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/

Chris Hinchliff – Labour Member of Parliament for North East Hertfordshire a largely rural constituency that includes villages around Bishop’s Stortford such as Little Hadham, Albury, Waterford and Stapleford.

In this episode, Chris joins the podcast to talk about his campaign to protect village schools, with a particular focus on Albury Primary School, which is currently at risk of closure. He shares why village schools matter far beyond the classroom, the role they play as the heart of rural communities, and what local people can do to support the campaign.

Links

Campaign website and open letter:
https://www.chrishinchliff.co.uk/village-schools

Village Schools campaign site:
https://villageschools.co.uk/

Stortford Spotlight

Billboard in Jackson Square

“We love our village schools. Sign the open letter.”

A message aimed at anyone who cares about the future of village schools and rural communities across Hertfordshire.

Secret Spot

St Michael and All Angels Church, Waterford
Praised for its stunning stained glass windows designed by William Morris’s company and Pre-Raphaelite artists, and for being a peaceful and culturally significant local landmark.
https://www.nationalchurchestrust.org/church/st-michael-all-angels-waterford

Local Legends

Kate and Josephine, along with the parents and volunteers involved in the campaign to save Albury Primary School, recognised for their energy, commitment, and passion for their children’s education and the future of their village.

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/

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

Em Manchee – Owner, JEMS Bookkeeping & Accountancy Services

Website:
https://www.jemsaccountancy.com/

Em is the owner of GEMS Bookkeeping & Accountancy Services, a family-run practice supporting businesses locally in Bishop’s Stortford and nationally across England.

She has been working in accountancy since the late 1990s and moved from London to Bishop’s Stortford eight years ago, where she has built a strong local client base through referrals, trust, and long-term relationships.

JEMS works with everyone from sole traders and tradespeople to larger, more complex businesses, always with a “no silly questions” approach.

Services

Bookkeeping
Accountancy services
Payroll
VAT support
Business advice and financial guidance
Software support (Xero, QuickBooks and others)
Making Tax Digital (MTD) preparation and support

Em and her team focus on education and empowerment, helping business owners understand their numbers so they can make confident decisions rather than guessing.

“Truth in numbers. Strength in knowledge.”

A message for business owners who are working hard but don’t yet fully understand what their numbers are telling them.

Olyra Greek Bakery
A local favourite for coffee and baked treats, just around the corner from Em’s new office.
https://www.olyra.co.uk/

Julie North – Hanbury Wealth - https://hanburywealth.co.uk/

Praised for genuinely supporting local businesses, building real relationships, and continuing to show up long after sponsorships are signed.

Em highlights Julie’s integrity, consistency, and impact across the local business community.

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

🧹 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/

Urszula (Ula) Ossowska – Founder, ArtVibe Community

ArtVibe Community is a grassroots arts movement showcasing local artists across Bishop’s Stortford, Sawbridgeworth, and beyond.

https://www.instagram.com/art.vibecommunity

“Don’t lose your colours.”

A message reminding us to stay true to who we are and keep doing what we love.

Nava Thai Massage – https://www.navathaispa.co.uk/
Ula recommends it as a place for proper rest, reset, and “me time”.

ArtVibe Artists

Marcel Daniluk
https://www.instagram.com/danilukmarcel

Edi Schreiber
https://www.instagram.com/_artistedy_

Chrystal Barry
https://www.instagram.com/handstandsandharibo

Leah Barry
https://www.instagram.com/mcpineapplehead

Emma Webber
https://www.instagram.com/emmawebberart

Ian Angus Campbell
https://www.instagram.com/ian.a.campbell.5

Lynn Gurnett
https://www.instagram.com/gurnettlynn

Marian Sheraidah
https://www.instagram.com/mariansheraidah

Roma Bankowski
https://www.instagram.com/romabankowskiart

Walter Jude Rotbart
https://www.instagram.com/walterjudeart

Stephen Karn
https://www.instagram.com/stephen.karn

Teah (Tee) Murray
https://www.instagram.com/thea_xxox

Pickles (dog artist)
Owner account: https://www.instagram.com/plantpotsandwellies

Roy Jones (not on social media)

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/

Jim Tatchell – Co-Founder & Trustee, Helping Herts

Throughout February, Jim and his neighbours Emma and Michelle are completing a mile in 12 different ways, including kayaking, skipping, rowing, cycling, litter picking, and more all to support vulnerable children and young people across the county.

The One Mile, Twelve Ways Challenge

A fundraising challenge taking place across February, with each mile completed in a different way.

Completed and planned challenges include:

• Kayaking on the River Stort
• Skipping a mile around Herts & Essex School
• Rowing, cycling, and ski-erg challenges
• A three-person “four-legged race”
• Football, hockey, tennis and rugby-themed miles
• A final community litter pick mile

Jim promises one thing motivates him through every challenge: cake.

About Helping Herts

Helping Herts supports 12 children’s charities across Hertfordshire, acting as an umbrella organisation to help charities collaborate, fundraise together, and reach more families.

Rather than choosing between causes, supporters can donate once and help children from birth through to young adulthood, right across the county.

Website:
https://www.helpingherts.com/

Ways to support:

• Donate to the February challenge
• Follow the updates online and on social media
• Get involved in events
• Encourage businesses and teams to take part

“Life is better with cake.”

A message aimed at anyone feeling negative — because Bishop’s Stortford has brilliant cake, and everything feels better after a slice.

The Golden Litter Challenge

Jim plans to secretly hide one piece of litter along the route of the final litter-pick mile.
Anyone who joins the litter pick can hunt for it and win a prize.

📅 Saturday 21st February
⏰ 1pm
📍 Starting near Herts & Essex School / Warwick Road

Happy Dave
Former Mayor of Bishop’s Stortford, known for quietly helping people with accessibility, mental health support, and practical problem-solving.

Graham Smith
Leading the campaign to save Water Lane Hall and turn it into a thriving community hub.

Richard Smith
Trustee of Grove Cottage, Treasurer of Bishop’s Stortford Rugby Club, local magistrate, adviser, volunteer, and all-round community servant.

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/

Nicola Westcott – Will Writer & Non-Practising Solicitor

Website:
https://westcottwills.co.uk/

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

LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicola-westcott-will-writer/

Nicola founded Westcott Wills in 2012 to offer a more personal, family-friendly approach to wills, trusts, and lasting powers of attorney.

Now based in Bishop’s Stortford, Nicola visits people in their homes to make what can feel like a daunting process calm, clear, and manageable.

Services

Wills
Lasting Powers of Attorney
Guardianship planning for children
Trusts to protect family homes
Estate and inheritance planning
Free, no-obligation first meeting
Fixed pricing agreed after consultation

Nicola specialises in helping people who have been putting it off for years, often due to fear, confusion, or family complexity.

“No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it is not the same river and he is not the same man.”

A quote from Heraclitus, shared by Nicola’s son, about change, growth, and how both life and people are always evolving.

Also:

“Do not be anxious about anything.”

A short, powerful reminder for a busy, worried world.

Ikura Japanese Restaurant (Apton Road)
A small, cosy Japanese restaurant known for excellent sushi, spring rolls with edamame, and Asahi beer.

Nicola lived in Japan for a year and says Ikura is the real deal.
https://placeorderatikura.co.uk/

Hummingbird Cancer Support

A volunteer-led charity supporting people going through cancer treatment with emotional support, community, and wellbeing therapies.

They offer reflexology, relaxation treatments, and a welcoming space for people to talk and feel supported.

Website:
https://hummingbirdcancersupport.org/

They meet Mondays, 10am–1pm at Great Hadham Golf Club and are always looking for volunteers, especially those with wellbeing or therapy experience.

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

Sophie Sullivan & Kirandeep Khatkar – Smartphone Free Childhood Stortford

Sophie and Kiran are local Bishop’s Stortford mums and volunteers with Smartphone Free Childhood Stortford (SFC Stortford), a grassroots group supporting parents who want to delay smartphones and reduce harmful screen exposure for children.

They share personal experiences, research-backed concerns, and practical steps families can take to navigate technology more consciously, without judgement or guilt.

Their work focuses on:

• Reducing smartphone addiction in children
• Supporting parents who feel pressure to “give in”
• Changing social norms around tech and childhood
• Creating safe, community-led conversations

Upcoming Event

Navigating Smartphones & Tech as a Family
A free panel discussion for parents, carers, and educators.

Eventbrite:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/navigating-smartphones-tech-as-a-family-tickets-1978615244459

📅 Thursday 5th March
⏰ From 6:30pm
📍 Bishop’s Stortford High School
🎟️ Free to attend

The event includes:

• Expert and parent panel
• Q&A
• Practical tools and alternatives to smartphones
• Simple phone options and resources

Community Group

Not The Only One – Smartphone Free Childhood Stortford

Facebook Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/593909576857961/

A supportive local group for parents who want to explore alternatives to early smartphone use and share experiences openly.

“If you’re thinking of getting your child a smartphone or regret already doing it join SFC Stortford.
You’re not the only one.”

A message for parents who feel isolated or pressured into decisions that don’t feel right.

Southern Country Park – Nature Reserve

A calm, green space where conversations started, connections formed, and families can disconnect from screens and reconnect with nature.

Bishop’s Stortford Library

A vital community hub supporting reading, learning, workshops, and connection across all ages.
Promoted as a powerful alternative to screens and a cornerstone of healthy childhood development.

Key Message

Smartphone Free Childhood is not anti-tech.
It’s about awareness, timing, boundaries, and giving children space to develop without constant digital pressure.

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

Josephine Quinton – Save Albury Church of England Primary School

This special episode focuses on the urgent campaign to Save Albury Church of England Primary School, a small village school near Bishop’s Stortford that has been serving children and families since 1850.

Albury Primary School provides a nurturing, family-style environment where children thrive, and its loss would impact not just pupils, but the entire village and surrounding communities.

What’s Happening

The school has been placed under threat of closure due to funding pressures and declining pupil numbers.
Since the closure announcement, uncertainty has caused families to leave, worsening the situation.

Many parents have said they would bring their children back if the school is given time and reassurance.

A final decision is due at a cabinet meeting on Friday morning at Stevenage Council Offices.

How You Can Help Right Now

Join and share the campaign Facebook group:

Save Albury C of E Primary School

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61583580070392&locale=en_GB

This is the main hub for updates, including:
• The Open Letter - https://www.chrishinchliff.co.uk/albury-school
• GoFundMe donations - https://gofund.me/13728cc26

Supporters are encouraged to:
Share posts widely
Attend the public meeting if possible

The message is simple: small village schools matter.

“Small village schools matter.”

A message for everyone — because today it’s Albury, but tomorrow it could be another local school.

Grove Cottage
A specialist SEND and education setting providing meaningful activities and support for children and young adults with disabilities.

Costa Coffee (Tesco)
Not just for coffee a place where conversations started, petitions were signed, and community support grew through wearing campaign t-shirts.

Chris Hinchcliffe MP
For speaking in Parliament and publicly supporting the campaign.

Amanda Alexander & Zoë Stiles
Local women and community champions helping spread the message far and wide.

Everyone sharing, signing, donating, and showing up
This campaign is powered by community action.

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

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

🧺 It’s A Wash Thing – A local laundry service helping Bishop’s Stortford families and nurseries save time, reduce stress, and keep on top of daily washing.
https://www.facebook.com/Itsawashthing

🧹 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

Denise Armstrong – Founder & Dog Trainer, The Adventure Bark

Website: https://www.theadventurebark.com

The Adventure Bark is a seven-acre private dog field located between St Michael’s Mead and Much Hadham, designed to give dogs and their owners complete freedom, privacy, and peace.

Founded by professional dog trainer Denise Armstrong, the field is fully fenced, secure, and thoughtfully designed for dogs who need space to run, explore, and just be dogs.

What The Adventure Bark Offers

Private hire dog field (yours alone per session)
Seven acres of rural, secure greenbelt land
Six-foot fencing with secure gated access
50-minute exclusive bookings
Activity stations, jumps, tunnels, sand pit and play features
Rustic benches and sheltered seating
Grass maze cut annually
Seasonal features including a winter lake
Rainbow Bridge memorial area for dogs who have passed
Suitable for reactive dogs, elderly dogs, puppies, and multi-dog households

Denise has hosted everything from breed meet-ups and fundraising events to weddings, all centred around dogs and community.

Booking & Pricing

Online booking via the website
Automated email and text reminders with access codes
£15 per hour for one dog
+£3 per additional dog
Discounted block bookings for regulars
Events and charity bookings available

The field opened in June 2020 and grew entirely through word of mouth.

“Let go of what you can’t control or change.”

A message Denise lives by, believing anger only harms the person holding it, while positivity should always be shared.

Dada Café

A small, welcoming café at the bottom of the High Street known for incredible coffee, simple food, and being genuinely dog-friendly.
Denise hopes it stays cosy enough that she can always find a seat.

Little Hadham Village Hall Volunteers

Denise highlights the volunteers who run warm-space lunches, chair yoga, Tai Chi, and community events every Wednesday and throughout the month.

She encourages anyone with even an hour to spare to get involved, describing volunteering as deeply rewarding and community-building.

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

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

🧺 It’s A Wash Thing – A local laundry service helping Bishop’s Stortford families and nurseries save time, reduce stress, and keep on top of daily washing.
https://www.facebook.com/Itsawashthing

🧹 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

Unsanctioned Justice – Eric Ginn
A moderate thriller centred around a judge who becomes disillusioned with the justice system and takes matters into his own hands.

Buy on Amazon:
https://amzn.eu/d/1FTD7vl

Eric is currently two-thirds of the way through his second book and writes for one hour every day.

Local Writing Group

Stortford Scribblers Writers Group

A friendly, supportive writers’ group meeting every second Thursday at Acton Road Community Centre.
Open to all writing styles including novels, poetry, comedy, and short stories.

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/StortfordScribblersWritersGroup/?locale=en_GB

Eric credits the group, and organiser Hilary Austin, with giving him the confidence and encouragement to publish his book.

“Always be happy with what you’ve got.”

A reminder for everyone that comparison and envy steal joy, and that life is better lived with gratitude.

Stortford Scribblers Writers Group

Eric hopes it grows, but never loses its warm, supportive, close-knit feel where people feel safe sharing their work.

Hilary Austin – Stortford Scribblers

For creating and running a space that supports writers, builds confidence, and helps people turn ideas into finished work.

Other Community Mentions

Army Vets Breakfast Club
A local veterans’ group meeting every second Sunday morning for breakfast, conversation, and connection.

Follow the Podcast

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

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

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

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

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

🧺 It’s A Wash Thing – A local laundry service helping Bishop’s Stortford families and nurseries save time, reduce stress, and keep on top of daily washing.
https://www.facebook.com/Itsawashthing

🧹 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

Will Sandy & Will Daniels – Co-Founders, Bishop’s Stortford Running Festival

Website: https://www.bsrunfest.com

Instagram: @bsrunfest
Facebook: Bishop’s Stortford Running Festival

The Bishop’s Stortford Running Festival launches on Sunday 24th May 2026, bringing a family-friendly, community-focused running event to the town.

Distances include 5K, 10K and Half Marathon, with a festival village designed for runners, supporters, families, and local businesses.

Who It’s For

Minimum age: 11+
First-time runners
PB chasers
Families and supporters
Local businesses and community groups

How to Get Involved

Run:
Register at https://www.bsrunfest.com

Volunteer:
Sign up via the website

Sponsors & Partners:
Local businesses, food vendors, coffee traders, and running brands welcome

“Exceed expectations.”

“Set a goal and get moving.”

A reminder that small goals build momentum and most limits are self-imposed.

Terrace Park Café, Castle Park
Coffee, croissants, and calm — a favourite weekend spot.
https://terraceparkcafe.co.uk/

Rosey Lea
Loved for the walk there, relaxed setting, and no-booking needed.
https://roseylea.com/

Keith Mullings – Koru Gym
First sponsor to back the Running Festival and a huge supporter from day one.
https://www.korugym.com/

Nigel Blair-Park – Cromarty
Runs a local men’s group and supports men’s wellbeing and community connection.
https://www.linkedin.com/company/cromarty-vets

The Volunteers
Everyone already giving their time to help make the festival happen.

📅 Event Date: Sunday 24th May 2026
📍 Location: Bishop’s Stortford