"It was just unbelievable" – Dave Bath on Freedom of the Borough honour
Summary
After years of dedication and persistence in making Cheltenham a better place, Dave Bath has been awarded the Freedom of the Borough. It is the highest civic honour or award a local council can bestow on individuals and it tends to recognise exceptional service to the community as well as outstanding and nationally significant achievements.
Details
The honour was presented to him during the 2026 Cheltenham Mayor Making Ceremony and Annual Inauguration on Monday, May 18 at the Town Hall, at what was a ‘packed’ event. The evening also featured dancers and singers. “I was so shocked.
I never expected it!” the 52-year-old says. “I got a phone call before the event about it, and I just kept saying thank you. I wasn’t allowed to tell anyone at that point.
It was a very surreal moment.” Dave is originally from Staffordshire, but has been living in Cheltenham for around 28 years. For the past 15 of those, he has been a volunteer at Cheltenham Saracens FC.
Alongside this, he’s also organised community food projects and run the highly successful Cheltenham Community Christmas Selection Box Appeal and the Easter Egg appeal for many years, bringing joy to the underprivileged. In 2024, he also received the Cheltenham Medal of Honour.
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“The main thing I like about doing all of the volunteering work is the fact that all of these people know about my past, and about my mental health. I started it because I wanted to do something to get back into the community,” he says. “I still have days when I don’t go out, but I’ve got such good friends around me like Marisa Regan and Gary Goodhall along with Ross Beamish from the Cheltenham Round Table.
I know I can just speak to them on my phone any time.” Dave also thanks Graham Roberts, Brian Dix and Chris Hawkins of Saracens, as well as his good friend Sara-Louise Ackrill. “Without her, I wouldn’t have even started volunteering. She was the one who got me out of the house and we still keep in touch now.” As well as Dave, two others received the award, also for their work and contribution.
Clare Seed, for her work with Public Hearts CIC, and Steve Cotterill, for his achievements as manager of Cheltenham Town FC. “For me, this award is for the people who donate to support the appeals and help out, because if it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be here,” says Dave.
What You Need to Know
I never expected it!” the 52-year-old says. “I got a phone call before the event about it, and I just kept saying thank you. I wasn’t allowed to tell anyone at that point.
Report source: Gloucestershire Live