*
banner

European Countdown — 6 days to go

More weird and wonderful things to ponder over, as we countdown to the big event.

EBBA
 

You’ve had the Belgian’s, the Scots and the Welsh, now its time to find out more about those lovers of peace and numbered bank accounts… the Swiss.

The Swiss

1. Switzerland legalized the use of marijuana in 2002, but sales are still not legal.

2. The Swiss Guard have been famously fierce mercenaries from the 15th to 19th centuries, but now only 100 are left, serving just the Pope & Vatican City.

3. Switzerland stayed neutral in both world wars, yet today every fit man serves in the army and stays in the reserves, and every household contains a bomb shelter and gun.

There is a public toilet in Switzerland made of one way glass. From the outside it is totally mirrored, yet inside you can look out 360 degrees and see everyone whilst you are having a pee!4BR

4. Swiss commas are decimal points, and vice versa: €1,50 is one and a half euros, and an American mile contains 5.280 feet.

5. It's against the law to slam your car door in Switzerland

6. There is a public toilet in Switzerland made of one way glass. From the outside it is totally mirrored, yet inside you can look out 360 degrees and see everyone whilst you are having a pee!

7. In March 2007, 170 Swiss soldiers mistakenly invaded neighbouring Liechtenstein during a routine training exercise. The infantry soldiers wandered 2 kilometers across an unmarked border into the tiny principality.

A spokesman for the Swiss army confirmed the story, but said that there were unlikely to be any serious repercussions for the mistaken invasion.

Liechtenstein’s Interior Ministry said nobody in had even noticed the soldiers, who were carrying assault rifles but no ammunition. "It's not like they stormed over here with attack helicopters or something," he said.

8. Famous Swiss inventions include Velcro, Cellophane and the Swiss Army Knife, although the cuckoo clock was actually invented in the Black Forest of Germany and the Swiss Roll originates from the UK.

The Swiss Roll is not widely eaten in Switzerland, where they are called Biscuitrolle, Roulade or gâteau roulé. The wristwatch was invented by Patek Philippe in 1868.

9. Switzerland has the 2nd highest life expectancy in Europe (after Sweden).

10. About 20% of the people living in Switzerland are foreigners.

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


GUS Bugle

Results: 2026 West of England Bandsmen's Festival

June 21 • The GUS Band reclaims the famous Royal Trophy for the first time in 71 years on a wonderful day of music making in the sunshine in Bugle.


Queensbury

Last chord for Lewis at Queensbury Music Centre

June 21 • The double Yorkshire Area title winner thanks MD Chris Lewis after he decides to step down from conducting role.


Frank Mathison

Death of Frank Mathison

June 21 • The death has been announced of the former bass trombone player of the London Symphony Orchestra and City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.


Foden's

Foden's and friends...

June 21 • The North West Area champion was joined by six friendly bands for a great evening of community music making.


Barnsley Brass - Black Dyke Band

Thursday 25 June • St Mary's Church. Church Street. Barnsley S70 2AH


Regent Hall Concerts - Junior Guildhall Brass Band

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Royal Sackbut Collective

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band - Mossley Band

Sunday 28 June • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the RAF

Thursday 2 July • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Alder Valley Brass

June 19 • Bb bass player. We are an ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (L&SC, National finalists 2023) with a varied blend of engagements, concerts and contests. We rehearse 8-10pm Mondays and Thursdays in Farnham, Surrey. Other enquiries welcome.


Chinnor Silver

June 17 • Our COMMUNITY BAND meet again on Monday (22nd) and we welcome players of all standards to join us for a relaxed,friendly rehearsal with Tea and cake and it’s all free.. Rehearsals are at 11am in our own bandroom playing with us does not effect your band.


Longridge Band

June 16 • Longridge Band invite applications for the positions of Flugel and Eb Bass.. We are a friendly and committed band that enjoys a great balance of concerts and contests throughout the year. A contribution to travel expenses are provided.


Jenny Gartside

Bsc Hons
Jeweller, brass band themed jewellery and pin badges


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd