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

Annica Farley is chair and head coach of Bishop’s Stortford Handball Club, based at Herts & Essex Sports Centre. Since getting involved with local handball in 2017, she has helped grow the sport across the area through club sessions, school partnerships and a pathway that now reaches from first-timers all the way to national and international competition.

In this conversation, Annica explains what handball actually is and why it works so well for a wide range of young people. Fast, physical and high-scoring, it draws on skills found in other sports, but it also creates opportunities for children who may not yet have found the activity that suits them. She talks about working with gymnasts, musicians, drama students and complete beginners who have come into the sport through school sessions and then gone on to thrive.

The episode also shows just how far that pathway can go. Bishop’s Stortford Handball Club now has teams competing at a high level, with players progressing through regional academies and into Great Britain selection. What comes through strongly is that the club is not only about performance. It is also about confidence, belonging, volunteering and giving young people something meaningful to commit to.

Website
https://stortfordhandball.co.uk

Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/stortford_handball/

“You matter. Your actions matter.”

Annica’s message is for everyone. For her, small actions carry real weight, whether that means being kind, helping someone, volunteering your time or simply choosing to show up properly for the people around you.

Bishop’s Stortford Town Centre
Herts & Essex Sports Centre - https://www.haesc.org.uk/

Annica talks warmly about the town centre itself, especially the chance to walk through it, grab a coffee and enjoy the atmosphere. She also gives a nod to Herts & Essex Sports Centre as an important base for the club, even if the car park can be a challenge.

The club’s volunteer coaches and helpers
Megan & Carsten

Annica gives a heartfelt shoutout to the volunteers behind the club, especially those who give up evenings, weekends and even annual leave to support young players.

She highlights Megan, who won England Handball Volunteer of the Year, and Carsten, who received the Mike Bryars Award for his contribution to schools handball.

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

Marissa Webb is a speech and language therapist and co-runs The Orchid Practice with her business partner, Amy Drew. Based in Bishop’s Stortford, the practice works in local schools, nurseries and homes, supporting children with a wide range of communication needs.

In this conversation, Marissa explains what speech and language therapy really covers. It is not just about lisps or stammers. It includes understanding language, using language, speech sounds, interaction, play skills and the wider communication difficulties that can come with autism, learning differences and other developmental needs.

A big part of the episode focuses on early intervention and the reality facing families in the local area. Marissa talks honestly about long waiting lists, the challenge of children missing crucial support before school, and why parents should trust their instincts if something does not feel right. It is a practical, passionate conversation about communication, advocacy and the importance of getting help early.

Website
https://www.theorchidpractice.co.uk

Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/orchidpractice/

Speech and Language UK
https://speechandlanguage.org.uk

“Everyone deserves a voice”
“Never give up”

Marissa gives two messages. The first reflects her belief that every child deserves to be heard and supported in how they communicate. The second comes from her work with children and families, where progress often comes from persistence, flexibility and not giving up when one approach does not work.

Coffee House https://www.instagram.com/wearethecoffeehouse/

Marissa highlights Coffee House for its vegan milkshakes, friendly atmosphere and the fact it is somewhere she can happily sit, work and feel welcome.

The Little Arts Workshop - https://thelittleartsworkshop.com/

Marissa gives a strong shoutout to Jess and The Little Arts Workshop for creating an inclusive, creative space where people of different ages and needs can feel welcome and try something new.

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

You can support The Bishop’s Stortford Community Podcast through The Giving Lottery:
https://www.givinglottery.org.uk/support/bishops-stortford-community-podcast-cic

Jim Hook is chairperson of the volunteers for Friends of Southern Country Park, a group helping care for one of Bishop’s Stortford’s most loved green spaces. Having lived in the town for nearly 50 years, he now spends part of his retirement helping protect, improve and champion the park for both people and wildlife.

In this conversation, Jim explains what the Friends group actually does. Working alongside East Herts, the volunteers take on the kind of practical jobs that help keep the park special, from spreading woodchip on muddy paths and rebuilding steps to cutting back overgrowth, mending fences and creating habitat features that protect more sensitive parts of the site.

The episode also looks at the park’s wildlife and future plans. Jim talks about the long-running butterfly records gathered at Southern Country Park, the moth counts currently being carried out, and a new Butterfly Bank project the group hopes to build to encourage even more species into the park. It is a conversation about conservation, community effort and the importance of valuing the green spaces that make Bishop’s Stortford what it is.

Friends of Southern Country Park - https://www.facebook.com/foscp.bs/

Location of Southern Country Park - https://maps.app.goo.gl/QPbGuTHzk4MuiHdWA

“Value your green spaces”

Jim’s message is for everyone, but especially people who are busy, distracted or have not yet taken the time to explore what Bishop’s Stortford already has. His point is that the town is rich in green space and people should make more of it.

Southern Country Park - https://maps.app.goo.gl/QPbGuTHzk4MuiHdWA

Jim highlights Southern Country Park itself, while recognising the balance between wanting people to enjoy it and also wanting to protect the wildlife and habitats that make it special.

Friends of Castle Park
Birchanger Wood Trust - https://birchangerwoodtrust.org/
Friends of Pishiobury Park - https://www.friendsofpishioburypark.co.uk/
Bishop's Stortford Library - https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/services/libraries-and-archives/library-opening-hours/bishops-stortford-library.aspx

Jim gives a broad and generous shoutout to the volunteer groups helping care for green spaces in and around the area, especially Friends of Castle Park, Birchanger Wood Trust and Friends of Pishiobury Park.

You can support The Bishop’s Stortford Community Podcast through The Giving Lottery.

Support here:
https://www.givinglottery.org.uk/support/bishops-stortford-community-podcast-cic