Association Culinaire Française promoting French culinary arts in the UK

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ACF North West Branch history

The branch was created by Mr Gilbert Lefevre, Executive Chef de Cuisine of the Midland Hotel Manchester, assisted by Mr jack Neighbour of Holding College.

As the Chef de Cuisine of Manchester's premier hotel in the 1970's he was able to bring quality chefs together and nurture them, eventually enrolling them as members of the ACF. At the time there were no regional branches of the Association; most activities were centred around London.

30th Anniversary of ACF North West branch. Click on the image to view in a larger size.

Members in Manchester mooted the idea of regional branches and created, with support from the National Committee, the branch which in the coming years became the largest and most successful in the country.

The branch was born on 21st June 1977 when ACF President Emile Lefevre, Vice President Andre Durand and the Secretary Fernand Boulert attended a dinner hosted by Gilbert at the Midland Hotel.

A committee was formed mostly from the brigade of the hotel.

Cutting the cake at the 30th Anniversary. Click on the image to view in a larger size.

Gilbert became the branch's first President, a position he held until 1985 when the presidency was handed over to Mr John Turner. This was for a two year duration until 1987 when Mr Brian Yates took over and held the position for the next 18 years until 2005.

The first dinner was held at Hollings College in the restaurant.

Gilbert became President d'Honneur, a position he held until his death in 2004. He had been a members of the Association for more than 40 years.