Save Our Villages: The Fight Is Not Over - Lynn Maddison & Lauren Channing

108 Mile Walk For Holy Trinity Night Shelter - Ollie Wyllie

This episode is brought to you by: StortAI: https://stortai.carrd.co/ [https://stortai.carrd.co/] StortBox: https://stortbox.co.uk/ [https://stortbox.co.uk/] Bishop's Stortford Community Newsletter: https://bishops-stortford-community-newsletter.beehiiv.com/ [https://bishops-stortford-community-newsletter.beehiiv.com/] Ollie Wyllie is the deputy manager of Holy Trinity Night Shelter, an independent charity supporting people experiencing homelessness in Bishop’s Stortford. The shelter provides overnight accommodation during the winter and runs drop-in sessions throughout the year. Guests can receive food, shower, wash their clothes and access support for issues including housing, addiction and mental health. In this episode, Ollie talks about completing a 108-mile walk around North Norfolk to raise money for a new shower facility at the shelter. He also reflects on recovering from a serious motorcycle accident, the physical challenges of the walk, and the volunteers who keep the shelter operating. Links Holy Trinity Night Shelter: https://www.htwinternightshelter.org/ [https://www.htwinternightshelter.org/] GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/ad92cc0f3 [https://gofund.me/ad92cc0f3] Stortford Spotlight Billboard in Jackson Square “It could be you.” Ollie chose this to encourage more people to volunteer, but also to remind people that one life-changing event can unexpectedly leave someone needing help from the shelter. Secret Spot Bluebell Wood Ollie chose Bluebell Wood near Twyford Lock as a peaceful place to walk and decompress after a stressful shift. Local Legends Holy Trinity Night Shelter Volunteers Ollie highlighted the volunteers who serve meals, wash clothes, organise donations, prepare the shelter and stay overnight with guests during the winter. 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 [https://www.givinglottery.org.uk/support/bishops-stortford-community-podcast-cic]

Save Our Villages: The Fight Is Not Over - Lynn Maddison & Lauren Channing

This episode is brought to you by: StortAI: https://stortai.carrd.co/ [https://stortai.carrd.co/] StortBox: https://stortbox.co.uk/ [https://stortbox.co.uk/] Bishop's Stortford Community Newsletter: https://bishops-stortford-community-newsletter.beehiiv.com/ [https://bishops-stortford-community-newsletter.beehiiv.com/] Lynn Madison and Lauren Channing are members of Save Our Villages, a community campaign formed in response to plans for around 1,100 homes on Green Belt land near Stansted and Birchanger. In this episode, they explain how the campaign began, why residents believe the proposed developments would place too much pressure on roads and local infrastructure, and how hundreds of objections helped influence the planning process. They also discuss the latest stage of the campaign, the support received from volunteers and neighbouring communities, and why residents must continue using their voices when large developments are proposed. Links Save Our Villages: https://saveourvillages.co.uk/ [https://saveourvillages.co.uk/] Facebook: Birchanger and Stansted Greenbelt Preservation - https://www.facebook.com/groups/2568902686636114/ [https://www.facebook.com/groups/2568902686636114/] Stortford Spotlight Billboard in Jackson Square “Don't be afraid to use your voice.” Lauren chose this as a reminder that people can make a difference by speaking up and getting involved. “Enjoy the open space.” Lynn highlighted the value of the Green Belt and the positive effect that open spaces can have on physical and mental health. Secret Spot Birchanger Woods - https://www.facebook.com/BirchangerWood [https://www.facebook.com/BirchangerWood] Lynn and Lauren chose Birchanger Woods as a peaceful local place for walking, nature and quiet time. Local Legends Grow Green Spaces Stortford - https://www.facebook.com/p/Grow-Green-Spaces-Stortford-100083119920113/ [https://www.facebook.com/p/Grow-Green-Spaces-Stortford-100083119920113/] Lynn and Lauren highlighted Grow Green Spaces Stortford for its work regenerating the towpath and creating more space for wildflowers and wildlife. Save Our Villages Volunteers They also praised the volunteers who have given their time, expertise and money to support the campaign, produce materials and build the website. 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 [https://www.givinglottery.org.uk/support/bishops-stortford-community-podcast-cic]

The Endangered Skills Being Saved At Grandey’s Place Heritage & Craft Centre - Helen Miller

This episode is brought to you by: StortAI: https://stortai.carrd.co/ [https://stortai.carrd.co/] StortBox: https://stortbox.co.uk/ [https://stortbox.co.uk/] Bishop's Stortford Community Newsletter: https://bishops-stortford-community-newsletter.beehiiv.com/ [https://bishops-stortford-community-newsletter.beehiiv.com/] Helen Miller helps with communications at Grandey’s Place Heritage and Craft Centre, located between Bishop’s Stortford and Much Hadham. The centre was created to preserve and nurture heritage crafts that risk disappearing if skills are not passed from one generation to the next. Around 19 artists and makers currently work on site across disciplines including letter carving, stained glass, metalwork, ceramics, knitwear, watchmaking and traditional baking. Helen shares stories about craftspeople who have worked on commissions for Westminster Abbey, York Minster and the Royal Family. She also explains how people can visit through monthly tours, open days and educational visits. Links You can see the work for yourself at their free Heritage Crafts Open Day on Sunday 28 June. Entry is free, with a £5 parking fee that goes directly to the craftspeople. Grandey’s Place: https://www.grandeysplace.co.uk/ [https://www.grandeysplace.co.uk/] Reserve your parking: https://www.grandeysplace.co.uk/upcoming-events [https://www.grandeysplace.co.uk/upcoming-events] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grandeysplace [https://www.facebook.com/grandeysplace] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grandeysplace/ [https://www.instagram.com/grandeysplace/] Stortford Spotlight Billboard in Jackson Square “If you don't know where you are coming from, you can't know where you are going to.” Helen chose this because understanding our history, heritage and inherited knowledge helps us make better decisions about the future. Secret Spot Richard Lewis at Grandey’s Place - https://www.instagram.com/microbakery00/ [https://www.instagram.com/microbakery00/] Helen highlighted the craft bakery at Grandey’s Place, where Richard works with heritage grains that existed before modern scientific plant breeding became widespread. Cafe Inn - https://www.instagram.com/caffeinn2/ [https://www.instagram.com/caffeinn2/] Helen also chose Cafe Inn in Florence Walk for its welcoming team, refurbished interior and food, particularly the poached eggs and avocado. Local Legends The Bishop’s Stortford Independent - https://www.facebook.com/stortfordindie [https://www.facebook.com/stortfordindie] Helen praised the team led by Paul Winspear for producing a well-presented, carefully edited local newspaper. United Reformed Church - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100067554882845 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100067554882845] Helen also highlighted Andy Booth and Alan Gardner for overseeing the refurbishment of the United Reformed Church on Water Lane. The building now provides an open-plan worship and community space used for concerts, Pilates and local groups.

The Home Skills Club Coming To Bishop’s Stortford - Cassy Waugh

This episode is brought to you by: StortBox: https://stortbox.co.uk/ [https://stortbox.co.uk/] Stort AI: https://stortai.carrd.co/ [https://stortai.carrd.co/] Bishop's Stortford Community Newsletter: https://bishops-stortford-community-newsletter.beehiiv.com/ [https://bishops-stortford-community-newsletter.beehiiv.com/] Cassy Waugh is a local community organiser and the founder of The Home Skills Club, a new women-led, women-first project helping people build confidence with basic DIY and home maintenance. In this episode, Cassy talks about the moment she realised she wanted to feel more capable in her own home. After moving house and facing a list of small jobs, she began looking for practical courses that would teach everyday home skills rather than a full trade. She explains how The Home Skills Club began, why confidence with tools matters, and why the project is designed to create safe, supportive spaces for women. Cassy also talks about future plans, including courses on power tools, tiling, siliconing, sealing, masticing and first-time home owner skills. Links The Home Skills Club: Facebook: The Home Skills Club [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61589736596433] Instagram: @HomeSkillsClub [https://www.instagram.com/homeskillsclub/] Email: thehomeskillsclub@gmail.com [thehomeskillsclub@gmail.com] Hoodoo Radio: https://hoodooradio.co.uk/ [https://hoodooradio.co.uk/] Stortford Spotlight Billboard in Jackson Square “The distance between us is rarely as great as we're told.” Cassy chose this as a message about curiosity, understanding and community. She spoke about the importance of talking to people, asking questions, and recognising that most people are trying to live a good life and keep their families safe and happy. Secret Spot South Street Pantry [https://www.instagram.com/southstreetpantry/] Cassy chose South Street Pantry and highlighted the loaded sourdoughs, especially the creamy mushrooms. She also mentioned The Butcher and The Pantry fine dining evenings. Local Legends Hoodoo Radio [https://hoodooradio.co.uk/] Cassy gave a shout out to the Hoodoo Radio crew for creating something grassroots and community-driven. She highlighted their support for local music events, their involvement with Bishbash, and the opportunities they may offer to young people interested in radio. 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 [https://www.givinglottery.org.uk/support/bishops-stortford-community-podcast-cic]

650 Runners, Wind Hill, And A Huge Local Win for BS Runfest 2026 - Will Sandy & Will Daniels

This episode is brought to you by: Stort AI: https://stortai.carrd.co/ [https://stortai.carrd.co/] StortBox: https://stortbox.co.uk/ [https://stortbox.co.uk/] Bishop's Stortford Community Newsletter: https://bishops-stortford-community-newsletter.beehiiv.com/ [https://bishops-stortford-community-newsletter.beehiiv.com/] Will Sandy and Will Daniels are the owners of the Bishop’s Stortford Running Festival, run by Will Power Events. The festival was created as a local community running event, bringing together runners, families, local vendors and the wider town. In this return episode, Will and Will reflect on the first Bishop’s Stortford Running Festival, which saw more than 600 runners take on routes through the town, including Wind Hill and the high street. They talk about the atmosphere on the day, the challenge of the heat, and the moment it all finally sank in after the last runner crossed the finish line. They also share what they learned from the event, why so many runners were everyday local people rather than club runners, and what is planned next, including a December winter warmer and the return of the Bishop’s Stortford Running Festival on 2 May 2027. Links Bishop’s Stortford Running Festival: www.bsrunfest.com [http://www.bsrunfest.com] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bsrunfest/ [https://www.instagram.com/bsrunfest/] Will Power Events: www.willpowerevents.co.uk [http://www.willpowerevents.co.uk] Stortford Spotlight What local business are you rooting for? The Cupcake Club - https://www.instagram.com/thecupcakeclub_x/ [https://www.instagram.com/thecupcakeclub_x/] Will Daniels gave a shout out to The Cupcake Club, a local cake business that stepped in at short notice for the festival. It was their first event outside of selling from home, and the festival helped give them the confidence to run a stall. What community project, club or cause should more people know about? Local running clubs Will mentioned Bishop’s Stortford Running Club, South Street Pantry Running Club and the growth of women’s running clubs. He highlighted how important these groups can be for confidence, safety, friendship and helping more people get into running. Two local legends we should interview DJ Digital Pocahontas - https://digitalpocahontas.co.uk/ [https://digitalpocahontas.co.uk/] Will Sandy gave a shout out to Kelly, also known as DJ Digital Pocahontas, for the role she played in creating the atmosphere at the Bishop’s Stortford Running Festival and for her wider work with DJs and DJ lessons. Water Lane Church Will Daniels also highlighted Water Lane Church, who supported the event on a very hot day by offering toilets and refreshments outside the church. He said runners commented on how much of a difference those aid stations made. Support the Podcast You can support The Bishop’s Stortford Community Podcast through The Giving Lottery. Support here: https://www.givinglottery.org.uk/support/bishops-stortford-community-podcast-cic [https://www.givinglottery.org.uk/support/bishops-stortford-community-podcast-cic]