Bristol in pictures: International cricket and a rugby derby

Bristol Through Images: Cricket And The Bears

The major rugby union match at Ashton Gate on Friday night didn’t end in Bristol's favor, but the over 17,000 spectators who attended definitely received great value for their ticket.

It was a significant week for travelers in certain areas of north Bristol as the new Ashley Down station was inaugurated, while Halloween festivities are underway throughout the city.

A rainbow appeared above one of the city's secret gems, creating a breathtaking scene. Additionally, there was the exciting occasion of what is likely the largest entertainment venue in the city having its grand opening.

An Exciting Showdown at the Gate: Bristol Bears faced off against Gloucester in a thrilling derby at Ashton Gate on Friday evening, with the visitors narrowly winning a match packed with points, finishing 44-41. Richard Lane was among the Bristol players who scored during the action-packed game.

The SeatUnique Stadium held a one-day international match on Sunday, which was the deciding game in the five-match series between England and Australia. Unfortunately, the weather had an impact on the game, leading to an Australian victory since they were ahead of the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern scoring rate when the match was halted.

Get ready to hop on: The Bristol Ferry Boat has become a well-known presence as it navigates the harbour. This week, the company shared exciting news: starting in November and running through February, they will provide a complimentary harbour tour once a week for local community organizations that assist and support the residents of Bristol.

Teamwork makes tasks easier: The employees at Noah's Ark Zoo Farm, located near Bristol, have been busy picking around 10,000 pumpkins. These pumpkins have been grown sustainably, using the dung from the zoo's elephants and rhinos to enrich the soil.

A tranquil escape: Henleaze Lake is a members-exclusive natural retreat situated on the edge of Henleaze and Southmead. During the summer months, it's a refreshing getaway from the urban heat, yet even in winter, some resilient swimmers still dive into its waters despite the cooler temperatures. Alison Kay captured this beautiful photo of a rainbow arching over the lake, which has been open since 1919.

Catching Up: Just two guys from Bristol having a casual chat. Ellis Genge, a player for the Bristol Bears and the England squad, met with Joe Sims, a presenter for BBC Radio Bristol and an actor, in Knowle after Genge renewed his contract with his local team. You can listen to their conversation here.

Attention everyone: The newly constructed Ashley Down rail station opened its doors on Friday. This new stop is located on the route connecting Temple Meads and Filton Abbey Wood.

The wait is finally over: The newly opened station at Ashley Down follows the launch of the Portway Park and Ride Station in the summer of 2023, marking the first new station in the city in a hundred years.

Are you all set? Speaking of new beginnings, the venue expected to be the largest in the city has officially launched this weekend. The Prospect Building, located just a short stroll from Temple Meads on Feeder Road, covers an impressive 25,000 square feet and features various spaces within. Managed by AMAAD, the team responsible for festivals like Junction 2 and Love Supreme, the venue aims to become a central spot for music, arts, and events right in the city's core.

Then the rain arrived: This week has seen a lot of flooding, with the M5 closed and drivers stuck, along with familiar areas in the city, like the underpass at Lawrence Hill roundabout, facing flooding issues again.

**Honoring Achievements:** Detective Stuart Brooks received the title of Detective of the Year during the first-ever Recognition Awards held by the Avon and Somerset Police Federation. A fellow detective praised him, stating, "He is the finest detective I have ever collaborated with."

One of his significant cases involved securing a conviction against a former prison guard who had violently mistreated many children at the Eastwood Park juvenile detention center during the 1970s and 1980s.

Big dreams: At the Goals five-a-side centers located in north and south Bristol, thousands of players enjoy casual games on fields named after iconic stadiums like Wembley, the Maracana, and in Brislington, the Nou Camp. On Thursday, Steve Moore and his friends gave it their all, trying to channel their inner Lionel Messi.

Street art: On Wednesday, two fresh artworks debuted in Bristol. One features a red teddy bear hanging from the Gaol Ferry Bridge, which connects the northern and southern parts of the city across the River Avon. The other depicts a child with a "dunce" cap sitting atop a building overlooking Stokes Croft. The artist, James Colomina, shared his thoughts on both pieces.

Breaking News: The proposal for a new health center in Bedminster has received the green light. The project will involve transforming the old HSBC building, the pharmacy, and the previous William Hill betting shop into a new facility for Omega Dental, potentially accommodating an additional 2,000 patients.