The Bishop’s Stortford Community Podcast is brought to you by:

Takeley Chiropractic – Helping local families move better, feel better, and live pain-free through expert chiropractic care.
https://www.takeleychiropractic.co.uk/

Richard Pink has been part of Water Lane Theatre Company for decades, acting, directing and helping shape one of Bishop’s Stortford’s long-running theatre groups. Over the years he has taken on many roles within the company, but this latest project brings together several of the things he clearly loves most: Shakespeare, outdoor theatre and finding a fresh angle that makes a familiar text feel new again.

In this conversation, Richard talks about directing Comedy of Errors as this year’s outdoor Shakespeare production. Rather than playing it traditionally, he has built the show around a football theme, with the action beginning just after the final whistle of a match. It is a playful way into a story already built on mistaken identity, confusion and people turning up in exactly the wrong place at exactly the wrong time.

The episode also gives a glimpse into the wider work of Water Lane Theatre Company and the appeal of outdoor theatre itself. Richard explains why Shakespeare seems to come alive in open air settings and why this year’s production, spread across four different venues, should feel a little different in each place it lands. What comes through strongly is that local theatre is not only about performance. It is also about atmosphere, community and the shared experience of watching something live in an unusual setting.

Links

Water Lane Theatre Company
https://www.waterlanetheatrecompany.co.uk/

Tickets
https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/waterlane

Stortford SpotlightBillboard in Jackson Square

“Come and see Comedy of Errors at one of our venues. You won’t see anything like it anywhere else.”

Richard’s message is a direct invitation to the town. His point is simple: this is not a standard Shakespeare production, and the football spin should make it unlike anything else around.

Secret Spot

Southern Country Park
Albert’s on Thorley Park - https://www.facebook.com/albertsthorley/?locale=en_GB

Richard gives two answers here. He highlights Southern Country Park as a peaceful place to clear your head, especially around the lake, and praises Albert’s for the coffee, food and atmosphere.

Local Legends

TouchPoint - https://www.thetouchpoint.org/

Richard shines a light on TouchPoint in Stansted for the support it offers people who may be vulnerable or isolated. He highlights its food share, dementia café, activities and radio station, and says it deserves to be better known.

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

Elizabeth Basey is the library manager at Bishop’s Stortford Library, a role that places her at the centre of one of the town’s longest-standing and most quietly important community spaces. While the current library site has been open since 1997, library provision in Bishop’s Stortford stretches back to the late 1800s.

In this conversation, Elizabeth talks about what the library is doing now and how much broader its role has become. Alongside books, the library hosts children’s activities, author events, local history sessions, reading groups, digital support and community meet-ups. It is a place where people come not only to borrow, but to learn, connect and spend time.

Elizabeth talks about the National Year of Reading, the importance of helping children build a reading habit early, and the many ways the library supports people across different ages and circumstances. From home library visits for housebound residents to digital platforms for audiobooks and magazines, what comes through clearly is that the library is still evolving, but its core purpose remains the same: helping people access stories, information and each other.

Links

www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/services/libraries-and-archives - search the catalogue, check out events, join online and more!

Hertfordshire Library members can read eboooks, eaudiobooks, newspapers and magazines for free. You just need a borrower number and PIN:

Hertfordshire Libraries - BorrowBox or download the app

www.pressreader.com 

‎Libby, the library app App - App Store 

www.facebook.com/BishopsStortfordLibrary

https://www.instagram.com/bishopsstortfordlibrary/

Stortford SpotlightBillboard in Jackson Square

“Books change lives”

Elizabeth says this is a message for everyone. For her, books help shape language, communication, family connection and opportunity from the very earliest age.

Secret Spot

Birchanger Woods

Elizabeth highlights Birchanger Woods as a peaceful local place for a walk, especially during bluebell season. For her family it has been somewhere to explore, relax and build dens over the years.

Local Legends

The volunteers at Bishop’s Stortford Library

Elizabeth gives a heartfelt shoutout to the library’s volunteers, from home library service helpers and digital champions to events volunteers and summer reading challenge supporters. She makes the point clearly that many of the library’s services simply would not run without them.

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

Franco is a local resident, competitive eater and creator behind Franco’s Feast. Over the past few years, he has built a distinctive niche by combining food challenges with something more community-minded: helping independent venues get seen.

In this conversation, Franco explains how the idea came together after Covid, when he saw more and more businesses struggling and wanted to find a way to support them. Already interested in food, fitness and the world of competitive eating, he began approaching local venues and turning their challenge dishes into content that could travel much further than a single meal ever would.

What comes through clearly is that Franco sees himself as secondary to the venue. The real purpose is not just to show how much one person can eat, but to give people a closer look at what a business offers, what makes it different, and why it is worth visiting. In that sense, the challenge is only the hook. The bigger aim is getting more eyes on independent food businesses and helping them bring in new customers.

Links

Website
https://francosfeast.com

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

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

TikTok
https://www.tiktok.com/@francosfeasts

YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@FrancosFeasts

Stortford SpotlightBillboard in Jackson Square

“Enjoy yourself, take the opportunity to enjoy life and just take it all in.”

Franco’s message is for everyone. It reflects his wider attitude that life should be enjoyed properly and that people should make the most of what is around them.

Secret Spot

No single venue. Franco flips the question and says people should get out and support as many local venues as possible.

Rather than keeping one place to himself, Franco uses the moment to encourage people to visit local independents including places he has already worked with such as EAT17, South Street Pantry, F. Cooke and Smokes BBQ.

Local Legends

Nick Hyde at Blythe Financial

Franco gives a shoutout to Nick Hyde, describing him as someone who has done a lot for the local business community, including through the Bishop’s Stortford Chamber of Commerce.

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

Kerry Hart is the founder of The Secret Mum Club, a home organisation business helping busy families create spaces that feel calmer, more practical and easier to live in. After 20 years in the reinsurance industry, she stepped away from corporate life and turned something she had always instinctively done into a business of her own.

In this conversation, Kerry talks about what home organisation really means. It is not about creating a picture-perfect house or chasing an unrealistic standard. Instead, her focus is on putting simple systems in place that save time, reduce stress and make daily life work better for the people living there.

The episode also touches on the emotional side of clutter and the pressure many families feel around home life. Kerry shares practical thinking around decluttering, keeping only what is needed, and being intentional about what comes back into the house. What comes through clearly is that an organised home is not about perfection. It is about giving yourself more breathing room.

Links

Website
https://www.thesecretmumclub.com/

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

Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Secret-Mum-Club/61565336115912/

Stortford SpotlightBillboard in Jackson Square

“Your home should support you and not overwhelm you”

Kerry’s message is for everyone. Her view is that home should feel like a place that gives you energy and calm, rather than another source of pressure.

Secret Spot

Gina’s Beauty in Great Hallingbury - https://www.instagram.com/beautygi_/

Kerry gives a shoutout to Gina’s Beauty, praising both the quality of the treatments and the relationship she has built with her over the years.

Local Legends

Rising Tide Collective - https://www.therisingtidecollective.co.uk/

Kerry highlights Rising Tide Collective, describing it as an inspiring women’s business group that offers support, encouragement and connection for people running businesses on their own.

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

Dominic Smith runs Norso Creative, a video production business helping companies make thoughtful, well-produced content without the weight and cost of a large agency setup. Working across everything from corporate and thought leadership videos to social-first content, he positions Norso as a practical extension of a client’s marketing team.

In this conversation, Dom explains what a videographer actually brings to a business. While most people now know they should be making video, there is still a big gap between filming something quickly on a phone and creating content that genuinely reflects a brand well. He talks through where that difference matters, when it makes sense to invest, and how the right approach can help a business feel more confident, credible and consistent.

The episode also touches on the role of video in modern marketing more broadly. Dom makes the case for educational content, founder-led content and thoughtful planning, rather than just filming for the sake of it. Alongside that, he shares a little of his own local story, including how moving to Bishop’s Stortford and joining a community running club helped him settle into the town.

Links

Website
https://norsocreative.com

LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominicasmith/

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

Email
[email protected]

Stortford SpotlightBillboard in Jackson Square

“Just go for it”

Dom says this is advice he was given when starting his business, and it is the message he would pass on to others. His view is that trying something and learning from it is always better than never starting at all.

Secret Spot

Crumbs - https://crumbsbakery.co.uk/locations/bishops-stortford/

Dom gives a shoutout to Crumbs, especially for the dark chocolate and sea salt cookie and the general atmosphere of the place. He describes it as one of those local spots he loves returning to.

Local Legends

Bubbleworks Run Club - https://www.bubbleworksrunco.co.uk/

Dom highlights Bubbleworks Run Club for helping him get to know people after moving to town. He describes it as a welcoming, low-pressure group where people can run, chat and feel part of something.

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

Janine and Niki are part of the team behind Stortford Gymnastics, a not-for-profit club based on Twyford Industrial Estate that has been working with children and families in Bishop’s Stortford for the past 10 years. From babies and preschoolers through to older children in trampolining classes, the club now supports a wide range of ages, abilities and needs.

In this conversation, they explain how the club has grown from a gymnastics base into something broader. Alongside regular gymnastics classes, they now run trampolining sessions, holiday camps, birthday parties and daytime sessions for children with additional needs, including one-to-one support and school partnerships. What comes through clearly is that the club has worked hard to respond to what local families actually need.

A big theme of the episode is movement as a foundation. Janine talks about gymnastics as a strong base for coordination, balance, strength and confidence, whatever sport a child may go on to do later. At the same time, the club also creates pathways for children who want to compete more seriously, while making sure those who simply want to move, play and belong still feel just as welcome.

Links

Website
https://www.stortfordgymnastics.com

Email
[email protected]
[email protected]

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

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

Stortford SpotlightBillboard in Jackson Square

“Always show kindness”

Janine says this is a message for everyone. It is something they promote inside the club and a reminder that no one ever really knows what somebody else might be carrying that day.

Secret Spot

Silver Squirrel - https://www.silversquirrelltd.co.uk/

Janine highlights Silver Squirrel, a reformer pilates studio near Stansted. She praises the teaching there and the difference it has made to her own strength, fitness and body awareness.

Local Legends

Nostimo - https://www.facebook.com/DelicatessenUK/

Janine gives a shoutout to Nostimo, the Greek coffee shop and restaurant in town. She highlights the warmth of the family behind it, the customer service and the quality of the food, and says she would love to see more people supporting them.

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

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

Jo Higgs is a graphic designer specialising in branding, logos, packaging and marketing materials. After nearly 20 years in design, including a long career in footwear, she now runs her own business, Jo Higgs Creative, working with local businesses as well as clients across the UK.

In this conversation, Jo talks about what it really takes to build a creative business around family life. What began out of necessity after moving out of London and trying to work around school hours gradually became a new business in its own right, shaped by persistence, adaptability and a clear understanding of what she wanted her work to feel like.

The episode also explores what branding actually means for small businesses. Jo explains why it is not just about making things look nice, but about helping businesses show up in a way that reflects the quality of what they do. For her, good branding gives people confidence, clarity and a stronger foundation to build on, especially when they are trying to grow without constantly reinventing themselves.

Links

Jo Higgs Creative - https://joannehiggs.co.uk/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/johiggscreative/

Stortford SpotlightBillboard in Jackson Square

“Get your foundations right and the rest will follow”

Jo’s message is for everyone, but especially business owners. Her view is that having clear foundations, values and direction makes everything else easier, whether in business, relationships or life more broadly.

Secret Spot

Stort Biltong - https://stortbiltong.com/

Jo gives a shoutout to Stort Biltong in Miller’s Maltings, praising the quality of the food and the fact it has become a favourite weekend treat alongside a stop at Crumbs.

Local Legends

PTAs across Bishop’s Stortford

Jo highlights the work of PTAs, saying they do a huge amount behind the scenes to support local schools and children, often with very little recognition. She gives a special mention to Helen and the wider PTA team at her children’s school for the energy and care they put in.

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

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

Laura Crozier is the founder of Laura Elise Tattoo, a fine line tattoo business she launched after a career change following motherhood. Previously a footwear designer, she has taken the creative skills developed over many years in design and applied them to a very different kind of work, one that is personal, collaborative and permanent.

In this conversation, Laura talks about what it takes to start again. She explains how tattooing had been in the back of her mind for a long time, but only became a real possibility once family life shifted and she felt ready to take the leap. After training last year, she has spent the past 12 months building a business that feels both creatively fulfilling and closely connected to the people she works with.

The episode also explores the kind of tattoo experience Laura wants to create. Her focus is on fine line work, often florals and delicate script, and on making the process feel calm and approachable, especially for women, mums and first-time clients who may be nervous. What comes through clearly is that this is not just about the tattoo itself. It is about trust, collaboration and helping people feel confident enough to mark something meaningful.

Links

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

Stortford SpotlightBillboard in Jackson Square

“It’s never too late”

Laura’s message comes from her own journey. For her, it is a reminder that people can start something new, change direction, or finally do the thing they have been putting off, whatever stage of life they are in.

Secret Spot

EAT17 - https://www.eat17.co.uk/bishops-stortford-2/

Laura gives a strong shoutout to EAT17, saying it was one of the places that stood out when she first moved to Bishop’s Stortford. She highlights the variety, the atmosphere and the fact it feels like the kind of place you would expect in London rather than in a market town.

Local Legends

Bishop’s Stortford ProntoPrint - https://stortfordprint.com/

Laura highlights ProntoPrint for the way they help with both personal and business needs, no matter how small the job. She praises the speed, friendliness and consistency of their service.

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

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

Annica Farley is chair and head coach of Bishop’s Stortford Handball Club, based at Herts & Essex Sports Centre. Since getting involved with local handball in 2017, she has helped grow the sport across the area through club sessions, school partnerships and a pathway that now reaches from first-timers all the way to national and international competition.

In this conversation, Annica explains what handball actually is and why it works so well for a wide range of young people. Fast, physical and high-scoring, it draws on skills found in other sports, but it also creates opportunities for children who may not yet have found the activity that suits them. She talks about working with gymnasts, musicians, drama students and complete beginners who have come into the sport through school sessions and then gone on to thrive.

The episode also shows just how far that pathway can go. Bishop’s Stortford Handball Club now has teams competing at a high level, with players progressing through regional academies and into Great Britain selection. What comes through strongly is that the club is not only about performance. It is also about confidence, belonging, volunteering and giving young people something meaningful to commit to.

Links

Website
https://stortfordhandball.co.uk

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

Stortford SpotlightBillboard in Jackson Square

“You matter. Your actions matter.”

Annica’s message is for everyone. For her, small actions carry real weight, whether that means being kind, helping someone, volunteering your time or simply choosing to show up properly for the people around you.

Secret Spot

Bishop’s Stortford Town Centre
Herts & Essex Sports Centre - https://www.haesc.org.uk/

Annica talks warmly about the town centre itself, especially the chance to walk through it, grab a coffee and enjoy the atmosphere. She also gives a nod to Herts & Essex Sports Centre as an important base for the club, even if the car park can be a challenge.

Local Legends

The club’s volunteer coaches and helpers
Megan & Carsten

Annica gives a heartfelt shoutout to the volunteers behind the club, especially those who give up evenings, weekends and even annual leave to support young players.

She highlights Megan, who won England Handball Volunteer of the Year, and Carsten, who received the Mike Bryars Award for his contribution to schools handball.

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

Marissa Webb is a speech and language therapist and co-runs The Orchid Practice with her business partner, Amy Drew. Based in Bishop’s Stortford, the practice works in local schools, nurseries and homes, supporting children with a wide range of communication needs.

In this conversation, Marissa explains what speech and language therapy really covers. It is not just about lisps or stammers. It includes understanding language, using language, speech sounds, interaction, play skills and the wider communication difficulties that can come with autism, learning differences and other developmental needs.

A big part of the episode focuses on early intervention and the reality facing families in the local area. Marissa talks honestly about long waiting lists, the challenge of children missing crucial support before school, and why parents should trust their instincts if something does not feel right. It is a practical, passionate conversation about communication, advocacy and the importance of getting help early.

Links

Website
https://www.theorchidpractice.co.uk

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

Speech and Language UK
https://speechandlanguage.org.uk

Stortford SpotlightBillboard in Jackson Square

“Everyone deserves a voice”
“Never give up”

Marissa gives two messages. The first reflects her belief that every child deserves to be heard and supported in how they communicate. The second comes from her work with children and families, where progress often comes from persistence, flexibility and not giving up when one approach does not work.

Secret Spot

Coffee House https://www.instagram.com/wearethecoffeehouse/

Marissa highlights Coffee House for its vegan milkshakes, friendly atmosphere and the fact it is somewhere she can happily sit, work and feel welcome.

Local Legends

The Little Arts Workshop - https://thelittleartsworkshop.com/

Marissa gives a strong shoutout to Jess and The Little Arts Workshop for creating an inclusive, creative space where people of different ages and needs can feel welcome and try something new.

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