The Local Roaster Behind Some Of Stortford’s Best Coffee Shops - Neil Clark

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]

Stortford Nutritionist Explains Your Gut - Nuala Mcbride

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/] Nuala McBride is a degree-qualified nutritionist specialising in gut health and digestive discomfort. Her work focuses on helping people understand their gut microbiome and make practical changes through food, testing and personalised support. In this episode, Nuala talks about her own diagnosis of coeliac disease, her move from marketing into nutrition, and the people she now supports, particularly those who have been diagnosed with IBS but still feel unsure about what to do next. She also explains how gut microbiome testing works, why probiotics are not always meant to be taken forever, and the role of probiotics, prebiotics and dietary diversity in supporting gut health. Links The Nutritious Way: https://thenutritiousway.com/ [https://thenutritiousway.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_nutritious_way/ [https://www.instagram.com/the_nutritious_way/] Stortford Spotlight Billboard in Jackson Square “Prioritise your gut health.” Nuala chose this because gut health affects people of all ages and can influence digestion, immunity and wider health. Secret Spot Bishop’s Stortford Parkrun - https://www.parkrun.org.uk/castlepark/ [https://www.parkrun.org.uk/castlepark/] Nuala chose the local Parkrun after attending the New Year’s Day event. She highlighted its welcoming atmosphere and strong sense of community. Local Legends Jo Higgs Networking Event - https://joannehiggs.co.uk/ [https://joannehiggs.co.uk/] Nuala gave a shout out to Jo Higgs and her free monthly networking event for local business owners. She also highlighted that children are welcome, making it more accessible to parents. 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]