Bristol News by HANA - Edition 58
Bristol Bites: Halloween hell
From our Editor:
Today is Halloween – my least favourite night of the year. For a start, it should be “Hallowe’en” – the eve of All Hallows’ Day (my birthday, incidentally). But then our American friends and gift card companies decided to drop that crucial apostrophe, despite the traditional festival being rooted in Britain and Ireland.
Children now roam the streets, hammering on doors to demand “candy” (thanks again, America). They are usually accompanied by their mothers (or, in the case of our more affluent neighbourhoods, au pairs). In my experience, most fathers tend to swerve the annual hunt for sugar, as it represents an excellent opportunity to sneak off to the pub.
Parents and carers, usually obsessed with Jocasta and Jeremiah’s allergies and dental care, throw caution to the wind for one night a year to let their little darlings indulge in tooth-rotting rubbish. I admit to complicity. I do answer the door. I do not switch off the lights to pretend I’m not home. But I do have standards.
Over the years, I have developed some strict rules regarding trick-or-treaters. Cute, smiley, polite small people? There are some sweets and lollipops. Anyone who looks over 12? Get lost. Anyone 18 or over? Stronger language used.
Nevertheless, as a public-spirited journalist, it falls upon me to point you towards some Hallowe’en themed events in Bristol that I won’t be attending:
What really annoys me about Hallowe’en is that it has hijacked Bonfire Night as our premier seasonal shindig. When I was a kid (admittedly, a few decades back), it was all about fireworks and a penny for the Guy. Off to the neighbours to witness a dangerous – and possibly illegal – back garden display of pyrotechnics. A decent feed to warm many a tummy always prepared.
Bangers and mash followed by bangers and dash.
• Following a chic and cheery launch at the Bristol Old Vic last week, Smart Works Bristol is up and running. The charity, which helps unemployed women get into the workplace using a combination of high-quality clothing and expert coaching, is open for referrals. Smart Works Bristol welcomes referrals from any organisation supporting a woman on her journey to employment, including job centres, employability schemes, refuges, and charities.
For more information, visit https://bristol.smartworks.org.uk/what-we-do/make-a-referral
• What is it about Bristol that makes this city nurture slightly shorter people with true talent to towering heights?
Isambard Kingdom Brunel was barely 5ft tall and became Britain’s greatest engineer – the mastermind behind the Clifton Suspension Bridge and the SS Great Britain, both of which grace the shores of the Avon, to the awe and admiration of millions from around the globe.
I was delighted to discover (thanks to her obituary in The Times) that the late, great Prunella Scales started in theatre as an assistant stage manager at the Bristol Old Vic. Pru, has she was known to friends and family, was barely 5ft 3ins in her high heels. Yet she forged a stellar career as both an actress and a director. She will, of course, be best remembered for her creation of Sybil Fawlty – the formidable wife (and boss) of Basil. Perhaps the greatest female character in Britain’s rich comic history.
Short in stature but a titan of both stage and screen.
Rhidian Wynn Davies | Editor in Chief
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Databox
Bristol Biz
There are 20,190 active businesses in Bristol, significantly higher than the local authority average of 5,673 in 2023
Business ‘births’ in Bristol stand at 11.2% compared with the local authority average of 10.4% in 2023
Business ‘deaths’ in Bristol stand at 10.7%, close to the local authority average of 10.3% in 2023
6.1% of businesses in Bristol are categorised as “high growth” – significantly higher than the local authority average of 4.2% in 2023
However, almost 5,000 businesses in Bristol are experiencing ‘significant’ distress, a year-on-year increase of 22.5 per cent, according to Begbies Traynor’s Red Flag Alert (against a UK-wide increase of 14.8 per cent)
source ONS
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
'Deeply disappointed' Labour politician defects to Green Party Bbc - The Labour Party expressed disappointment with the election outcome despite voters selecting a Labour representative, indicating their expectations for a stronger performance and highlighting the complexities of political dynamics and public support. This reaction underscores their frustration with the electoral process and the electorate's choices. |
Bristol plans for '11 tennis courts of pedestrian space' BBC News - October 30, 2025 Bristol City Council is set to enhance pedestrian space in the city centre by transforming Horsefair in Broadmead into a vehicle-free zone, creating over 11 tennis courts' worth of new walking areas as part of a £540 million transport overhaul. Construction will begin next spring and continue until late 2027, with updates available on the newly launched "Bristol on the Move" website. |
Bristol Airbus to benefit from VietJet order for new planes Bbc - October 30, 2025 The UK aerospace sector is set for a significant boost as Vietnamese airline VietJet orders 100 Airbus A321neo aircraft, with wings produced in Bristol and north Wales, alongside a contract for 92 Rolls Royce engines. This deal, confirmed during a high-level meeting, is expected to safeguard thousands of jobs and enhance the economy under the government's 'Plan for Change.' |
Bristol hospitals declare rare critical incident over 'significant pressures' The Mirror - October 30, 2025 Bristol and Weston-super-Mare hospitals are facing significant pressures, prompting a critical incident declaration that affects all facilities within the University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust. Patients needing urgent care are advised to contact NHS 111, while elective surgeries at Arrowe Park Hospital have been paused due to issues with sterile surgical instruments, raising safety concerns among patients and families. |
Council accused of ‘squeezing more tax’ from Bristol drivers with new parking zones Bristol Live via Yahoo News - October 31, 2025 Bristol City Council is weighing the use of £5 million from its Clean Air Zone revenue to enhance bus services instead of funding three new Residents' Parking Zones (RPZs), which aim to deter commuter parking. While Labour councillors advocate for improved public transport to boost air quality, opinions on RPZs are mixed, with some residents frustrated by a perceived lack of consultation and others highlighting their potential benefits in reducing traffic congestion. |
Bristol charter highlights children's food and cooking questions BBC News - October 31, 2025 A new Food Charter by Dr. William Baker and Feeding Bristol reveals that over 250 local children are eager to learn about food, with interests in growing seeds, cooking diverse meals from scratch, and sharing culinary experiences with friends and family. This initiative aims to enhance food education in schools, addressing child poverty and its connection to poor diets and obesity. |
Bristol gets UK’s largest spoil recycling wash plant Theconstructionindex - October 31, 2025 Heidelberg's B&A Group has launched the UK's largest wash plant in Hallen, Bristol, with an £8 million investment aimed at recycling up to 400,000 tonnes of construction waste annually into high-quality aggregates. This innovative facility emphasises sustainability by minimising environmental impact through water recirculation and supports the growing demand for eco-friendly building materials. |
Missing woman last seen getting taxi has been found Bristol Live - October 26, 2025 Nikki, a 33-year-old woman from Bristol, has been found safe after going missing following her last sighting at a taxi around 12:45 PM on October 26. The police thanked the community for their support in the urgent search that led to her safe return. |
Man hospitalised after 'hit-and-run' in Bristol Bristol Live via Yahoo News - October 30, 2025 A man in his early 30s is recovering after being struck by a hit-and-run driver in Bristol on October 29. Avon and Somerset Police are urging anyone with dashcam or CCTV footage from the area to come forward as they investigate the incident involving a black Volkswagen. |
Richard Scudamore: Former Premier League chief joins Bristol City board BBC Sport - October 30, 2025 Bristol City has appointed Richard Scudamore, the former Premier League chief executive, to its board of directors, effective November 1. A lifelong fan of the club, Scudamore aims to leverage his nearly two decades of experience to help Bristol City achieve promotion to the Premier League. |
Marvin Brown: Former Bristol City forward dies aged 42 from cancer BBC Sport - October 28, 2025 Former Bristol City forward Marvin Brown, who made history as the youngest player to debut for the club and represented England at youth levels, has sadly passed away at 42 after a courageous battle with cholangiocarcinoma. A beloved figure in the football community, he contributed to youth coaching and recently served as joint manager of Corsham Town FC, leaving a lasting legacy as a fundraiser for his family, surpassing £63,000. |
Number of businesses in distress soars in Bristol and Salisbury Business Biscuit - October 30, 2025 Nearly 5,000 businesses in Bristol are experiencing significant financial distress, reflecting a 22.5% year-on-year increase, with construction and real estate sectors among the hardest hit. Nationally, the trend continues, with over 726,000 businesses facing similar challenges, marking a 14.8% rise in distress levels. |
'It would be a real shame to see it go' - Bristol's blue glass legacy in jeopardy A historic Bristol blue glass company, renowned for its unique craftsmanship and 200-year legacy, faces potential closure due to a forced relocation, raising alarm among artisans and supporters about the loss of this cherished cultural heritage. As the company navigates these challenges, its future remains uncertain, highlighting the importance of preserving traditional craftsmanship. |
Sport
Bristol Bears
From West Country derby delight against Gloucester, to derby doom and gloom versus arch rivals Bath. The Bears lost 40-15 last Saturday at the Rec. The scoreline flattered Bath a little, but the result did not. The boys from down the road were deserved winners. Six tries to two. The scoreboard rarely lies.
Next up for the Bears is, er, Bath again in the English Prem Rugby Cup tonight at Ashton Gate (7.45pm). Revenge is a dish best served piping hot with a growl and a roar. Meanwhile, Bristol’s Louis Rees-Lightning has been named in the Wales squad for the Autumn Internationals. A shrewd signing by the Bears after the speedy winger’s slightly daft dalliance with American football.
Bristol City
City consolidated their 4th place in the Championship thanks to grinding out a 1-0 win against Birmingham City last Saturday. The Robins are only three points off the automatic promotion places and have (apart from leaders Coventry) the best goal difference in the top six.
Sinclair Armstrong scored his first goal for 11 months to nail the win for City. The Robins have won three on the bounce now – a far cry from the horrific 3-1 defeat to lowly Oxford United last month. Next up? Away to Stoke on 1 November (3pm). Tough fixture, but The Robins have found some form.
Bristol Rovers
The Pirates are in danger of sinking. A 4-0 away defeat to relegation-threatened Crawley last Saturday meant that Rovers have conceded a shocking 12 goals in their last three matches in League Two, scoring only one in response. If The Pirates keep shipping four goals a game, there is little hope on the horizon for The Mem faithful.
Property News
Bristol's 'huge backlog' of mould cases as Awaab's law introduced BBC News - October 27, 2025 Bristol City Council has admitted it cannot comply with Awaab's Law, which requires prompt action on mould issues, due to a backlog of 2,200 cases stemming from decades of neglected repairs. Residents like the Godwins have suffered health problems from mould, highlighting the urgent need for improved housing standards as the council works to address both existing cases and new legal requirements. |
Plans unveiled for Bristol carpark redevelopment UK Property Forums - October 29, 2025 Downing plans to transform a Bristol NCP car park into 300 purpose-built student rooms, aiming to address the city's housing crisis and boost the local economy with new commercial units. A public consultation will be conducted before a full planning application is submitted in early 2026. |
Sprawling country house near Bristol Airport is up for auction at £250K Bristol Live - October 25, 2025 Hewish Court, a five-bedroom property near Bristol Airport, is up for auction with a guide price of £250,000. Set on 2.91 acres and in need of extensive refurbishment, this stone house offers significant potential for transformation into a stunning family home or individual units, complete with stables, outbuildings, and a large barn, all nestled in a semi-rural setting just a mile and a half from the M5. |
Detached cottage near Bristol Airport for sale for £500k Weston Mercury - October 31, 2025 Discover this charming chain-free freehold property featuring three inviting reception rooms, a light-filled kitchen/breakfast room with vaulted ceilings, and a beautifully landscaped garden with views of Felton Common. Complete with a detached double garage/workshop and ample parking, this home is perfect for those seeking both comfort and convenience. |
What’s on in Bristol this weekend?
Kids' Halloween Fun at The Bridge Inn: Trick or treat trail with plenty of sweets and fun for younger children on Friday.
Murder Mystery Dinner: Interactive murder mystery evening with dinner at Future Inns, Cabot Circus, on Friday night.
Haunted Bristol Tours and Spooky Stage Shows: Halloween-themed theatre performances at Bristol Old Vic and horror film screenings in Redcliffe Caves.
Halloween DJ Events: Document hosts a techno/trance/garage night; “Murder On The Dance Floor” at Daisy’s Bristol.
All photos are credited to source articles or Mark Riley unless otherwise specified.
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