Heidi Barden - Bishop’s Stortford Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal

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Heidi Barden returns to the podcast to talk about her work volunteering with the Royal British Legion and helping to organise the Bishop’s Stortford Poppy Appeal.

The poppies might become most visible around Remembrance, but the work starts much earlier. Heidi explains what goes on behind the scenes, why the team needs new volunteers every year and how even a single two-hour supermarket shift can make a difference. The appeal currently covers Tesco, Aldi, Sainsbury’s in Thorley and Jackson Square, Waitrose, with Lidl potentially joining the list.

Heidi also shares why the cause means so much to her, including a powerful encounter while volunteering at London Poppy Day that put her own contribution into perspective. She explains where the money raised goes, the many ways people can support the local branch, and why knitted and crocheted poppies are always gratefully received.

Date: Saturday 24 October
Location: Jackson Square, Bishop’s Stortford

The launch brings together veterans, emergency services, dignitaries and the public before just over two weeks of collections across the town.

The Bishop’s Stortford Royal British Legion branch is looking for volunteers to help cover supermarket collection shifts.

Shifts are generally two hours, and people can volunteer for as much or as little time as they are able to give.

Heidi recommends contacting the branch through its Facebook page or the dedicated Poppy Appeal contact details.

Poppy Appeal Organiser - Paul Vile

Email - [email protected]

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100071220533148

The team also welcomes knitted and crocheted poppies, with patterns available through the Royal British Legion website.
https://branches.britishlegion.org.uk/branches/bishops-stortford

Belle’s Place

https://bellesplaceholistic.co.uk/

Heidi describes Belle’s Place as much more than a business, praising it as a community hub that brings people together and supports a wide range of local activities.

The Bishop’s Stortford Independent

https://www.bishopsstortfordindependent.co.uk/

Heidi highlights the Indy for championing local causes, knowing the people behind the stories and genuinely caring about the Bishop’s Stortford community.

Sue Tillett from All About You Makeup Artist

https://allaboutyou.uk.com/

Heidi describes Sue as great fun, a champion of women and someone who helps people feel confident and ready for important occasions. Her verdict: “You can never have enough Sue in your life.”

This episode is brought to you by:

StortAI:
https://stortai.com/

StortBox:
https://stortbox.co.uk/

Bishop's Stortford Community Newsletter:
https://bishops-stortford-community-newsletter.beehiiv.com/

Kevin Barr is a piano mentor, music teacher, songwriter and author working across Essex and East Hertfordshire.

In this episode, Kevin talks about teaching piano as something far bigger than exams, scales and grades. For him, music is about emotion, creativity, confidence and building something people can enjoy for life.

Kevin also shares a powerful story from his teenage years, when playing music in an old folks’ home helped him understand the impact a song can have on someone’s life. He also talks about teaching people of all ages, supporting music in schools, helping students write their first pieces, and encouraging more people to believe in their own creativity.

Links

Kevin Barr Music:
https://kevinbarrmusic.com/

CMD Collective:
https://cmdcollective.com/

Phoenix 98 FM:
Kevin will also be presenting on Phoenix 98 FM on Sundays.

Stortford Spotlight

Billboard in Jackson Square

“Never stop believing in what you’re capable of.”

Kevin chose this as a message for anyone with a dream, idea or creative spark who has not yet given themselves permission to pursue it.

Secret Spot

Stortford Fields

Kevin chose Stortford Fields because he sees children playing outside, connecting with each other and enjoying being children.

Local Legends

Local restaurants and independent businesses

Kevin gave a wider shout out to the local restaurants, shops and traders that help create community spirit in Bishop’s Stortford.

Support the Podcast

You can support The Bishop’s Stortford Community Podcast through The Giving Lottery.

Every ticket helps fund equipment, recording time, and the ongoing work of telling local stories while also supporting good causes.

Support here:
https://www.givinglottery.org.uk/support/bishops-stortford-community-podcast-cic

This episode is brought to you by:

StortAI:
https://stortai.com/

StortBox:
https://stortbox.co.uk/

Bishop's Stortford Community Newsletter:
https://bishops-stortford-community-newsletter.beehiiv.com/

Ian coordinates Tidy Up Bishop’s Stortford, better known as TUBS, a volunteer group that has been clearing litter around the town for around 15 years.

In this episode, Ian explains how TUBS started after a conversation with John Barford, how a small council grant helped buy the first litter pickers, hoops, gloves and high-vis jackets, and how the group now has around 220 volunteers.

He also talks about how TUBS chooses the worst-affected parts of town, supports local events such as Bish Bash and Forces Day, and lends equipment to schools, Scouts, Cubs, Beavers and Guides. Ian also explains how families, businesses and local groups can get involved, including short-term equipment loans for anyone who wants to clear up a specific part of Bishop’s Stortford.

Links

Tidy Up Bishop’s Stortford:
https://tubs12.info/

Volunteer

TUBS runs regular litter picks around Bishop’s Stortford.

Next planned pick:

Second Saturday in September

Bishop’s Park area

Meet at Tesco

Short-term equipment loans are also available for families or local groups who want to clear a specific area.

100th Pick

TUBS expects to reach its 100th litter pick in 2027.

Ian would like to hear from any local sponsor interested in supporting that milestone.

Stortford Spotlight

Billboard in Jackson Square

“You drop the litter, we pick it up.”

Ian chose this as a direct message to anyone currently dropping litter around Bishop’s Stortford.

Secret Spot

Bailey Hills at Wickham Hall https://baileyhills.co.uk/

Ian chose the vineyard at Wickham Hall for its lovely setting, food and wine tasting.

Local Legends

Jim Tatchell and Helping Herts https://www.helpingherts.com/

Ian gave a shout out to Jim Tatchell from Helping Herts for raising money to support young people across Hertfordshire.

VolMatch https://volmatch.org/

Ian also mentioned VolMatch, the volunteering website helping connect people with local opportunities.

Support the Podcast

You can support The Bishop’s Stortford Community Podcast through The Giving Lottery.

Every ticket helps fund equipment, recording time, and the ongoing work of telling local stories while also supporting good causes.

Support here:
https://www.givinglottery.org.uk/support/bishops-stortford-community-podcast-cic

This episode is brought to you by:

StortAI:
https://stortai.com/

StortBox:
https://stortbox.co.uk/

Bishop's Stortford Community Newsletter:
https://bishops-stortford-community-newsletter.beehiiv.com/

Genevieve Sweeney is a luxury British knitwear designer who grew up in Bishop’s Stortford, went to Herts and Essex, and now works from Grandey’s Place.

In this episode, Genevieve talks about learning to knit from the age of five, studying knitwear at Nottingham Trent University, working with global brands, and later returning to Bishop’s Stortford to build her own brand.

She explains what makes luxury knitwear different, from high-quality certified yarns to slow fashion, hand-linked construction and pieces designed to last for years. Genevieve also shares why she is passionate about British manufacturing, heritage craft and passing specialist skills on to the next generation through her apprentice and her work at Grandey’s Place.

Links

Genevieve Sweeney:
https://genevievesweeney.com/

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/genevievesweeney/

Studio:
Grandey’s Place: https://www.grandeysplace.co.uk/

Stortford Spotlight

Billboard in Jackson Square

“For every £1 spent with local independent shops, 63p stays in the local community.”

Genevieve chose this as a reminder to support local independents, whether buying a birthday card, clothing or everyday items.

Secret Spot

Piasa - https://paisawinebar.com/

Genevieve gave a shout out to Piasa cocktail bar.

Hertfordshire Nails https://www.instagram.com/hertfordshirenailsandbeauty

Genevieve also highlighted Hertfordshire Nails in Florence Walk.

Stortford Barbers https://www.instagram.com/stortfordbarbers/

Genevieve recommended Stortford Barbers near Grange Paddocks, especially for children’s haircuts.

Local Legends

Grandey’s Place https://www.instagram.com/grandeysplace/

Genevieve chose Grandey’s Place for its community of makers and heritage crafts, including globemaking, ceramics, stained glass, micro bakery work and other specialist skills.

Support the Podcast

You can support The Bishop’s Stortford Community Podcast through The Giving Lottery.

Every ticket helps fund equipment, recording time, and the ongoing work of telling local stories while also supporting good causes.

Support here:
https://www.givinglottery.org.uk/support/bishops-stortford-community-podcast-cic

This episode is brought to you by:

StortAI:
https://stortai.com/

StortBox:
https://stortbox.co.uk/

Bishop's Stortford Community Newsletter:
https://bishops-stortford-community-newsletter.beehiiv.com/

Estelle Kerby is the founder of Studio Mindset, a branding and Squarespace website design business working with local and international clients.

Originally from Bordeaux, Estelle trained as a designer, studied in Birmingham and later worked in London and Hong Kong before building Studio Mindset here in Bishop’s Stortford. She now helps established businesses improve how they present themselves online, especially when their branding or website no longer reflects the quality of their work.

In this episode, Estelle talks about why business owners often feel embarrassed to share outdated websites, how personal taste can get in the way of effective branding, and why a good brand needs to serve the audience rather than simply reflect the owner. She also explains her design process, her faster website-in-a-week approach, and how she helps clients create a more consistent journey from logo and colour through to website, social media and merchandise.

Links

Studio Mindset:
https://studio-mindset.com/

Stortford Spotlight

Billboard in Jackson Square

“Don’t wait for perfect. Ose.”

Estelle chose this as a reminder to take action rather than waiting until everything feels perfect. “Ose” comes from the French verb meaning to dare.

Secret Spot

Friends Dress Agency - https://friendsdressagency.com/

Estelle chose Friends Dress Agency on North Street, run by Victoria, for its personal service, strong eye for style and local approach to selling pre-loved clothes.

Local Legends

Shelby Pearce - https://www.welcometothejunglesoftplay.co.uk/

Estelle gave a shout out to Shelby Pearce for creating and growing high-quality local businesses, including nurseries and soft play spaces, while also supporting employment and the wider town.

Support the Podcast

You can support The Bishop’s Stortford Community Podcast through The Giving Lottery.

Every ticket helps fund equipment, recording time, and the ongoing work of telling local stories while also supporting good causes.

Support here:
https://www.givinglottery.org.uk/support/bishops-stortford-community-podcast-cic

This episode is brought to you by:

StortAI:
https://stortai.com/

StortBox:
https://stortbox.co.uk/

Bishop's Stortford Community Newsletter:
https://bishops-stortford-community-newsletter.beehiiv.com/

Kate Owen-Jones is a local musician, saxophone and clarinet teacher, sound bath practitioner and jazz performer based in Bishop’s Stortford.

In this episode, Kate talks about her background in jazz, contemporary and popular music, her years of teaching, and the joy of helping people build confidence through learning an instrument. She also shares memories of playing alongside British jazz saxophonist Don Rendell and explains the role music has played throughout her life.

Kate also introduces her monthly sound baths at Belle’s Place, where people can relax with Tibetan singing bowls, chimes, voice, shamanic drum, gentle visuals and herbal tea. She also talks about the free monthly jazz jam she runs at The Half Moon, open to musicians and audience members who want to enjoy live jazz in Bishop’s Stortford.

Links

Kate Owen-Jones Music Lessons:
https://www.katesaxophone.com/

Sound Baths - https://natural-therapies.co.uk/

Last Thursday of every month

Belle’s Place, Bishop’s Stortford

Bring a yoga mat or something comfortable to lie on, plus a blanket and pillow.

Jazz Jam

First Sunday of every month

2:00pm to 5:00pm

The Half Moon, Bishop’s Stortford

Free to attend. Musicians and audience members are welcome.

Lotus Jazz Quintet

Kate also plays with the Lotus Jazz Quintet.

Illumination by The Lotus Jazz Quintet on iTunes.
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/4SJjn60LDrrH1Q1dvZfSZe
AmazonMusic: https://music.amazon.co.uk/albums/B0GZ8T4R91

Stortford Spotlight

Billboard in Jackson Square

“One love.”

Kate chose this as a message about bringing people together, supporting each other and being kinder in a divided world.

Secret Spot

Ikuro https://ikurapanasain.co.uk/

Kate chose Ikuro, the Japanese restaurant in Bishop’s Stortford, for its fresh food, friendly atmosphere and good options for gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan diners.

Local Legends

Natalie Anne Counselling - https://natalieannecounselling.com/

Kate gave a shout out to her friend Natalie, who has recently become a counsellor and is starting to support clients locally.

Heidi Barden and the Menopause Café

Kate also highlighted Heidi Barden and the Menopause Café at Café Thyme for creating a welcoming, free social space where people can talk, listen, learn and connect.

Support the Podcast:
https://www.givinglottery.org.uk/support/bishops-stortford-community-podcast-cic

This episode is brought to you by:

StortAI:
https://stortai.com/

StortBox:
https://stortbox.co.uk/

Bishop's Stortford Community Newsletter:
https://bishops-stortford-community-newsletter.beehiiv.com/

Joe Clark runs The Bull Inn in Much Hadham, a refurbished village pub around 15 minutes from Bishop’s Stortford, serving restaurant-quality food in a warm country pub setting.

In this episode, Joe talks about the work that went into transforming The Bull, including the refurbishment, the new food direction and the team behind the kitchen and front of house. He also shares what it meant to win a best food award through Punch Taverns, and why he sees the pub as something the village can be proud of.

Joe also discusses the pressure facing hospitality businesses, from food inflation and staffing costs to business rates, national insurance and VAT. He explains why busy pubs are not always as profitable as people assume, and why supporting local cafés, restaurants and pubs matters more than ever.

Links

The Bull

https://www.thebullmuchhadham.co.uk/

Stortford Spotlight

Billboard in Jackson Square

“VAT’s the problem.”

Joe chose this to highlight the pressure on hospitality businesses and the campaign to reduce VAT for the sector.

Secret Spot

Green Dot Café https://www.greendotcafe.co.uk/

Joe chose Green Dot Café in Hockerill, run by Sharon and Stuart, for its food, coffee, team and atmosphere.

Local Legends

Adam at The Cock - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063763142035#

Joe gave a shout out to Adam at The Cock for running a brilliant local pub and being someone he can turn to for advice and support.

Support the Podcast

You can support The Bishop’s Stortford Community Podcast through The Giving Lottery.

Every ticket helps fund equipment, recording time, and the ongoing work of telling local stories while also supporting good causes.

Support here:
https://www.givinglottery.org.uk/support/bishops-stortford-community-podcast-cic

This episode is brought to you by:

StortAI:
https://stortai.com/

StortBox:
https://stortbox.co.uk/

Bishop's Stortford Community Newsletter:
https://bishops-stortford-community-newsletter.beehiiv.com/

Joe and Addie are two members of The Exile Club, a local band with roots in Bishop’s Stortford and a sound shaped by rock, pop, soul, blues and retro influences.

In this episode, they talk about how the band came together after Covid, how different musical backgrounds helped shape their first album, and why their second album has been a more collaborative writing process. They also share what it is like trying to build a creative career through performance, teaching, session work and original music.

Joe and Addie also reflect on the role Bishop’s Stortford has played in their journey, from the Acoustic Club and South Mill Arts to Bish Bash and the wider local music scene. They talk about why the town’s creative spaces matter, why local venues need support, and why Stortford is sometimes easier to appreciate once you have left and come back.

Links

The Exile Club

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2Ir6BUvRyXblCU9jTEz6ew
Search “The Exile Club” on your preferred music streaming platform.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theexileclub/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theexileclub

Bish Bash

The Exile Club are playing Bish Bash on Saturday 18 July 2026.

Main stage:
4:45pm

Stortford Spotlight

Billboard in Jackson Square

“Others would kill to be in your shoes.”

“Love this town.”

Secret Spot

Apex Gym https://www.apexgym.uk/

Addie chose Apex Gym on South Mill Road for its welcoming, supportive and judgement-free atmosphere.

Countryside trails around Bishop’s Stortford

Joe chose the rural running routes, river paths and countryside trails around town, encouraging people to keep walking or running further than they normally would and explore what is nearby.

Local Legends

Save Water Lane Hall https://waterlanehall.org/

Joe gave a shout out to the Save Water Lane Hall campaign and the history behind the building.

Youth Create https://youthcreate.co.uk/

Addie gave a shout out to Youth Create, a performing and creative arts charity based in Sawbridgeworth and Bishop’s Stortford, which is approaching its 40th anniversary and supports children and young adults through creative arts classes.

Support the Podcast

You can support The Bishop’s Stortford Community Podcast through The Giving Lottery.
https://www.givinglottery.org.uk/support/bishops-stortford-community-podcast-cic

This episode is brought to you by:

StortAI:
https://stortai.com/

StortBox:
https://stortbox.co.uk/

Bishop's Stortford Community Newsletter:
https://bishops-stortford-community-newsletter.beehiiv.com/

Joe Clune helps run the women and girls’ section at Bishop’s Stortford Cricket Club, supporting the growth of girls’ cricket, women’s cricket and wider participation at one of the town’s most historic sporting venues.

In this episode, Joe talks about how the junior girls’ section has grown from around 20 players to more than 100, with girls now joining from as young as five through All Stars on Friday nights. He also explains how the women’s teams are developing, with junior players progressing into adult cricket and the club looking for more women who used to play, want to return, or are curious about giving cricket a go.

Joe also shares why the club wants to broaden its offer, including hopes for a women’s softball section, and encourages people to get involved as players, umpires, scorers, volunteers or supporters. He reflects on the club’s history, its 200-year-old ground, and the special opportunity to play cricket in the heart of Bishop’s Stortford.

Links

Bishop’s Stortford Cricket Club:
https://www.bishopsstortfordcc.com/

Women and Girls’ Cricket

Training:
Tuesdays at 6:00pm

New players are welcome to come down, say hello and find the right level for them.

The club is particularly interested in hearing from women who used to play cricket, want to return to the game, or would like to help develop a women’s softball section.

Stortford Spotlight

Billboard in Jackson Square

“Keep playing sport.”

Joe chose this because many young people, especially teenage girls, stop playing sport and later wish they had continued.

Secret Spot

The cricket club and the heath behind it

Joe chose the top corner of the cricket club near the old groundsman’s hut, with views across the playing fields, the Roman road, trees and birdsong. He also highlighted the heath behind it as a peaceful place to walk the dog.

Local Legends

The Charles Edward Pavilion team https://bssportstrust.co.uk/

Joe gave a shout out to the team behind the Charles Edward Pavilion, including Martin Sedgwick, Toby, Neil Range and the wider staff, for creating one of Bishop’s Stortford’s best places to watch sport, have a drink and enjoy the club environment.

Support the Podcast

You can support The Bishop’s Stortford Community Podcast through The Giving Lottery.

Every ticket helps fund equipment, recording time, and the ongoing work of telling local stories while also supporting good causes.

Support here:
https://www.givinglottery.org.uk/support/bishops-stortford-community-podcast-cic

This episode is brought to you by:

StortAI:
https://stortai.com/

StortBox:
https://stortbox.co.uk/

Bishop's Stortford Community Newsletter:
https://bishops-stortford-community-newsletter.beehiiv.com/

Simon Baker is a local musician, community organiser and the person behind Save Our Stort, a monthly volunteer effort cleaning the River Stort and its towpath through Bishop’s Stortford.

After moving onto a boat and seeing how much rubbish was hidden beneath the riverbanks, Simon contacted the Canal and River Trust and decided to organise a local clean-up himself. A small core group now meets every month to remove bottles, cans, shopping trolleys and other waste from the river and surrounding towpath.

In this episode, Simon explains why Bishop’s Stortford is a particularly important place to catch rubbish before it travels further down the navigation, the risks abandoned trolleys create for boats, and why Save Our Stort urgently needs more volunteers, especially people with canoes, kayaks, dinghies or paddleboards.

Links

Save Our Stort: https://www.facebook.com/groups/saveourstort

Email: [email protected]

Volunteer

Third Sunday of every month

11:30am

Meet on the towpath near the Rose and Crown pub and the Station Road bridge.

Volunteers with canoes, kayaks, dinghies or paddleboards are particularly needed to help clear rubbish from the river.

Stortford Spotlight

Billboard in Jackson Square

“Stop throwing litter.”

Simon chose this as a direct message to anyone dropping rubbish around the town or into the River Stort.

Secret Spot

Bluebell Woods and the nature reserve

Simon chose the nature reserve and Bluebell Woods as peaceful local places that he hopes never become overcrowded.

Local Legends

Bishbash - https://bishbash.uk/

Simon highlighted Twig and the Bishbash team for bringing the Stortford Music Festival back and encouraged the town to support it.

HooDoo Radio - https://hoodooradio.co.uk/

Simon also gave a shout out to Dan and Faye at HooDoo Radio for creating a fun, grassroots local radio station.

Support the Podcast

You can support The Bishop’s Stortford Community Podcast through The Giving Lottery.

Every ticket helps fund equipment, recording time, and the ongoing work of telling local stories while also supporting good causes.

Support here:
https://www.givinglottery.org.uk/support/bishops-stortford-community-podcast-cic