Bishop's Stortford Community Podcast

James O'Donnell
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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. Oct 23

    Inside Bishop's Stortford's Thirst Youth Café | Jake Tucker

    Jake Tucker: Inside Thirst Youth Café | Bishop’s Stortford This episode is brought to you by StortWEB. Simple, modern websites for local businesses. https://stortweb.com/ A place to belong, someone to listen and somewhere safe to spend time after school. Jake Tucker joins James at Thirst Youth Café to explain the work happening behind its doors in Bishop’s Stortford. Jake has been with the project for 11 years. He describes a drop-in space for secondary-school-aged young people, alongside mentoring in six local secondary schools. The team sees around 450–500 young people a month and has more than 3,000 registered. We discuss why consistent youth work matters, the people behind Thirst and an opportunity to have fundraising matched up to £100,000. Jake also shares ways the community can get involved, from sponsored challenges to family fundraising events. To sponsor Jake's 1/2 Marathon head to https://www.justgiving.com/page/jakerunsforthirst For current fundraising opportunities, contact Thirst Youth Café through its Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/thirstyouthcafe/ STORTFORD SPOTLIGHT • Billboard: “Thirst is a place for young people to belong.” • Local spot: The fields near Pig Lane, where Jake goes for a peaceful walk. • Community shoutout: Darren, Thirst’s Chair of Trustees, and Yesterday’s Youth, Tomorrow’s Future; a channel introducing young people to different careers. https://www.youtube.com/@yytf.official 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 #BishopsStortford #Hertfordshire #YouthWork #Community

  2. Oct 19

    Why Men Need a Space to Talk | Kevin May

    Kevin May - Kevin May Therapy This episode is brought to you by: StortWEB Simple, modern websites for local businesses. https://stortweb.com/ Kevin May joins James on the Bishop’s Stortford Community Podcast to talk about the career change that took him from business journalism into counselling. After experiencing the benefits of therapy himself, Kevin trained for four years and now works with people in Bishop’s Stortford and online. He explains person-centred therapy, what happens in a session and why having somewhere to talk without feeling judged can matter. Much of the conversation focuses on men: navigating changes in family life, dealing with loss and finding the words to describe what is going on. Kevin shares how some clients tell him they have never spoken to anybody about the things they bring into therapy. We also discuss how to contact him, his therapy FAQs and the support information on his website. Kevin explains that therapists are not an emergency service. Find Kevin here: https://kevinmaytherapy.com/ Stortford Spotlight Kevin’s Jackson Square billboard: “Looking okay doesn’t mean feeling okay. You never know what someone is carrying.” His local spot: Poppy’s Barn near Clavering. Kevin recommends it for lunch, afternoon tea and time with friends or family. https://poppysbarn.co.uk/ His local shoutout: Men Walking and Talking, and local walk leader Rajesh. Kevin highlights the opportunity for men to get together, walk and talk. https://www.menwalkingandtalking.co.uk/walks/bishops-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

  3. Oct 16

    A Career Change, Neuro Reset Technique and Living in the Moment | Natalie Toms

    Natalie Toms - Health 4 Wellness This episode is brought to you by: StortWEB Simple, modern websites for local businesses. https://stortweb.com/ Natalie Toms joins James on the Bishop’s Stortford Community Podcast to share the career change that led her to Health 4 Wellness and her work with Neuro Reset Technique. After leaving her previous career, Natalie trained as a yoga teacher. Meeting Simon Frost during that training sparked an interest in the nervous system and eventually led her to train directly with him. Natalie describes her approach to working with clients, why she starts with a conversation about their individual needs, and the experiences that brought her to this work. She also explains that she sees people both online and in person. We finish with a reminder to live in the moment, including putting down our phones and being present with friends. Natalie shares her favourite riverside spot in town and gives a shoutout to a local place where she enjoys getting some work done. Find Natalie here: https://health-4-wellness.com/ Contact Natalie: https://health-4-wellness.com/contact/ Stortford Spotlight Natalie’s Jackson Square billboard: “Live in the moment.” Her local spot: Skew. Natalie loves sitting outside by the river, enjoying the food and feeling tucked away from the busy town. https://skewrestaurant.com/ Her local shoutout: The Residence and Karen. Natalie appreciates the friendly atmosphere, the countryside setting and having somewhere to get her head down and work. https://theresidencecoworking.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. Oct 14

    Act 3 Theatre Company: Blithe Spirit, Confidence & Community

    Cat, Charlotte & Becky — Act 3 Theatre Company This episode is brought to you by: StortWEB Simple, modern websites for local businesses. https://stortweb.com/ What can a theatre workshop do for someone who never wants to step on stage? Cat, Charlotte and Becky from Act 3 Theatre Company join James to talk about building confidence, bringing people together and creating theatre with a community purpose in Bishop’s Stortford. They explain how a shared love of acting led them to start their own theatre company, why they chose to become a community interest company, and how their work extends beyond putting on plays. From speaking in front of other people to approaching a job interview, they share how skills developed through drama can help in everyday life. We also hear about their work supporting Red Kite, their poetry readings at Bishop’s Stortford Library and their plans for workshops shaped around the needs of local groups. The team are preparing to bring Noël Coward’s Blithe Spirit to South Mill Arts. Charlotte discusses directing the production, while Cat and Becky share their enthusiasm for performing in this fast-paced comedy. See Blithe Spirit at South Mill Arts Friday 16 October 2026: 7.30pmSaturday 17 October 2026: 2.30pm and 7.30pmListed tickets: £22 / £20 concessionsBook tickets: https://southmillarts.ticketsolve.com/shows/873688083/events Find Act 3 Theatre Company Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/act3theatrecompany/ You can also find them on Facebook by searching for Act 3 Theatre Company. Stortford Spotlight Charlotte’s billboard message: support local theatre companies, because great theatre starts at grassroots level.Cat’s local spot: her “yellow brick road” walk from St James the Great in Thorley, with countryside and a Second World War pillbox further along the route she describes.Becky’s local shoutout: Alison Mitchell, for the many ways she supports local people, theatre and the cadets.Support the podcast Help us keep sharing stories from Bishop’s Stortford through the Giving Lottery: https://www.givinglottery.org.uk/support/bishops-stortford-community-podcast-cic Subscribe to the Bishop’s Stortford Community Podcast for more conversations with the people who make our town what it is. #BishopsStortford #Hertfordshire #LocalTheatre #BlitheSpirit

  5. Oct 12

    How a Lidl Review Launched a Local Writing Career | Charli Downes

    Charli Downes - Honestly Charli This episode is brought to you by: StortWEB Simple, modern websites for local businesses. https://stortweb.com/ A review of the new Lidl in Bishop’s Stortford helped Charli Downes take her writing in a new direction. A year later, she returns to the podcast to talk about building Honestly Charli and turning her knowledge of the town into freelance work with local businesses. Charli is a writer and creative freelancer working across copywriting, articles, blogs and social media. She explains how her first review led to encouragement from local readers, why she enjoys working with independent businesses, and what it means when people who have moved away say her posts remind them of home. We also talk about showing the people behind a business. Charli shares how she approaches a first conversation with a client, works out who they want to reach, and creates content that is engaging, useful and full of personality. Her returning-guest Stortford Spotlight celebrates a longstanding family jeweller, the campaign for a community arts space, and somewhere for young people to meet. Find Charli here: Facebook: Honestly Charli https://www.facebook.com/61582293659710/ Stortford Spotlight Local business she is rooting for: FJ Zelley Jewellers. Charli talks about its family history, jewellery repairs and giving inherited pieces a new life. She also explains that she is currently working with the business. https://zelleyonline.com/ Community projects and causes: Friends of Water Lane Hall and Thirst Youth Café. Charli discusses the hope of reopening the hall as a community arts hub. https://waterlanehall.org/ Alongside the importance of somewhere young people can meet and connect. https://www.thirstcafe.com/ Local legend: Following a conversation with Citizens Advice, Liz Clark, 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

  6. Oct 9

    How Scouts Builds Confidence in Bishop’s Stortford | Simon D Carter

    Simon D Carter - Bishop’s Stortford and District Scouts This episode is brought to you by: StortWEB Simple, modern websites for local businesses. https://stortweb.com/ Simon D Carter joins James to talk about the volunteers helping young people build confidence, make friends and find new interests through Scouts in Bishop’s Stortford and the surrounding area. A trustee of the local Scout district, Simon describes a community supporting almost 1,000 young people with around 300 adult volunteers at the time of recording. He explains how outdoor activities and opportunities to try something new help develop resilience, teamwork, leadership and empathy, while giving young people a safe place to belong. We talk about shy children finding their feet, discovering interests through activities such as kayaking, climbing, art and photography, and why volunteering can be rewarding for adults too. Simon also explains how parents can enquire about places and why more adult volunteers mean more opportunities for young people. You do not need to be an outdoor expert to help. From supporting activities to administration, finances and looking after equipment, Simon says there are roles for different skills and different amounts of available time. Find Simon here: 1st Bishop’s Stortford and Hockerill Scout Group Bishop’s Stortford and District Scouts Join or volunteer using the address Simon gives in the interview: scouts.org.uk/join. Stortford Spotlight Simon’s Jackson Square billboard: “Find time to volunteer, you will benefit from that experience.” His local spots: the River Stort towpath towards Sawbridgeworth and Little Hallingbury allotments. Simon describes watching wildlife and canal boats, and the peaceful view from his allotment across the river valley. His local shoutout: the 300 adult Scout volunteers supporting local young people, helping shape tomorrow’s community leaders. Bishop’s Stortford and District Scouts 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. Oct 7

    The People Behind Thorley’s Bells | David Jackson

    David Jackson - St James the Great, Thorley Bell Ringers This episode is brought to you by: StortWEB Simple, modern websites for local businesses. https://stortweb.com/ If you hear the bells from St James the Great in Thorley, David Jackson is one of the people helping to ring them. He joins James to explain what happens inside the tower, how beginners learn, and why there is much more to bell ringing than pulling a rope. David has been ringing for around four years. He talks about learning different patterns, practising with the band and the teamwork behind the sound that travels across the neighbourhood. He even brings a small bell along to demonstrate how it works. There is also a surprising insight into peals that can last for three hours or more. The conversation covers ringing for church services, weddings and funerals, and how interested newcomers can arrange a visit. David asks people to make contact first so the band can have enough experienced ringers available to help. David also shares details of a truck and train fundraising event on Saturday 10 October 2026 at the Emmaus Centre. He describes model displays and tours of the ringing room, with access to the belfry dependent on enough volunteers being available. In the interview, he gives the adult price as £8. Contact the church for event times and the latest arrangements. Away from the tower, David is a Bikeability instructor. James first met him while he was teaching Noah to ride. They discuss the confidence children gain and the instructors helping them develop cycling and road-safety skills. Find David’s bell-ringing band through St James Thorley: https://www.stjamesthorley.church/ Church office enquiries: info@stjamesthorley.com This is the church’s public office address, not David’s personal email. Ask to be put in touch with the bell-ringing band. Stortford Spotlight David’s Jackson Square billboard: an invitation to “become a swinger” and join the bell ringers. He explains that it is the bells that are swinging. His local spot: The Toaster on South Street, for coffee and a snack. https://linktr.ee/wearethetoaster His local shoutout: his fellow Bikeability instructors, teaching children in all weathers and helping them build skills for life. https://www.bikeability.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

  8. Oct 5

    Who Looks After Bishop’s Stortford on a Night Out? Street Pastors with Pippa Roy-Chowdhury

    Pippa Roy-Chowdhury – Bishop’s Stortford and Sawbridgeworth Street Pastors This episode is brought to you by: StortWEB Simple, modern websites for local businesses. https://stortweb.com/ Pippa Roy-Chowdhury joins the podcast to explain how Bishop’s Stortford and Sawbridgeworth Street Pastors help people stay safe during a night out. Their volunteers patrol the town centre late at night, helping people who are vulnerable, lost, alone or simply need someone to talk to. That can mean arranging a safe journey home, supporting someone experiencing mental health difficulties or removing discarded bottles before they cause harm. Pippa explains how Street Pastors began, why their presence can help reduce crime and how closely the team works with local venues, door staff and the police. We also discuss how people can volunteer, support the team financially or find help while they are out in Bishop’s Stortford. Find Pippa and the Street Pastors here: https://www.streetpastors.org/ Stortford Spotlight Pippa’s Jackson Square billboard: “Bishop’s Stortford is a fantastic place to live.” Her local spot: Bailey Hills Wine Estate. https://baileyhills.co.uk/ Her local shoutout: The Oasis Lounge at Bishop’s Stortford Methodist Church, which provides activities, company and a welcoming community space throughout the year. https://www.bsm-church.org.uk/oasislounge.htm 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

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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.

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