[Cllr Pankhania was Deputy Mayor in 2023, and pictured here with daughter India, Deputy Mayoress Mrs Alison Pankhania, and son Arjuna. Photo credit: Paul Gillis]
It’s Mayor Making time again in Bath this coming weekend. A historic ceremony on Saturday, June 7th, that forms part of the annual meeting of the Charter Trustees. It’s being held in Bath Abbey and begins at 11 am.
Citizens and visitors are welcome to attend the Ceremony, and are asked to be seated in the Abbey by 10.40 am.
Councillor Professor Bharat Pankhania will take up office as the 798th Mayor of Bath. His wife, Mrs Alison Pankhania, will be Mayoress for the year ahead, often accompanying him to engagements.
Cllr Pankhania was first elected to Bath and North East Somerset Council in 2019 to represent Combe Down Ward as a Liberal Democrat. He was re-elected in 2023 and became Deputy Mayor.
Councillor Ian Halsall will be Deputy Mayor, and his husband James Fox will be Deputy Mayor’s Consort. Cllr Halsall was elected to Bath & North East Somerset Council in 2023 to represent Oldfield Park as a Liberal Democrat.
The Civic Procession to the Abbey will be led by the 93 (City of Bath) Squadron RAF Marching Band. The City Sword-Bearer, Mace-Bearers, The Right Worshipful The Mayor of Bath (Councillor Michelle O’Doherty), dignitaries, visiting Mayors, Charter Trustees and Honorary Aldermen in ceremonial robes, will leave the Guildhall at approximately 10.45 am.
Avon Fire & Rescue Service Ceremonial Drill Squad will form a Guard of Honour. The Procession will return to the Guildhall at approximately 12.15 pm.
During a short interval, when civic robes and Collars and Badges of Office are exchanged, Bath Philharmonia and Harmony Rising choir will perform.
Traffic will be stopped for a short time by stewards at the pedestrian crossing near the Abbey to allow the Procession to make its way down the High Street, Cheap Street, into Farr’s Passage and the Abbey Church Yard, and again on its return.
As I take on the honour of serving as mayor of our beautiful World Heritage City of Bath. It is a privilege I embrace with humility, pride, and a commitment to excellence.
The ceremony will begin with a significant first for Bath – a humanist celebrant. I believe in embracing people of all faiths and none. In appointing a humanist to serve as “my chaplin” I hope to reflect this inclusive spirit throughout the year.
Education has been the cornerstone of my life. It is liberation, it is power, it is freedom. Lifelong learning, to me, is the true elixir of life.
Tragically, too many talented individuals are unable to reach their full potential due to barriers beyond their control.
My theme for the mayoral year will therefore be “Empowerment Through Education” — a cause close to my heart.
I have already begun conversations with senior leaders from the University of Exeter (my own university), the University of Bath, Bath Spa University, and my alma mater, Cardiff University.
I would like our universities and other higher education establishments and not forgetting our wonderful Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institute to play an even more active role in the empowerment of, especially our younger generation — especially for those who feel excluded or intimidated by the very word “higher education” or “university.”
Bath has shown that diversity and inclusion are among our greatest strengths. As mayor, I intend to build upon this proud legacy and ensure that every voice is valued.
Best wishes,
Bharat Pankhania