With a memorable anniversary celebration, the Bailliage of Franken marked its 40th anniversary on July 25th, as an independent Bailliage within the National Bailliage of Germany.

It was in 1986 that the three Franconian administrative districts of Upper, Middle and Lower Franconia formed their own Bailliage. Until 2008, it was known as the Bailliage of Nordbayern; since then, it has carried its present name, Bailliage of Franken.

The anniversary celebrations began in glorious summer weather at the Drei-Franken-Stein near Schlüsselfeld - the distinctive landmark where Upper, Middle and Lower Franconia meet and regarded as the geographical heart of Franconia. Members and friends of the Chaîne gathered there to look back together on four decades of the Bailliage’s successful history.

In his welcoming remarks, Bailli Dieter Oster paid tribute to the development of the Bailliage and expressed particular thanks to his predecessors Heinz Bussemer, Richard Helfert, Dieter von Schau, Martin Kressel, Wolfi Steger and Rudi Stöcker, whose dedication and commitment have shaped and further developed the history of the Bailliage of Franken.

A particularly special moment was the singing of the Franconian anthem, the Frankenlied, which expressed the strong bond with the Franconian homeland. This was followed by a traditional Frühschoppen, with Franconian beer and wine, together with regional sausage and cheese specialities, providing ample opportunity for personal encounters and lively conversation.

The group then travelled together to the new Chaîne Professional member establishment, Hotel-Restaurant Lamm in Höchberg near Würzburg. There, Confrère Werner Lawrenz, his wife Maren and their team welcomed the guests with a celebratory menu that brought together culinary specialities from Upper, Middle and Lower Franconia in harmonious combination, once again showcasing the remarkable diversity of Franconian cuisine and wines.

Bailli Dieter Oster brought the successful anniversary day to a close with warm thanks to all those who had taken part. As a lasting memento, he presented each guest with a specially designed pin created to commemorate the 40th anniversary – a visible symbol of their connection with the Bailliage Franken and its successful history.

The 40th anniversary was not only an opportunity to look back on four decades of living the Chaîne tradition, but also a celebration of the vibrant spirit of community and friendship that has characterised the Bailliage of Franken since its foundation.

Text and photos: Inge Stöcker, Vice-Chargée de Presse Honoraire

Hotel-Restaurant Lamm
Hauptstraße 76-79
97204 Höchberg (Würzburg)

Tel: +49 (0)931-30 456 30
Web: www.lamm-wuerzburg.de