Bishop's Stortford Community Podcast

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.

Bishop's Stortford Community Podcast is a society podcast hosted by James O'Donnell, with 128 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

James O'Donnell hosts Bishop's Stortford Community Podcast, a society show with 128 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Bishop's Stortford Community Podcast

  Music, Confidence And Local Creativity - Kevin Barr

  Aug 7, 202616 min

  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

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  Bishop's Stortford Community Podcast

  TUBS: Cleaning Up Bishop’s Stortford For 15 Years - Ian Hudson

  Aug 3, 202614 min

  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/ Ian coordinates Tidy Up Bishop’s Stortford, better known as TUBS, a volunteer group that has been clearing litter around the town for around 15 years. In this episode, Ian explains how TUBS started after a conversation with John Barford, how a small council grant helped buy the first litter pickers, hoops, gloves and high-vis jackets, and how the group now has around 220 volunteers. He also talks about how TUBS chooses the worst-affected parts of town, supports local events such as Bish Bash and Forces Day, and lends equipment to schools, Scouts, Cubs, Beavers and Guides. Ian also explains how families, businesses and local groups can get involved, including short-term equipment loans for anyone who wants to clear up a specific part of Bishop’s Stortford. Links Tidy Up Bishop’s Stortford: https://tubs12.info/ Volunteer TUBS runs regular litter picks around Bishop’s Stortford. Next planned pick: Second Saturday in September Bishop’s Park area Meet at Tesco Short-term equipment loans are also available for families or local groups who want to clear a specific area. 100th Pick TUBS expects to reach its 100th litter pick in 2027. Ian would like to hear from any local sponsor interested in supporting that milestone. Stortford Spotlight Billboard in Jackson Square “You drop the litter, we pick it up.” Ian chose this as a direct message to anyone currently dropping litter around Bishop’s Stortford. Secret Spot Bailey Hills at Wickham Hall https://baileyhills.co.uk/ Ian chose the vineyard at Wickham Hall for its lovely setting, food and wine tasting. Local Legends Jim Tatchell and Helping Herts https://www.helpingherts.com/ Ian gave a shout out to Jim Tatchell from Helping Herts for raising money to support young people across Hertfordshire. VolMatch https://volmatch.org/ Ian also mentioned VolMatch, the volunteering website helping connect people with local opportunities. 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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  Bishop's Stortford Community Podcast

  The Bishop’s Stortford Designer Saving British Knitwear - Genevieve Sweeney

  Jul 31, 202619 min

  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/ Genevieve Sweeney is a luxury British knitwear designer who grew up in Bishop’s Stortford, went to Herts and Essex, and now works from Grandey’s Place. In this episode, Genevieve talks about learning to knit from the age of five, studying knitwear at Nottingham Trent University, working with global brands, and later returning to Bishop’s Stortford to build her own brand. She explains what makes luxury knitwear different, from high-quality certified yarns to slow fashion, hand-linked construction and pieces designed to last for years. Genevieve also shares why she is passionate about British manufacturing, heritage craft and passing specialist skills on to the next generation through her apprentice and her work at Grandey’s Place. Links Genevieve Sweeney: https://genevievesweeney.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/genevievesweeney/ Studio: Grandey’s Place: https://www.grandeysplace.co.uk/ Stortford Spotlight Billboard in Jackson Square “For every £1 spent with local independent shops, 63p stays in the local community.” Genevieve chose this as a reminder to support local independents, whether buying a birthday card, clothing or everyday items. Secret Spot Piasa - https://paisawinebar.com/ Genevieve gave a shout out to Piasa cocktail bar. Hertfordshire Nails https://www.instagram.com/hertfordshirenailsandbeauty Genevieve also highlighted Hertfordshire Nails in Florence Walk. Stortford Barbers https://www.instagram.com/stortfordbarbers/ Genevieve recommended Stortford Barbers near Grange Paddocks, especially for children’s haircuts. Local Legends Grandey’s Place https://www.instagram.com/grandeysplace/ Genevieve chose Grandey’s Place for its community of makers and heritage crafts, including globemaking, ceramics, stained glass, micro bakery work and other specialist skills. 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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  Bishop's Stortford Community Podcast

  Studio Mindset: Helping Stortford Businesses Step Up - Estelle Kerby

  Jul 27, 202618 min

  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/ Estelle Kerby is the founder of Studio Mindset, a branding and Squarespace website design business working with local and international clients. Originally from Bordeaux, Estelle trained as a designer, studied in Birmingham and later worked in London and Hong Kong before building Studio Mindset here in Bishop’s Stortford. She now helps established businesses improve how they present themselves online, especially when their branding or website no longer reflects the quality of their work. In this episode, Estelle talks about why business owners often feel embarrassed to share outdated websites, how personal taste can get in the way of effective branding, and why a good brand needs to serve the audience rather than simply reflect the owner. She also explains her design process, her faster website-in-a-week approach, and how she helps clients create a more consistent journey from logo and colour through to website, social media and merchandise. Links Studio Mindset: https://studio-mindset.com/ Stortford Spotlight Billboard in Jackson Square “Don’t wait for perfect. Ose.” Estelle chose this as a reminder to take action rather than waiting until everything feels perfect. “Ose” comes from the French verb meaning to dare. Secret Spot Friends Dress Agency - https://friendsdressagency.com/ Estelle chose Friends Dress Agency on North Street, run by Victoria, for its personal service, strong eye for style and local approach to selling pre-loved clothes. Local Legends Shelby Pearce - https://www.welcometothejunglesoftplay.co.uk/ Estelle gave a shout out to Shelby Pearce for creating and growing high-quality local businesses, including nurseries and soft play spaces, while also supporting employment and the wider town. 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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  Bishop's Stortford Community Podcast

  Stortford Music, Jazz And Sound Baths with Kate Owen-Jones

  Jul 24, 202617 min

  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/ Kate Owen-Jones is a local musician, saxophone and clarinet teacher, sound bath practitioner and jazz performer based in Bishop’s Stortford. In this episode, Kate talks about her background in jazz, contemporary and popular music, her years of teaching, and the joy of helping people build confidence through learning an instrument. She also shares memories of playing alongside British jazz saxophonist Don Rendell and explains the role music has played throughout her life. Kate also introduces her monthly sound baths at Belle’s Place, where people can relax with Tibetan singing bowls, chimes, voice, shamanic drum, gentle visuals and herbal tea. She also talks about the free monthly jazz jam she runs at The Half Moon, open to musicians and audience members who want to enjoy live jazz in Bishop’s Stortford. Links Kate Owen-Jones Music Lessons: https://www.katesaxophone.com/ Sound Baths - https://natural-therapies.co.uk/ Last Thursday of every month Belle’s Place, Bishop’s Stortford Bring a yoga mat or something comfortable to lie on, plus a blanket and pillow. Jazz Jam First Sunday of every month 2:00pm to 5:00pm The Half Moon, Bishop’s Stortford Free to attend. Musicians and audience members are welcome. Lotus Jazz Quintet Kate also plays with the Lotus Jazz Quintet. Illumination by The Lotus Jazz Quintet on iTunes. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/4SJjn60LDrrH1Q1dvZfSZe AmazonMusic: https://music.amazon.co.uk/albums/B0GZ8T4R91 Stortford Spotlight Billboard in Jackson Square “One love.” Kate chose this as a message about bringing people together, supporting each other and being kinder in a divided world. Secret Spot Ikuro https://ikurapanasain.co.uk/ Kate chose Ikuro, the Japanese restaurant in Bishop’s Stortford, for its fresh food, friendly atmosphere and good options for gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan diners. Local Legends Natalie Anne Counselling - https://natalieannecounselling.com/ Kate gave a shout out to her friend Natalie, who has recently become a counsellor and is starting to support clients locally. Heidi Barden and the Menopause Café Kate also highlighted Heidi Barden and the Menopause Café at Café Thyme for creating a welcoming, free social space where people can talk, listen, learn and connect. Support the Podcast : https://www.givinglottery.org.uk/support/bishops-stortford-community-podcast-cic

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