Bishop's Stortford Community Podcast

James O'Donnell
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Documentary

The Bishop’s Stortford Community Podcast shares inspiring local stories from the people, businesses, and community groups that make Bishop’s Stortford thrive. Hosted by local resident James O’Donnell, each episode spotlights independent shops, charities, entrepreneurs, and everyday heroes shaping life in our town.

  1. 6d ago

    Why More Girls Are Playing Rugby in Bishop’s Stortford - Nikky Wilkins

    Nikky Wilkins - Bishop’s Stortford Rugby Club This episode is brought to you by: StortWEB Simple, modern websites for local businesses. https://stortweb.com/ Nikky Wilkins joins the podcast to talk about the growth of girls’ rugby at Bishop’s Stortford Rugby Club, where she is Minis Chair, Girls Youth Chair and coaches across several age groups. One of the club’s U12 girls groups started last season with just four players and finished with 21. Nikky explains why more girls are discovering rugby, why visibility matters and what the sport can offer beyond the pitch. We talk confidence, resilience, teamwork, friendships and creating a place where young people can completely be themselves. And Nikky has a clear message for anyone who still thinks rugby is just for boys: It isn’t. There is a place for you. Bishop’s Stortford Rugby Club: https://bsrfc.co.uk/ Stortford Spotlight Nikky’s Jackson Square billboard: “Try girls rugby. Find your power. Find your pack.” Her secret spot: Birchanger Woods Her local legend: Steve Fisk https://roots2success.org.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/bishops-stortford-community-podcast-cic

  2. Sep 7

    How Bishop’s Stortford Businesses Can Get Found on Google & ChatGPT - Daniel Whytock

    Daniel Whytock - Sort The Clicks This episode is brought to you by: StortBOX - Moving in Bishop's Stortford? Ditch the Cardboard. Hire Tough Plastic Moving Crates: https://stortbox.co.uk/ Daniel Whytock joins the podcast to talk about Sort The Clicks, the agency he runs helping founder-led businesses improve their websites, digital presence and visibility across Google, ChatGPT and AI search. Daniel’s route here has included building an online marketplace, raising more than £1 million in investment, running phone repair shops in Bishop’s Stortford and Hertford, and learning first-hand which forms of marketing keep working when the ad spend stops. After the arrival of twins changed the way he needed to work, he brought those experiences together into Sort The Clicks. We talk about the difference between paid and organic marketing, why referrals can fall apart if someone Googles your business and finds very little, and how AI search is changing the point at which potential customers discover and trust a company. Sort The Clicks: https://sorttheclicks.com/ https://www.instagram.com/sorttheclicks/ Stortford Spotlight Daniel’s Jackson Square billboard: “Think success, don’t think failure.” His secret spot: The Maltings, which he describes as a local startup hub and incubator as well as somewhere to grab a coffee. https://www.millarsmaltings.co.uk/ His Local Legend: Kat Martyn and The Face Tonic. https://www.thefacetonic.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/bishops-stortford-community-podcast-cic

  3. Sep 4

    Hoodoo Radio: Bishop’s Stortford’s Alternative Music Station with Dan Starr

    Dan Starr - Hoodoo Radio This episode is brought to you by: StortWEB: https://stortweb.com/ Dan Starr joins the podcast to talk about Hoodoo Radio: https://hoodooradio.co.uk/ Bishop’s Stortford’s independent alternative music station, and the people behind the town’s thriving live music scene. Dan explains how the station grew from his own involvement in local music into a team of around 20 volunteers producing 14 live shows each week. Hoodoo brings together DJs, musicians and music fans connected with everything from Acoustic Club and Stortford Sessions to Bish Bash. We also hear about Hoodoo Radio’s rather unusual mobile studio. Tired of carrying broadcasting equipment around, Dan converted a horse box into a DJ booth and outside broadcast unit which now travels with them to local events. Dan also explains why supporting live music matters, shares one of his favourite places to eat locally and gives a big Stortford Spotlight shoutout to the Acoustic Club. Stortford Spotlight Dan’s message for Jackson Square: support live music, or risk losing it. His secret spot: Secret Garden, a Turkish restaurant in Sawbridgeworth. https://secretgardensawbo.com/ His Local Legends: Bill, Geoff and everyone behind the Acoustic Club. https://www.acousticclub.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/bishops-stortford-community-podcast-cic

  4. Sep 3

    Post Floyd Dream: Bringing Pink Floyd to Bishop’s Stortford - David Amos

    David Amos - Post Floyd Dream This episode is brought to you by: StortWEB: https://stortweb.com/ David Amos is a lighting designer and keyboard player with local Pink Floyd tribute band Post Floyd Dream. David talks about playing piano from a young age, why his career in lighting made being in a band difficult and the decision, when he turned 50, that it was time to get back into music. We also talk about the spectacular visual side of Pink Floyd, bringing lasers and lighting into Post Floyd Dream’s live shows, the importance of supporting Bishop’s Stortford’s arts scene and why music can give young people another way to find their community. Post Floyd Dream play the Leo Price Theatre at Bishop’s Stortford College on Saturday 5 September. Bar from 6.30pm, show from 7.30pm. https://www.tickettailor.com/events/flare1/2233293 Post Floyd Dream: https://www.thepostfloyddream.com/ Stortford Spotlight David’s Jackson Square billboard: “Come and support your local arts.” His secret spot: Cafe Thyme, particularly for sitting outside and watching the world go by. https://www.facebook.com/p/Cafe-Thyme-100063488953112 His local legends: Tim and Joe from Stortford Sessions, giving up-and-coming bands opportunities to perform in front of live audiences. https://stortfordsessions.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/bishops-stortford-community-podcast-cic

  5. Aug 28

    Hockerill Cricket Club: 150 Years of Family Cricket in Bishop’s Stortford

    Alex Francis - Chairman, Hockerill Cricket Club This episode is brought to you by: StortWEB: https://stortweb.com/ Alex Francis joins the podcast to celebrate a huge milestone for Hockerill Cricket Club: 150 years of cricket in Bishop’s Stortford. Based on Beldams Lane, Hockerill is very much a family club. Alex first joined as an 11-year-old, his dad is now the groundsman, his family helps behind the scenes and 10 of the current first XI came through the club as juniors. Today around 90 to 100 young players take part, with the emphasis firmly on having fun, making friends and enjoying cricket without unnecessary pressure. Alex also shares the unusual story of a cricket ground that crosses the Hertfordshire and Essex border, how Hockerill marked its 150th anniversary alongside Essex Cricket, and why two members ended up racing across the pitch dressed as inflatable burritos. Join Hockerill Cricket ClubHockerill welcomes adults and children, with junior cricket starting from around five years old. Friday evenings during the summer are particularly social, with cricket for the children alongside the bar and barbecue for families. Website: https://hockerill.play-cricket.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hockerill_cc/ Or email: HCC-chairman@outlook.com HCC-sec@outlook.com 150th CelebrationHockerill Cricket Club is marking 150 years with its “Not Out!” celebration at Beldams Lane. There will be a T20 match, live music, food and ice cream trucks, cricket-themed mini-games and a raffle. Date: Sunday 30 August Time: 12pm until late Location: Hockerill Cricket Club, Beldams Lane Tickets: £5 per adult in advance, £7 on the door, children go free Stortford SpotlightBillboard in Jackson Square“Come join us at Hockerill. Family fun for everyone.” Alex says the club genuinely caters for almost every generation, from five-year-old beginners through to veteran players. Secret SpotMaison Rami, Church Street https://www.instagram.com/maisonrami.coffeehouse/ Alex recommends the Moroccan tea and baklava and loves having somewhere offering something different in the centre of Bishop’s Stortford. Local LegendsThorley Cricket Club https://www.instagram.com/thorley_cc/ Despite technically being local cricket rivals, Alex gives a shout-out to Adam Sydes and the team at Thorley for their new clubhouse project, junior cricket and work improving facilities for local people. Support the PodcastYou 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

  6. Aug 28

    Wayne Hart: The Stortford Craftsman Behind Westminster Abbey Memorials

    Wayne Hart - Letter Carver, Sculptor and Craftsperson at Grandy’s Place This episode is brought to you by: StortWEB: https://stortweb.com/ Wayne Hart is a letter carver in stone and wood, type designer, sculptor, glass engraver and teacher based at Grandy’s Place near Bishop’s Stortford. His journey started with graphic design and typography before an introduction to traditional letter carving changed the direction of his career. Since then, Wayne’s work has included memorials to C.S. Lewis and Sir John Gielgud at Westminster Abbey and Edith Cavell at Norwich Cathedral. We talk about how putting himself in the right places led to some extraordinary opportunities, the importance of keeping traditional craft skills alive, his work teaching the next generation and the remarkable collection of craftspeople working together at Grandy’s Place. Links Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_hart_studios/ Wayne also directs listeners to the Grandy’s Place website for current course dates, commissions and contact details. https://www.grandeysplace.co.uk/ Stortford Spotlight Billboard in Jackson Square “Be happy, do what you want in life, just don't hurt anybody.” A phrase passed down from Wayne’s late patron that he believes is particularly relevant in an increasingly polarised world. Secret Spot The countryside around Grandy’s Place. Wayne likes to walk through the fields and woods and lose himself for a few minutes before returning to the workshop. Local Legends The craftspeople at Grandy’s Place. Wayne highlights the extraordinary collection of skills happening there, including globe making, ceramics, stained glass, letter carving, stone carving and horology. 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

  7. Aug 24

    Bishop’s Stortford Poppy Appeal: Why It Starts Long Before November with Heidi Barden

    Heidi Barden - Bishop’s Stortford Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal This episode is brought to you by: StortWEB: https://stortweb.com/ Heidi Barden returns to the podcast to talk about her work volunteering with the Royal British Legion and helping to organise the Bishop’s Stortford Poppy Appeal. The poppies might become most visible around Remembrance, but the work starts much earlier. Heidi explains what goes on behind the scenes, why the team needs new volunteers every year and how even a single two-hour supermarket shift can make a difference. The appeal currently covers Tesco, Aldi, Sainsbury’s in Thorley and Jackson Square, Waitrose, with Lidl potentially joining the list. Heidi also shares why the cause means so much to her, including a powerful encounter while volunteering at London Poppy Day that put her own contribution into perspective. She explains where the money raised goes, the many ways people can support the local branch, and why knitted and crocheted poppies are always gratefully received. Poppy Appeal LaunchDate: Saturday 24 October Location: Jackson Square, Bishop’s Stortford The launch brings together veterans, emergency services, dignitaries and the public before just over two weeks of collections across the town. Get InvolvedThe Bishop’s Stortford Royal British Legion branch is looking for volunteers to help cover supermarket collection shifts. Shifts are generally two hours, and people can volunteer for as much or as little time as they are able to give. Heidi recommends contacting the branch through its Facebook page or the dedicated Poppy Appeal contact details. Poppy Appeal Organiser - Paul Vile Email - poppyappealbishopsstortford@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100071220533148 The team also welcomes knitted and crocheted poppies, with patterns available through the Royal British Legion website. https://branches.britishlegion.org.uk/branches/bishops-stortford Stortford Spotlight: Returner QuestionsWhat local business are you rooting for?Belle’s Place https://bellesplaceholistic.co.uk/ Heidi describes Belle’s Place as much more than a business, praising it as a community hub that brings people together and supports a wide range of local activities. What community project, club or cause should people know about?The Bishop’s Stortford Independent https://www.bishopsstortfordindependent.co.uk/ Heidi highlights the Indy for championing local causes, knowing the people behind the stories and genuinely caring about the Bishop’s Stortford community. What local legends should we interview on the podcast?Sue Tillett from All About You Makeup Artist https://allaboutyou.uk.com/ Heidi describes Sue as great fun, a champion of women and someone who helps people feel confident and ready for important occasions. Her verdict: “You can never have enough Sue in your life.”

  8. Aug 7

    Music, Confidence And Local Creativity - Kevin Barr

    This episode is brought to you by: StortAI: https://stortai.com/ StortBox: https://stortbox.co.uk/ Bishop's Stortford Community Newsletter: https://bishops-stortford-community-newsletter.beehiiv.com/ Kevin Barr is a piano mentor, music teacher, songwriter and author working across Essex and East Hertfordshire. In this episode, Kevin talks about teaching piano as something far bigger than exams, scales and grades. For him, music is about emotion, creativity, confidence and building something people can enjoy for life. Kevin also shares a powerful story from his teenage years, when playing music in an old folks’ home helped him understand the impact a song can have on someone’s life. He also talks about teaching people of all ages, supporting music in schools, helping students write their first pieces, and encouraging more people to believe in their own creativity. Links Kevin Barr Music: https://kevinbarrmusic.com/ CMD Collective: https://cmdcollective.com/ Phoenix 98 FM: Kevin will also be presenting on Phoenix 98 FM on Sundays. Stortford Spotlight Billboard in Jackson Square “Never stop believing in what you’re capable of.” Kevin chose this as a message for anyone with a dream, idea or creative spark who has not yet given themselves permission to pursue it. Secret Spot Stortford Fields Kevin chose Stortford Fields because he sees children playing outside, connecting with each other and enjoying being children. Local Legends Local restaurants and independent businesses Kevin gave a wider shout out to the local restaurants, shops and traders that help create community spirit in Bishop’s Stortford. 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

See All (135)

Trailer

About

The Bishop’s Stortford Community Podcast shares inspiring local stories from the people, businesses, and community groups that make Bishop’s Stortford thrive. Hosted by local resident James O’Donnell, each episode spotlights independent shops, charities, entrepreneurs, and everyday heroes shaping life in our town.

Information