A centuries-old Civic Service has been held in Bath, to celebrate and welcome the city’s new Right Worshipful Mayor, Councillor Dine Romero.
Photo © St John’s Foundation
The Chaplain of Bath and North East Somerset’s community charity St John’s Foundation led the service at the Chapel of St Michael’s Within, in Chapel Court.
The symbolic event also welcomed the new deputy Mayor, Councillor Dr Bharat Pankhania.
Having supported people in need in Bath since 1174, the service has been held annually by St John’s for hundreds of years.
It is an opportunity to give thanks to the founders and benefactors for their dedication to the community.
The 2023 event involved members of the charity, the mayoral office and other local representatives, including Councillor Ruth Malloy, Councillor Onkar Saini, Honorary Alderman Paul Crossley and Honorary Alderman Brian Webber.
The traditional service also had three Sword-Bearers and Mace-Bearers.
St John’s Foundation Chaplain, the Reverend Jacky Wise, who led the service, said: “It is always wonderful to welcome the new Mayor in this way each year and take a moment to reflect on our historic relationship, but also to look ahead.
“We at St John’s Foundation are certain the new Mayor will have a successful year and look forward to working alongside her to bring about change in Bath for those who are most in need.
“Working in partnership, we try to do the things that Jesus would do, which is to reach out to those in need”.
The Mayor has confirmed her theme for the coming year, will focus on ‘The People of Bath: The Beating Heart of the City’, primarily through the Mayor of Bath’ Relief Fund.
St John’s Foundation will support the Mayor in delivering this main focus, to help under-served families experiencing crisis in their lives.
St John’s Foundation is celebrating its 850th year in 2024 and is the oldest charity in the South West.
The Foundation has two main arms of support, the first is to support people over the age of 55 years through the provision of alms-house accommodation, advice and social and other activities, and the second, to support families with children up to 12 years of age, primarily to ensure that all children receive the same start in life, irrespective of their background.
