-directed group is open to all members to create or notify the group about events and occasions.
Languages
English Conversation
english@iwc-lausanne.org
When & Where: Every Thursday between 10:00 – 11:30 at East Side Cafe, Avenue General-Guisan 4, Pully.
This is an informal gathering at a cafe where members meet to practice their English in a friendly atmosphere. Native English speakers are encouraged to join as well.
Language Exchange
languagexchange@iwc-lausanne.org
When & Where: We meet regularly throughout the year in an informal setting, often for a walk and talk and sometimes at the IWC Clubhouse, Avenue Eglantine 6, 1006 Lausanne.
Do you enjoy practicing your French? Meeting new people? If you are a fluent English speaker, please join this group with our French-speaking equivalents of Lausanne Accueil! We also have a potluck picnic in June. All levels of French ability are welcome.
French Conversation, Advanced
french@iwc-lausanne.org
When & Where: Every Tuesday from 09.30 to 11.00 at the Clubhouse or online.
We are a group on average of six participants, so each member has a chance to speak. Most of our time is devoted to very lively discussions on current events and various topics. We also read and discuss French books.
French Conversation, Intermediate
frenchconvo@iwc-lausanne.org
When: Every Thursday.
Time: 13:30 – 15:00.
Where: The IWC Clubhouse, Avenue Eglantine 6, 1006 Lausanne.
This session is open to anyone who is at intermediate or a false beginner level of French, and who wants to practice speaking and learning French with a native French speaker in a friendly atmosphere.
German Conversation, Advanced
german@iwc-lausanne.org
When:Twice a month on Fridays
Time: 10:00-11:30
Where: The IWC Clubhouse, Avenue Eglantine 6, 1006 Lausanne.
Most of the time we are six eager and interested members. We read texts about German historical events, German enterprises, and German towns to be visited. Once in a while, we watch a German film.
Book Clubs
Literature
When:4th Thursday of the month.
Time: 14:00 – 16:00.
Where: At a member’s home.
We were the first group to be formed after the club was founded in 1968, and the group is still going strong. We discuss a different topic each time and many of us participate. Our meetings are nearly always dynamic and enjoyable.
Original Readers
When: 1st Monday of the month.
Time: 09:30 onwards.
Where: In the IWC Clubhouse library, Avenue Eglantine 6, 1006 Lausanne.
We like to keep our numbers from 8 to 10 members in order to give everyone the chance to express themselves. We take turns suggesting books for the group to read. We vary our selection, incl. novels, biographies, short stories, current affairs, classics and books in translation. Our discussions are lively, open, and friendly.
Readers 1
When & Where: Every 2nd Friday of the month at 14:00, at a member’s home or online.
For anyone interested in reading and discussing contemporary literary fiction written. Our discussions are frank, yet friendly, reflecting the diverse backgrounds and viewpoints of our group members.
Readers 2
When: 3rd Monday of the month.
Time: 10:30 onwards.
Where: And after, enjoying lunch at members’ homes.
We read contemporary literature and enjoy lively discussions. Although everyone misses a meeting occasionally, we hope all members have travel schedules that allow them to fully participate in the group.
Readers 3
When & Where: 1st Thursday of the month between 13:30-15:00 in Vevey.
We choose our books based on members’ recommendations/nominations and take turns leading discussions.
Sports and Relaxation
Badminton, Lausanne
When: Monday
Time:14:00 – 15:00
Where: Badminton Centre Malley, Chemin due Viaduc 12, 1008 Prilly.
Cost: Court fees.
All ability levels are welcome.
Downhill Skiing – Competent Skiers
When & Where: Tuesdays during the season, visiting many different ski areas.
Cost: Ski passes.
If you are an enthusiastic skier, this is the group for you. We have skied in most ski areas in Vaud, the Valais, venture into France and we are open to suggestions. One of us usually knows the ski area well and leads the group. We carpool from La Croix-sur-Lutry and have a quick lunch in a mountain restaurant. We are not expert skiers but we love to ski.
Fit & Fun Walking
When & Where: Weekly if possible. The day and time vary for maximum participation. Mostly within Vaud.
Looking for a fun and social way of keeping fit? Walk details are sent by email on a Monday. The only requirements are a good pair of walking shoes or boots and sufficient physical fitness to walk continuously for 2.5 – 4 hours. We depend on the participation of all members to help suggest and lead walks.
Pickleball
When: Monday
Time: 13:30 to 15:30
Place: Club Veveysan de Tennis, Chemin de la Veyre-d’en-Haut 6, 1806 St-Legier
We enthusiastically welcome debutants or experienced players to join us. We will teach newbies how to play. Your paddle & ball will be provided. RSVP by Friday noon any week if you want to play the following Monday at 13:30 The more the merrier!
The Pickleball group would consider adding a second session each week for those interested but who can’t attend on Monday afternoons.
If you’re interested in such a possibility, send us an email as shown above, to let us know which days of the week in the afternoon you would be available. If several are interested, we could give it a go.
Golfing Network
When & Where: Games played at local clubs.
Cost: Green fees (hopefully preferential!).
A network of members interested in playing golf and a resource for finding golfers of a similar ability level. Please indicate your handicap and which club (if any) you belong to here in Switzerland. Beginners are welcome.
The Hiking Group
When & Where: Tuesdays from April to November in various locations.
Hikes start out gently in the spring and increase in difficulty as the season progresses, usually between 3.5 to 5 hours excluding breaks. You will need a good pair of lightweight hiking boots and a backpack. Poles are useful for many hikes. We always take a picnic. snacks and plenty to drink. We usually arrange to carpool from Chemin de la Léchire near Belmont, just off the Route des Monts near the Landar bus stop.
Hike details are sent out every Monday afternoon for the following day’s hike for those on our mailing list. If you would like to come with us you will be very welcome! If you have any questions or want to be added to our mailing list, then please send an email to us.
Nordic Walking
nordicwalking@iwc-lausanne.org
When & Where: In principle we are walking every Monday between 14:00-15:30, weather permitting. Often starting from the Pierre-de-Coubertin Stadium in Vidy, or locally arranged via a private WhatsApp group to confirm the time & place. Group members watch out for a WhatsApp message before 10.00 each Monday morning. If there is no official walk on a particular day then members can always use WhatsApp to contact each other and arrange their own walk and meeting point. Have fun!
This is a low-impact, full-body workout thanks to specially designed poles which help improve your aerobic capacity and muscular strength. You must have already completed a course in Nordic Walking to join us. Contact us for details about arranging this if you are a beginner.
Tennis, Puidoux
When: Thursdays between 09:30 – 11:30
Where: Puidoux.
Cost: Court fees.
We are a happy group of members who welcome new members. We have two levels of play.