Western Daily Press (Saturday)
The Queen and the spaceman
THE Queen has highlighted probably the most essential fact when planning a trip into outer space – the importance of returning home.
Experts and schoolchildren joined the Queen in a virtual event to mark British Science Week, showcasing the latest pictures from Nasa’s mission to Mars and classroom rockets made by the pupils.
An image of the Winchcombe meteorite that recently fell to earth in the Gloucestershire town of the same name was shown to the Queen, who said: “I’m glad it didn’t hit anyone.”
The video call symposium was held on Wednesday, just a few days after the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s bombshell interview in which they accused the royal family of racism and a lack of support.
The Queen met the first man in space – Russian cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin – in 1961 soon after his historic mission, and when she was asked during the video call what he was like, she made everyone laugh by replying: “Russian.”
She explained he did not speak English, and added: “It was very interesting to meet him, and I suppose being the first one, it was particularly fascinating.”
Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock, a scientist
and co-presenter on the BBC’s The Sky At Night programme, said of Gagarin: “It must have been very terrifying to be the first one, and not really knowing what was going to happen.”
The Queen quipped: “Well, yes – and if you could come back again. That’s very important.”
Gagarin went on a world tour soon after his space mission in April 1961 and was invited to lunch at Buckingham Palace by the Queen, and he
also met then prime minister Harold Macmillan.
Dr Aderin-Pocock said after the video call with the Queen: “When I mentioned Yuri Gagarin to her I couldn’t believe her answer. It was not what I expected, she made us all laugh.
“She has a wonderful sense of humour and it makes you realise, given the fact that he died in 1968, how long she has been our monarch. She is living history, in fact.”
ANIGHT-TIME tsar has been appointed to help Bristol’s entertainment and hospitality industry recover from the Covid-19 pandemic.
Carly Heath, who will take up the role at the start of next month, will “champion” Bristol’s clubs, pubs, restaurants and events venues – and those who work in them, Bristol City Council said.
Ms Heath will work closely with the mayor’s Office and city partners. She will also take over the role of chair of the ‘Bristol@Night’ group – an independent advisory panel tackling the challenges facing the sector.
According to Bristol City Council, the focus of Ms Heath’s role will be to spearhead the recovery of the nighttime economy in Bristol, offer support to organisations and help the wider local economy to rebuild.
Among her early tasks, it said, would be the development of a roadmap to support Bristol’s cultural venues, bars, restaurants and clubs.
“This position is a unique opportunity to amplify the voice of our night-time economy and connect with businesses, city officials, developers, and the wider public,” said Ms Heath.
“Promoting a vibrant nightlife is important for tourism and also for the social fabric of the city as a space to congregate and share ideas. Independent restaurants, venues, bars and clubs are the beating heart of Bristol’s culture.
“I’m passionate about the businesses that operate from 6pm-6am and I look forward to helping guide Bristol’s night-time economy as we move on from the challenges of lockdown.”
Ms Heath has 20 years’ experience within the industry, including as founder of Don’t Panic Bristol, a marketing agency that worked with city venues to promote events, and co-founder and trustee of community festival Brisfest.
She has worked at city centre concert hall Bristol Beacon and on thousands of music events throughout the city.
She was also part of the research team at the University of West of England studying the effects of the pandemic on cultural industries.
Cllr Nicola Beech, cabinet member for strategic design and city planning, said the council was looking to “quickly reverse” the impact Covid has had on culture, music and the night-time economy.
“Having seen such a devastating impact across our city to businesses and individual talent alike, we are delighted that Carly has accepted the role,” she said.
“With Carly acting as a champion for the sector and for the city we will rebuild Bristol’s reputation as a leading, internationally-celebrated destination for both residents and visitors to enjoy.”
Marti Burgess, co-chair of the Bristol@Night panel and owner of Lakota, added: “Carly has a deep understanding of Bristol’s night-time economy and also how it crosses over into the wider culture sector. She shows an infectious enthusiasm and passion for a sector which is so important to Bristol’s identity.”