Bristol News

During Neil Armstrong’s three hours of moon-walking, he found time to do a spot of work for the University of Bristol. Fifty years ago today (July 20), Apollo 11 touched down on the lunar surface, allowing US astronauts to take those historic steps early the following morning. TV viewers across the world watched in awe as Armstrong successfully collected rock samples - but few were as excited as people here in Bristol, for they knew a special gift would be coming their way. Indeed, three months later, the city’s residents had the privilege of seeing the moon dust up close. The opportunity came after a team of scientists at Bristol University won the chance to study the material - with the quiet hope that signs of life would be detected. “I can’t imagine what it must have felt like to crack open that vial, knowing the last time someone handled this it was on the surface of the moon,” said cosmochemist Tim Gregory, 26, who completed his PhD at Bristol … [Read more...] about Moon landing at 50: Bristol University’s link to the giant leap

It seems few weeks pass without the closure of a Bristol shop or restaurant. But one constant in the past 50 years has been Michaels Tailoring, in Ashley Down Road. Italian-born tailor Tarcisio Paniccia owns the shop, and there are few who don't know him for his passion for fashion, charm, and bucket loads of charisma. The 83-year-old is still making suits to measure, and is showing no sign of slowing down His made-to-measure service, custom designing suits for men and women, has seen Mr Paniccia keep clients coming back to his store 45 years later. So, to find out how the famed tailor stitched his way through the swinging 60s and into the new millennia – Bristol Live community reporter Shashana Brown paid him a visit. As soon as you enter Mr Paniccia's store, the nostalgic decor immediately transports you back in time. From the old American sewing machine in the corner, to the fashion magazine clippings pasted across the wall - you cannot help but feel the store's history. 'I … [Read more...] about The Bristol tailor who left Italy in 1963 without telling a soul

Pictures released by Avon Fire and Rescue Service show how Premier Inn Cribbs Causeway has been totally gutted by the blaze. The fire broke out at around 1.27pm on Wednesday, July 17. Three days later, firefighters remain at the scene to dampen down hotspots. Avon Fire and Rescue Service confirmed today the building is being demolished - after bits of it collapsed into the A4018, which is likely to remain closed for the rest of the weekend. A dramatic video captured the fire taking hold, with further footage showing part of the hotel collapse when the blaze was at its worst. Read More Premier Inn fire More than 60 firefighters have been involved in fighting the blaze. It sent smoke high into the skies above Bristol which could be seen from as far away as Totterdown. Avon and Somerset Constabulary declared a major incident due to the fire, as the force was already stretched dealing with Extinction Rebellion protesters. Today, new images show parts of the hotel have been completely … [Read more...] about New dramatic pictures show what’s left of Premier Inn

There was heavy traffic on the M5 on July 19 after a fire broke out in Avonmouth Dock. A picture taken by a witness at around 5am showed flames and a black plume of smoke billowing from the dock. Fire crews from across Bristol were called to the scene to tackle the fire, which affected scrap materials and machinery. There was heavy congestion in both directions on the M5 near Avonmouth due to the fire, according to Highways England. Elsewhere, the M5 was closed for eight miles due to an oil spill. Scroll down to see our updates from throughout the incident If you see anything which we should be covering then make sure to get in touch. You can tweet @BristolLive or email [email protected] If you are on the roads, make sure it is safe and legal to contact us before doing so. You can get all the latest traffic and travel updates by joining our Facebook group .      Read More Today's top stories For the latest news in and around Bristol, check … [Read more...] about As it happened: Industrial fire breaks out near M5

Firefighters have been working at the Premier Inn near Cribbs Causeway for three days after a huge blaze broke out at the hotel. Despite the flames first erupting on Wednesday, July 17 afternoon, crews remain on site today (Saturday, July 20). Demolition work has begun at the hotel following the major fire which caused a section of the building to fall onto the A4018. The major route remains closed in both directions and is not expected to reopen until next week, a number of First Bus services are being diverted. A spokesman for Avon Fire and Rescue said: "Crews are still in attendance at the Premier Inn, Catbrain Lane, Cribbs Causeway. Premier Inn Cribbs Causeway collapses into road - how the fire unfolded View gallery "A turntable aerial appliance remains in attendance looking for and damping down hotspots as demolition takes place." Flames took hold started shortly after 1pm on July 17. Dozens of residents sent their photographs to Bristol Live showing black smoke billowing … [Read more...] about Demolition of Premier Inn Cribbs Causeway underway