Two Baillis Délégués had a vision to celebrate a joint Grand Chapitre: Klaus Tritschler of Germany made the suggestion to Gerrit de Kiewit from the Netherlands who readily agreed to the idea.

Being a cross roads for trade and travel Aachen and Maastricht in late May was the perfect choice. Especially appropriate when one adds on the Imperial Palace of Charles the Great which since medieval times has been renowned as a spa.

Members from the Netherlands and Germany gathered to celebrate this unique event in the presence of International Vice-President Marie Jones.

Here are the highlights of the three-day programme:

Thursday, May 26th
Château St. Gerlach situated in Valkenburg aan de Geul (Netherlands), was a well-chosen location to get the event off to a wonderful start.

Friday, May 27th
There was a choice of daytime activities including a river boat trip from Maastricht to Liège. In the evening the attendees could select from four restaurants for dinner:

- Restaurant Da Vinci in Maasbracht (Netherlands) – Michelin 2-stars
- Restaurant la Bécasse in Aachen (Germany) – Michelin 1-star
- Restaurant De Leuf in Ubachsberg (Netherlands) – Michelin 1-star
- Restaurant Sofa in Maastricht (Netherlands) – Michelin recommended

Saturday, May 28th
The Induction Ceremony, presided over by Karim Henein, Member of the Conseil d’Administration from Egypt, took place in the Krönungssaal (Coronation Hall) within Aachen’s City Hall. It was an extraordinary occasion as the Krönungssaal is normally only opened for high-ranking dignitaries – amongst whom we can now count the Chaîne!

The crescendo of this visionary three-day event was at the Hotel Pullman Aachen “Quellenhof” where we enjoyed an excellent reception and Grand Gala Dinner. Bailli Dieter Ullsperger’s perfect organisation ensured everyone enjoyed a memorable time.

Vive la Chaîne!
 
Barbara Tritschler
Pair de la Chaîne


Photos courtesy of Klaus Butenschön (www.ihr-fotograf-butenschoen.de)