Bristol News by HANA - Edition 41
.Bristol Bites: Are you kidding?
Bristol can be a city of contradictions. Today we report that Bristol’s population is set to shoot through the half-million mark this year, with migration the most significant factor.
Yet we also report that Bristol’s birth rate has plummeted by 36% over the past decade. That is an astonishing statistic. A rising population but fewer kids. Our demographic is ageing - with all that means for years to come.
The cost of living is clearly an issue. Many people feel they cannot afford to have children. Access to decent, affordable housing is a major factor. This is a shame because Bristol is a brilliant place to nurture nippers. The perfect blend of city and countryside. A cultural and academic citadel.
The local authorities can do better when it comes to housing. Think about family homes, people can pay for; otherwise, you will end up with care homes. It’s a cliche, but children really are the future. Our inspiration - Alan Mathison Turing - was a kid once, many moons ago. He grew up to be a brilliant man who cracked the Nazi Enigma Code and helped win the Second World War. Personal note: Turing had a hand in keeping my late grandfather safe as he skippered ships on the Atlantic convoys.
The point is this. How many of those “missing” 36% of kids could grow up to be the next boffin who beats the bad guys? How many could be a future Prime Minister? More importantly, how many could end up playing for the Bristol Bears? This correspondent believes that affordable housing is critical. As a dad, I know that kids can be a right pain in the backside. But many of them grow up to be our saviours.
On a lighter note, The Wave has reopened! My boss can pull on his Speedos again. The budgie smugglers are back.
Rhidian Wynn Davies | Editor-in-Chief
Image by Ian Procter from Pixabay
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Databox
Going for growth
The number of people living in Bristol is expected to reach half a million this year, and it's been named among the fastest-growing populations in England.
Bristol has grown by 10% in a decade, compared to the national average of 6.8%.
The most significant rise has been among 19-23 year olds, who are up by more than a quarter in 10 years.
International migration was the most significant factor affecting population growth from 2022 to 2023, and since 2021, the majority of newcomers have originated outside the EU.
It also demonstrates the city's diversity, with 287 different ethnic groups, at least 45 religions, and more than 90 languages spoken by its residents.
By 2032, there will be an estimated 526,600 people living here
Source Bristol City Council/ONS
Scroll down for property news and more things to do in Bristol this weekend…
Bristol News
Why is Bristol's birth rate falling faster than other UK cities? BBC - June 29, 2025 Amid rising living costs, Bristol's birth rate has dropped by 36% over the past decade, reflecting a national trend as potential parents like Courtney Young and Aaliyah Thomas express concerns about financial stability before starting families. Advocates suggest that government incentives and improved childcare schemes are needed to support those considering parenthood in an increasingly challenging economic landscape. |
Man, 92, convicted of raping and murdering Bristol woman in 1967 The Guardian - June 30, 2025 A 92-year-old man, Ryland Headley, has been convicted of the 1967 rape and murder of Louisa Dunne in Bristol, marking one of the longest gaps in modern English policing history. Thanks to advancements in DNA technology and a dedicated cold case team, justice has finally been served nearly six decades later. |
Bristol, England’s Wave Pool Reopens After Internal Strife The Inertia - July 3, 2025 After a brief closure due to financial turmoil, The Wave in Bristol has reopened under new ownership by Sea Level Wave Company Ltd, with industry veteran Julian Topham stepping in as interim CEO. Despite past challenges and tensions among stakeholders, the park’s operations are back on track, ensuring the waves continue for the UK surf community. |
Palestine Action protesters block entrance to Israeli defence company in north Bristol Sky News - Activists from Palestine Action protested outside Elbit Systems by blocking access and covering the entrance with red paint, aiming to draw attention to allegations of the company's weapons supply to the Israeli military. In response, Elbit Systems denied the accusations, asserting their commitment to ethical practices amid ongoing tensions in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. |
The Beautiful Darkness Adds New Bristol Headline Date to UK Tour BroadwayWorld.com - July 1, 2025 The Beautiful Darkness has announced a new date for her 2025 Unleashed UK Tour, set for September 11 in Bristol, following a successful launch in Cardiff. Nerys John, the band's singer-songwriter, is thrilled to connect with live audiences and create special moments through their music. |
Bristol students win national AI competition Bristol Uni - July 3, 2025 A team from the University of Bristol, including Wenxuan Xu and Yunlin Liang, won first place in the Elevate Great contest with their innovative AI-powered early childhood ecosystem, IEdu, which aims to enhance educational equity and support personalised learning while prioritising privacy. The project addresses critical gaps in AI research for young children and secured a £5,000 grand prize for its vision of empowering parents and educators through technology. |
Photograph: Shutterstock
The UK city named one of the most child-friendly in Europe Time Out United Kingdom - June 30, 2025 Bristol has been recognised as the eighth most child-friendly city in Europe, scoring 48% overall thanks to its practical 20mph speed limit, though it still struggles with school streets and cycling infrastructure. The report underscores the need for UK cities to enhance their cycling safety measures to keep pace with European counterparts. |
Lost Turner painting sold as Bristol art museum outbid at auction BBC - July 2, 2025 A JMW Turner painting, The Rising Squall, sold for £1.9 million at a Sotheby's auction—nearly eight times its estimate—after being lost for 150 years, thwarting the Bristol Museum's efforts despite raising £109,000 from over 1,700 donors. The museum plans to celebrate this community support with a special display of Turner's watercolours later this year, coinciding with the artist's 250th birthday. |
Parents of baby found with ‘catastrophic injuries’ went for cigarette as medics tried to save him, court hears The Guardian - July 1, 2025 In a disturbing trial, parents Daniel Gunter and Sophie Staddon face charges related to the tragic death of their two-week-old son, Brendon, who was found with catastrophic injuries suggesting severe abuse. Prosecutors describe the case as one of "sheer brutality," highlighting concerns over the couple's volatile relationship and previous warnings from authorities about the child's welfare. |
Bristol teenager running 5k a day to inspire plasma donors BBC News - July 3, 2025 Thirteen-year-old George from Knowle, Bristol, is on a mission to inspire blood and plasma donations by running 5km daily for 25 days, aiming to recruit 25 new donors. His own experience with primary immunodeficiency fuels his determination, as he seeks to raise awareness about the importance of plasma donations that support treatments like his immunoglobulin infusions. |
Live: Serious emergency incident in sleepy village of Claverham Somerset Live - July 3, 2025 Two men have been arrested following a serious stabbing incident in Claverham, Somerset, on July 3, where a man sustained life-changing injuries. Authorities are urging witnesses to come forward as police continue their investigation into the attack. |
Palestine Action blocks Elbit Systems UK site in Bristol protest ABNA English - July 2, 2025 Activists from Palestine Action staged a protest at Elbit Systems' UK headquarters in Bristol, blocking entrances and splashing red paint to symbolize Palestinian bloodshed, amid accusations that the company supplies weapons used against civilians in Gaza. This demonstration coincides with UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper's move to potentially ban the group under anti-terror laws, which could criminalize support for their cause. |
Bristol drug gang made £100k a month running cannabis home delivery service Three men running a £100,000-a-month cannabis home delivery service in Bristol have been sentenced to prison for their involvement in a sophisticated drug distribution network. Their case underscores the legal risks of drug trafficking, even in areas where cannabis is legal. |
Property news
Bristol's most popular areas to buy a house Yahoo News - June 28, 2025 Bristol's real estate market sees Bedminster topping the charts with 196 property sales in the year ending September 2024, followed closely by Redfield and Bishopston. In contrast, Highridge and Withywood lag behind with only 31 sales each, highlighting the diverse dynamics within the city's neighborhoods. |
Kingston Properties enters UK real estate market Loop News - December 13, 2024 Kingston Properties Limited (KPREIT) has made its inaugural investment in the UK by acquiring a 20,000-square-foot office building in Bristol's Aztec West Business Park, enhancing its total assets to US$77.5 million. This strategic move, funded through debt and proceeds from the sale of units at Tropic Centre in the Cayman Islands, diversifies KPREIT's portfolio across four territories: Jamaica, the UK, the US, and the Cayman Islands. |
Pictures show front of house 'ripped off' after gas explosion Bristol Live - June 26, 2025 A massive explosion in Halifax, West Yorkshire, seriously injured two people and prompted the evacuation of 14 nearby homes after a two-storey house was destroyed. Emergency services swiftly responded to the incident, which left significant damage and raised concerns, though gas networks have ruled out their involvement. |
Hill Group reports record profits again UK Property Forums - July 2, 2025 The Hill Group has achieved record revenues of £1,151.9 million and profits of £90.5 million for the year ending March 31, 2025, while expanding its operations with major projects and a focus on sustainability, marking its 25th anniversary with impressive growth in affordable housing and new land acquisitions. Under CEO Andy Hill's leadership, the company continues to prioritize social initiatives and has doubled its graduate trainee intake amidst a challenging market landscape. |
Stylish Bristol terrace three-bed home with garden in prime location (aff) Explore a captivating collection of stunning homes, from elegant Georgian townhouses and luxurious penthouses to unique campervans and affordable hideaways. This diverse selection showcases various architectural styles and creative designs, catering to all tastes and budgets, inviting you to envision your dream home in beautiful settings. |
Barry house with sea views across Bristol Channel for sale Barry And District News - June 25, 2025 Discover a stunning family home on The Parade in Barry, just minutes from Knap Beach and Barry Island, featuring three spacious reception rooms and breathtaking panoramic sea views across the Bristol Channel. With its charming location near The Parade gardens and stylish interiors, this property offers an exceptional living experience ideal for families seeking comfort and space by the seaside. |
Live: Burst water main leaves properties without water Bristol Live - July 3, 2025 Residents in Queen Charlton and surrounding areas are facing water supply issues due to a burst water main reported late on July 2. Bristol Water is actively working on repairs and has restored service to most properties, though some may still experience low pressure or outages. |
Lawyer explains your rights if you want to report nuisance neighbours Bristol Live - July 1, 2025 Facing harassment from a neighbor can be distressing, but documenting incidents and reporting them to the police is crucial. Legal options, including involving the Crown Prosecution Service or pursuing civil court action for injunctions and compensation, are available if the harassment persists. |
The new driveway rules in England changing this week Bristol Live - July 1, 2025 Starting July 1, the Ofgem price cap for electricity will decrease to £1,720, offering a £129 reduction for average dual-fuel households, but still remains 34% above pre-crisis levels. Experts highlight that home charging is the most economical choice for electric vehicle owners, and switching from standard variable tariffs could save customers around £250 annually. |
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`What’s on in Bristol this weekend?
Sundowners at The White Lion Terrace
All photos are credited to Mark Riley unless otherwise specified.
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