The Stortford Travel Expert Helping Families Get It Right - Gary Lewis

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]

Bishop’s Stortford’s Musical Theatre Choir - Emma Cremnitz

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/] Emma Kremnitz is a former actor, singing teacher and choir leader based in Bishop’s Stortford. She runs the Sing Space Musical Theatre Choir. In this episode, Emma talks about why singing matters, especially for adults who may have been told they could not sing or who have lost touch with creative hobbies as life has become busier. She explains how the choir works, why musical theatre is such a rich genre to teach, and how singing can support confidence, connection and wellbeing. Emma also shares what the choir is currently working on, including songs from Footloose, Sister Act 2, Phantom of the Opera and Songs for a New World. She also talks about upcoming performances, including a July concert and a larger choir performance at Ely Cathedral. Links Sing Space Musical Theatre Choir: https://www.singspacechoir.com/bishops-stortford/ [https://www.singspacechoir.com/bishops-stortford/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100095009980147 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100095009980147] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stortfordmusicaltheatrechoir/ [https://www.instagram.com/stortfordmusicaltheatrechoir/] Emma Cremnitz: https://www.instagram.com/emmacremnitz_vocalcoach/ [https://www.instagram.com/emmacremnitz_vocalcoach/] Stortford Spotlight Billboard in Jackson Square “You do not have to be confident to begin, begin anyway, and let confidence catch up with you.” Emma chose this because she believes people should not wait until they feel ready before starting something new. Secret Spot South Mill Arts - https://www.instagram.com/southmillarts/ [https://www.instagram.com/southmillarts/] Emma gave a shout out to South Mill Arts for the wide range of theatre, cinema, ballet, youth groups and local performances it brings to the town. The Roxy Cinema - https://www.instagram.com/roxymoviesbishopsstortford/ [https://www.instagram.com/roxymoviesbishopsstortford/] Emma also mentioned The Roxy Cinema and encouraged more people to support it. Bishop’s Stortford Sinfonia - https://www.instagram.com/bishopsstortfordsinfonia?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D [https://www.instagram.com/bishopsstortfordsinfonia?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D] Emma highlighted Bishop’s Stortford Sinfonia and said she would like to see more people attending their concerts. Local Legends Water Lane Hall - https://www.instagram.com/friendsofwaterlanehall/ [https://www.instagram.com/friendsofwaterlanehall/] Emma gave a shout out to the group working to save and develop Water Lane Hall into a community arts hub. She described the plans as exciting and said more people should know about the project.

The Local Tennis Coach Reaching 300 People A Week - Ollie Clark

This episode is brought to you by: Takeley Chiropractic Ltd: https://www.takeleychiropractic.co.uk/ [https://www.takeleychiropractic.co.uk/] 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 Clark is a local tennis coach with strong connections to Bishop’s Stortford. He went to the Boys’ High School, has been coaching for around 20 years, and now runs Ollie Clark Tennis. In this episode, Ollie talks about building a tennis programme that reaches hundreds of people each week, from young children through to adults. His work includes individual lessons, small group adult lessons, after-school clubs, junior coaching, adult coaching, and occasional charity tournaments. Ollie also discusses why tennis can become a lifelong sport, the value of getting children started early, and his interest in making sport more open through schools, wider community links, disability tennis and cross-sport collaboration. Links Ollie Clark Tennis: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561923394147 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561923394147] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ollieclarktennis/ [https://www.instagram.com/ollieclarktennis/] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@octennis22 [https://www.tiktok.com/@octennis22] Stortford Spotlight Billboard in Jackson Square “Everyone can achieve anything.” Ollie chose this as a message for children and adults, encouraging people to believe they can improve and achieve more through effort. Secret Spot Number 14 - https://www.instagram.com/no.14bs/ [https://www.instagram.com/no.14bs/] Ollie picked Number 14 after visiting for a friend’s 40th birthday. He described it as a lovely restaurant and a place he would not want to become too busy. Local Legends Bishop’s Stortford Padel Club - https://www.instagram.com/bishopstortfordpadelclub/ [https://www.instagram.com/bishopstortfordpadelclub/] Ollie gave a shout out to the new padel venue near the football club, describing it as social, welcoming and good for getting more people active. Steve Fisk - https://www.facebook.com/steve.f.ruben [https://www.facebook.com/steve.f.ruben] Ollie also mentioned Steve Fisk for the work he does supporting people who may have had difficult times and need a helping hand. 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]

Babble and Bliss: More Than A Baby Class - Skye & Hannah

This episode is brought to you by: Takeley Chiropractic Ltd: https://www.takeleychiropractic.co.uk/ [https://www.takeleychiropractic.co.uk/] 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/] Skye and Hannah are the founders of Babble and Bliss Baby Spa, a baby spa and baby group company offering calming, supportive sessions for babies, parents and carers. In this episode, they talk about how they met through the school run and built a baby group with a difference. Their sessions include baby baths, oat baths, bubble baths, sensory elements, and baby massage, with each week teaching a different part of a full top-to-toe massage. They also discuss the importance of creating a safe, welcoming space for parents, especially new mums who may feel anxious, isolated or unsure about getting out of the house with a baby. Alongside the baby spa sessions, they share how the business has grown into birthday parties, pamper parties and fitness collaborations. Links Babble and Bliss Baby Spa Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/babbleandblissbabyspa/ [https://www.instagram.com/babbleandblissbabyspa/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577386387024 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577386387024] Stortford Spotlight Billboard in Jackson Square “Connect” Hannah chose this because she believes motherhood was never meant to be done alone, and that parents need friendship, conversation and support around them. “Disconnect to Reconnect” Skye chose this as a reminder for people to put their phones down, be more present, and reconnect with the people around them. Who they never want to be too busy... Sean O'Brien - https://www.instagram.com/seanobrien.coach [https://www.instagram.com/seanobrien.coach] Skye and Hannah gave a shout out to their PT, Sean O’Brien, who runs small fitness sessions around Bishop’s Stortford and the surrounding areas. They also mentioned their Babble Bliss and Fitness collaboration, where parents can do a PT session while babies are looked after or involved, then move into the baby spa session. Nell Bar at Hockerill Lights - https://www.instagram.com/thenailbar.88 [https://www.instagram.com/thenailbar.88] They also mentioned Annie and Long at the Nell Bar at Hot Pod Lights, describing them as friendly, welcoming and supportive. Local Legends Beth - Boo Baby Scan - https://www.instagram.com/boobabyscanstortford [https://www.instagram.com/boobabyscanstortford] Hannah gave a personal shout out to Beth at Boo Baby for the support she gave during a difficult pregnancy. She described Beth as someone who went above and beyond, offering reassurance and support throughout a stressful time. 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]

The Stortford Travel Expert Helping Families Get It Right - Gary Lewis

This episode is brought to you by: Takeley Chiropractic Ltd: https://www.takeleychiropractic.co.uk/ [https://www.takeleychiropractic.co.uk/] StortBox: https://stortbox.carrd.co/ [https://stortbox.carrd.co/] Bishop's Stortford Community Newsletter: https://bishops-stortford-community-newsletter.beehiiv.com/ [https://bishops-stortford-community-newsletter.beehiiv.com/] Gary Lewis runs The Family Luxe Travel Company in Bishop’s Stortford, a franchise under the Travel Counsellors umbrella. The business specialises in luxury family travel, while also helping people plan a wide range of trips. In this episode, Gary talks about why holidays matter, especially for families, and why travel is often about more than simply finding a good deal online. He explains how he works with clients, from the first conversation through to the small details that can shape the whole trip. Gary also shares why families of five can face particular challenges when booking hotels, how human advice can make a difference, and why memories from holidays often last far longer than the things we buy. Links Family Luxe Travel Company: https://www.instagram.com/familytravelcounsellor [https://www.instagram.com/familytravelcounsellor] Stortford Spotlight Billboard in Jackson Square “Ask your children what they got for Christmas last year, and then ask them what they'd done for holiday last year.” Gary chose this because he believes family experiences and holiday memories stay with people far longer than physical presents. Secret Spot The Little Arts Workshop - https://www.instagram.com/thelittleartsworkshop/ [https://www.instagram.com/thelittleartsworkshop/] Gary picked The Little Arts Workshop as a relaxed place where families can spend time together through pottery painting, clay making and creative activities. Local Legends Ria Dongworth - Diverse Performing Arts - https://www.instagram.com/diverseperformingartsherts/ [https://www.instagram.com/diverseperformingartsherts/] Gary gave a shout out to Ria Dongworth, who runs Diverse Performing Arts. His children attend the classes, and he spoke about the confidence it has helped build in 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 [https://www.givinglottery.org.uk/support/bishops-stortford-community-podcast-cic]