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/

Lucy Fowler – Co-Founder, Recruitability

Lucy Fowler is the founder of Recruitability, a Bishop’s Stortford recruitment business she launched with her sister in 2008. Nearly two decades later, the company has helped hundreds of local businesses hire the right people and supported countless candidates through multiple stages of their careers.

In this episode, Lucy shares how Recruitability was built on relationships rather than volume recruitment, focusing on understanding both the businesses they work with and the people behind every CV. She reflects on starting the business just before the 2008 financial crisis, how networking helped shape their approach, and why being embedded in the local business community has been key to their long-term success.

Lucy also talks about Stortford Professionals, a local networking event she revived after the pandemic, and explains the next stage of the Recruitability journey: launching a franchise model that allows experienced professionals to run their own recruitment businesses while benefiting from the Recruitability brand and support network.

https://www.recruitability.co.uk/

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

LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/recruitability-solutions-ltd/

Stortford Spotlight

Billboard in Jackson Square

“There’s a job out there for everyone. Sometimes you just need a bit of help finding it.”

A message for anyone feeling stuck in their career or unsure about their next step.

Secret Spot

Thremhall Park Café and the surrounding Flitch Way walks – A peaceful place just outside town where you can grab lunch and quickly escape into nature. https://mantlespace.co.uk/office-space/thremhall-park-serviced-offices-in-stansted

Local Legends

TLC Live – An online education company based in Bishop’s Stortford that provides virtual classrooms and alternative learning pathways for students who need a different approach to education. https://www.tlclive.com/

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

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/

Ellie Sturgess – Social Media Manager and UGC Content Creator

Ellie is a 22-year-old Bishop’s Stortford resident, university student and small business owner working in social media management and user-generated content creation.

In this episode, Ellie explains how she turned a hobby of posting on TikTok and Instagram into a growing business. She creates UGC (user-generated content) for brands, producing short-form videos that companies can use in their advertising campaigns, helping products feel more authentic and relatable to audiences.

Alongside this, Ellie manages social media accounts for small businesses that don’t have the time to run their own platforms, creating content and helping them showcase what they do online. She shares how she started by reaching out to brands for collaborations, how opportunities grow through persistence, and why social media has opened the door for a new generation of young entrepreneurs.

https://www.instagram.com/ugc.elliemaesturgessx

Stortford Spotlight

Billboard in Jackson Square

“Don’t just fly. Soar.”

A reminder to give things your full effort and not be afraid to try something new.

Secret Spot

The Coffee Lab – A calm and welcoming café on the high street, perfect for getting some work done while enjoying great coffee and matcha.

https://www.coffeelab.co.uk/

Local Legends

Sue Tillett – Founder of All About You.

Recognised for supporting women’s confidence and encouraging young entrepreneurs in Bishop’s Stortford, including helping Ellie as she started her business.

https://allaboutyou.uk.com/

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/the-bishops-stortford-community-podcast

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/

Jools Abrams – Professional Writer and Ghostwriter

Jools has lived in Stortford for around 30 years and is a professional ghostwriter, having written around 40 books for other people and more than 10 of her own. She specialises in memoir and life stories, helping people capture their experiences in their own voice for publication.

In this episode, Jools shares how she moved from teaching into writing, completing an MA in Children’s Literature and Creative Writing at Birkbeck, and building a portfolio career rooted in creativity and community. She talks about the empathy required to write someone else’s story, the therapeutic nature of memoir writing, and the privilege of hearing stories that have never been shared before.

Jools is currently crowdfunding her own memoir, The Sibling, which explores her experience growing up with a brother diagnosed with autism in the 1970s, and the evolving responsibilities of sibling care as parents age. The project connects closely with SIBS, the UK charity supporting siblings of people with additional needs.

She is also an active member of She Who Dares, contributes to local publications including The Bish, writes memoir through Book of My Life, is part of the Talliston Writers Group, and co-hosts food experiences through Hello Food Tours.

Jools Abrams Website:
https://www.joolsabrams.com

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

The Sibling – Extract and SIBS feature:
https://www.sibs.org.uk/jools

SIBS – Supporting siblings of disabled people:
https://www.sibs.org.uk/

Book of My Life (Memoir Writing):
https://www.bookofmylife.co.uk/

Stortford Spotlight

Billboard in Jackson Square

“She who dares thrives.”

A call to step out of your comfort zone and embrace opportunity at every stage of life.

Secret Spot

The Micro Bakery at Grandey’s Place – A welcoming, independent bakery serving excellent coffee and fresh bread just on the edge of town. https://www.microbakery.co.uk/

Local Legends

Woosh Canoe Club – For their regular river clean-ups and environmental work along the Stort. https://whooshexplore.co.uk/

Rachel Hewlett, Hello Food Tours – For celebrating independent food businesses and bringing people together through guided tours in Bishop’s Stortford and beyond. https://www.hellofoodtours.com/

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/

Philip Mallourides – Business Coach, Mentor and Speaker

Philip is a local business coach and mentor who works with small business owners to build resilience, clarity and confidence in both business and life.

After building multiple businesses and becoming a millionaire by his mid-30s, Philip’s life took a dramatic turn when he was convicted in connection with a VAT fraud case and served 39 months in prison. Following his release in 2014, he rebuilt his life from scratch and eventually launched his coaching business, Activate Your Success.

In this episode, Philip shares his journey through adversity, the lessons learned from losing everything, and why mindset, resilience and self-awareness are critical for business owners. He talks openly about mental health, the pressures facing small business owners today, and the importance of connection and honest conversation.

Philip also runs a men’s Walk and Talk group, creating a safe, non-judgemental space for men to connect, talk and support each other.

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

Stortford Spotlight

Billboard in Jackson Square

“Don’t worry. You are not alone.”

A reminder for anyone struggling that support and connection are closer than you think.

Secret Spot

Welcome to the Jungle Soft Play – A family-friendly soft play area with great coffee, perfect for young parents looking for a relaxed space. https://www.welcometothejunglesoftplay.co.uk/

Local Legends

Philip Mallourides – For launching a men’s Walk and Talk group in Pishiobury Park, creating space for honest conversations around mental health and connection.

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/the-bishops-stortford-community-podcast

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/

Sam Picton – Winemaker at Bailey Hills Estates

Sam is the winemaker at Bailey Hills Estates, a four-acre vineyard near Wickham Hall in Bishop’s Stortford. Arriving in September for his first on-site harvest, Sam oversees everything from grape to bottle, including vineyard work, production, bottling and even helping behind the tasting room bar.

In this episode, Sam shares how he moved from hospitality into viticulture and oenology, training at Plumpton College before travelling internationally to build experience. He talks about the rapid growth of the UK wine industry, how climate change has shifted growing conditions, and why English sparkling wine is now gaining serious recognition worldwide.

Bailey Hills is preparing for a full opening in May, with tours, tastings and summer events planned. For the first time, bottling will take place on site this July. The vineyard is currently open Fridays and Saturdays for wine and cheese boards, with more events and collaborations planned throughout the year.

Website:
https://baileyhills.co.uk/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/baileyhillswine

Stortford Spotlight

Billboard in Jackson Square

“Drink local. Bubbles aren’t just for celebrations.”

A message encouraging everyone to support local producers and enjoy English sparkling wine all year round.

Secret Spot

The Shepherd’s Hut at Bailey Hills – A peaceful stay among the orchard, soon to be available on Airbnb.

Local Legends

Rafa – Founder of Social Blind Tasting.

Recognised for hosting energetic, welcoming wine tasting events that bring people together and encourage everyone to 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/the-bishops-stortford-community-podcast

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

True Tone Media – Business video without the cringe.
https://truetonemedia.carrd.co/

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

Scott Harrison – Founder of The Six Pack Revolution

Scott is a father of three who lives in Bishop’s Stortford and runs The Six Pack Revolution, an online fitness, nutrition and personal development programme now operating in 92 countries.

In this episode, Scott shares how he walked away from a double glazing business to pursue a passion project. What began as a personal transformation challenge at the age of 42 turned into a global movement that has helped tens of thousands of people reshape their relationship with food, exercise and mindset.

The Six Pack Revolution is a 75-day programme combining fitness, nutrition and psychology, supported by a large coaching team and a live online community. Scott also talks about the creation of Pause by Six, a menopause-focused programme that has received national recognition and industry awards for its impact.

This conversation explores long-term health, resilience, mindset, and why looking after your body is not about aesthetics, but about longevity, vitality and independence later in life.

The Six Pack Revolution:
https://www.thesixpackrevolution.com

Pause by Six (Menopause Programme):
https://www.pausebysix.com

Instagram – Scott Harrison:
https://www.instagram.com/iamscottharrison/

Instagram – The Six Pack Revolution:
https://www.instagram.com/thesixpackrevolution/

Use code "BISH10" at checkout for a discount on upcoming programmes.

Stortford Spotlight

Billboard in Jackson Square

“Everything you've ever been, everything you are, and everything you are to become is reliant on your health. It should be your number one priority.”

A message for everyone, at any age.

Secret Spot

Skew Restaurant – Praised for its quality ingredients, strong service and consistently high standard of food. https://skewrestaurant.com/

Local Legends

Steve Fisk – Founder of Roots to Success.

Steve volunteers his time to train less privileged young people in hairdressing skills, helping them build confidence and long-term career opportunities in the industry. https://roots2success.org.uk/

******

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

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

True Tone Media – Business video without the cringe.
https://truetonemedia.carrd.co/

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

Water Lane Theatre Company – Andy Roberts, Blackadder II

Andy is a lifelong Stortfordian and a member of Water Lane Theatre Company, one of Bishop’s Stortford’s longest-running amateur theatre groups, now in its 90th year.

In this episode, Andy talks about their upcoming production of Blackadder II at South Mill Arts. The show features three classic episodes from the Elizabethan series, performed live on stage with a cast of 19 local performers. Directed by Andy, the production brings the sharp wit, physical comedy and larger-than-life characters of Blackadder to a local audience.

Water Lane Theatre Company stages several productions each year, including comedy, drama, murder mysteries and outdoor Shakespeare. Everything is run by volunteers, with performers, stage managers, costume designers, set builders and technical crew all contributing alongside their day jobs. All profits are reinvested into future productions.

Blackadder II runs on 5th, 6th and 7th March at South Mill Arts, including a Saturday matinee. Tickets are available via the South Mill Arts website.

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

South Mill Arts – Tickets:
https://www.southmillarts.co.uk

Stortford Spotlight

Billboard in Jackson Square

“Park sensibly.”

Secret Spot

Stort Biltong in the Maltings – A popular South African shop offering fresh biltong, Boerewors and other favourites, tucked just behind South Mill Arts. https://stortbiltong.com/

Local Legends

Water Lane Theatre Company – A volunteer-led amateur theatre group that has been entertaining Bishop’s Stortford for over 90 years and continues to bring live performance to the heart of the town.

Support the Podcast

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

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

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

True Tone Media – Business video without the cringe.
https://truetonemedia.carrd.co/

Time For You Cleaning – Bishop’s Stortford & Stansted – Reliable, flexible home cleaning services helping local families get their time back.
https://timeforyou.cleaning/uk/home-cleaning/bishops-stortford

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

Yvonne Estop – Town Councillor and East Herts District Councillor, Central Stortford

Yvonne joins the podcast to talk about Bishop’s Stortford’s bid to become Town of Culture 2028.

Town of Culture is a government initiative, building on the success of City of Culture, and is open to towns with populations between 20,000 and 100,000. The aim is to shine a light on what is already great about a town’s culture, creativity, arts and community, while building a lasting cultural legacy for the future.

The bid is being led by Bishop’s Stortford Town Council in partnership with South Mill Arts, the Bishop’s Stortford Independent and the library. An open forum will take place on Friday 20th February at 6pm at South Mill Arts, facilitated by Paul Winspear from the Indie.

The event is open to everyone. Established arts organisations, creative groups, young people, hobbyists, musicians, writers, digital artists, community organisers and residents are all invited to contribute ideas. The goal is to explore themes for the bid, identify what makes Stortford distinctive, and ensure a wide range of voices are heard.

If you cannot attend but would like to contribute an idea, you can email:

[email protected]

Stortford Spotlight

Billboard in Jackson Square

“Use your imagination.”

A message for everyone going about their daily routine, encouraging people to look beyond the practical and see what more the town could become.

Secret Spot

The art space upstairs at South Mill Arts – A peaceful exhibition area showcasing high-quality work by selected artists. A hidden creative corner that rewards those who take the time to explore.

Local Legends

Northgate End Young People’s Centre – A Hertfordshire County Council-run centre supporting young people with facilities, guidance and creative development. Recognised for the care, nurturing and opportunities it provides for local young people.

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/the-bishops-stortford-community-podcast

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

True Tone Media – Business video without the cringe.
https://truetonemedia.carrd.co/

Time For You Cleaning – Bishop’s Stortford & Stansted – Reliable, flexible home cleaning services helping local families get their time back.
https://timeforyou.cleaning/uk/home-cleaning/bishops-stortford

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

Graeme Smith – Friends of Water Lane Hall

Graeme joins the podcast to talk about the campaign to save Water Lane Hall, a hidden but historic building in the centre of Bishop’s Stortford.

Built around 1915 and once home to more than 40 different community groups, Water Lane Hall has hosted performances, pantomimes, band rehearsals, chess clubs, art groups, and countless local events over the last century. It was previously owned by the United Reformed Church and later became part of the wider Old River Lane development discussions.

After being earmarked for demolition, the hall has now been saved from that immediate threat. The next stage is deciding its future. The Friends of Water Lane Hall are proposing that it be transferred as a community asset and developed into a medium-sized arts and cultural hub in the heart of town.

With Bishop’s Stortford growing rapidly and new housing developments increasing population density, Graeme argues that investing in civic and cultural infrastructure is essential for long-term community cohesion. Water Lane Hall could play a central role in a future Town of Culture 2028 bid and act as a cultural legacy space for generations to come.

Friends of Water Lane Hall:
http://www.waterlanehall.org

East Herts District Council – Consultations (Your Voice):
https://yourvoice.eastherts.gov.uk/water-lanehall

Town of Culture 2028 information event – South Mill Arts
Friday 20th February, 6pm

https://www.facebook.com/bishopsstortfordtc/posts/pfbid02DW7BDJ4Q8qtwkXtHwf8j8uWEEeoefxGU8NPQ127JyCrD4NAkustugjdPYRgWiHhxl

Stortford Spotlight

Billboard in Jackson Square

“Vote for Water Lane Hall.”

Secret Spot

The canal and river walks in Bishop’s Stortford – A peaceful place to walk the dog and escape the noise of town.

Local Legends

Bishop’s Stortford councillors – Recognised for the time and energy they invest in the community, often behind the scenes.

Volunteers who manage community centres across town – Praised for giving their time to keep local spaces active and available for residents.

Support the Podcast

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

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

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

True Tone Media – Business video without the cringe.
https://truetonemedia.carrd.co/

Time For You Cleaning – Bishop’s Stortford & Stansted – Reliable, flexible home cleaning services helping local families get their time back.
https://timeforyou.cleaning/uk/home-cleaning/bishops-stortford

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

Radiant at Every Age – Adriana Welham, Claire Causton, Sue Tillett, Lynne Walker - Speakers at Radiant at Every Age

In this episode, Adriana returns to the podcast to share how her original dream of creating an inspiring event for women in Bishop’s Stortford has become a reality.

Radiant at Every Age takes place on Sunday 22nd February at South Mill Arts. The event brings together local women to talk openly about confidence, menopause and beyond, relationships, grief and healing, style, makeup, adventure, empowerment and redefining what ageing looks like.

With over 150 tickets already sold at the time of recording, the day will include guest speakers, live Q&A sessions, a DJ, dance, comedy, drama, a female choir, food and drinks, sponsor tables, and five exclusive goodie bags filled with vouchers and gifts from local businesses.

This is an event designed to bring women together across generations and challenge the old narrative that life slows down after a certain age. The message is simple: you are enough, and you only get one life, so make it radiant.

South Mill Arts – Tickets for Radiant at Every Age:
https://southmillarts.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873680213

Stortford Spotlight

Billboard in Jackson Square

“You’re enough.”
“Take control of your life.”
“Of course you can wear that!”
“You only get to live once. Make it radiant.”

Secret Spot

Apex Gym – A key fob gym open from early morning to evening.

The river walk in Bishop’s Stortford – A peaceful place to think and reset.

The terrace at Rosey Lea – A favourite spot in the warmer months.

Pav’s Café in the park by the bandstand – A local gem in the summer.

Local Legends

Adriana Welham – Recognised by the panel for the work behind the scenes bringing Radiant at Every Age together and building community around it.

RSPCA Charity Shop, Bishop’s Stortford – Praised for its support of animal welfare and long-standing local presence.

South Mill Arts – Highlighted as a vital local arts venue with new energy and community-focused programming.

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/the-bishops-stortford-community-podcast