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- Bristol News by HANA Edition 25
Bristol News by HANA Edition 25
Bristol Bites: Amphibious bounce back & Bristol entrepreneurs
Louis Inglis
March 07, 2025
Bristol News by HANA Edition 25
Bristol Bites: Amphibious bounce back & Bristol entrepreneurs
From the Editor
The news has been marred by the tragic deaths of two young people. Our thoughts go out to their families, while the authorities warn of the dangers of bodies of water at night and of uncontrollable XL bully dogs, in each respective case.
Bristol once again proves itself to be a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. The West is a place where university students can fashion an impressive product and build a successful company - we have two stories about LuxRewards and FixMyTek showcasing just that.
According to a University of Bristol led study, amphibians bounced back into the prehistoric game after a cataclysmic event. So, perhaps England can bounce back into the Six Nations. Although England Rugby’s nickname is less associated with amphibians than our trans-channel frenemies, they do actually stand a slim chance of winning the championship. If England swamp Italy then Wales, whilst collecting bonus points, there is a chance the Roses could claim the title for the first time since 2020.
Louis Inglis | Bristol Editor
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Scroll down for hand-picked local news, sport, property and things to do this weekend…
The iconic cranes on Bristol’s harbourside
Databox
Sustainability & Environment in Bristol – Key Insights
Street litter remains a major issue – 84% of Bristol residents say street litter is a problem in their local area, an increase of 2% from last year. This suggests growing frustration with waste management and public cleanliness.
Concerns about air pollution are easing – 67% of residents believe air quality and traffic pollution are a problem, a 3% decrease from the previous year. This could be due to recent environmental initiatives, cleaner transport options, or improvements in monitoring and regulation.
Climate change concerns are declining – While 83% of people in Bristol still express concern about climate change, this has dropped by 4% in the past year. This could indicate shifting public priorities, climate fatigue, or a perceived lack of impact from local or global initiatives.
Artspace Lifespace on Nelson Street in Bristol
Hyper-local news articles
Crowdfunder raises thousands for funeral of Bristol teenager killed in XL Bully attack The Independent - March 5, 2025 Last week in Bristol, 19-year-old Morgan Dorsett was mauled to death by an XL bully dog, leading to the animal's euthanasia and two arrests. A fundraiser for her funeral has quickly gathered nearly £7,000, with heartfelt tributes pouring in from friends and the community celebrating her vibrant life. |
Luis Piovesana's family 'devastated' after body found in river BBC News - March 4, 2025 The family of 26-year-old Luis Piovesana, who went missing from Bristol, is heartbroken after police confirmed his body was found in the River Frome. His sister, a judo Olympian, expressed the family's devastation and gratitude for community support, highlighting the importance of mental health awareness as concerns about Luis's emotional state had grown prior to his disappearance. |
Bristol man sells university business for millions BBC News - March 7, 2025 James Courtney, a 30-year-old entrepreneur from Saltford, became a millionaire by selling his loyalty rewards company, LuxRewards, which he founded while studying at the University of Bath. After years of struggling, a pivotal partnership with Barclaycard during the pandemic skyrocketed their customer base from 1,000 to 400,000, leading to over 105 million customers today through collaborations with various major brands. |
Bristol in pictures: Sunsets, signs of spring and Ashton Gate BBC - March 2, 2025 Spring is blooming in Bristol with sunny days, blossoming parks, and a stunning harbourside sunset. Highlights include England A's victory over Ireland A in rugby, a poignant march commemorating three years since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and a groundbreaking health innovation at the Bristol Royal Infirmary. |
Amphibians bounce back from Earth’s greatest mass extinction University of Bristol - March 5, 2025 A recent study from the University of Bristol highlights the remarkable adaptability of temnospondyls, ancient amphibians that thrived in the harsh conditions of the Early Triassic following the end-Permian mass extinction. Their generalist feeding habits and ability to navigate a "tropical dead zone" allowed them to survive extreme environmental challenges, although their diversity dwindled as dinosaurs and mammals began to emerge in the Middle Triassic. |
Bristol graduates helping city fight mounting e-waste BBC News - March 1, 2025 Casey Sather, founder of FixMyTek, is tackling e-waste by training recent graduates to repair electronics and hosting community repair cafes, empowering individuals to fix their devices instead of discarding them. His initiative not only promotes affordable repairs but also fosters environmental awareness and self-sufficiency in technology maintenance. |
Ilona Maher: US rugby star tearfully ends her short but significant time in England with Bristol Bears Women CNN - March 3, 2025 American rugby star Ilona Maher bid an emotional farewell to Bristol Bears Women after her last game, where she scored a try in the Premiership Women’s Rugby semifinal. Known for her vibrant personality and candid discussions on body image, Maher has become a social media sensation with 8.5 million followers and played a pivotal role in raising attendance at matches, celebrating the recognition of diverse body types in sports. |
IDLES' Bristol Block Party homecoming shows for 2025: Everything you should know Radio X - March 6, 2025 IDLES will host their exclusive UK homecoming shows, Block Party, at Queen Square in Bristol on August 1st and 2nd, 2025, featuring an exciting lineup including Soft Play, The Voidz, Hinds, and more. Tickets are available now through See Tickets for this must-see event following a busy 2024 tour! |
Sport
Bristol City FC
Championship play-off hopes remain alive for The Robins thanks to an excellent 2-0 away win against The Lions of Millwall in south London on Tuesday. City lie in seventh – level on points with sixth placed West Brom with 52, but with an inferior goal difference. Poaching that sixth place from the Baggies would give the Robins a shot at Premier League status. Next up, it’s City v Hull City at Ashton Gate this Saturday (kick off: 3pm). Robins v Tigers sounds like a mismatch, but City should – and perhaps must – beat Hull, who languish in 19th place. Back to back victories over a couple of Big Cats? Here’s hoping.
Bristol Rovers FC
Rovers’ League 1 survival is on the line. With 36 points (albeit with a game in hand), The Pirates are just three points clear of the relegation zone, having drawn 0-0 with Shrewsbury on Tuesday and lost at home to Rotherham 2-3 the previous Saturday. Rovers face high flying Huddersfield Town on Saturday (kick off: 3pm) at the Memorial Ground.
Bristol Bears
Bristol’s Ellis Genge will start at loose-head prop when England take on Italy at Twickenham in the Six Nations this Saturday. Controversially, Bears star Harry Randall - regarded in many quarters as the country’s most electrifying scrum-half – doesn’t even make beleaguered England coach Steve Borthwick’s bench.
Source: Bristol HANA Sports Desk
Snapshot of the Bristol skyline from St Phillip’s
Property news
Bristol leads the charge as 26,000 new homes hit the market in 2025 Landlord Knowledge - January 8, 2025 The UK property market has started 2025 on a strong note, with nearly 26,000 homes listed for sale and a notable increase in housing stock, particularly in Bristol. While increased supply could lower prices, strong demand may stabilize values, creating promising opportunities for landlords and investors to act strategically in this evolving landscape. |
Olympian’s St James House PBSA scheme receives planning approval PBSA News - March 5, 2025 Olympian Homes and Cain International have received approval for their revamped St James House scheme, which will feature a mix of residential, commercial, and student accommodation to meet local demand. This project aims to create a vibrant community space that enhances the area while supporting economic growth. |
Major law change for 5,000,000 people over control of homes Bristol Live - March 3, 2025 The UK Government is set to ban new leasehold flats, making commonhold the default property tenure to empower homeowners and eliminate additional costs like ground rent. Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook heralded this move as the "beginning of the end" for the "feudal" leasehold system, with a draft reform bill expected later this year. |
UK households risk 'huge losses' if they miss 25-day deadline Yahoo News - March 6, 2025 Starting April 1, the stamp duty threshold for first-time homebuyers will drop from £425,000 to £300,000, adding potential costs for those purchasing above this limit. Buyers are urged to complete their purchases by March 31 to avoid this tax increase amid rising property prices, as delays could significantly impact affordability. |
'Scammers stole my identity, then put my house on the market' Bristol Live - March 4, 2025 In a distressing case of property fraud, 27-year-old Mamta Saini found her home misrepresented online at half its market value, attracting multiple unwelcome prospective buyers. Despite her attempts to rectify the situation, the invasion of privacy and confusion over the fraudulent listings left her alarmed and frustrated. |
Plans submitted for South Bristol’s biggest ‘Co-living’ development Bristol Live - March 5, 2025 Plans have been submitted for 'St John's Gate,' a five-storey co-living development on the south bank of the River Avon, aimed at providing affordable accommodation for single individuals and key workers in Bristol. This innovative project will feature communal spaces, gardens, and rooftop terraces, addressing the city's growing housing challenges while revitalizing the area. |
Pictures show what Bristol looked like over 30 years ago Bristol Live - March 1, 2025 In 1991, Bristol thrived with cultural milestones like the opening of The Galleries shopping center and Massive Attack's debut album, Blue Lines, while Princess Diana's visit to a chocolate factory and Nirvana's affordable concert at the Bierkeller showcased the city's vibrant scene. This snapshot captures a transformative year that set the stage for many changes in the city. |
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All photos are credited to Louis Inglis unless otherwise specified.
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