Bristol News by HANA - Edition 55
Bristol Bites: haute couture and coaching combine to help women work
Bristol Bites: haute couture and coaching combine to help women work
The news is rarely good news. Bad stuff happens, and journalists are duty-bound to report on the bad stuff in the public interest. This week’s round-up covers horrific child murders, lethal Bristol roads and hateful anti-immigration ranting. Depressing reading. But, occasionally, this fair city generates some good news that keeps us all going. Charities and volunteers often provide the feel-good factor.
Smart Works Bristol, the charity that provides unemployed women with the coaching, clothing, and confidence they need to get into work, is up and running. At pace and with purpose.
The goal is to support 1,000 women a year in Bristol – a milestone that should make a meaningful difference in our community.
Our Bristol Bites newsletter is proud to champion Smart Works, which is dedicated to encouraging Bristolian women, many of whom have endured tough times, into the workplace. I will let Hazel, an early client, do the talking: “I needed help on my journey to get work – and no organisation makes you feel like Smart Works does. You come away feeling valued, and my confidence has soared.”
Led by the irrepressible Imogen “Imy” Franklin, Smart Works Bristol is already ensconced at premises in Easton. Now it’s time for the official launch event, to be staged at the Bristol Old Vic’s Cooper’s Hall on 23 October. Drinks, canapes and presentations all included.
Our founder, Mark Riley, and I are excited to have scored invitations to what promises to be a classy bash. But hold on a minute! What to wear? These are people who really know about fashion – something I didn’t quite grasp as a student and had completely deserted me by about the year 2000. I called Mark in something of a panic.
RWD: “I was thinking about donning my burgundy velvet jacket. It hasn’t had an outing in ages.”
Mark: “Really?”
RWD: “Hmm. Maybe a bit over the top. How about I wear my retro Bristol Bears rugby jersey?”
Mark: “Double really!”
RWD: “My ‘I love Bristol’ t-shirt?”
Mark: “I’m putting the phone down now.”
Rhidian Wynn Davies | Editor in Chief
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Databox
Road safety in Bristol:
Bristol's road safety performance in 2024 presents a mixed picture when compared to other major UK cities.
While the city maintains a relatively low fatality rate of 0.17 per 10,000 residents—well below the UK national average of 0.24—its total casualty rate of approximately 20.26 per 10,000 residents sits marginally above the national average of 19.00.
Fatal and Serious Casualties 2023:
8 fatalities - consistent with Bristol's long-term average of 8 deaths per year since 2013
113 killed or seriously injured (KSI) casualties - a 5.8% decrease from 2022
939 total casualties - representing a 130 reduction from the previous year
Scroll down for property news and more things to do in Bristol this weekend…
Best Articles From Bristol This Week
as chosen by our editors
Protesters clash with counter group at anti-immigration march BBC News - October 5, 2025 Tensions flared in Bristol as anti-immigration protesters clashed with counter-demonstrators, leading to three arrests amid heightened police presence. Local arts venues Spike Island and The Arnolfini offered refuge for those feeling threatened during the protests, emphasising a commitment to safety and community support. |
Hundreds injured on Bristol's roads as UK map shows deadly crash hotspots Bristol Live via Yahoo News - October 5, 2025 In Bristol, road traffic collisions resulted in 15 deaths and over 1,500 injuries last year, mirroring a national trend of stagnation in road safety despite a slight decrease in fatalities. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) calls for urgent government action and evidence-based solutions to prevent further loss of life on the roads. |
Inside Bristol house of horrors as mum 'kills three kids, 7, 3 and 1, at home' Daily Mirror - October 5, 2025 Yasmeen Ali, 43, has been charged with the tragic murder of her three young children in Bristol, while Hakyung Lee, 44, was found guilty of murdering her two children and hiding their bodies in suitcases. Both cases highlight the profound emotional impact on families and communities, prompting authorities to urge the public against speculation as investigations continue. |
October: Bristol Vice-Chancellor joins Government delegation to Mumbai Bristol - October 9, 2025 The University of Bristol is set to launch its first international campus, the Mumbai Enterprise Campus, in summer 2026, coinciding with the UK-India Free Trade Agreement aimed at boosting the UK GDP. This innovative campus will foster collaboration between industry and academia, offering programs in data science, finance, and more, while partnering with the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay to enhance educational excellence and innovation. |
'Top UK immersive light trail' coming to iconic Bristol location Bristol Live via Yahoo News - October 7, 2025 Experience the magic of Luminate, the UK's top immersive light trail, at Ashton Court in Bristol from November 28 to December 28! Stroll through a dazzling mile-long journey featuring stunning light installations, interactive elements, and cozy fire pits with mulled wine and toasted marshmallows. |
Joe Batley: Bristol lock dreams of England, Prem title & 100 Bears games BBC Sport - October 3, 2025 Bristol lock Joe Batley, recovering from a challenging season marred by injuries, aims to achieve his goals of becoming a centurion for the Bears, winning the Premiership, and representing England. With a renewed perspective on his career after overcoming Hodgkin lymphoma, Batley is focused on improving his game and seizing opportunities amidst growing competition for the national team. |
Man 'launched anti immigration rant' at girl, 3, in Yate BBC News - October 2, 2025 A three-year-old girl in Yate, near Bristol, was subjected to an anti-immigration rant, with her mother describing the incident as a harmful misuse of free speech that left her daughter feeling excluded and scared. Avon and Somerset Police emphasized the need to report hate crimes to foster community unity and ensure a respectful environment for all by 2025. |
Metrobus route in Bristol to be extended in £3.6m project Business Live via Yahoo News - October 7, 2025 Bristol City Council has approved a £3.6 million extension of the M1 bus service, enhancing connectivity with new stops and real-time information displays while also improving Hawkfield Road with a segregated cycleway and traffic-calming measures. This project, funded by the UK government's transport settlement and additional local funding, aims to benefit key areas including William Jessop Way and Imperial Retail Park. |
Sport
Bristol Bears
After the ecstasy of a thumping 42-24 win over Leicester Tigers at Ashton Gate, the agony of a 50-17 thrashing away to Saracens. Pity Kieran Marmion, the Bears scrum half. He scored a hat-trick of tries against Sarries but ended up very much on the losing side. Next up for Bristol are Exeter at the Gate tomorrow, 3pm kick off.
Bristol City
The Robins have failed to win any of their last four Championship matches – a run which includes home defeats against Oxford United and QPR. Having blown the chance to go second in the table a few weeks back, they now lie 10th – mid-table mediocrity. City travel to Norwich on 18 October. It feels like a must-win fixture.
Bristol Rovers
The Pirates sit 12th in League Two. Not brilliant but not disastrous either. They have won five out of 11 games so far, which represents a half-decent return. Tomorrow, Rovers welcome MK Dons to the Memorial Stadium (3pm kick off). A single point separates the teams in the table. Expect a close encounter.
Property news
Martin’s Properties Acquires Bristol Site for Self UKREiiF - October 7, 2025 Martin’s Properties has acquired Nicholson House in Bristol to develop a modern self-storage facility, enhancing its presence in the South and South West of England. This strategic move addresses the rising demand for flexible storage solutions amid changing lifestyles, following their first self-storage project in Didcot. |
Allison Homes secures loan for £165m Bristol resi scheme Property Week - October 6, 2025 Allison Homes has secured a £165 million loan to develop a residential scheme in Long Ashton, Bristol, aiming to construct around 500 homes, including affordable housing units. This initiative is part of the company's commitment to addressing regional housing needs while expanding its portfolio. |
Labour is building 12 new towns – locals told us their big worry Yahoo News - October 8, 2025 Residents near the Brabazon development in Bristol are divided over its transformation of a former airfield into a new town with 6,500 homes and 30,000 jobs, highlighting concerns about traffic and infrastructure versus the benefits of regeneration and improved transport links. The UK government supports this initiative as part of a broader plan to create new towns across England, aiming for significant affordable housing. |
Ashton Court Mansion faces 'catastrophic decline' without repairs BBC News - October 7, 2025 Ashton Court Mansion, a historic Grade I listed building in Bristol, is at risk of "catastrophic decline" without urgent repairs, according to the Bristol Historic Buildings Trust, which is seeking a 125-year lease to manage the property and address critical issues. With 75% of the mansion currently derelict and recent fire damage, the council will review the trust's proposal for revitalisation on Monday. |
The UK cities where it’s cheaper to buy a house than rent MoneyWeek - October 9, 2025 Recent research by Lloyds reveals that buying a home in many UK cities outside London can be more economical than renting, with significant annual savings for first-time buyers. Despite rising house prices and the challenge of saving for deposits, low-deposit mortgages may offer a pathway to homeownership, providing long-term financial security. |
Whats On In Bristol
FEAR at Avon Valley Scream Park: A leading Halloween-themed attraction runs throughout October, offering immersive horror experiences for those seeking a thrill.
En Masse Festival: A four-day celebration of Bristol's electronic music and live arts scene with events across multiple venues, featuring performances, DJ sets, and collaborative art (9–12 October).
West Bristol Art Trail: Discover works from local artists in their homes and studios across Clifton, Redland, and Hotwells on 11–12 October. Free entry, with some offering refreshments.
Greg Davies: Full Fat Legend at Bristol Hippodrome (until 11 Oct): Popular stand-up show by one of the UK’s best-loved comedians.
Nina Conti: Whose Face Is It Anyway? at Bristol Hippodrome (12 Oct): Ventriloquism and comedy from the acclaimed performer.
Breabach – 20th Anniversary Tour: Live folk music at Bristol Beacon, 12 October.
Live at The Fleece: Includes Mad Dog Mcrea (10 Oct), Taylor Swift Album Release Party (10 Oct), and more.
All photos are credited to source articles or Mark Riley unless otherwise specified.
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