Pepe Schwegler

Pepe is a member of our club who has contributed much to the game in his role as Treasurer of BAWA, a position he has enjoyed since his retirement five years ago.

 Like so many others, Pepe became interested in bridge towards the end of his working career, as he planned for his retirement. Naturally he has found it to be a most stimulating and absorbing pastime and he now has three regular bridge partners, including the nonagenarian Cynthia Forman.

 But in his younger years, Pepe's interests were far less sedentary. Born and educated in Switzerland, Pepe gained marketing experience in Zurich and was attracted to work opportunities with the international company Nestlé, especially for the chance to travel and live abroad. His first years were very rewarding ones spent in West Africa in particular Ghana and Nigeria. Pepe remembers with great fondness his four years as a Nestlé manager working with the local people. Here he learnt to play polo until he was introduced to motor racing.

 He quickly became hooked on the sport, racing in the harsh desert conditions and competing in many cross-country rallies in a Citroen DS19 and at times in Volkswagens. His passion for the sport stayed with him when he later took a posting in Singapore with the company. He chose to compete in his First Grand Prix event in Malaysia, however, his co-driver spun out of control in the first lap and so ended Pepe's chance of a Grand Prix experience!

 After meeting his late wife in Malaysia, Pepe took a posting back in Africa, in Zambia, however, this country and job were a disappointment after the Nigerian experience and the Schweglers applied to migrate to Australia. Whilst it took three months to process the application, approval was finally given and the Schweglers soon found that married life in Perth with a daughter born here, was the perfect place to settle.

 Pepe has attended many congresses, including Albany and the Gold Coast, which also gave him the opportunity to meet up with his daughter and two grandsons, now living in Djakarta.

Despite having initial reservations about the club's move to Swanbourne, Pepe is now seen playing at many sessions and is grateful for the game that helped his transition to retirement.

 Published in June 2010 Edition of Trumps Plus