Welcome to Centrepoint
a volunteer-run English-speaking community in the heart of Basel where people connect, join activities, and make friends
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News & articles
Centrepoint news
Introducing Gonca Yalcinkaya, Members Coordinator
Gonca was born in Izmir located on the west coast of Turkey. She guesses that’s why she cannot stay away from the deep blue Aegean Sea for long.
Trips & tours
Tour of the Andreas Ernst Clock Collection
The Andreas Ernst Collection in Muttenz houses a remarkable collection of antique pendulum clocks dating from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Our tour guide will be John Joseph, a British clock maker and restorer based here in Basel.
Centrepoint news
Centrepoint at the Expat Expo 2026
This year's Expat Expo (14 March 2026) was a tremendous success for Centrepoint.
Event report
A Taste of the Tropics
The recently renovated Tropical Greenhouse at the Basel University Botanical Garden features an impressive collection, split between one section for plants from hot, humid regions and another for plants from tropical cloud forests.
Volunteer of the month
Joanna Lonergan, April 2026
Joanna grew up in London and came to Basel in 1973 to work for the BIS. She joined Centrepoint in 2007, after enjoying a city walk as a guest of a friend who was a long-time member.
Other events
ArtWall Vernissage and Exhibition: Visions. Shakespeare. Scenes.
The painter Alvaro de Taddeo (b. 1957) from Basel attended the Humanistic Gymnasium, Muensterplatz Basel, completed a preparatory course at the Basel School of Arts and Crafts and then an apprenticeship as a window dresser.
What our members say
“Finding Centrepoint was a turning point for me after leaving Ukraine. The supportive community here has helped me feel connected and at home in Switzerland.”
Viktoriya from Ukraine
"I enjoy teaching beginners’ bridge at Centrepoint because it blends problem-solving, fast feedback, and intuitive pattern-spotting into a game played with people, not just against them. Watching newcomers discover the pleasure of playing bridge — and even give me new insights — is genuinely rewarding."
Sev from Russia
“I really enjoy volunteering on the Front Desk, as the variety of tasks makes every shift engaging and helps me feel connected to the Centrepoint community. Volunteering with the Italian Conversation Group is also rewarding as it gives me pleasure to share my language and help others develop their skills."
Francesca from Italy
"Volunteering at Centrepoint gives me the chance to organise fun events like minigolf, summer meet-ups, and visits to interesting places. I also enjoy being part of the Photography Club, where we share our passion, meet new people, and work together to make the group a success."
Marcel from Switzerland
“I have found a truly welcoming, international community at Centrepoint. Participating in its diverse activities has strengthened my spoken English and given me a supportive space where I feel I belong.”
Sissi from Switzerland
“I’ve discovered Basel in new ways and learned about many different subjects through Centrepoint’s talks and trips. It’s also been rewarding to contribute by hosting a French discussion group.”
Jean-Christian from Canada
“I enjoy volunteering at the Welcome Desk during weekly Coffee Mornings, where I can greet members and offer new members and visitors a friendly introduction. It’s rewarding to help people settle into the Centrepoint community.”
Steffen from the Netherlands