Bristol News by HANA - Edition 67
Bristol Bites: Brilliant Bristolians
Bristol Bites: Brilliant Bristolians
The votes are in, finally. Well, one vote. Mine. This is a newsletter, not a democracy. Picking out two brilliant Bristolians from the last 12 months was relatively easy. Two standout candidates, working in contrasting fields. One in the realm of haute couture, one in the blood and thunder of rugby.
Bristol Bites Woman of the Year 2025
Imogen Franklin
The energy and enthusiasm behind Smart Works Bristol, the charity that empowers women into the workplace through free high-quality clothing and expert coaching. Imy is a force of nature.
If you’re lucky enough to meet her or any of her team, you’ll soon find out why. Just search Smart Works Bristol online for more information.
Bristol Bites Man of the Year 2025
Ellis Genge
OK. So I am a super-fan of Mr Genge. Guilty as charged. But he is a rugby player of immense talent and an even greater character. The prop of props. The Bear of Bears. A front row forward who puts his neck on the line every time - and with a smile on his face. His charge from the halfway line to score a try against Harlequins will live long in the memory of the Ashton Gate faithful. Mr Bristol.
Good news from Greenland
It’s been a challenging time for Greenlanders. President Trump’s rhetoric has put the cat among the penguins (even though there are, in fact, no penguins on Greenland), but you get the gist.
Hold on, though! An icy crumb of comfort. Bristol’s brainy brilliance stretches as far as the world’s largest island (Australia counts as a continent).
The University of Bristol has undertaken extensive research on Greenland, primarily through its Bristol Glaciology Centre and the Cabot Institute, focusing on ice sheet melting, sea level rise, subglacial systems (like methane release), microbial life, and cloud impacts using remote sensing, modelling, and field studies.
A few points spring to mind.
Who knew that glaciology was a word?
I have been accused of methane release after a rip-roaring curry. But I think my contribution to ice sheet melting was minimal.
Bristol’s intellectual expertise and endeavour know no bounds.
Outsized Bank of America cheque books will probably out-trump the use of special forces to seize an autonomous nation for the defence and, er, enrichment of the US.
But Uncle Sam should beware Bristol Uni researchers disrupted in the course of their important work. They may look like Harry Potter and Hermione Granger. But they know where the methane lies. You don’t want your sheets melting, do you? It’s a highly flammable situation, after all.
Rhidian Wynn Davies | Editor in Chief
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Databox
This week, we focus on culture and heritage. The stuff that makes us feel cuddly, warm and nostalgic. Not the annoying stuff like work, cold weather and dealing with stroppy kids who appear to have forgotten how spoilt they were over Christmas. Here we go.
Engaged with the arts. Bristol 92%, a smidge above the national local authority average of 91% in 2024
Visited a heritage site. Bristol 70%, slightly better than the national local authority average of 67% in 2024
Visited a museum or gallery. Bristol 55%, comfortably ahead of the national local authority average of 42% in 2024
Visited a public library. Bristol 26%. A tad above the national local authority average of 25%
So, compared with the rest of the country, Bristolians are culture vultures. But only just.
Source: Office for National Statistics
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
Travel Update for midday 9 Jan 2026
CrossCountry has cancelled a number of services this morning because of “severe weather”, affecting routes between Cheltenham Spa and Swindon, Bristol Temple Meads and Cheltenham Spa, and Cheltenham Spa and Bristol Parkway.
In Gloucestershire, a light dusting of snow has led to several school closures. Forest View Primary School, SGS Forest High School and St White’s School in Cinderford are closed to students due to poor conditions.
Some Great Western Railway (GWR) trains calling at Bristol Temple Meads and Bristol Parkway have also been cancelled, including services on the Paignton and Edinburgh routes.
If you’re travelling today, it’s worth checking before you set off.
One of UK’s largest concert instruments will sound again after being restored to glory The Guardian - January 8, 2026 The Britton organ, a monumental 14-meter instrument with over 5,000 pipes, has been restored and is set to make its triumphant return at the newly revamped Bristol Beacon after eight years of silence. To foster community engagement, residents can join a choir in February and young organists are being trained through a scholarship program, ensuring the organ's legacy continues to inspire future generations. |
Police investigating after body found in St Judes area of Bristol BBC News - January 7, 2026 Avon and Somerset Police are investigating the death of a 40-year-old man found in Bristol, linked to a missing person case, after he was reported missing on December 29. Two men, aged 43 and 61, were arrested on suspicion of murder but have since been released on police bail, as Inspector John Shaddick offers condolences to the grieving family. |
Waitrose to create 550 jobs for new Bristol warehouse as it eyes expansion The Independent - January 7, 2026 Waitrose is set to open a new sustainable warehouse in Avonmouth, Bristol, in early 2027, creating 550 jobs and enhancing delivery efficiency for its South West shops. With a £1 billion investment aimed at brand growth and supply chain automation, the grocer's market share has risen to 4.7%, alongside a notable increase in average spending per trip. |
Bristol Old Vic Theatre School revives undergraduate training The Stage is a go-to platform for theatre lovers, offering trusted news, reviews, and insights with free access to five articles upon registration. For just £7.99 a month, subscribers can unlock unlimited award-winning journalism, over 1,000 reviews, breaking news, and exclusive discounts on events. |
England’s Katie Robinson poised for shock move from Aston Villa to Bristol City The Guardian - January 7, 2026 England winger Katie Robinson is making a surprising move from Aston Villa to Bristol City, where she began her career, after completing a medical. The 23-year-old, who was the youngest squad member at the 2023 World Cup, is expected to be a key addition for Bristol City as they chase promotion in WSL2. |
Bristol hoteliers 'cautiously optimistic' about 2026 Yahoo News - January 6, 2026 Hoteliers in Bristol are cautiously optimistic about 2026, anticipating a boost from upcoming events like the Bristol Light Festival and Six Nations Rugby in Cardiff. Despite recent financial challenges, industry leaders are hopeful for recovery in the tourism sector, focusing on enhancing guest experiences to attract more visitors. |
Hunt for two prisoners continues as a third escapee is charged BBC News - January 3, 2026 Aaron Thomas, 39, has been charged with escaping from HMP Leyhill on New Year's Day alongside convicted murderer Matthew Armstrong and Daniel Washbourne, who remain at large. Police are actively searching for the duo, releasing CCTV footage to aid in their capture. |
Sport
Bristol Bears
The Bears travel to Pretoria this weekend to face the Blue Bulls in the Investec Champions Cup. The Loftus Versfeld is a decent enough stadium, but Pretoria ranks as one of the most boring places this correspondent has ever had the misfortune to visit.
We can only pray that coach Pat Lam steals Bristol superstars LRZ and Genge’s passports so they can’t travel to the Northern Transvaal. It’s a waste of their time and a risk to their fitness.
Following the journey back from South Africa, the Bears front up against Bordeaux Begles in the Champions Cup at Ashton Gate on Sunday, 18 January. Bordeaux are a decent side (fourth in the French Top 14 league). But a 1pm kickoff could be to Bristol’s advantage and have Mr Genge licking his lunchtime lips.
Bristol City
After the glory of a 5-0 victory over Portsmouth, the gloom of a 2-0 defeat at Ashton Gate to promotion rivals Preston North End.
The loss was a bitter blow and leaves the Robins 10th in the Championship. Only two points off a playoff place, but with a lot of traffic ahead of them. 2026 will require City to march through some hard yards.
Next up it’s the FA Cup third round. The Robins face a tough tie against Watford, albeit at home, tomorrow evening (5.45pm).
Championship table troubles
6th) Watford (41 pts)
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7th) Hull City (41 pts)
8th) Stoke City (40 pts)
9th) Wrexham (40 pts)
10th) Bristol City (39 pts)
Bristol Rovers
The Gas have risen above the immediate threat of relegation from League Two. The 3-0 away win against Shrewsbury came as a welcome surprise. It hauled Rovers four points clear of the drop spots.
Next up is a third round EFL Trophy clash against Plymouth Argyle on Tuesday night (7pm). Do not expect a capacity crowd at the Mem.
The Plank lengthens for the Pirates. For now
20th) Bristol Rovers (21 pts)
21st) Crawley (19 pts)
22nd) Shrewsbury (19 pts)
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23rd) Newport (17 pts)
24th) Harrogate (17 pts)
Property news
UK house prices rise by least since March 2024, Halifax data shows Reuters - British house prices saw a modest 0.3% increase in the year leading up to December, the slowest growth since March 2024, as rising interest rates, inflation, and cost-of-living pressures dampen buyer demand and affordability. This slowdown signals a cautious shift in the housing market amid broader economic uncertainties. |
Bristol hits housing record but some slam homes as ‘not truly affordable’ Yahoo News - January 8, 2026 Bristol has achieved a record 286 affordable home completions in the first half of last year, with Bristol City Council leading outside London, but faces ongoing challenges such as limited land and high costs amidst rising homelessness concerns. As the city grapples with a housing shortfall of over 5,000 homes, critics question whether current developments truly meet community needs or simply lead to overpriced flats. |
What's happening to house prices? Which? - April 22, 2024 UK house prices have seen a modest annual increase of 1.7% as of October 2025, with an average price of £269,862, but experienced a slight month-on-month decline of 0.1%. Despite mixed regional trends and ongoing challenges in housing transactions, experts predict a potential decrease in mortgage rates in the coming year, offering hope for buyers. |
Revealed: best buy-to-let areas set to boom in 2026 Simply Business UK - January 5, 2026 The UK buy-to-let market is thriving, with Manchester leading the way for landlord insurance growth at 8.6%, followed by Liverpool and Leicester, while Edinburgh tops the HMO sector with a 14% increase. As portfolio landlords focus on high-demand cities like London and Birmingham, understanding tenant demographics becomes essential for optimising investments. |
Big university town to crack down on shared housing The Negotiator - January 8, 2026 Bristol City Council is considering extending Article 4 Directions to require planning permission for converting family homes into Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) amid rising rents and a high student population. This move aims to address neighbourhood issues like parking and waste management while balancing the demand for shared accommodation in the city. |
Discover the 13 Bristol businesses for sale in January 2026, including The Bull Inn Bristol boasts an exciting array of 13 businesses for sale, including the popular Bull Inn pub, offering lucrative opportunities across hospitality, food and beverage, and retail sectors. With its vibrant community and growing economy, Bristol is an ideal location for investors and entrepreneurs looking to make their mark. |
Muse appointed as partner for £4bn Bristol regeneration UKREiiF - January 8, 2026 Muse has been appointed as the private-sector partner for Bristol's £4 billion Temple Quarter regeneration project, set to transform 130–135 hectares of brownfield land into 10,000 new homes and over 22,000 jobs, boosting the local economy by £1.6 billion annually. With a £95 million government grant secured for essential infrastructure upgrades, the initiative is a collaborative effort led by Bristol Temple Quarter LLP, which includes key stakeholders like Bristol City Council and Network Rail. |
What’s on in Bristol this weekend?
Friday 9th January
Saturday, 10th January
Punk Legends Night: Discharge, Subhumans, GBH, and Conflict perform at The Fleece. A high-energy punk reunion show. Source: https://www.songkick.com/metro-areas/24521-uk-bristol/2026
Getdown Services at Trinity Centre. Source: https://www.songkick.com/metro-areas/24521-uk-bristol/2026
Wren and Slow Mass Jake Healy at The Basement, Bristol Exchange. Source: https://www.songkick.com/metro-areas/24521-uk-bristol/2026
John OO Fleming (with Matt Bird) at Death Disco. Source: https://www.songkick.com/metro-areas/24521-uk-bristol/2026
Meet Your Feet at Thekla. Source: https://www.songkick.com/metro-areas/24521-uk-bristol/2026
Sunday, 11th January
Sophie & The Sticks (with India Arkin) at The Fleece. Source: https://www.songkick.com/metro-areas/24521-uk-bristol/2026
Other Ongoing or Weekend Activities
BIMM Music Institute Bristol Undergraduate Open Day (Saturday, January 10) – A chance to explore the music college. Source: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/d/united-kingdom--bristol/events/
All photos are credited to source articles or Mark Riley unless otherwise specified.
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