Date published: 2026-08-20

Bath Society of Artists Annual Open Exhibition opens at Victoria Art Gallery.

e-connect 20 August 2026

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Water wise, future ready

The temporary hosepipe ban introduced by Wessex Water this week is a reminder that water is precious. We all have a role to play in using it responsibly.

Adapting to a changing climate will help make Bath and North East Somerset more resilient for the future. We have already changed the way we operate, for example by stopping using hosepipes to water all flowerbeds and displays in our parks. We’re also prioritising watering newly planted trees that are most vulnerable to prolonged dry weather. We're working hard to strike the right balance between saving water and protecting our special green places.

Thank you to our partners who are helping us respond to the conditions, including Southgate Bath who have been sharing reused water with Bath BID’s rangers to help keep the city clean.

Although the cooler weather this week is welcome, please continue to take care around our rivers and waterways. Avon Fire & Rescue have some useful top water safety tips.

Young people aged 16 to 18 who are keen to play a part in helping to influence national climate and nature policies can apply for the Government’s new Youth Climate and Nature Panel. Applications are open until 11 September.

Adapting to the future is also on many young people’s minds following today’s GCSE results, following on from last week’s A-Levels. If you or a family member didn't get the hoped for results this month, please don't panic. There are many opportunities out there and you can still have a varied and successful career, and come back to academic pursuits at any time.

Finally, I’m looking forward to Bath Pride this weekend which is a wonderful celebration of our LGBTQ+ community. As a member of the community myself, I know how important it is to feel seen and accepted. We’ll be raising the Progress Pride Flag at Parade Gardens tomorrow as a mark of the council’s commitment to equality for all.

Have a great weekend.

Councillor Kevin Guy,
Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council

Youth Climate and Nature Panel

The Youth Climate and Nature Panel is a new initiative from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) putting young people’s voices at the heart of climate and nature policy.

They are looking for passionate young people from across the UK who want to help shape the future of climate and nature policy, share their views, and inspire wider action.

The panel will bring together young people aged 16 to 25 from across the UK, representing a wide range of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.

Find out more at gov.uk/government/publications/youth-climate-and-nature-panel.

News

Parks team adapts to dry weather with water-saving action

We have changed the way water is used across our parks and green spaces and introduced a range of measures to reduce the amount needed in response to the prolonged period of dry weather.

Saving water >>

Bath Society of Artists Annual Open Exhibition returns to Victoria Art Gallery this Autumn

One of Bath's most popular annual art events returns this autumn as the Bath Society of Artists Annual Open Exhibition opens at Victoria Art Gallery, from 19 September to 7 November.

Annual open exhibition >>

Playing tennis just got easier in Bath & North East Somerset

We're trialling Playmade's PlayPods at Keynsham Memorial Park, Sydney Gardens and Alice Park, where you can borrow free tennis equipment when using one of our courts. The PlayPods are smart lockers stocked with balls and rackets which can be unlocked in seconds with the free PlayMade app. Just book a court in one of our parks, show up and play!

To book a court in one of our parks visit https://www.wesport.org.uk/health-and-wellbeing/tennis-the-park/.

Download the PlayMade app https://playmade.org/.

Book a court >>

Free meningitis B vaccine

Starting university or eligible residential further education this autumn? Get your free meningitis B vaccine. Student life means living, studying and socialising closely with lots of new people, which can increase the risk of meningococcal infection spreading. Protect yourself before you start.

You may be eligible for a free MenB vaccine if you:

Aged 17 to 18 (born 1 Sept 2007 to 31 Aug 2008)

Starting university or eligible residential further education AND born on or after 21 July 2001

Two doses are essential for protection and are available at participating pharmacies.

Book a menb vaccination appointment.

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Council meetings

Do you want to know about decisions being taken by the council and have your say? Please follow this link to the council’s calendar of meetings.

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Support

Cost of living

Worried about the cost of living? Help is out there. There is a dedicated Cost of Living section on Live Well B&NES, including cost of living support (benefits, energy, food, debt, childcare, and mental health), support services and organisations, paying for care and support and planning for future care costs.

You can also get help from your supplier through the Priority Services Register. This is a free support service that makes sure extra help is available to people in vulnerable situations. Check the website to see if you’re eligible to register.

Energy at Home

Our Energy at Home website provides information about the latest funding and support available to help B&NES residents save money on their energy bills and improve the energy efficiency of their home.

Social tariffs

For people struggling to afford broadband or phone services, there are social tariffs available. Connecting Devon and Somerset (CDS) has a webpage with more information about social tariffs including eligibility requirements and how to apply Social tariffs - Connecting Devon and Somerset

Library services

Our Libraries offer a range of services, including the Library at Home service where we can bring the library to you and sensory spaces for children and young adults with sensory needs. You can also find out about events happening in our libraries.

Employment support and skills

Achieve

Achieve in B&NES provides local residents with the latest updates, events and opportunities around employment, skills and learning in their local communities. Working with providers, employers and community groups, they support and run a variety of projects that help people access the guidance and support they need.

Health, wellbeing and support

Livewell B&NES

Live Well B&NES is a web-based resource providing information, signposting and support to families, adults needing care or support and parent carers with a child/young person with additional needs (SEND), living in B&NES.

Community Wellbeing Hub

The Community Wellbeing Hub provides many services that support your health and wellbeing needs. It works with partners to ensure you get the right support at the right time. One contact to the Hub can connect you to multiple services. The Community Wellbeing Hub opening hours are from Monday to Friday, 9am until 5pm. Call the Hub on 0300 247 0050 or visit the website.

Public health

To keep up to date with the latest public health news stories across Bath and North East Somerset, including upcoming events, consultations and other information, subscribe to the public health monthly newsletter. You can also browse previous editions of the public health newsletter.