A message from Cllr Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset CouncilOur wildlife, water and land are key to our wellbeing and I begin with news that the search is on for a volunteer passionate about the environment to lead green projects in the Chew Valley. The Chew Valley Reconnected Partnership, led by the council with our partners, is looking for a new chair to expand its work. We are keen to appoint an ambassador to drive its excellent biodiversity and nature recovery projects forward. You can apply on our website. Community engagement is key to the vast range of work the council and our partners does and so I would like to thank the more than a thousand residents who took part in St John’s Foundation’s first ever Ageing Well survey. These views will inform the foundation’s action plan – which is backed by the council - to support and enable older people to live in a secure, safe environment, enjoy good health and continue to participate fully in society. I am delighted that there has been national recognition for a member of our inspiring and dedicated social work team, who do outstanding work to support vulnerable people in our communities. Clare Luxton, our Children’s Services Team Manager, has been nominated for a Team Leader of the Year award in the national Social Work Awards. This is a prestigious award to be shortlisted for. Well done Clare. Another update on shortlisting for awards as our cabinet member for Economic and Cultural Sustainable Development Cllr Paul Roper and our regeneration team proudly welcomed judges from the Academy of Urbanism to Bath this week. This follows Bath being shortlisted as one of three national finalists in the Great Town or Small City category of the Academy’s national awards. I think Bath’s heritage, architecture and regeneration projects are second to none and I am looking forward to the winners’ announcements in November. This Sunday (August 18) will see Bath Pride 2024 celebrated in the city through a range of events including a family picnic event in the grounds of the Holburne Museum. Pride is about celebrating our LGBTQ+ community and is an opportunity to make Bath a more welcoming city for all. I would like to congratulate everyone involved in organising this celebration of diversity and positivity. Have a lovely Pride Weekend. | 
