More than 1,700 children and young people enjoyed fun, food and friendship through Wiltshire Council’s FUEL (Food, Unity, Energy, Laughter) holiday programme this summer. Funded by the Department for Education (DfE) since 2021, the scheme provides free access to activities, nutritious meals and healthy eating education for children eligible for benefit-related free school meals. Since...
Category: General news
Separation and young children: finding a constructive path forward
By Georgina Catlin, Associate Family Law Solicitor at Goughs Solicitors For many families, the summer holidays bring joy, freedom and the chance to make lasting memories. But for others, the lack of routine, financial pressures, and the intensity of constant childcare can magnify tensions that have been simmering beneath the surface. It is not unusual...
Bristol fertility clinic BCRM helps family welcome baby after long wait
When Colleen Kennedy and Chris Weaver, from near Taunton, struggled to conceive their second child, it was the team at BCRM (Bristol Centre for Reproductive Medicine) who helped them complete their family. The couple’s first baby was born naturally in 2014 after a year of trying. But when they hoped for another child, Colleen didn’t...
Review – Jane Austen special menu at The Pizza Co in Bath
Ian Waller and family enjoy a slice of Jane Austen pizza perfection at Bath Pizza Co What would Jane Austen order if she stepped into Bath Pizza Co today, as the city celebrates her 250th birthday? According to our waiter, it would be the Pride and Pepperoni, perhaps with a side of Love & Friendship...
Goughs and Home-Start North Wiltshire bring joy to Melksham families with successful teddy bear picnic
Local families enjoyed a heartwarming afternoon of community spirit and support on Tuesday, August 19th, when Goughs partnered with their charity of the year, Home-Start North Wiltshire, to host a delightful teddy bear picnic in Melksham. The free family event brought together lots of local parents and children, providing a much-needed boost during the summer...
New £2.5m galleries at the Holburne Museum exhibiting a priceless collection of renaissance treasures
The Holburne Museum in Bath has opened two brand new gallery spaces following a £2.5 million development. The highlight is the Schroder Gallery, a stunning showcases of treasures from the Renaissance on long-term loan from the Schroder family collection. This remarkable collection, built up over generations, includes silver masterpieces, paintings, bronzes, pottery, and gems. It’s...
SEND young people star in films to inspire others to travel independently in Wiltshire
Young people with Special Educational Needs and or Disabilities (SEND) have been working on a series of films to encourage others to travel independently and expand their horizons. Wiltshire Council is launching a series of videos, featuring young people who have successfully completed a Travel Training service and are now sharing their experiences to inspire...
RUH Careers Evening offers students a first-hand look at NHS jobs
The Royal United Hospital (RUH) in Bath is inviting students in Years 7–13 and their parents to a special Careers Evening on Thursday 2 October 2025. The event will run in two sessions (5–6pm and 6.30–7.30pm) at the RUH Education Centre in Combe Park, Bath, and is designed to give young people a real taste...
Avonvale RFC – offering rugby fun and community from juniors to adults
Avonvale RFC is putting the heart back into community sport, offering opportunities for every member of the family to get involved, both on and off the pitch. Based in the village of Bathford, the club provides rugby for men, women, minis and juniors, with a warm welcome extended to newcomers of all ages and abilities....
The Princess Royal officially opens new classroom block at Silverwood School
Silverwood School’s Rowde Campus proudly welcomed The Princess Royal this week for the official opening of its newly completed classroom extension and facilities. The celebration brought together pupils, staff, representatives from Wiltshire Council, construction partner Willmott Dixon and key local dignitaries to mark this major milestone in the school’s development. During her visit, The Princess...
Bath Film Festival at 35: Ten days of cinema, stars and special screenings
Bath Film Festival marks its 35th anniversary this October with a ten-day celebration of international cinema, running from Friday 17th to Sunday 26th and presenting more than 50 films, events and experiences across the city in a choice of historic and unexpected venues. As well as classics of world cinema, bold documentaries, queer voices, F-rated...
The September/October 2025 issue of The Bath & Wiltshire Parent is out now!
Packed with family-friendly news, tips and inspiration, the latest issue of The Bath & Wiltshire Parent – Bath’s biggest magazine – is your go-to guide for news, events, and features for families in Bath, Wiltshire, and Somerset. Check out what you can look forward to from this packed issue: News From The Schools Catch the...
Horror writer Joe Hill adds Bath Literature Festival to UK tour
Bath Literature Festival thrilled to announce not one, but TWO bestselling authors getting together to talk about the deliciously dark art of creating fantasy and horror. Joe Hill, the Sunday Times and New York Times bestselling author is launching his first novel in nine years, the much-anticipated King Sorrow, and has included Bath on his...
A legacy of love: families supporting the RUH through gifts in wills
For many families, making a will isn’t just about finances – it’s about protecting the people they love most. But it can also be a way of supporting the places and services that matter most to them, such as the Royal United Hospitals Bath. RUHX, the hospital’s official NHS charity, depends on gifts in wills...
Cycle for Fun and Charity with Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance at Castle Combe
Families across Bath and Wiltshire are being invited to enjoy a day of cycling, challenges, and fun activities at the famous Castle Combe Race Circuit in support of the Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance. Taking place from 11am–4pm on Sunday 5 October 2025, the Family Cycle Day promises a unique opportunity to ride the smooth,...
Batheaston Art Trail 2025: a creative celebration for families
The fifth annual Batheaston Art Trail is back on the weekend of 27 & 28 September 2025, offering a fantastic chance for local families to explore art, take part in creative workshops, and enjoy a fun day out in the village. What to Expect The Batheaston Art Trail showcases the talents of 50 local artists...
Caring for someone you love? You are not alone and support is available
Most of us will find ourselves caring for a loved one – or being cared for by one – at some point in our lives. The person we’re supporting might be a parent, partner, child or a friend who needs help, for reasons including illness, frailty, disability, mental health problems or addiction. The care being...
Collaborative Law – how to end your relationship more amicably
Are you dealing with a breakup as the kids go back to school? We’ve spoken to local family law organisation, Bath Family Law, about Collaborative Law – what it is and how it can help you navigate your separation more amicably. We know the summer holidays are a challenge for any parent. But for some...
Theraplay Families course returns this September for parents and carers of under-8s
A new Theraplay Families group is set to begin this September, offering support to parents and carers of children aged under eight. The six-week course will be delivered virtually via Microsoft Teams, running on Tuesdays from 16th September, 10.30–11.30am. Based on the Theraplay® approach, the programme helps parents and carers strengthen their relationship with their...
Geoff Norcott brings new tour Basic Bloke 2 – There’s No Bloke Without Fire to Bath
Award-winning comedian, author, podcaster and broadcaster Geoff Norcott is back on tour with his brand-new stand-up show Basic Bloke 2 – There’s No Bloke Without Fire, coming to Komedia Bath on Sunday 21st September 2025. Geoff has become one of the UK’s most refreshingly funny voices on stage and screen, with credits including Live at...
Wiltshire Council encourages ’empty nesters’ and those ready for a new career to foster
Wiltshire Council is asking ’empty nesters’ and those wanting a change of direction to consider fostering to help provide homes for the children and young people coming into care. For some households September can mean a change in circumstances, such as children leaving for university or people wanting a change in career. The council is...