Bristol News by HANA Edition 9

"Keep the poo in the loo": "Close encounters of the turd kind"

Bristol News by HANA Edition 9

"Keep the poo In the loo": "Close encounters of the turd kind"

From the Editor

In her cupboard at home, my girlfriend has an array of teas labelled ‘Inner Harmony’, ‘Himalaya’, and ‘Ashwagandha Balance’. Herbal remedies are designed to instil values of calm and ultimately reflect the environment she endeavours to create around herself. I wonder what tea would live in the cupboard of a water company executive? Perhaps ‘Corporate Greed’, ‘E. coli’, and ‘Unaccountability’?

We can only speculate on that. But, thanks to HANA News, we need not speculate on the national anti-pollution scandal and Bristol’s place at the protest in London last weekend. This problem has taken 30 years to build and may take a generation to fix. Read our feature here.

Elsewhere in this week’s edition: Police continue to investigate suspected human remains found in a field in North Bristol, and IDLES announce that their only UK gig in 2025 will be right here in their home city.

Louis Inglis | Bristol Editor

The tower of the Wills Memorial Building on Park Street

This week in Bristol

  • Human remains discovery in Bristol: Suspected human remains were found in a quiet cul-de-sac, leading to extensive emergency and forensic investigations starting November 5th. The area is cordoned off, and authorities are urging the public for information.

  • Dr. Paul Stephenson's passing: Dr. Stephenson, a leader in the British civil rights movement and known for the 1963 Bristol Bus Boycott, passed away at 87. He played a crucial role in dismantling racial barriers, and his legacy lives on in race relations legislation.

  • Bristol Central Library incident: A glazing bar fell from the library’s roof, narrowly missing a reader, leading to a quick evacuation. The historic building, undergoing maintenance, remains boarded up as safety investigations continue.

  • New materials at the ISS: Researchers from the University of Bristol have sent high-performance materials to the ISS for testing in extreme conditions. These innovations aim to enhance spacecraft resilience, marking a major step for space exploration.

  • IDLES to headline Bristol festival: The band IDLES will headline a new festival in Queen Square on August 1-2, 2025, with special guests and DJs. Tickets go on sale on November 8th.

  • Sheffield United victory at Ashton Gate: Chris Wilder praised Sheffield United's resilience after a dramatic last-minute win against Bristol City. Despite challenges, his team's grit secured a 3-2 victory.

Databox

  • The University of Bristol estimates that most students spend between £9,000 - £15,000 per year, including accommodation.

  • The average starting salary for University of Bristol graduates is reported to be around £33,500-£34,000 per year. This puts Bristol graduates among the highest paid in the UK shortly after graduating.

Colourful banners, cries of “No more poo!” and a sea of blue shirts flooded the banks of the Thames in Westminster on the weekend. HANA News joined anti-pollution groups from Bristol and around the country, who continue to petition the government and call out water companies for dumping sewage into rivers. Read all about it here.

Scroll down for property news and more things to do in Bristol this weekend…

Protesters on Old Market Street in August

Hyper-local news articles

'Human remains' found in Bristol field next to quiet cul-de-sac as emergency crews rush to scene

Date: 2024-11-06 11:26:00 | Reading Time: 2 minutes | Source: The Mirror 

In a quiet cul-de-sac in Bristol, suspected human remains have been discovered, prompting an extensive response from emergency services and forensic teams. The exploration of the area began after a member of the public alerted the police on November 5th, leading to ongoing investigations to determine the identity of the remains and the cause of death, which is currently classified as unexplained. Residents have reported a significant police presence, with the area cordoned off for safety and further examination. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact them as they continue their investigation. 

Dr Paul Stephenson: Civil rights campaigner and leading figure of Bristol Bus Boycott dies

Date: 2024-11-03 23:29:00 | Reading Time: 3 minutes | Source: Sky News

Dr Paul Stephenson, a pivotal figure in the British civil rights movement, has passed away at the age of 87 after a battle with Parkinson’s disease and dementia. Known for leading the Bristol Bus Boycott in 1963, Dr Stephenson’s tireless activism helped dismantle racial barriers and paved the way for the first Race Relations Act just two years later. His legacy lives on in the legislation he influenced and the countless lives he touched through his unwavering commitment to equality. As his family put it, Dr Stephenson was "a true pioneer" inspiring generations to fight for a fairer world. 

Two-metre bar crashes through glass ceiling at Bristol library narrowly missing readers

Date: 2024-11-06 18:04:00 | Reading Time: 3 minutes | Source: Bristol Post 

A dramatic incident occurred at the Central Library in Bristol when a two-metre glazing bar fell from the historic roof, narrowly missing a reader in the Reading Room. Thankfully, no injuries were reported as staff quickly evacuated the area, ensuring everyone's safety amid the chaos. The ongoing roof work, which involved maintenance on the Grade I-listed building, triggered this scare, but the library has since been boarded up for preventive measures during the investigation. The council has apologised for the distress caused and is committed to ensuring the safety of all visitors.

Scientists’ ‘next-generation’ space materials arrive at ISS

Date: 2024-11-07 14:44:52 | Reading Time: 4 minutes | Source: University of Bristol

Exciting developments are underway as a new generation of high-performance materials docked at the International Space Station (ISS) for testing under the extreme conditions of low Earth orbit. Developed by researchers at the University of Bristol, these innovative materials, designed to withstand harsh temperatures and cosmic radiation, could pave the way for sustainable space travel and colonisation of new planets. As these materials undergo rigorous tests over the next 12 to 18 months, scientists are hopeful they will significantly enhance the durability and resilience of future spacecraft. This launch, resulting from five years of dedicated research, symbolises a major leap forward in our quest for long-term space exploration.

IDLES' only UK gig for 2025 will be at new music event

Date: 2024-11-07 14:44:51 | Reading Time: 1 minute | Source: BBC

IDLES is set to headline an exciting new music festival in Bristol's Queen Square, happening over two nights on August 1 and 2, 2025. The post-punk band will be joined by special guests, live acts, and DJs, making it a vibrant celebration of music and community. Festival organisers Daniel Ealam and Scott O’Neill noted that partnering with Idles reflects the band’s resilience and deep connection to Bristol. Mark your calendars—tickets go on sale on November 8th! 🎶 

Chris Wilder names the moment that ‘poked the bear’ in Bristol City defeat to Sheffield United

Date: 2024-11-07 08:24:00 | Reading Time: 3 minutes | Source: Bristol Post 

In an exhilarating match at Ashton Gate, Sheffield United’s boss, Chris Wilder, praised his team's bravery after they snatched a dramatic 98th-minute winner from Harrison Burrows, sealing a 3-2 victory against Bristol City. Despite facing a one-goal deficit and a late red card, the Blades responded with grit and determination, showcasing their quality in the final minutes. Wilder acknowledged the significant character shown by his players, particularly in navigating a tight contest against competent opponents.

Snapshot of the Bristol skyline from St Phillip’s District

Property news

‘It suddenly became the cool thing to do’: inside Bristol’s thriving ‘Skins’ tourist industry

Time Out United Kingdom - Wed, 06 Nov 2024 00:00:00 GMT

This property has nothing particularly notable, with its contrasting dark brick, light stone and blue front door. 2019’s Sex Education or Euphoria might explore similarly edgy themes, but indie sleaze poster girl Effy did it in ripped fishnets and smudged eyeliner.

Read more at Time Out United Kingdom (8 mins)

'Property stampede' predicted after stamp duty hike in Budget

Bristol Live - Sat, 02 Nov 2024 12:51:32 GMT

The decision means that anyone purchasing a property over this amount could face paying up to £2,500 more in stamp duty land tax. Sarah Coles, Head of personal finance at Hargreaves Lansdown, cautioned: "The Budget is set to cause more property woe."

Read more at Bristol Live (6 mins)

'Radical' neighbourhood in Bristol that's never really existed

Bristol Live - Sat, 02 Nov 2024 05:00:00 GMT

This was smart, urban living 70s-style, and the development won no end of awards, including even one from Belgium. There’s an active community association, but given its proximity to Bristol University, much of it is now occupied by students, most of whom probably have no idea what a radical new design it was in its time.

Read more at Bristol Live (3 mins)

Alex Chinneck’s sculpture near the Avon at BT Assembly

What’s on in Bristol this weekend?

All photos are credited to Louis Inglis unless otherwise specified.

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