The city’s annual Mayor Making Ceremony took place last Saturday at Bath Abbey, with Councillor Patrick Anketell-Jones formally appointed, taking on the historic role of the 791st Mayor of Bath.
Photo courtesy of Paul Gillis
Crowds of passers-by stopped to watch the 93 (City of Bath) Squadron Air Training Corps Marching Band perform outside the Guildhall, and the Avon Fire & Rescue Drill Squad’s Guard of Honour on the steps.
The Civic Procession made its way to Bath Abbey led by two Police Stave-Bearers and Chief Inspector Steve Kendall MBE, followed by the Drill Squad in their ceremonial dress.
The Avon Fire & Rescue Drill Squad formed up at the Abbey West Door, as the Procession entered to the sound of the Bath City Jubilee Waits playing a cheerful ‘Vilo Primo March’ written by Bath’s very own Sir William Herschel.
The incoming Mayor’s Chaplain, Reverend Philip Hawthorn, Rector at St Stephen’s Church, Lansdown, gave a short prayer and the Annual General Meeting of The Charter Trustees of the City of Bath and Election of Mayor Ceremony took place.
The Mayor (Councillor Patrick Anketell-Jones) said, in his acceptance speech: “It is an extraordinary privilege to make a speech of acceptance for the role I have been offered.
“I am beginning to feel a piercing scrutiny by 829 years of precedent! My theme for the year is ‘Environment’. Nobody can be unaware of what is going on in the natural world and I will take every opportunity to promote sustainability and environmental responsibility, and I will support local initiatives in environmental projects, events and education programmes.”
He referred to Bath’s new identity and that through history the city has been socialised, industrialised, militarised and marginalised.
He said: “Now, we are a University City. This change of identity is emerging with surprising rapidity as the global economies realign themselves on knowledge and research. Bath has two Universities and Colleges.
“The Mayoralty has close relationships with them all and I will take every opportunity to work for a mutually beneficial relationship based on friendship and respect.
“We must find a path that leads us to a better understanding of what it means to be a University City.”
Councillor Dr Anthony Clarke replaced Councillor Rob Appleyard as Deputy Mayor.
He said: “I am very much aware of the privilege it is to serve the residents of this great City. I am honoured, and look forward to supporting the Mayor in his role.”
The new Mayor and the Mayoress, his wife Deirdre, the Deputy Mayor and Deputy Mayoress, his wife Dr Louise Clarke, processed down the aisle to the Bath Bach Choir’s rousing rendition of ‘The Rhythm of Life’, from Sweet Charity by Cy Coleman.
