We are very pleased to announce our new organ scholar, Frankie Tempest has started with us. Frankie is about to begin his first year studying Mathematics at the University of Bath. He began his musical education aged 7 as a chorister at Leeds Cathedral, and began learning the organ four years later with David Pipe.

From 2023 to 2025, he was Organ Scholar at Leeds Cathedral alongside studying for his A-levels. In Leeds, Frankie accompanied the Cathedral Choirs regularly in services and concerts, as well as on tours and on BBC Radio 4, and for a time acted as the Cathedral’s principal organist. He has also given organ recitals at churches across the country, and is a keen classical accordionist.

Frankie says, “I am delighted to be joining the ambitious music department at Bath Abbey. This is an exceptional opportunity for me to continue developing my skills, and I look forward to working closely with the Choirs and playing the Abbey’s fine Klais organ.”

Huw Williams says “We are delighted to have Frankie joining our team. Frankie will assist in playing for services here at the Abbey and we very much look forward to working with him.”

New Bath Abbey Music Administrator

Bath Abbey is delighted to welcome Anna English to join the Abbey’s exciting music department as Music Administrator. Huw Williams, Director of Music at Bath Abbey said “we are so thrilled that Anna has joined us at the Abbey. She is highly skilled and experienced and worked on many high profile projects at Westminster Abbey. We all really look forward to getting to know her and working alongside her.”

Anna studied music at university before working in a prep school, at an opera company and most recently at Westminster Abbey, in a similar role. Anna and family moved back to her hometown of Bath earlier this year. Anna said “I’m really looking forward to joining the fantastic music department at Bath Abbey. It has been lovely to return home to Bath and I feel very lucky to be able to get to work with such a wonderful team of choristers, musicians and Abbey staff in the heart of such a beautiful city.”

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Bishop Michael says, “While we cannot condone the actions they have taken in order to share their message, which has put them at risk and added pressure on our already overstretched emergency services, we do nonetheless have sympathy for the message they have shared, ‘Don’t crucify creation’, and recognise the seriousness of the climate crisis.

“All Anglicans are called, in line with the fifth mark of mission, to strive to safeguard the integrity of creation, and sustain and renew the life of the earth. As a diocese, Bath and Wells is committed to Net Zero by 2030 and churches across the diocese, including Bath Abbey, are doing a great deal in order to reach that goal.”

Bishop Michael also stated that he has always been willing to meet with Christian Climate Action to share what we as a diocese are already doing and to hear their thoughts as to other steps they think we can take.

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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.

He 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. He was elected to Bath & North East Somerset Council in 2023 to represent Oldfield Park as a Liberal Democrat.

Citizens and visitors are welcome to attend the Ceremony, and are asked to be seated in the Abbey by 10.40 am.

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.

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“It has been with great sadness that we learnt this morning about the death of Pope Francis. In our sorrow we give thanks for all that Francis brought to the role of Pope – his spiritual leadership of the whole Church of God, his humanity, his care for the poor, his courage and honesty, his work for peace and care for the environment. Our hearts go out to our brothers and sisters in the Roman Catholic Church in their loss which we share. May Francis rest in peace and rise in glory.”

Bishop Michael.

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Be brave and at the same time raise much-needed funds for local community-focused charities. Your involvement in the Leap of Faith! will enable Bath Abbey and Genesis Trust to support the care of the Abbey – an iconic Christian landmark that provides worship services for all and pastoral care for the City of Bath and its visitors – and enable homeless and vulnerable people in the Bath area to find new beginnings and a better future.

The Reverend Canon Guy Bridgewater, Rector of Bath Abbey, says: “Abseiling from the Abbey’s iconic tower is guaranteed to be an extraordinary experience. Raising vital funds whilst ‘taking the leap’ makes this challenge even more meaningful, and we are so grateful to the adventurous folk who have already signed up to abseil. We’re delighted to be working with Genesis Trust, one of the Abbey’s Mission Partners, to once again bring this thrilling fundraising challenge to the city of Bath. Leap of Faith is rooted in community, so whether you ‘leap’ or come along to cheer on the brave abseilers, we’d love to see you.”

Nick Mayo, CEO of Genesis Trust, says: “We are excited to be offering the Leap of Faith! Abseil once again in 2025. It was a hugely successful fundraising challenge in 2018, 2019 and 2023 and we are looking forward to seeing the brave and adventurous people of Bath supporting Genesis Trust and Bath Abbey once more in this way.”

For the 2025 Leap of Faith! abseil from Bath Abbey Tower, each individual is asked to pay a £40 registration fee (early bird of £40 before 1 May, then £45) and commit to raising at least £150 in sponsorship for Genesis Trust and Bath Abbey. The opportunity is open to people aged 12 and upwards, weighing up to 20st, with no upper age limit, although do bear in mind there’s a steep climb of 212 steps up to the top of the tower beforehand. Each person taking part will be photographed free of charge as they embark on their abseil down the iconic 49m tower.

Visit Charity Abseil – Genesis Trust Bath to find out more about the Leap of Faith! 2025 and to register to take part.

Genesis Trust Bath provides immediate practical help to people who are homeless and vulnerable, and offers longer-term support and opportunities for visitors to make healthy choices, rebuild their lives, improve their wellbeing and overcome poverty in all its forms.

Bath Abbey welcomes thousands of visitors and pilgrims every year, offering worship, pastoral support and – with the recent completion of the transformational Footprint Project – a world-class encounter with the Abbey’s remarkable heritage. The Abbey receives no regular financial support from the Government or the Church and depends on generous supporters to ensure the Abbey doors stay open, the iconic building is cared for, and worship services are available for all.

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Dewi has been much admired and respected at Bath Abbey. Director of Music Huw Williams said ‘his playing has been magnificent from the first day. The choirs admire the confidence and musicality he exhibits on the organ’. Whilst at Bath Dewi has directed the Melody Makers and the Chamber Choir who have both enjoyed working with him.

Dewi said ‘I have immensely enjoyed my time at Bath and look forward to a further year with its lovely people. I am also eager to return to St Albans to work with William Fox and the wider Cathedral community and explore the possibilities of this exciting new role. My thanks go to everyone at St Albans who made the interview process a smooth and friendly experience.’

Dewi has been a part-time Assistant Organist at Bath Abbey working in partnership with Kingswood School where he has been a Music Assistant. Kingswood Director of Music Andy Barton said “We have been incredibly fortunate to work alongside Dewi, who has contributed enormously to the musical life of the school. His exceptional musicianship, warmth and humour have made a lasting impression our students and staff, and our organists have particularly appreciated his dedicated teaching. We wish him all the very best for this exciting new chapter as he joins St Albans Cathedral”.

We have enjoyed having Dewi in our midst and for the talents and gifts that he has shared with the Abbey and wider community. He will be moving with his partner, Hattie, and beginning his new role at St Albans after Easter 2025. Though we will be sad to see him go, we give thanks for all that he has offered us and wish him well in his new role.

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The Discovery Centre is a newly created accessible space designed to bring the Abbey’s history to life. Objects from the Abbey’s archives will be on display in this custom-built area constructed within the ancient vaults beneath the Abbey building. Fascinating videos, replica period costumes and exciting interactive exhibits will immerse visitors in the history of this extraordinary building and explore the stories of people connected to the Abbey.

Alongside an extensive timeline of the Abbey’s history, historical artefacts, some of which have never been seen by the public, will be on display. These include: Anglo-Saxon crosses; Medieval carved stone fragments; historic silver; and the Benefactors’ Book, a record of money and materials given to the Abbey for its reconstruction after the Reformation. The Discovery Centre is the culmination of the Abbey’s Footprint project.

The Discovery Centre is adjacent to the Abbey’s new Learning Room, which is regularly used by visiting primary and secondary schools to learn about subjects ranging from “Bath Abbey through the ages: over 1000 years of fascinating history” to “a day in the life of a Medieval Monk”. This room is at times open to the public throughout the year for special events, including activities for the Platinum Jubilee last year. The Learning Room is currently being used as part of the “warm spaces” initiative across the city of Bath and for the provision of English lessons for Ukrainian refugees.

At the same time as the opening of the Discovery Centre, the Abbey will be introducing free 30 minute guided tours for visitors throughout the day. These tours are distinct from the popular Tower Tours, which are paid guided tours to the top of the Bath Abbey tower. Additionally, bespoke guided tours for school pupils can be booked (ideal for Key Stage 1-4 classes) and will be offered by our Learning and Visiting teams.

To maintain our high standard as a leading local heritage attraction, and to remain a sustainable place for worship, the Abbey is introducing a new business model to cope with the demands of enhancing and maintaining the Abbey for current and future generations of visitors, and to help with the adverse impact that the pandemic has left upon the tourism industry. When the Discovery Centre opens the Abbey will be moving from its suggested £5 entry donation to a £6.50 admission fee. Local residents and those visiting to pray, worship and attend services will not need to pay the admission fee.

The following groups will not need to pay the admission fee:

• No charge for those wishing to attend church services, to pray, or light a candle
• No charge for locals in the BA1 and BA2 postcode areas, with proof of address
• No charge for Discovery Card holders

Bath Abbey remains primarily a dedicated place of worship for its congregation and the international Christian community. Those who visit to worship will be welcomed, at no charge, and will continue to be offered access to areas for private prayer and pastoral care from chaplains. Regular prayers throughout the day will remain, as will the current roster of services, details of which can be found on the Bath Abbey website.

The stories shared in the Discovery Centre acknowledge Bath Abbey’s importance within the local and wider communities. Ensuring that this integral part of English heritage is preserved for future generations is a key consideration in the life of the Abbey. From its roots as a Benedictine Monastery, through the Saxon, Norman and Tudor eras, Bath Abbey recognises it has a duty to share this awe-inspiring building with future generations.

Every visitor can now contribute to the preservation, conservation, and continued work of an important site of living history within the city of Bath. With the Discovery Centre and guided tours offering an enriched experience and understanding of the Abbey, Bath Abbey can continue to fulfil its mission of ‘Living and Telling the Good News of Jesus with the City of Bath and its visitors’.

Nathan Ward, Manager of the Footprint Project says of the Discovery Centre:

“Opening the Discovery Centre is a huge achievement.  It is the result of many years of hard work, and we are very pleased to be welcoming people into these new spaces where we can display important artefacts for the first time and provide our visitors with a new ‘interactive’ perspective on the history of the Abbey. Getting to this point has been a huge undertaking, and we are very grateful to have received generous support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Abbey’s congregation, The Friends of Bath Abbey, philanthropists, Trusts and Foundations, and the local community. Getting to this point has been a huge undertaking and we are very grateful to our excellent team of local designers and suppliers who have contributed to create this unique and exciting new facility.”

The Revd Canon Guy Bridgewater, Rector of Bath Abbey says:

“The opening of the Discovery Centre marks an important new chapter in the life of the Abbey, and a wonderful resource as we seek to live and tell the good news of Jesus with the city of Bath and its visitors. We are keen to be a Church that is always there for our local Bath residents, and that offers a welcoming spiritual home for all who come here to pray. As our visitors from further afield gradually recover in number, we will be keeping our offer to them under careful review – and we are thrilled by the exciting upgrade that our new Discovery Centre and Abbey visitor resources will now bring to enhance their experience in Bath.”

Stuart McLeod, Director England – London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “It is fantastic news that thanks to the National Lottery players, we have been able to support Bath Abbey to ensure that their important collections are preserved and available to see for the first time. It means that local communities and visitors can learn more about the Abbey’s rich heritage and the next generation of historians can be inspired. We know that heritage can play a huge role in bringing people together and creating a sense of pride in people’s hometowns and cities and the Discovery Centre and wider Footprint Project is a fantastic example of that.”

The project has provided new spaces for learning, music and interpretation, better visitor facilities, undertaken essential conservation work, as well as opportunities for volunteer and community involvement.  Work has taken place in the Abbey itself to repair the collapsing floor and install innovative, eco-friendly underfloor heating system, and in the underground vaults and Kingston Buildings to provide new facilities and spaces. It will secure the Abbey’s physical future and improve its hospitality, worship and service to the city.

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We join with the Royal Family, our nation and Commonwealth, and peoples all around the world, in mourning together the sad loss of our beloved Queen Elizabeth.

We thank God for Her Majesty’s extraordinary life of loving service, and with deep gratitude we commend her to the Lord – whom she served faithfully above all.

Bath Abbey is open daily for all who mourn, and who wish to receive God’s comfort in this time of sadness.

We gather in these services also to pray for His rich blessing and strength for King Charles III as he begins his reign.
God save the King.

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Image copyright: Press Association

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Bath, Somerset – 12 July, 2022 – Bath Abbey today announced it has been recognised by Tripadvisor as a 2022 Travellers’ Choice award winner.  The award celebrates businesses that have received great traveller reviews from visitors around the globe on Tripadvisor over the last 12 months. As challenging as the past year was, Bath Abbey stood out by consistently delivering positive experiences to visitors.

Frank Mowat, Executive Director of Bath Abbey said: “We are very proud to have been awarded a Travellers’ Choice Award by Tripadvisor and would like to thank all our visitors who have taken the time to share their feedback. It has been a challenging and exciting time for the Abbey during its reopening phase, in addition to completing our £21 million Footprint Project. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our staff and volunteers who work consistently to deliver high standards for our visitors and worshippers.”

“Congratulations to the 2022 Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Winners,” said Kanika Soni, Chief Commercial Officer at Tripadvisor. “The Travellers’ Choice Awards recognise the best in tourism and hospitality, according to those who matter most: your guests. Ranking among the Travellers’ Choice winners is always tough — but never more so than this year as we emerge from the pandemic. Whether it’s using new technology, implementing safety measures, or hiring outstanding staff, I’m impressed by the steps you’ve taken to meet travellers’ new demands. You’ve adapted brilliantly in the face of adversity.”

To see visitor reviews and popular activities & features of Bath Abbey, visit https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g186370-d187621-Reviews-Bath_Abbey-Bath_Somerset_England.html

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