Bishop's Stortford Community Podcast

Who Keeps The River Stort Clean? With Simon Baker

This episode is brought to you by: StortAI: https://stortai.com/ [https://stortai.com/] 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/] Simon Baker is a local musician, community organiser and the person behind Save Our Stort, a monthly volunteer effort cleaning the River Stort and its towpath through Bishop’s Stortford. After moving onto a boat and seeing how much rubbish was hidden beneath the riverbanks, Simon contacted the Canal and River Trust and decided to organise a local clean-up himself. A small core group now meets every month to remove bottles, cans, shopping trolleys and other waste from the river and surrounding towpath. In this episode, Simon explains why Bishop’s Stortford is a particularly important place to catch rubbish before it travels further down the navigation, the risks abandoned trolleys create for boats, and why Save Our Stort urgently needs more volunteers, especially people with canoes, kayaks, dinghies or paddleboards. Links Save Our Stort: https://www.facebook.com/groups/saveourstort [https://www.facebook.com/groups/saveourstort] Email: simon@unclefunk.co.uk [simon@unclefunk.co.uk] Volunteer Third Sunday of every month 11:30am Meet on the towpath near the Rose and Crown pub and the Station Road bridge. Volunteers with canoes, kayaks, dinghies or paddleboards are particularly needed to help clear rubbish from the river. Stortford Spotlight Billboard in Jackson Square “Stop throwing litter.” Simon chose this as a direct message to anyone dropping rubbish around the town or into the River Stort. Secret Spot Bluebell Woods and the nature reserve Simon chose the nature reserve and Bluebell Woods as peaceful local places that he hopes never become overcrowded. Local Legends Bishbash - https://bishbash.uk/ [https://bishbash.uk/] Simon highlighted Twig and the Bishbash team for bringing the Stortford Music Festival back and encouraged the town to support it. HooDoo Radio - https://hoodooradio.co.uk/ [https://hoodooradio.co.uk/] Simon also gave a shout out to Dan and Faye at HooDoo Radio for creating a fun, grassroots local radio station. 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 Local Roaster Behind Some Of Stortford’s Best Coffee Shops - Neil Clark

This episode is brought to you by: StortAI: https://stortai.com/ [https://stortai.com/] 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/] Neil Clark is one of the owners of Hessian Coffee Company, a Bishop’s Stortford-based coffee roaster supplying cafés, restaurants, hotels, offices and customers at home. In this episode, Neil talks about how the business began after meeting his business partner through the rugby club, the gamble involved in leaving secure jobs, and how Hessian Coffee grew from a small subscription idea into a full coffee business. He also explains how coffee is grown, blended and roasted, the difference between bean-to-cup and traditional machines, and why supporting independent cafés and local roasters matters to the future of Bishop’s Stortford’s high street. Links Hessian Coffee Company: https://www.hessiancoffee.com/ [https://www.hessiancoffee.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/HessianCoffee/ [https://www.instagram.com/HessianCoffee/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hessiancoffee/ [https://www.facebook.com/hessiancoffee/] Stortford Spotlight Billboard in Jackson Square “Be better.” Neil chose this as a reminder to be kinder, more considerate and more thoughtful in everyday life. Secret Spot The River Walk Neil chose the river walk towards Sawbridgeworth and Spellbrook as a place to get some peace, clear his head and enjoy a quiet route close to town. Local Legends Local Volunteers Neil gave a wider shout out to the volunteers who support Bishop’s Stortford through local clubs, charities and community organisations. He particularly highlighted the food bank and Bishop’s Stortford Rugby Club, including the volunteers who coach children, organise events and help fund mental health support. 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 HR Mistakes Stortford Employers Can’t Afford - Natalie Slade

This episode is brought to you by: StortAI: https://stortai.com/ [https://stortai.com/] 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/] Natalie Slade is an HR consultant and the founder of HR 2 Go Consultancy Ltd. She supports small businesses across Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire, Essex and London, particularly those without an in-house HR function. In this episode, Natalie talks about moving from an established HR career into running her own consultancy. She explains when growing businesses should seek HR support, why contracts and policies matter, and how problems often appear when informal working arrangements are allowed to continue for too long. Natalie also discusses upcoming employment law changes, the importance of stronger probation and onboarding processes, and the risks of relying on AI-generated contracts, grievances and legal information without professional review. Links HR 2 Go Consultancy Ltd: https://www.hr2goconsultancy.co.uk/ [https://www.hr2goconsultancy.co.uk/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-slade-b65a3162/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-slade-b65a3162/] Stortford Spotlight Billboard in Jackson Square “Life is for living, so live it to the full and don’t worry what other people think.” Natalie chose this as a message for tweens and teenagers who may feel pressure from social media and other people’s expectations. Secret Spot Red, White and Blue Country Park https://www.parksherts.co.uk/parks/red-white-and-blue/ [https://www.parksherts.co.uk/parks/red-white-and-blue/] Natalie chose the fields beyond Grange Paddocks and along the railway line. She enjoys walking there with her dog and the friendly conversations with other local dog walkers. Local Legends Mina at Grove Cottage https://mencapgrovecottage.org/ [https://mencapgrovecottage.org/] Natalie gave a shout out to Mina for her energy, passion and fundraising work for Grove Cottage, supporting people with learning disabilities in the local community. 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]

Inside Bishop’s Stortford Gospel Choir - David Clapham

This episode is brought to you by: StortAI: https://stortai.com/ [https://stortai.com/] 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/] David Clapham is a retired pharmacist, community volunteer and member of Bishop’s Stortford Gospel Choir. In this episode, David explains how the choir works, why members learn songs by listening rather than reading music, and why people do not need to audition or consider themselves strong singers before joining. He also talks about the friendships, concerts and shared enjoyment that come from singing together, along with the benefits singing can have for confidence, concentration, breathing and mental wellbeing. Links See the Choir Live: Sunday 5 July 2026 6:00pm to 8:00pm Charis Centre Tickets: £10 / £7 All proceeds go to Bishop’s Stortford Food Bank. Book tickets: https://ccbs.churchsuite.com/events/aqj844m7 [https://ccbs.churchsuite.com/events/aqj844m7] Bishop’s Stortford Gospel Choir: https://sites.google.com/view/bsgospelchoir/ [https://sites.google.com/view/bsgospelchoir/] Facebook: Bishop’s Stortford Gospel Choir [https://www.facebook.com/groups/142158252531835] Rehearsals: Sundays 6:00pm to 8:00pm Charis Centre, Bishop’s Stortford Stortford Spotlight Billboard in Jackson Square “If you think you need help, ask for it soon.” David chose this because problems often become harder to deal with when they are ignored. He particularly encouraged men to see asking for help as a strength rather than a weakness. Secret Spot Nostimo - https://www.facebook.com/DelicatessenUK/?locale=en_GB [https://www.facebook.com/DelicatessenUK/?locale=en_GB] David chose Nostimo on Bridge Street for its friendly atmosphere and welcoming family behind the business. Local Legends Bishop’s Stortford Street Pastors - https://streetpastors.org/locations/bishopsstortfordsawbridgeworth/ [https://streetpastors.org/locations/bishopsstortfordsawbridgeworth/] David highlighted the Street Pastors for supporting vulnerable people in the town centre without judgement, particularly during evenings and nights. 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]

Why Bishop’s Stortford Needed A Menopause Café - Heidi Barden

This episode is brought to you by: StortAI: https://stortai.com/ [https://stortai.com/] 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/] Heidi Barden is a local volunteer who supports the Royal British Legion and helps organise its annual Poppy Appeal. More recently, she founded the Bishop’s Stortford Menopause Café. The café was created to give women a relaxed, face-to-face place to connect during perimenopause and menopause. Some sessions include guest speakers covering wellbeing, clothing, reflexology and local support groups, while others are simply informal opportunities to talk over coffee or breakfast. Heidi also discusses the pressures many women face at this stage of life, including work, children, ageing parents and their own health. She explains how the café has grown through collaboration with Belle’s Place, Café Thyme and other local community figures. Links The next Menopause Café is: * Tuesday 7 July 2026 * 5:00pm to 7:00pm * Café Thyme, Bishop’s Stortford It is an early evening session so women who cannot attend the usual Wednesday morning meetups can come along. Belle’s Place - https://bellesplaceholistic.co.uk/ [https://bellesplaceholistic.co.uk/] Café Thyme - https://www.facebook.com/p/Cafe-Thyme-100063488953112/?locale=en_GB [https://www.facebook.com/p/Cafe-Thyme-100063488953112/?locale=en_GB] Stortford Spotlight Billboard in Jackson Square “Find your place, find your charity or whatever it is and get involved.” Heidi chose this because small acts of community involvement can make a significant difference to other people. Secret Spot Belle’s Place Heidi chose Belle’s Place because it has become a welcoming local community hub for events, workshops and informal connection. Local Legends Bishop’s Stortford Royal British Legion - https://branches.britishlegion.org.uk/branches/bishops-stortford [https://branches.britishlegion.org.uk/branches/bishops-stortford] Heidi highlighted the local committee and secretary Terrie Archer for the work they do throughout the year, not only during the Poppy Appeal. 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]