90 years of guiding

I spent three years as a member of the Mayor of Bath’s Corps of Honorary Guides and was invited to a gathering of current and past guides at the Roman Baths last night.

The Corps is celebrating its 90th anniversary. A body of around 85 current volunteers who are trained in local history and then provide twice daily free walks around the city. They don’t accept tips either!

The earliest mention of the Guides is in 1934 when Alderman Sturge-Cotterell showed visitors around Bath on Boxing day and Easter morning.

Walks continued even during the 2nd World War and the walks developed further in 1951, during the Festival of Britain, daily walks were given from June to September due to the number of visitors to Bath.

By 1960 formal training sessions were held for new volunteer guides. Local experts were engaged to give lectures on a wide range of subjects relating to the city.

During the 1970’s the frequency of the walks increased to twice daily and on every day except Christmas day.

Also there were others involved in the city heritage services, local councillors and – of course – the current Mayor Cllr Michelle O’Doherty and her partner Christopher..

The guides are doing a whole series of special summer walks – on top of their normal daily sessions.

Find out more via https://www.bathguides.org.uk/summer-walks-2023/