Ten individuals and organisations who have made an outstanding contribution to other people’s lives in Bath and North East Somerset have been presented with a prestigious award to mark their achievements. 

Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Community Awards 2023/24 champion ‘unsung heroes’ who make a difference in their communities and support others.

A special ceremony was held on November 8th at The Guildhall, Bath to present the ten winners with their awards, which include new trees being planted by Curo and More Trees for BANES at Whiteway Green in Bath. This will form a lasting tribute to the winners and help extend the green canopy across the district.

More than 60 nominations in eight categories were received for the awards, which this year included the newly named Jenny Willson Volunteer of the Year category in honour of a Bath & North East Somerset Council employee who sadly passed away this year. Jenny was known for her leadership in promoting health and wellbeing initiatives within the community and championed supporting others.

Councillor Sarah Moore, Chair of the Council, said: “I have nothing but admiration for all the nominees and their dedication to their communities. There are some remarkable stories of individuals who go the extra mile to support others and so I am delighted that the winners will be honoured with newly planted trees, which not only recognise their achievements but also contribute to addressing the climate emergency for the benefit of all of us.

“Congratulations to the ten winners on your well-deserved accolades and thank you to everyone who took the time to nominate your local hero.”

The winners are: 

The Beryl Dixon Community Leader of the Year

Winner – Daisy Douglas, Tender Education

Young Volunteer of the Year

Winner – Jess Sheridan

Volunteer Team of the Year

Winner – The Together Project Volunteer Team, Bath Cats and Dogs Home 

Young Volunteer Team of the Year

Winner - V Team, University of Bath Student Union

Charity of the Year

Winner – We Get It

Green Business Leader

Winner - Storm Consultancy

The Peter Duppa-Miller Award for Parish Councillor of the Year

Winner – Councillor Liz Kingston, Stowey Sutton Parish Council.

The Jenny Willson Volunteer of the Year

Winner – Fiona Bell

Special Recognition, Posthumous – Terry Hodkinson

Special Recognition, Posthumous – Jean Meredith

Jean's funeral on 10th August 2023, at Haycombe, was well-attended as people gathered to pay tribute to her. Born in December 1945, Jean discovered marathon running in her late teens and became a serious competitor after marrying Roy in 1967 and settling in Radstock. For more than 60 years, she ran with local sponsorship, raising more than £250,000 for charities and church funds, until Parkinson's disease stopped her.

In 2021, Jean transformed her hairdresser's shop into a community hub, supporting various causes. Despite arthritis, Jean always had a smile and continued walking. Roy, her husband, provided unwavering support. The money Jean raised made a significant impact.

This year the Community Awards were organised by the council in partnership with: