Going Dutch

Richard Wyatt

[The flags of Alkmaar in the Netherlands and the City of Bath have been raised in Orange Grove this morning]

I am pleased to say the sun appeared in time to greet those who gathered in Orange Grove to mark the official start of Alkmaar 80 Week.

The City of Bath Brass Band played both the UK and the Dutch National Anthems.

It’s the opening of celebrations to mark the 80th anniversary of the Bath-Alkmaar Twinning Association, which must be one of the longest such international friendships running in this country!

The Mayor of Bath, Cllr Bharat Pankhania, and the Mayoress, Mrs Alison Pankhania, with the Association Chair, Mr Chris Davies.

The Mayor of Bath, Cllr Bharat Pankhania, raised the flag of Bath, and Chris Davies, the Association Chair, hoisted the flag of Alkmaar, in the Netherlands.

The flag of Alkmaar is raised.

Here’s a little of what the Mayor has to say. A bit of a battle with the breeze!

The Mayor of Bath, Cllr Professor Bharat Pankhania.

There’s a week of events in which the public can take part. Talks and walks! Just log onto www.bath-alkmaar.org.uk for more information.

Published by Richard Wyatt

Freelance Journalist, broadcaster, columnist and local historian. Director of Bath Newseum. Married and lives in Bath. Interested in local history, architecture and visual display in museums and urban spaces.