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- Bristol News by HANA - Edition 28
Bristol News by HANA - Edition 28
Bristol Bites: Rockets, Robots and Revelations
Louis Inglis
March 28, 2025
Bristol News by HANA - Edition 28
Bristol Bites: Rockets, robots and revelations
From the Editor
Is it a bird, is it a plane… or is it aliens? While the founder may look and act like one, that blue swirl up in the sky was in fact a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket releasing unnecessary fuel as it left Earth’s atmosphere. Unsurprisingly, the fuel-swirl fuelled its own swirl on social media, with many exasperated residents claiming to have spotted a UFO. Bristol, with her many beautiful eccentricities, can be forgiven for that one - it was hardly self-explanatory.
Bristol continues to stretch her scientific wings overseas, as a new partnership emerged between the University of Bristol and Nagoya University in Japan. The initiative aims to drive innovation in semiconductors, which can drastically reduce emissions and break new boundaries for energy-efficient travel. It may soon take “less than five minutes to charge an electric car”. Time is money, they say, so you can drive at full steam through that bus gate, safe in the knowledge that the accumulative savings may one day balance out.
The University also hosted the Connected Futures Festival this week. This saw tests of 6G mobile networks, VR technology and a dental inspection performed remotely with a robotic arm in Glasgow. What’s more? An AI tortoise and a bio-mechanical snail (I, for one, welcome a future ruled by robot-snail overlords). Most importantly, Bristolians could catch a cursory glimpse into the future that every one of us shares a part in building. No matter how big and sturdy the bricks of technology might be, you can build no wall without mortar.
And with that I must say goodbye. This will be my last editorial for HANA News Bristol, but I’m sure it won’t be the last you will hear from me. I leave you in the more than capable hands of Rhidian Wynn Davies, our Editor-in-Chief. It has been an honour to write so liberally about this city that I love. For better or worse, through good and bad, Bristol is undoubtedly a special place.
Louis Inglis | Bristol Editor
The Wills Memorial Building
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Databox
Economy
Bristol's GDP per capita was £46,000 in 2017, 65% above the national average—the third-highest in England.
Median annual earnings in 2022 were £34,215, higher than the UK average of £33,111
The city hosts nearly half of all jobs (45%) and 40% of enterprises in the West of England region.
source Bristol Key Facts
Scroll down for property news and more things to do in Bristol this weekend…
Police observe a crowd of people
Hyper-local news articles
Climber dies after cliff fall near Suspension Bridge BBC News - March 24, 2025 Tragedy struck in Bristol's Avon Gorge when a man fell from a popular climbing spot near the Clifton Suspension Bridge, prompting emergency services to respond on Sunday afternoon. Despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene, leading to the temporary closure of the busy A4 Portway during rescue operations. |
Man arrested after huge fire at block of flats Bristol Live - March 24, 2025 A 47-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of arson after a significant fire at the Lakeshore apartment building in South Bristol on March 22, which caused extensive damage and injured one resident. The police are investigating the incident and seeking information from the public, with the suspect currently released on bail. |
Bristol leaps 10 years into the future at festival celebrating life-changing connectivity technologies University of Bristol - March 28, 2025 The University of Bristol's Smart Internet Lab recently hosted a festival showcasing cutting-edge connectivity innovations, including the UK's first 6G tests through the JOINER project, which aims to establish a 'network of networks' for global coverage. Attendees experienced interactive exhibits like AI-driven robotics and digital twin technologies, while experts highlighted the transformative potential of next-generation mobile networks in enhancing community life and supporting a robust digital economy. |
'UFO' sighting near Bristol as blue and white spiral lights up sky Bristol Live - March 24, 2025 On March 24, a stunning blue and white spiral captivated Bristol's sky, leading to widespread intrigue and speculation among witnesses. The phenomenon was attributed to fuel released from a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched shortly before, as confirmed by the University of Hertfordshire Observatory. |
Mum's terror after daughter grabbed by masked man walking to school Bristol Live - March 24, 2025 A masked man grabbed a schoolgirl in Bristol while she was walking to Bedminster Down School, prompting an investigation by Avon and Somerset Police. The girl's mother emphasizes the need for safety awareness among children following this alarming incident. |
UK and Japan scientists set to supercharge semiconductor microchip technologies in the race to reach Net Zero University of Bristol - March 25, 2025 Experts from the University of Bristol and Nagoya University, including Nobel laureate Professor Hiroshi Amano, are collaborating on innovative semiconductor technologies to enhance energy efficiency and reduce emissions, with a focus on next-generation chips for electric vehicles and renewable energy integration. The £11 million REWIRE initiative aims to support the UK’s net zero goals while providing early-career researchers opportunities for knowledge exchange in Japan. |
Teenager killed in Bristol XL bully attack 'died from neck bites' BBC News - March 24, 2025 Morgan Dorsett, a 19-year-old from Shrewsbury, tragically died from severe dog bites inflicted by an XL bully dog in Bristol on February 26, prompting an investigation that resulted in the dog's euthanasia and the arrest of two individuals. The inquest revealed significant injuries to her neck and face, with her family expressing concerns about the police's handling of the case. |
Van-dwellers: Bristol residents call for council to take action BBC News - March 26, 2025 A recent community meeting in Bristol attracted hundreds opposing the city's van-dweller policy, with residents voicing concerns over an estimated 680 occupied vehicles, particularly around Clifton Downs. The Bristol City Council has pledged to engage with the community to address the needs of both van-dwellers and local residents amid rising tensions and a significant increase in van-dwelling since 2019. |
Sport
Bristol Bears |
Brilliant. Bewildering. Bonkers. Bristol Bears delivered a breathtaking 52-38 bonus point win over Exeter Chiefs last Saturday night that had an astonished Ashton Gate gasping with delight and fright in equal measure. In a match that veered from the sublime to the ridiculous, fans of both sides (and credit to the Chiefs for bringing a vociferous but jovial contingent) shook their heads in disbelief. A total of 14 tries - including a hat trick for Bristol’s fleet-footed winger Jack Bates and a double for “Mullet Man” cult hero van Rensburg - had the Gate rocking. The sort of game had the attack coaches purring and the defence coaches smashing crockery in the dressing rooms. The Bears lie second in the English Rugby Premiership behind arch rivals Bath, but a home tie in a play-off semi-final is within touching distance. Bears run in: Gloucester (a) - Saturday 29 March, 5.30pm Leicester (h) - Sunday 20 April, 3.00pm Northampton (a) - Saturday 26 April, 5.30pm Bath (h - Principality Stadium, Cardiff) - Saturday 10 May, 3.05pm Sale (a) - Friday 16 May, 7.45pm Harlequins (h) - Saturday 31 May, 3.05pm |
Bristol City |
The Robins face a tough match away against Burnley tomorrow (Saturday 29 March. 3.00pm). The Clarets boast the meanest defence in the Championship - just 11 goals conceded all season. Yet City remain in the hunt for a promotion play-off place, level on points with West Brom but with an inferior goal difference. A point at Turf Moor would feel like a victory. Three points would see the Ashton Gate faithful popping champagne corks. |
Bristol Rovers |
The Pirates are in a perilous position. Last Saturday’s 1-0 defeat away to Crawley was far from ideal. Rovers are six points clear of Burton Albion who currently occupy the final relegation spot in League One. And while the Pirates have a superior goal difference, Burton have a game in hand. Seat of your pants time down at the Memorial Stadium. |
Property news
Cliftonwood and Hotwells from the Harbourside
Bristol homeowners should be celebrating after the latest house price index offers promising news Bristolworld - March 27, 2025 Homeowners in Bristol and the South West are celebrating a rise in house prices, driven by strong local demand and economic conditions, which bodes well for sellers and may attract more buyers and investors to the area. This positive trend is a promising sign for the housing market's stability and growth in the region. |
The 10 cheapest streets to buy a house in Bristol in 2025, including Manor House Lane Bristolworld - March 27, 2025 Bristol's property market is booming, making it one of the UK's most expensive cities for homebuyers, second only to London. Stay informed on the latest real estate trends and insights by signing up for BristolWorld, your go-to resource for navigating this competitive market. |
Second homes to be taxed double by most councils - a 'naked cash grab' or not far enough? Sky News - March 23, 2025 Campaigners criticize the upcoming 100% council tax premium on second homes in England, arguing it won't effectively address the housing crisis, despite potential revenue generation of £445 million for local councils. Critics claim the measure unfairly targets second homeowners and may not deter wealthy buyers, leaving locals like Jenna Jones struggling with soaring rents feeling little relief. |
Shortlist unveiled for Insider’s South West Residential Property Awards 2025 Insidermedia - March 25, 2025 The South West Residential Property Awards 2025 has unveiled its shortlist, celebrating excellence in the region's residential property sector with nominees recognized for their innovation and commitment to quality. The winners will be announced at a gala event, bringing together industry leaders to honor outstanding achievements in development, sales, and property management. |
Plans for the UK’s first patient hotel in Bristol approved South West - March 26, 2025 Bristol City Council has greenlit the UK's first purpose-designed Patient Hotel for children and babies, named the 'Jingle Jam Building,' thanks to a £2.2 million partnership between The Grand Appeal and Jingle Jam. This innovative facility will support young patients and their families during recovery, significantly improving well-being and freeing up hospital beds at Bristol Children’s Hospital. |
£5.5m mansion sale on edge of Bristol 'will meet resistance' Bristol Live - March 25, 2025 Leigh Court, a historic estate near Bristol known for its appearances in shows like Doctor Who and Bridgerton, is on the market for at least £5.5 million amid concerns from leaseholders about potential housing developments threatening the estate's ecological integrity. The Grade II* listed mansion, set on 22 acres, faces scrutiny as neighbors advocate for its preservation as a community asset rather than a site for high-density construction. |
What’s on in Bristol this weekend?
An Art installation in Bristol’s business district
All photos are credited to Louis Inglis unless otherwise specified.
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