Date published: 2026-09-24

Cllr Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council.

e-connect 24 September 2026

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_{Pictured are 2025/2026 winners with Councillor Kevin Guy and former Council Chair, Councillor Liz Hardman.}

Nominate your community heroes, discover great art and check out sustainable weddings

One of the things I value most about Bath and North East Somerset is the strength of our communities. Every day, across our villages, towns and city people give their time, energy and compassion to support others and make life better for everyone around them.

That is why I am delighted that nominations for the Bath and North East Somerset Community Awards 2026/2027 are now open. The awards celebrate the volunteers, charities, community groups and local champions who go above and beyond to make a difference in people's lives. New categories this year include Support Animal of the Year and a special Lifetime Achievement Award, recognising those whose dedication has left a lasting legacy in their community.

Whether you know a volunteer supporting older residents in Paulton, someone organising community activities in Bath, a young person helping local causes in Keynsham, or a parish champion working tirelessly behind the scenes, these awards are a chance to raise awareness and say thank you.

Last year's winners (pictured) showed the incredible breadth of talent, kindness and commitment that exists throughout our area, and I know there are many more unsung heroes whose stories deserve to be recognised.

Community spirit is about bringing people together, and so is celebrating life's most important moments. This week we are also celebrating the success of the Roman Baths and Pump Room's sustainable wedding offer after recognition from the Sustainable Wedding Alliance. Our registrar and wedding services play an important role in helping residents mark some of life's biggest milestones. From births and naming ceremonies to weddings, citizenship ceremonies and partnerships, these services help create memories that last a lifetime and support families at every stage of life.

Culture also has a vital role in bringing people together, and last week saw the start of another much-loved local tradition. The Bath Society of Artists Open Exhibition has returned to the Victoria Art Gallery, showcasing the creativity and talent of artists. We look forward to welcoming audiences to another inspiring exhibition this autumn.

Have a great weekend.

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

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News

Final consultation on Draft Local Plan before it goes to independent examination

Residents, businesses, community groups and other stakeholders are being invited to take part in the final six-week consultation on Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Draft Local Plan before it is submitted to the Planning Inspectorate for independent examination.

Have your say >>

The Roman Baths & Pump Room awarded Sustainable Wedding Alliance accreditation

One of the UK's most distinctive wedding venues is celebrating a significant sustainability achievement. The Roman Baths & Pump Room has been awarded accreditation by the Sustainable Wedding Alliance (SWA), recognising its commitment to environmentally responsible practices and continuous improvement.

Roman Baths & Pump Room awarded >>

Celebrate your local heroes as Community Awards return with new categories

The search is on for people and animals who go above and beyond to support their communities as nominations open for the Bath and North East Somerset Community Awards.

Community Awards >>

Did you know Culverhay School has made it to the big screen again?

Bad Apples, starring Saoirse Ronan and directed by Jonatan Etzler, is now on general release and was filmed on location at the former Culverhay School site in Bath.

Former pupils may be interested to know that classrooms, corridors and other familiar parts of the school feature in the satirical dark comedy-thriller. The production also transformed the basement into a specially designed studio set.

With the old school buildings set to be demolished, Bad Apples has captured a unique snapshot of a place that will be familiar to generations of students, staff and local residents.

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