Waidmannslust celebrates 150 years - historical festival program planned!

Waidmannslust celebrates 150 years - historical festival program planned!

On May 24, 2025, a comprehensive festival began in Waidmannslust to celebrate the district's 150th anniversary. The opening of the celebrations took place in a historic factory hall at Oraniendamm 72, where a photo exhibition on the history of the Volta works was shown. District councilor Korinna Stephan from the Greens emphasized the importance of this exhibition for the district. The district mayor Emine Demirbüken-Wegner (CDU) thanked the committed citizens' initiative for organizing the extensive program, which includes several events.

As part of the anniversary celebrations, a festival service planned for June 22nd and a neighborhood festival on July 20th are planned. The district office will also take part, including a reading, a lecture and a photo exhibition by the Reinickendorf Museum in the rectory at Bondickstrasse 76 in Berlin. In addition, local clubs, schools and the church will organize their own events. Further information can be found on the citizens' initiative website: www.initiative-waidmannslust.com.

Insight into the history of the fire department

Meanwhile, the Stangenroth Volunteer Fire Department also celebrated its 150th anniversary. The celebrations started with a festive church parade and a church service attended by various prominent guests, including District Fire Commissioner Benno Metz and State Secretary Sandro Kirchner. Mayor Daniel Wehner conveyed the congratulations on behalf of the market town of Burkardroth and emphasized the important role of volunteer work in the fire department.

As part of the celebrations, reference was made to the founding of the Bavarian State Fire Brigade Association in 1868, which encouraged several fire departments to celebrate their anniversary. It is worth mentioning that the number of fire departments almost doubled after they were founded. Insurance for firefighters was also introduced in 1872, followed by the establishment of the State Support Fund in 1876, which offered financial support. Visitors to the celebration had the opportunity to admire historic vehicles and flashing classic cars during the parade, which was accompanied by 16 groups.

Volunteering in the fire department

The topic of volunteer work is not only present in Waidmannslust and Stangenroth, but also in Hamburg, where Sebastian Bierdel celebrated his 25th anniversary of service on March 28, 2024. The celebrations took place in Rahlstedt with his family and fellow firefighters. In his speech, regional leader Harald Burghardt acknowledged Bierdel's services to the fire service community.

Bierdel's fire service career began in 1994 in the Tonndorf youth fire department. After several years of active commitment, he moved to the Rahlstedt Volunteer Fire Department, where he showed leadership qualities and was ultimately promoted to area leader. His work in the youth fire department and the training of young firefighters have had a lasting impact on the fire service landscape and show how important such commitment is for the community.

These celebratory occasions in Waidmannslust, Stangenroth and the recognition of Sebastian Bierdel illustrate the deep-rooted tradition and commitment of the fire service community in Germany.