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Jim Hook is chairperson of the volunteers for Friends of Southern Country Park, a group helping care for one of Bishop’s Stortford’s most loved green spaces. Having lived in the town for nearly 50 years, he now spends part of his retirement helping protect, improve and champion the park for both people and wildlife.

In this conversation, Jim explains what the Friends group actually does. Working alongside East Herts, the volunteers take on the kind of practical jobs that help keep the park special, from spreading woodchip on muddy paths and rebuilding steps to cutting back overgrowth, mending fences and creating habitat features that protect more sensitive parts of the site.

The episode also looks at the park’s wildlife and future plans. Jim talks about the long-running butterfly records gathered at Southern Country Park, the moth counts currently being carried out, and a new Butterfly Bank project the group hopes to build to encourage even more species into the park. It is a conversation about conservation, community effort and the importance of valuing the green spaces that make Bishop’s Stortford what it is.

Friends of Southern Country Park - https://www.facebook.com/foscp.bs/

Location of Southern Country Park - https://maps.app.goo.gl/QPbGuTHzk4MuiHdWA

“Value your green spaces”

Jim’s message is for everyone, but especially people who are busy, distracted or have not yet taken the time to explore what Bishop’s Stortford already has. His point is that the town is rich in green space and people should make more of it.

Southern Country Park - https://maps.app.goo.gl/QPbGuTHzk4MuiHdWA

Jim highlights Southern Country Park itself, while recognising the balance between wanting people to enjoy it and also wanting to protect the wildlife and habitats that make it special.

Friends of Castle Park
Birchanger Wood Trust - https://birchangerwoodtrust.org/
Friends of Pishiobury Park - https://www.friendsofpishioburypark.co.uk/
Bishop's Stortford Library - https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/services/libraries-and-archives/library-opening-hours/bishops-stortford-library.aspx

Jim gives a broad and generous shoutout to the volunteer groups helping care for green spaces in and around the area, especially Friends of Castle Park, Birchanger Wood Trust and Friends of Pishiobury Park.

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

Support here:
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You can support The Bishop’s Stortford Community Podcast through The Giving Lottery:
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Leah Gaskell is part of Bishop’s Stortford Musical Theatre Company and is bringing something new to the stage this spring. For this production, she has written and is directing an original musical called Maple Lane, a project that grew out of the company’s collaborative spring show format and the trust it places in its own members to create.

In this conversation, Leah talks about what it means to go from performing in shows to writing one from scratch. She explains how Maple Lane follows the lives of different households across the course of a year, with stories of love, loss, healing and growth all crossing over in one neighbourhood. Alongside songs from lesser-known musicals chosen to fit the characters, the show also includes an original song written by Leah herself.

The episode also shines a light on the wider role of Bishop’s Stortford Musical Theatre Company in local life. Leah describes it as much more than a place to perform. It is a long-running community that brings together people of different ages and backgrounds, offers creative opportunities on and off stage, and gives people a space to build confidence, friendships and a sense of belonging.

Maple Lane tickets
https://www.ticketsource.com/bishops-stortford-musical-theatre-company/maple-lane/e-jzygke

Bishop’s Stortford Musical Theatre Company
https://www.bsmtc.org.uk/

“Support local theatre. It keeps towns and people alive.”

Leah’s message is for everyone in town. Her view is that local theatre adds richness, creativity and connection to community life, but only survives if people actively support it.

Bishop’s Cave - https://www.thebishopscavestortford.co.uk/

Leah highlights Bishop’s Cave for the atmosphere, the wine and cheese, and the fact it feels social without being overwhelming.

Bishop’s Stortford Musical Theatre Company - https://www.bsmtc.org.uk/

Leah gives a heartfelt shoutout to the company itself, saying it offers much more than a chance to perform. For her, it has been a place to meet like-minded people, grow in confidence and find opportunities she might never otherwise have had.

You can support The Bishop’s Stortford Community Podcast through The Giving Lottery:
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You can support The Bishop’s Stortford Community Podcast through The Giving Lottery:
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Steve Greenall and James Garrett are part of the Stansted Business Forum, an informal network bringing together small and medium-sized businesses from Stansted and the wider surrounding area. Unlike many networking groups, the forum does not run on a hard-sell model. There is no pressure to pass referrals, no subscription demands at breakfast meetings, and no sense that businesses have to perform for the room.

In this conversation, they explain how the forum works and why it has become valuable to local business owners. A big part of its role is acting as a bridge between businesses and the organisations around them, including councils, parish councils and other local institutions. That means members can hear about support, grants, apprenticeships, training and opportunities they might otherwise never come across.

The episode also makes a wider case for local business communities. Steve and James talk about the power of relationships, shared knowledge and informal support, whether that means helping someone find the right service, putting them in touch with the right council contact, or simply giving them a room full of people who understand what running a business actually feels like. It is a useful reminder that local economies do not stay healthy by accident. They stay healthy when people choose to show up for them.

Website
https://stanstedbusinessforum.com

Email
[email protected]

“Support local businesses”

Steve’s message is for everyone. His view is that there are brilliant local businesses operating under the radar, and that people will often get a more personal service and better value by choosing them.

Herts Coffee Lab - https://www.coffeelab.co.uk/

Pushed for a local recommendation, Steve gives a mention to Herts Coffee Lab on the High Street as a good local coffee stop.

Muse - https://www.instagram.com/museboutiquestortford/

Steve highlights Muse, speaking in the context of the sad news that the business appears to be closing. He uses it as a wider reminder that if people do not actively support local independents, they can disappear.

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:
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Jessica Melton runs The Little Arts Workshop, a pottery painting and clay modelling studio in Bishop’s Stortford that has grown into much more than a place to decorate ceramics. Since taking over the business seven years ago, she has continued to build it into a creative space that welcomes children, families, adults, parties, community groups and anyone looking for somewhere to make something with their hands.

In this conversation, Jessica talks about the workshop as a safe and inclusive place where people can reconnect with creativity, especially if they have spent years believing they are “not artistic.” She explains why working in clay and pottery can feel more approachable than traditional two-dimensional art, and why giving people the right tools and environment can make such a difference to their confidence.

The episode also explores how the business has grown through collaboration. From pottery evenings at Paiser to pizza nights with Grace Makes Dough and links with other local community spaces, Jessica shares how independent businesses in Bishop’s Stortford can help each other reach new people and create something more than any one venue could do alone.

Website
https://thelittleartsworkshop.com/

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

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

“You’re not bad at art, you just haven’t been given the right space.”

Jessica’s message is for everyone. Her view is that many people have written themselves off creatively because of one bad experience, when really they just have not yet found the right environment to explore it.

Smokehouse Barbecue Kitchen - https://www.smokebbqkitchen.co.uk/

Jessica gives a strong shoutout to Smokehouse Barbecue Kitchen on Hockerill, praising the flavour, the atmosphere and the family-run feel. She describes it as the kind of place people need to try, even if she secretly hopes she can still get a table.

Jackson Square Community Space - https://www.jacksonsquareshopping.co.uk/community/community-space/

Jessica highlights the Jackson Square Community Space for giving artists, charities and community groups a visible platform in town. She praises the way vacant shops are being used to create opportunities for people who would not otherwise be able to afford a high street presence.

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:
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You can support The Bishop’s Stortford Community Podcast through The Giving Lottery:
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Chelsea Sydes is the founder of Pro Karate Academy, which has grown from local classes in halls around the area into a much bigger network spanning schools, clubs and competitive squads across Hertfordshire, Essex and beyond. Alongside her in this episode is Talia, one of the academy’s standout athletes, who is now competing at an elite international level.

In this conversation, Chelsea explains how the academy developed from after-school and community classes into a structure that now reaches around 30 schools, with the dojo acting as the central hub for gradings, camps and squad training. What began as one club has become a major local success story, with hundreds of children and young people coming through the programme and many staying with it for years.

The episode also explores the elite side of karate. Chelsea and Talia talk through how young fighters are identified, developed and taken from local competitions to national and international events. They explain the ranking system, the commitment involved, and the reality that much of this journey is still self-funded. What comes through clearly is that Pro Karate Academy is not just about belts and medals. It is about discipline, confidence, preparation and building young people who can carry those qualities into life beyond the mat.

Website
https://www.pro-karate.co.uk/

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

“Failing to prepare is preparing to fail”

Chelsea’s message is for everyone, but especially mums, athletes and young people preparing for exams. For her, preparation is one of those life skills that shapes everything else.

USA Nails - https://www.usanailsbishopsstortford.co.uk/
Apollo Nails - https://www.facebook.com/pages/Apollo%20Nails%202/138598622851886/

Chelsea gives a shoutout to USA Nails, praising the people there for their friendliness and the way they have looked after her and her family over the years.

Talia highlights Apollo Nails as her own local favourite, saying it is one of those places she would hate to lose easy access to.

Katie from This Is BS CM23 - https://www.instagram.com/thisisbs.cm23/
Hotpod Yoga Bishop’s Stortford - https://hotpodyoga.com/studios/bishops-stortford/

Chelsea shines a light on Katie from ThisIsBSCM23 for the way she supports local businesses, builds visibility for people in town and helps connect the community.

Talia highlights Hotpod Yoga Bishop’s Stortford, describing it as a great space for recovery, flexibility and general wellbeing, especially for athletes.

You can support The Bishop’s Stortford Community Podcast through The Giving Lottery:
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Emily Oliver is the Museum and Visual Arts Coordinator at Bishop’s Stortford Museum, based at South Mill Arts. Her work spans school visits, children’s activities, educational projects and exhibitions, as well as helping connect local people with the town’s history through the museum’s collections and visual arts programme.

In this conversation, Emily talks about just how much history Bishop’s Stortford holds, from prehistoric and Roman artefacts through to Victorian collections and modern-day local memories. She highlights some of the museum’s best-known pieces, including Titus, the Roman skeleton discovered in town, and explains how the museum is constantly adding to and refreshing what visitors can see.

A big part of the episode focuses on the museum’s oral history work. Emily explains how local people can record their own memories of Bishop’s Stortford so they become part of the town’s archive for future generations. It is a reminder that museums are not only about preserving objects, but also about protecting the lived stories that make a place what it is.

https://southmillarts.co.uk/stortford-museum/

Your local Museum is seeking memories of living in Bishop’s Stortford. Your story is invaluable to us, and we would like to record it and include your perspective in our Oral History archive. If you would like to take part in our ‘Echoes of Experience’ Project, please email at [email protected] or call us on 01279 710204. We would love to hear from you.

“Be curious and come to museum to learn a bit more about our town’s history.”

Emily’s message is for everyone, but especially people who may not yet have realised how much history Bishop’s Stortford has to offer.

South Street Pantry - https://southstreetpantry.co.uk/

Emily highlights South Street Pantry as a favourite local coffee and brunch spot. She also gives a mention to a walk along the river, especially on a sunny day, as one of the simple pleasures of being in town.

South Mill Arts Community Fun Day

Emily shines a light on the upcoming South Mill Arts Community Fun Day on Saturday 25 July from 11am to 3pm. With pop-up performances, workshops, activities and food, she highlights it as a chance for the community to come together and celebrate what South Mill Arts offers. More information about our upcoming Family Fun Day at South Mill Arts can be found in our latest brochure: Summer Brochure 2026 - South Mill Arts

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

You can support The Bishop’s Stortford Community Podcast through The Giving Lottery:
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Nicola Batten co-owns Hotpod Yoga Bishop’s Stortford with her business partner Brenda Koesterman. After spending years building a strong yoga community in Saffron Walden, she made the decision to move the franchise to Bishop’s Stortford when the original location closed and it became clear the business needed a fresh base to grow again.

In this conversation, Nicola explains why Bishop’s Stortford felt like the right place for that next chapter. She talks about the town’s convenience, demographics and strong sense of community, as well as the warm reception the business has already had since opening in January. What comes through clearly is that this has not felt like starting from scratch for long.

She also gives a clear picture of what Hotpod Yoga actually offers. From the more dynamic signature flow classes to slower, deeply restorative sessions, the aim is to make the experience accessible to a wide range of people. Nicola speaks passionately about movement as a way to process, reset and reconnect with the body, and about creating a space where people can do as much or as little as they need without pressure.

Website
https://hotpodyoga.com/studios/bishops-stortford/

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

Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/hotpodyoga.bishopsstortford

“Work the body, calm the mind”

Nicola’s message is for everyone. Her view is that movement helps people process life, heal, and create enough space to settle their minds, whether that movement is yoga, walking, dancing or swimming.

Friends Dress Agency - https://www.instagram.com/shopfriendsdressagency/

Nicola gives a shoutout to Friends Dress Agency for its secondhand and preloved clothing, its environmentally thoughtful feel, and the warm, funny atmosphere created by Victoria.

Adriana Welham - https://www.instagram.com/adriwelham/

Nicola highlights Adriana Welham as someone who has been making the community a better place for years. She recalls meeting her long ago when she first brought Hotpod to Bishop’s Stortford for an event, and credits her as one of the people who believed the business belonged in the town.

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:
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Emma Osborne is a sleep consultant and night nanny supporting families to build healthy sleep foundations from newborn through to school age. Through her business, Hushaboo, she offers tailored support designed to help parents feel calmer, more confident, and better rested.

In this conversation, Emma talks about the reality of sleep deprivation and how easily parents can end up overwhelmed by the amount of advice coming at them from every direction. Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all formula, her work is built around looking at the child, the family, and the wider situation in front of her. What comes through clearly is that sleep support is often as much about restoring confidence as it is about changing routines.

The episode also explores the different ways Emma works with families, from one-off consultations to hands-on overnight support. She reflects on the emotional toll poor sleep can take, the value of practical guidance, and the difference it makes when bedtime becomes something calm rather than something parents dread. Alongside her business, she also shares more about the community walks she is now running for local mums in Bishop’s Stortford.

Website
https://hushaboo.co.uk/

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

Mamas Little Black Book
https://www.mamaslittleblackbook.co.uk

“Trust your instincts”

Emma’s message is aimed at parents who feel overloaded by too much conflicting advice. Her view is that while support can be valuable, parents often need to reconnect with what they already know about their own child and situation.

Bishop’s Cave - https://www.thebishopscave.co.uk/

Emma highlights Bishop’s Cave for its wine, cheese and charcuterie, and for the feeling of finding something locally that might otherwise feel like a London treat. She describes it as a place worth seeking out on a Friday or Saturday night.

Katie Linard - https://www.mamaslittleblackbook.co.uk/
Mamas Who Brunch
Mamas Little Black Book

Emma gives a strong shoutout to Katie Linard for the community she has been building for local parents through Mamas Who Brunch and Mamas Little Black Book. She highlights the role these spaces play in helping parents, especially mums, feel less isolated and more connected.

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:
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Scott Benham is the founder of Takeley Chiropractic, a practice he started in 2017 with the aim of helping people deal with muscle and joint pain by looking beyond the obvious symptom. Rather than focusing only on where something hurts, his approach is built around understanding what is actually driving the problem and how to help the body function better over time.

In this conversation, Scott talks about why that way of thinking matters. He reflects on the difference between short-term pain relief and properly addressing the cause of an issue, whether that is poor posture, long hours sitting down, repetitive strain, weak core strength, or the cumulative pressures of work, parenting and modern life.

The episode also explores how common these problems are, especially for people juggling desk-based jobs, family life and not enough movement. Scott shares practical thoughts on prevention, posture and simple day-to-day habits, while also explaining how his clinic has grown from a room in a dental surgery into a team of six. It is a grounded conversation about pain, movement and the things many people quietly put up with for too long.

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

Select MSK Analysis Pro Assessment and then Saturday 25th April and select a time that suits.

“Pain is a symptom, let us find the cause”

Scott’s message is aimed especially at parents and people who have spent years sitting at desks or dealing with recurring niggles. His point is that pain often keeps coming back because the real cause has never been properly addressed.

Belmont Barbers - https://www.fresha.com/lvp/belmonts-barber-south-street-a20kb3

Scott gives a shoutout to Belmont Barbers on South Street, where he has been getting his haircut for around 20 years. For him, it is one of those long-standing local relationships that says a lot about the town.

Adam and Jack at Willmott & Lake - https://www.willmottandlake.co.uk/

Scott highlights Adam and Jack for the work they do in the community, alongside the way they support local causes and continue building something positive in Bishop’s Stortford.

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

You can support The Bishop’s Stortford Community Podcast through The Giving Lottery:
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Maria Garman is the founder and CEO of Crumbs, the modern artisan bakery and café now based in Miller’s Maltings in Bishop’s Stortford. With its open kitchens, handmade food and strong sense of warmth, Crumbs has quickly become one of those places many local people now fold into their weekly routine.

In this conversation, Maria explains how the Bishop’s Stortford site came about and why it felt right straight away. Having previously traded here at farmers’ markets and on North Street, she already knew the town and the people. When the opportunity came up by the river, she saw the potential immediately and said yes.

The episode also explores the deeper idea behind Crumbs. Maria talks about bread, craft and fermentation, but also about something bigger: creating food that brings people together. She reflects on the role a café can play in daily life, from the regulars and families who return each week to the conversations that begin around a shared table. What comes through clearly is that Crumbs is not just about baking. It is about building a place people want to be.

Website
https://crumbsbakery.co.uk

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

“Life’s too short for bad coffee and fake sourdough”

Maria’s message is for all of us. Her point is simple: people have normalised food that does not serve them well, and forgotten how good proper bread and coffee can actually be.

The quieter corners of Castle Park

Maria highlights Castle Park for its open space, greenery, water and sense of calm. For her, it is one of those places in town that helps people slow down and reset.

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

Maria gives a strong shoutout to EAT17 for the atmosphere, the independent spirit and the mix of good food and good energy. She describes it as a place that feels lively, varied and rooted in the town.

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