Centrepoint 1995-2026

In October 2026 we are celebrating the 30th anniversary of ESCCB’s (later renamed Centrepoint) formally opening the doors of its first physical premises on Aeschengraben. The origins of the club and intense collaborative preparation work to make this a reality, however, date back to February 1995,

The Centrepoint vision and organisation are an emerging story. From the first discussions in 1995, the story until now has unfolded through self-analysis, member surveys, strategic plans and changing times and challenges. 

Mission Statement

However, the mission statement never changed over the years:

 ‘Community is about belonging and feeling at home. It encompasses sharing, learning and having fun with others. Community results when people come together and get involved. Centrepoint, through its resources, programmes and activities, and in co-operation with partner organisations, strives to build and strengthen a sense of community among expatriates of all nationalities and Swiss living in Basel’.

Centrepoint endeavours to help its members integrate into the Basel community and Switzerland. Learning the language, customs and way of life makes living a richer experience. For 30 years, Centrepoint has proven its staying power: a remarkable feat for a volunteer organisation with a transient membership. 

Our members and volunteers

Membership is the lifeblood of each organisation and Centrepoint has always had a healthy number of active members, also called our volunteers. From its inception, Centrepoint has operated solely through the generous volunteer commitment of its members, leading events, coffee mornings, talks, trips, tours, workshops, Art Wall exhibitions, apéros, conversation groups, the library, welcoming visitors, and managing many other tasks. At any time, you will find at least 50 programmes, all run by our volunteers!

Today, members come from all continents, with a majority of British, Canadian, American and Swiss members. Although Centrepoint was created as an English speaking organisation, you easily chat in German or one other language.

A short historical overview

It all started on 14th February 1995, when the idea of creating an international centre was conceived. Previously, several Americans had proposed an “America Centre,” but that evening representatives from international clubs and organisations suggested it would be better to create a centre that included English-speaking people from all nations, including Swiss citizens living in the Basel region.

The English-speaking Community Centre of Basel

12th May 1995: The statutes were signed by the “founding members” who were either representatives of various clubs, organisations or independent participants and formally approved in June 1995. The paid membership consisted of about 20-30 individuals. They spent the next (sometimes very frustrating) year looking for potential premises, discussing our goals and mission, and deciding upon a provisional working name: English-speaking Community Centre of Basel (ESCCB).

Georges and Margaret Ségal

Georges and Margaret Ségal came to the rescue by offering a small but workable, affordable space in a building they owned at 12 Aeschengraben, Basel. This was accepted knowing that this might be a provisional solution only, especially if membership grew.  

1st October 1996: The ESCCB opened its doors, expecting more local residents to join soon. By May 1997, our membership increased to about 500 individuals. The ESCCB offered services such as computers for use, coffee, a library, video rentals, talks, wine tastings, seminars, a newsletter, various events and room rentals.

The Lohnhof

In 1997 an application for space in the Lohnhof was accepted and a dedicated team worked toward ensuring this move went smoothly (e.g., holding focus group meetings to determine needs and priorities, analysing strengths and weaknesses, selecting a more appropriate name, designing new brochures, planning the architectural layout of our space in the Lohnhof, seeking sponsors, preparing press releases, creating a website, obtaining furniture & furnishings, planning events for the opening, etc).

The Lohnhof, 9 June 1999

The first apéro and opening

9th June 1999: The first apéro in the Lohnhof was held on the ground floor for the numerous corporate and individual sponsors and member volunteers. Special thanks were given to Dr Peter Hoffmann (president of the Lohnhof Stiftung) and to the architectural team, Maureen Reinertsen and Valerie Egger, and the new name, Centrepoint, was formally announced. 

4th-8th September 1999: The grand opening for the wider membership and newcomers was held in the Lohnhof courtyard, on the ground floor and in Centrepoint’s own premises. There was an opening apéro, a family fun day, historical/archaeological tours of the Lohnhof and Leonardskirch, a jazz musician (Annie Bootz) and the first Ar Wall vernissage (featuring artist Jo Siefert).

At the Expat Expo 

The first AGM and other events

12th April 2000: Our first AGM as new tenants in the Lohnhof

27th September 2001: Centrepoint and the Professional Women’s Group hosted an evening to celebrate Basel’s 500th year as a Swiss canton. Proceeds from the evening were donated to the Swiss Red Cross in memory of the victims of the 11^th September 2001 tragedy in the US. 

March 2010: A combined 15th Anniversary Gala and AGM was held at Crescenda, Schützenmattstrasse, Basel.

2011: “Centrepoint Perspective” was published and distinctly mentions Centrepoint’s inception in 1995.  

27th October 2016: The “20th” Anniversary party was held on the ground floor and inner courtyard of the Lohnhof, with a DJ, dancing, and plenty of great food. This seems to be the year in which the Board chose to celebrate the 21st anniversary as the 20th anniversary.  

31^st May 2017: The Fauteuil Theatre was packed with Centrepoint members as president Kate Watson received Basel’s Schappo award from Regierungspräsidentin Elisabeth Ackermann. The presentation was followed by an apéro in the theatre courtyard.

2022: The “25th” (or 26th, depending on your perception) Anniversary was held a year (or 2 years) late due to Covid restrictions. 

2026 saw the launch of the new website, replacing Horizon, first published as an 8-page newsletter in September 1998, and the number of membership households passed 400, after a decline in 2020-2022 (Covid). 

Looking to the future

After 30 years, Centrepoint has demonstrated something that is not always easy for a volunteer organisation to achieve: staying power.

The organisation has adapted to changing times, changing needs and changing membership. Its programmes and activities have evolved, its premises and technology have changed and its membership has risen and fallen with the circumstances of the wider world.

Yet the fundamental mission has remained the same, bringing people together. For anyone who has recently arrived in Basel, or for those who have lived here for years and are looking to become more involved, Centrepoint remains a place to meet people, exchange ideas, learn something new and perhaps discover a few new friends along the way.

Thirty years after that first meeting in February 1995, the story is still being written. What will Centrepoint look like in another five years? Let’s see.

Based on Centrepoint’s archive, special thanks to Janet Hawley, Peter Berrie, Brigitta Hänggi and Colin Hughson