Vote for the Outstanding Contribution to Bath Award winner

For the first time, the winner of this year’s Outstanding Contribution to Bath Award at the BathLive Business Awards will be decided through a public vote, which is now open. The award is sponsored by Bath-headquartered law firm Stone King and is for a member of the Bath community who has made a lasting contribution to the city.
There are four shortlisted nominees and the accolade will be presented at the award ceremony on 29 September, at Bath Pavilion, after a three-year break due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Steven Greenwood, Managing Partner at Stone King, said:

“Each of these four nominees has made a very unique and valuable contribution to the Bath community through their tireless efforts in their respective fields. There’s no doubt that all four deserve this award, and to be praised and recognised for their work.”

Please click to vote for the winner of the Outstanding Contribution to Bath Award, voting will close on Tuesday, August 30.

In no particular order, the four nominees are:

Pauline Swaby-Wallace is a fantastic asset to the Black and Ethnic Minority community in Bath and runs Black Ethnic Minority Senior Citizens Association (BEMSCA) based at the historic Fairfield House, the former home of His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie 1. Pauline and her team spearhead a host of initiatives to support its elders and highlight the heritage and contributions made to a wider community.

George Samios, Headteacher at Twerton Infant School & Nursery, an inspiring forward-thinking school with nurture and support at its heart. With a breakfast club, bagels for all children, Forest School, a Place to Thrive, Play-based Counselling, FareShare food support and a mentoring partnership with Bath Rugby Club with weekly support from players, it truly is "the school that cares", enabling all children to grow and learn.

Carole Banwell, General Manager of Bath City Football Club, for spearheading the efforts of countless volunteers to deliver the Romans’ resurgence as one of Bath’s most important anchor organisations; a vital force for good in the community, creating classic Saturday afternoon entertainment for the masses, unifying the city, and producing their highest revenues for many years.

Eddie Ilic is an inspiring Bath figure. Eddie is 27 years old and got into recovery aged 21, he is now 7 years clean and sober. Having recovered from alcohol and drug addiction he gives haircuts to the homeless in Bath and Bristol, including on Christmas Day, spreading a message of hope particularly for those struggling with or recovering from addiction. He started up the Eddie’s Street Cuts community project to recruit more hairdressers and passes on his message by giving talks at schools, prisons and a TEDx Bath talk.