Bristol News by HANA - Edition 43
Bristol Bites: Gigabytes and Genge
Bristol Bites: Gigabytes and Genge
It’s widely, if not universally, accepted that Britain invented the computer. Work done by codebreakers in the Second World War laid the foundations, followed by rapid innovation in the post-war period.
We were poised to become a global leader in computing, attracting huge investment. What happened next? Not much. The nation found itself in the grip of industrial strife for decades. Prime Minister Harold Wilson tried to paint a picture of the future with his “white heat of technology” speech. But this was at a time when people cared more about the pound in their pocket rather than boffins beavering away to create next gen tech. Clive Sinclair produced his ZX computers (check your loft, you might find a ZX Spectrum up there). At least Sir Clive tried.
Meanwhile, the Americans stole a march – the development and now utter dominance of Silicon Valley is one of the most significant forces on the planet. But the last few years have proved that British innovation is flourishing once again – with Bristol in the vanguard.
The University of Bristol has unveiled Isambard-AI – a £225 million supercomputer designed to enhance AI research across agriculture, health care and public health. The new facility is confident it can help make superfast improvements in everything from dairy cow health monitoring to skin cancer detection.
Bristol is now established as a vital and exciting tech hub. The legacy of Alan Turing lives on and inspires. And the spirit of a man in a stove pipe hat lingers – thanks to Isambard-AI.
Elsewhere, Bears bulldozer Ellis Genge has been picked at loose head prop for the British & Irish Lions in the first Test against Australia in Brisbane tomorrow. A worthy selection. Genge is worth his considerable weight in gold both on the pitch and in the dressing room. Good luck, Ellis. You can be the Bear-Lion who slays the Wallabies in the scrum.
Rhidian Wynn Davies | Editor in Chief
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Databox
In 2025, Bristol will have over 1,000 new council homes under construction, with ground broken on at least three significant new developments this year:
166 new homes at Baltic Wharf (66 affordable, split between social rent and shared ownership)
209 homes as part of phase one of the Hengrove Park masterplan
A 70-home extra care housing scheme at The Fosseway (all affordable)
In addition to these, Goram Homes is progressing work on four other development sites across the city, delivering around 600 homes, over half of which are affordable
Scroll down for property news and more things to do in Bristol this weekend…
Bristol News
Defence firms 'confident' hundreds more jobs will come BBC - The UK government's increase in defence spending aims to enhance military capabilities amid global tensions, but a lack of new contracts for military suppliers raises concerns about the effectiveness and implementation timeline of the budget boost. Defence contractors are seeking clarity on funding allocation and contract awards to ensure timely support for national security needs. |
UK switches on AI supercomputer that will help spot sick cows and skin cancer The Guardian - July 17, 2025 Britain has unveiled Isambard-AI, a £225m supercomputer in Bristol designed to enhance AI research across agriculture, healthcare, and public safety, making advanced computing power accessible to academics and public entities. Equipped with 5,400 Nvidia “superchips,” this facility aims to drive innovation while addressing ethical concerns and biases in AI applications, such as improving dairy cow health monitoring and skin cancer detection. |
UK’s most powerful supercomputer launches in Bristol Bristol Uni - July 17, 2025 The University of Bristol has unveiled the Isambard-AI supercomputer, a cutting-edge £225m facility developed with HPE and NVIDIA, capable of processing data at unprecedented speeds to advance research in fields like drug discovery and climate science. As the UK’s most powerful AI supercomputer, it is set to foster innovation and economic growth in the region, with applications now open for researchers and SMEs eager to leverage its capabilities. |
‘They lump us all together’: van-dwellers and homeowners clash over life near Bristol Downs The Guardian - July 15, 2025 In Bristol, a growing campaign to evict van-dwellers from the historic Downs parkland has sparked tension between local residents and those living in vehicles, as concerns over antisocial behaviour clash with the struggles faced by individuals like Lee James and Dickson, who cite homelessness and financial challenges. The Green-led council is considering solutions that balance community safety with the needs of vulnerable residents, including plans for temporary pitches, but is facing criticism over the potential displacement of a close-knit community. |
Bristol domestic abuser left woman 'looking like a skeleton' BBC News - July 14, 2025 A woman bravely shared her harrowing experience with Cody Smith-Alwood, who was sentenced to over three years for controlling behaviour and assault. She revealed the lasting emotional impact of their relationship, describing feelings of humiliation, constant fear, and struggles with trust and trauma. |
Bristol Airport named among UK's worst for flight delays in new study Bristol Airport has been flagged as one of the UK's least efficient airports due to significant flight delays, raising concerns about its operational performance and potentially affecting traveller choices. Stay informed on Bristol Airport updates and local news by signing up for BristolWorld Today! |
RAC: Busiest UK airports raise kiss-and-fly fees Bbc - Britain's airports are now charging up to £7 for brief drop-offs near terminal entrances, a move aimed at managing congestion amid rising operational costs. While some travellers appreciate the convenience, others see it as an added burden, sparking debate over the trade-off between revenue generation and passenger accessibility. |
Five further arrests made over incident at Israeli defence firm’s UK site The Independent - July 15, 2025 Five additional arrests have been made in connection with a violent pro-Palestine protest at Elbit Systems UK, where demonstrators caused significant damage and assaulted employees and police officers. The suspects, aged between 19 and 66, are being held on suspicion of terrorism-related offences following warrants executed nationwide. |
Swedish lawn game 'Kubb' rises in popularity across UK Bbc - July 16, 2025 Kubb, the Swedish lawn game known as Viking chess, is surging in popularity across the UK, highlighted by Bristol's "Stockholm Syndrome" team, who recently triumphed at the UK championships and ranked among the top 20 in Europe. With its charm making it a favourite for weddings and community events, Kubb is quickly becoming a staple of outdoor fun in Britain. |
Five more arrested over alleged ram raid at Elbit's Bristol site BBC News - July 15, 2025 Five individuals have been arrested in connection with a ram-raid at Elbit Systems UK during a pro-Palestine protest, facing charges of causing significant damage and assault. The incident underscores the rising tensions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the activities of activist groups like Palestine Action. |
University experts team up with Team GB hockey Olympian to make school PE kits fit for purpose and put the ball in pupils’ court Bristol - July 17, 2025 A recent study from the University of Bristol highlights that secondary school-aged girls feel more comfortable and willing to participate in physical education when given a choice over their sports kit, with less than half currently feeling at ease in traditional uniforms. The research advocates for inclusive and flexible PE kit policies to boost participation among adolescent girls, addressing body image concerns and promoting a supportive environment for all students. |
Sport
Bristol Bears star Ellis Genge to start for the British and Irish Lions against Australia Bristol Live - July 17, 2025 The British and Irish Lions are set to face the Wallabies in their first Test of the 2025/26 tour, featuring a strong lineup led by captain Maro Itoje and debutant Ellis Genge. With a mix of players from across the home nations, including Finn Russell at fly-half and a formidable forward pack, this match promises to be an exciting clash in Brisbane. |
Lions star Ellis Genge getting tips from Eddie Jones as ex-England boss shows ruthlessness Express.co.uk - July 17, 2025 Ellis Genge celebrates his selection for the Lions' Test opener against the Wallabies while receiving coaching insights from former England head coach Eddie Jones, reflecting on his growth since first touring Australia in 2016. Acknowledging his increased weight as a potential performance boost, Genge has intensified his training regimen to adapt to the evolving demands of his sport. |
Lions star opens up on 12kg body transformation that will make him key in destroying Australia pack TalkSPORT - July 17, 2025 Ellis Genge, the explosive England loosehead prop, is set to start against the Wallabies in Brisbane, reflecting on his journey from a troubled youth in Bristol to a top front row forward. As he aims for a 3-0 series victory against Australia, Genge emphasises the importance of setting high standards and channelling ambition while acknowledging the challenges ahead. |
Property news
Bristol homes rise £9,000 in value - amid UK-wide property price boom Bristol homeowners are experiencing a significant rise in property prices this month, driven by low interest rates and high demand, creating a competitive market that benefits sellers but challenges first-time buyers. This trend reflects a broader national surge in the UK's real estate market as the economy recovers. |
Bristol café business to open at landmark city office development Business Live - July 15, 2025 Double Puc Cafe, a Bristol-based catering business, will operate the café in the new Crescent building, serving specialty coffee and fresh food to tenants and the public. Co-founder Griff Holland expressed pride in their ongoing partnership with Ovo Energy, the building's first tenant, and excitement for the future-focused environment of this landmark office development. |
Bristol named as England’s top Japanese knotweed hotspot The Intermediary - Latest UK mortgage news - July 17, 2025 Bristol has emerged as the leading hotspot for Japanese knotweed in England, with a staggering 33.91 cases per square mile, according to Environet’s Japanese Knotweed Heatmap. Experts emphasise the urgency of early identification and treatment to safeguard properties against this invasive plant, which is currently thriving with its vibrant green foliage. |
Location, Location, Location is coming to Bristol! Channel 4's "Location, Location, Location" is casting for house hunters in Bristol for its 25th series! Whether you're a first-time buyer or looking to invest, seize the chance to work with expert property advisors and share your unique story on this popular show. |
Government's new guidance on rental rights from eviction to landlord visits Bristol Live - July 18, 2025 New guidance for renters in England outlines crucial rights, including safe living conditions, protection from unfair evictions, and fair deposit practices. Tenants are urged to familiarise themselves with these protections to ensure they are not subjected to hidden costs or illegal actions by landlords. |
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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