Honour to welcome 21 Signal Regiment
Last Tuesday, as the 795th Mayor of this wonderful City I had the wonderful privilege of hosting 21 Signal Regiment as they exercised their right to march through the streets, having been granted Freedom of the City in 2011.
Holding the freedom of a town or city is the greatest honour that can be bestowed on a unit within the Armed Forces.
The corps’ pipes and drums provided a fantastic ‘announcement’ to everyone gathered, and for the commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Simon Gray, to lead 160 officers and soldiers in the march past and along the spectator-crowded route.
It was also an honour for us that HM Lord-lieutenant of Somerset, Mrs Annie Maw, took the salute.
It was a parade I was truly proud to witness, together with my other honoured guests - the Deputy Lieutenant, Edward Bayntun-coward, High Sheriff of Somerset, Mrs Jennifer Duke, Member of Parliament Mrs Wera Hobhouse, Avon & Somerset Constabulary, Leader and Chief Executive, Bath & North East Somerset Council, Deputy Chairman of Bath Magistrates Susanna Hanson, supported by my Deputy Mayor Councillor Michelle O’doherty, Charter Trustees and Honorary Aldermen of the City of Bath.
As first citizen in the City, I was deeply honoured to host such a prestigious event.
Giving the City an opportunity to reaffirm its respect and pride for 21 Signal Regiment is very special, and I am sure those taking part and watching will take away memories of a great occasion with the focus very much on all the service personnel that contribute in many ways to our safety and well-being.
I know that many organisations worked together to make this splendid event come to fruition, and through your news avenues I would like to express my very grateful thanks to all the dedicated staff involved.
The regimental officers, the police and Bath & North East Somerset Council (without whom the event could not have taken place), Bath Abbey, and the Mayoralty and ceremonial staff, all came together and collaborated with great cooperation and professionalism. Cllr Rob Appleyard Mayor of Bath