This year marks a significant milestone for the 2,000 members of the Muslim community living in Bath & North East Somerset.

With a growing congregation since the 1970s, in 1979 the Bath Islamic Society was formed – to give local Muslims a chance to meet and pray together. The Al-Muzaffar Mosque, based in Pierrepoint Street in the centre of Bath, remains to this day the city’s only Mosque and this year celebrates its 40th anniversary.

Cllr Karen Walker, the Chairwoman of Bath & North East Somerset Council, was invited along to visit the Mosque and meet members of the congregation last Thursday night. She said: “Our district is a diverse and varied community made up of residents from many backgrounds, cultures and religious traditions. When I was sworn into office last year, I made a pledge to promote inclusion and opportunities for all.

“The 2,000 members of our local Mosque contribute a lot to the life of the city, whether it’s through their professions, voluntary work or the community events they organise for others to attend. Thanks to Imam Mohammed for making me feel so welcome when I visited last week, and for members of the Mosque Council for showing me around their beautiful building.”

Mohammad Gamal Abdelnour, who was recently appointed as the Mosque’s new Imam, added: “Thanks to Cllr Walker for coming to visit us and for taking an interest in our work. It’s a huge milestone for us to be celebrating our 40th anniversary, and what better way to start our year of celebrations than with a visit from the Chairwoman of the Local Authority. We’re looking forward to announcing details of our new monthly Mosque open days soon.”

For more details about the Al-Muzaffar Mosque, and to arrange a visit, see the Bath Islamic Society’s website: www.bathmosque.org.uk