Friday 24 May 2024:

This phenomenal record of first aid delivery and training in the local area makes the unit among the oldest in the country that are still in existence since their foundation by the charity.

80 visitors were present for the celebration event, at the unit’s HQ at Weirside Court, including VIPs Mohammed Saddiq, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset, Andrew and Mel Taylor from the Bath Half, an event which the volunteers have supported for many years, and David Medlock, whose Medlock Charitable Trust was a principal funder of the unit’s HQ building.

Past leaders of the unit also participated, including the current unit manager and four former unit managers and divisional superintendents. And the celebration was of course very well attended by current and past volunteers of all ages including many Cadets and their parents.

During the evening many awards were presented including certificates for around 20 young volunteers. A further seven Cadets were enrolled in the unit to begin their volunteering journey with St John and a new Cadet Corporal, Kay Wirick, received her rank slides. The adult volunteers were also given various awards including service hours certificates, four Coronation Medals and a 10-year service medal. The unit event lead, Thamira Joy Valentine, received a District Manager’s Commendation for service in the local area.

With a very active Cadet group based at the unit, with many young volunteers training to be the next generation of life savers, it fell to Cadet Amelia Douthwaite to act as Master of Ceremonies for the evening, introducing the various elements of the event, first aid demonstrations for the Lord-Lieutenant and Andrew Taylor by fellow Cadets, and a special video of the history of the City of Bath unit which was enjoyed by everyone.

Ruth Foreman MStJ, City of Bath unit manager, who was recently admitted to the Order of St John in recognition of her service to the charity, said:

What a wonderful evening we had to mark this incredible milestone for the unit. I cannot even estimate the number of patients our volunteers will have helped over 135 years, nor the number of lives that will have been saved due to their skills and prompt intervention. It was wonderful to see current and old friends at our special event and we are very grateful to our VIP guests for sparing the time to come and celebrate with us. Here’s to the next century of service for the City of Bath unit!