[The attached photo shows the Mayor, the Chair of the Guides (front right) the Training Manager and the new Guides, Mayor’s Consort (Mr Christopher Godfrey) (middle back row)]
They’ve been giving free tours – twice a day ( except Xmas Day) for years – but the volunteers who make up the Mayor of Bath’s Corps of Honorary Guides receive no wages or tips!
However, once a year, the serving Mayor invites them to dinner at the Guildhall.
And, just a short while ago, Cllr Michelle O’Doherty – the 797th Mayor of the city – held such an event and praised the work that they do, – both in welcoming visitors to the city and also in supporting the Mayoralty at the Mayor Making Ceremony and the opening of the Mayor’s Parlour at the Guildhall during Museum’s Week.
She said:
“We celebrate the dedication, knowledge, and enthusiasm that you all bring to your roles as guides, and the wonderful service you give to our city. As Mayor, I have had the privilege of seeing firsthand the invaluable work you do. A heartfelt thank you on behalf of the whole city.”
The Chair of the Guides, Duncan Barley, responded on behalf of the Corps. “This last year has been a special one for the Guides, who celebrated their 90th anniversary of providing free tours around the city.”
Last year was also a record-breaking one for the Guides. They led over 2,500 walks, showing over 46,000 people around our beautiful city, including classic, special, and group walks.
In addition to recognising the quantity and quality of walks, there was also a celebration of an incredible 50 years of Guiding from the ever-youthful Roland Adamson who started as a guide on 1 March 1975.
The Guides also warmly welcomed those who have qualified as new Guides in the last year.
