Bristol News by HANA - Edition 45
Bristol Bites: Bristol crowned most colourful
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From our Editor:
Beautiful Bristol has been crowned Britain’s most colourful city by a bunch called Berlew (no, me neither). Our city apparently beat off stiff competition from picturesque Portmerion and brilliantly bonkers Brighton for the honour.
Let’s hope the judges looked beyond pastel-painted houses and the tenderly tended gardens and parks which provide Bristolians with such wonderful flora.
Why? Because Bristol’s true colour runs so much deeper. Roam its bustling streets and alleyways to discover just how rich and varied our colours run. A heady cocktail of perfection and imperfection. From G&Ts at sundown to fresh morning graffiti. A city with meaning, purpose and – yes – sheer, shimmering colour.
It’s official. We are now into the journalistic chasm that is known as the ‘silly season’. It runs from now until the start of September, when the petulant kids get thrown back through the school gates, generating weeping from doting parents who then turn on their heels muttering “thank God for that”.
Speaking of the silly season, I am reminded of the sage words once delivered to me by an Eminence Gris of a long-forgotten news desk. Here’s how our conversation went:
“Wynn Davies!” (Yes, people spoke like that in the early 90s)
“Yes sir?” (We really did)
“I know it’s silly season, but ‘dog bites’ man is simply not a story.”
“What if we changed it to man bites dog?”
“Good thinking, young man! Now that IS a story.”
Scroll down to read more about Bristol canine v human contretemps.
Rhidian Wynn Davies | Editor in Chief
SMART WORKS BRISTOL: Breaking news
Fantastic news, folks. Smart Works Bristol – the organisation dedicated to helping Bristolian women back into the workplace – opens the doors of its HQ at XXX on 12 August.
SWB will welcome unemployed women in Bristol, providing them with the coaching, clothing and confidence they need to successfully re-enter the job market.
If you work for a charity, job centre, or any organisation that supports women, SWB would love to hear from you. You can get in touch via [email protected] to explore collaborative approaches. You can also refer women directly to the service using this quick form:
Make a Referral - https://bristol.smartworks.org.uk/what-we-do/make-a-referral
If you're a Bristol-based business looking to show your support for women in the city, now is the time to get behind the project and become a founder partner. SWB is building up to a launch and would love to have you involved. If you’d like to find out more, get in touch via [email protected]
Congratulations to the SWB team for powering this very Bristol vibe project into existence. The team is led by the irrepressible, imaginative and indefatigable Imogen Franklin. You can call her Imy – but only if you’re nice… and generous.
Make Bristol an even better community - share Bristol by Hana with friends and family for a more informed and better run city - local news and views you can use - forward this link for instant sign up
Databox
Nothing artificial about Bristol’s AI lead
Bristol ranks as the second most important AI hotspot in the UK, just after Cambridge, with 101 AI-focused businesses and a strong business survival rate of 42.8%
The University of Bristol is hosting two national AI research hubs, thanks to £21 million in funding from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).
The UKRI has also funded the Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Artificial Intelligence at Bristol, which starts welcoming new AI PhD students in 2024-2025 to train the next generation of AI talent
The city’s tech startups attracted $437 million in venture capital investment in the last reported year, reflecting a vibrant and growing innovation climate
Weekly Quiz
Name this famous statue in Millennium Square, Bristol
(answer at the end of the newsletter)
Bristol News
Bristol Has Been Crowned the Most Colourful Place in Britain Time Out United Kingdom - July 29, 2025 According to a recent study by Berlew, Bristol has been crowned the UK's most colourful city, celebrated for its vibrant street art and pastel-painted houses, particularly in Cliftonwood. Following closely are Portmeirion and Brighton, showcasing their own unique palettes, while the top ten list also features charming locations like Southend-on-Sea and Notting Hill. |
Professor Steve Eichhorn, Chair in Materials Science and Engineering, in the School of Civil Aerospace and Design Engineering
University of Bristol Professor Steve Eichhorn, a leading figure in Materials Science and Engineering, has made history as the first UK-based scientist elected as a Fellow of the American Chemical Society for his groundbreaking research on cellulose and his dedicated service to the field. With over 30 years of experience, he is currently focused on enhancing water interactions with cellulose and developing innovative lignocellulose fibers to improve redispersibility after drying. |
Sarah Bern: England and Bristol prop on growing confidence from social media BBC Sport - July 25, 2025 England and Bristol Bears prop Sarah Bern, with 71 caps for the Red Roses, has found confidence and overcome body image anxiety through building her social media presence, inspired by American rugby player Ilona Maher's body positivity. In a conversation with Olympic boxer Nicola Adams, Bern emphasized the importance of engaging with fans to promote women's rugby and embraced sharing her journey online. |
Bristol’s Simple Things Festival has expanded 2025’s lineup with some new names Readdork - Bristol's Simple Things Festival is ramping up its November lineup with 50 acts, including innovative artists like Nala Sinephro and electronic producer Clark, alongside The Bug featuring Flowdan. This diverse mix promises an immersive experience for music lovers, solidifying the festival's status as a must-visit event in the city's vibrant music scene. |
Bristol jogger needed tetanus shot after dog attacked him at popular park Yahoo News - July 30, 2025 A Bristol man was attacked by an unleashed collie-cross while jogging in Purdown park, resulting in a leg bite that required hospital treatment. Avon and Somerset Police are seeking witnesses to the incident, which occurred on July 29, urging anyone with information to come forward. |
Bristol home of hymn writer Charles Wesley opens to the public BBC News - July 26, 2025 Charles Wesley's historic home in Bristol, a key site in the Methodist movement and the birthplace of over 6,000 hymns, is reopening to the public with general admission tickets starting at £8. Visitors can explore the legacy of the renowned hymn writer behind classics like "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" after a year of limited access. |
Bristol not expected to meet its own 2030 net zero target BBC News - July 29, 2025 Bristol City Council is falling short of its 2030 carbon neutrality target, despite making significant progress in reducing emissions over the past two decades. A recent report reveals disparities in emissions across wealthier and less affluent areas, with a focus on tackling air pollution from vehicles and gas boilers. |
UK’s University of Bristol to establish new campus in Mumbai The Indian Express - July 30, 2025 The University of Bristol has received approval from the UGC to open a new campus in Mumbai, becoming the sixth foreign university to establish a presence in the city. This initiative aims to boost educational opportunities and foster international collaboration in India, as announced during the NEP 2020 anniversary celebrations. |
July: Evolution of treehoppers Bristol - July 30, 2025 A new study from the University of Bristol reveals that the remarkable diversity of treehopper shapes may be linked to their sensitivity to static electricity, as these insects can detect electric fields and possibly differentiate between predators and protectors based on their electrostatic charges. This research suggests exciting possibilities for understanding how electrical signals could influence evolutionary traits in various species. |
The impassable Bristol lane where even a boat has been dumped Yahoo News - July 29, 2025 Residents of Belroyal Avenue in South Bristol are calling for action from the council to address a neglected access lane that has become a hotspot for fly-tipping and safety hazards, including a recent fire caused by a dumped sofa. With concerns growing over the impact on their homes and the nearby infants' school, locals demand consistent clean-up efforts amid ongoing frustration with the council's inaction. |
Mystery man in Clifion featured on global Instagram account Hotdudesreading (1.3m followers)
Property news
New suburb for South Bristol takes big step forward as huge field finally sold Yahoo News - July 31, 2025 A new 26-acre suburb called Longmoor Village is set to rise in Bristol, featuring around 500 homes and designed with walkable streets and green spaces, while also funding a nearby indoor sporting arena. Despite previous delays from legal challenges, the project aims to support over 1,700 jobs and contribute nearly £23 million for affordable housing, with housebuilder Allison Homes preparing to submit further plans and engage with local residents. |
Ground floor office suite comes to the market in prime Bristol location Discover a prime-grade A ground floor office suite in Bristol, now available through Colliers' National Offices team. With modern amenities, flexible layouts, and easy access to public transport, this space is perfect for businesses looking to enhance operational efficiency and employee satisfaction. |
Inside the cosy Bristol home with incredible views and a £110K price tag Yahoo News - July 26, 2025 Explore the unique Opal Dutch Barge for sale at Bristol Harbour for £110,000, featuring two bedrooms, modern amenities, and the charm of a wheelhouse perfect for relaxation. This custom-built houseboat offers a tranquil lifestyle on picturesque waterways with sustainable energy solutions for comfortable living, making it an alluring alternative to traditional housing. |
The land at Mead Street outlined in orange, which was sold by estate agents Cushman & Wakefield(Image: Cushman & Wakefield)
Bristol's high-rise housing boom stopped by 'perfect storm' Bristol Live - July 26, 2025 Bristol's housing crisis deepens as plans to convert key brownfield sites into residential units are stalled due to rising construction costs and regulatory hurdles, with the Temple Quarter regeneration project now facing a potential four-year delay. Developers grapple with increased expenses and lengthy approval processes, prompting concerns over the future of affordable housing in the city. |
-Credit:National Secular Society
Bristol primary school cuts explained area by area as council outlines plan Yahoo News - July 27, 2025 Bristol's education officials are tackling a significant surplus of primary school places caused by declining birth rates and families relocating, with plans to adjust class sizes rather than close schools. The council's strategy includes assessing community areas and reducing intake at larger schools while acknowledging that some smaller schools may face potential closures amidst ongoing housing developments. |
Latest Bristol planning applications including flats plan for former council offices Yahoo News - July 28, 2025 This week, Bristol City Council received several planning applications, including a proposal to convert former council offices in Brislington into five self-contained flats and an LED sign for the Key Cafe on Gloucester Road, which supports reintegration efforts for former prisoners. Additionally, a shared house in Knowle West plans to expand from six to seven bedrooms without construction, while solar panels are set to be installed at a nearby social club to promote sustainability. |
What’s on in Bristol this weekend?
Sundowners at The White Lion Terrace
On August 2, gamers and dance music fans can unite for the Dubtendo Day Festival—an energetic mashup of live DJ sets, a massive Mario Kart competition, retro gaming lounges, and interactive performances at one of Bristol’s standout outdoor venues, promising a playful, rave-inspired day out. https://lakeparadiso.co.uk/lineup.html
Quiz answer - Cary Grant
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