Steve and I travel to the Bernina factory in Steckborn to receive technical training on the new Bernina 830. We’ve been looking forward to this trip for some time and can’t wait to get to grips with the new top of the range Bernina.
We take an early morning flight from Manchester Airport to Heathrow to meet up with the Bogod brothers (Bernina UK) and other Bernina dealers. The flight takes all of 40 minutes which makes a welcome change from the usual trek down the M6.
Heathrow, and all the problems reported at the opening of terminal 5 appear to have been ironed out, they must have known we were coming. All is clean and efficient. With a bit of time to kill, breakfast springs to mind.
A hearty breakfast is just the ticket for the intrepid early morning traveller. £7.99 seems a little steep, but then again we are in London.
This shop is called Kurt Geiger and it sells shoes and handbags, some of you may have heard of it?? All I can say is I’m glad my other half wasn’t with me when I saw it!
Zurich airport. Small, but perfectly formed and very clean.
We leave Zurich airport and travel by coach to the Bernina HQ in Steckborn. As we approach Steckborn we can see the famous Bernina logo in the distance. (Not the best photo, I know) It sits by the shores of a beautiful lake. It’s a bit different from working in Manchester, but let’s not forget we do have the Manchester Ship Canal!
After arriving at the hotel and unpacking it’s time to take a look at the view from the room and I must say it’s not bad, what do you think. It’s Lake Constance by the way.
So, next day, bright eyed and bushy tailed I’m ready to start a technical course on the new Bernina 830. Our teacher is called Jurg, a nice chap who certainly knows his onions, and his Bernina 830’s too for that matter.
Phew! A full day of in depth training. We’ve dismantled the Bernina 830 and started to test and check all the settings and timings. This new 830 really has been very well made.
Rather than look at the undressed Bernina on my bench, take a look at the fabulous Bernina 830 in all it’s glory. I took this shot in the reception area of Bernina HQ.
I also took a few shots of the Bernina ‘museum’. Bernina are a long established family business, they’ve been around since the 1890’s (Almost as old as Dad, only joking RB!) Anyway, we’ve always been proud to be a Bernina dealer, they are such a good quality machine.
More shots of older Berninas.
Back to the workshop and technical training on the Bernina 830 continues. Jurg shows us how to make precise adjustments and then he checks them. If you don’t get it right you do it again until it is correct.
Back to the hotel for a quick freshen up and then to dinner. This shot shows the Hotel restaurant. All very lovely and the food was, as Michael Winner might say, historic!
I am learning the technical side of the 830, and Steve is with another group learning all about the many functions and features. Between the two Bamber brothers we will be able to offer all 830 customers a great service.
All too soon the party’s over. We climb aboard a coach and head off to the airport.
Homeward bound…
A great trip, thank you Bernina and Bogod.
Don’t forget our own Bernina 830 launch at Bambers on Thursday 23rd April 2009.
