Mary Ede, our Church Historian and Archivist presents us with gifts

Ron and the Vice Chairman of the Council

Maurene receives her Certificate of Naturalisation

Ron, Maurene and the Queen

Becoming British: The Final Step

Today was the big day! Maurene and I travelled to the Guildhall, just a block from Central United Reformed Church to become British citizens. The festivities actually kicked off the night before when we attended our monthly Church Meeting and were presented with a lovely teapot and an American/English English/American dictionary.

The actual ceremony lasted about one-half hour. It began with the Registrar welcoming us and then introducing the Vice Chairman of Bath and North East Somerset Council who gave us the 'official ' welcome. We then took the oath and the pledge (see below) and were presented with our Certificates of Naturalisation. The Registrar then congratulated us and the Vice Chairman added her congratulations and said that this was a special week to be naturalised since it was the week of Her Majesty's Diamond Wedding Anniversary.

Oath of allegiance: I (name) swear by Almighty God that on becoming a British citizen, I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, her Heirs and Successors, according to law.

I will give my loyalty to the United Kingdom and respect its rights and freedoms. I will uphold its democratic values. I will observe its laws faithfully and fulfil my duties and obligations as a British citizen.