Headlines: Tributes, bonfires and Bewick's swans

A portrait image of Paul Stephenson smiling at the camera wearing a coat, shirt and tieImage source, PA
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Tributes poured in for civil rights campaigner Dr Paul Stephenson who died aged 87

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As the colder months draw in, bonfire and firework night festivities have been warmly welcomed in the headlines this week.

Events across the West Country lit up the skies but there was also irresponsible behaviour by some as a Lidl store was forced to close after fireworks were set off in its entrance, external.

Elsewhere, tributes to Bristol civil rights campaigner Dr Paul Stephenson continued to pour in after his death at the age of 87.

ITVX reported, external he had fought a "courageous battle" with Parkinson's disease and dementia.

Image source, Yate Heritage Centre
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An exhibition offered a look into life at the old Hotpoint factory in Somerset

An End Of An Era exhibition for the old Hotpoint factory in Somerset was covered by Yate and Sodbury Voice, external.

It said the manufacturing base was "such a key part of life" in Yate throughout the 20th Century.

Image source, Family handout
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Don and Terri Turner were found dead after flooding hit Valencia

Bristol Live reported on the death of a British couple, external that went missing in Valencia after heavy flooding hit Spain.

Don Turner, 78, and wife Terri, 74, from Bristol, had not been seen since heavy downpours caused flash floods.

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Possible expansion plans for Bristol Airport have been announced

Bristol Airport's chief executive revealed that further expansion plans could be on the horizon.

Dave Lees exclusively told ITV News West Country, external that demand to exceed the existing limit of 12 million passengers a year was growing.

Image source, Google
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Viridor's recycling plant in Avonmouth will close at the end of the year

A massive recycling plant in Avonmouth that employs 120 people is to close down at the end of the year.

Somerset Live reported, external the facility, which is owned by waste management company Viridor, only opened in 2022 and cost £100m to build.

Image source, Cotswold Park Farm
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Cotswold Park Farm is preparing for the Christmas period

With the Christmas period beginning to appear on the horizon, Somerset Council, external released its festive period waste collection times this week.

Cotswold Farm Park, external also announced on Facebook that it would be closed until 21 November to transform the site into a "Christmas wonderland".

Image source, WWT Slimbridge
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The Bewick's swans have started to arrive at Slimbridge

The first Bewick's swans, external have arrived at Slimbridge to settle in for the winter. Primero and Piquet, the first to appear, are relaxing after their epic journey from Russia.

A Reddit thread called 'adopted Bristolians', external has gained a lot of traction.

More than 60 people have shared their stories of "becoming" Bristolian.

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