The Bishop’s Stortford Community Podcast is brought to you by:

True Tone Media – Business video without the cringe.
https://truetonemedia.carrd.co/

Takeley Chiropractic – Helping local families move better, feel better, and live pain-free through expert chiropractic care.
https://www.takeleychiropractic.co.uk/

Water Lane Theatre Company – Andy Roberts, Blackadder II

Andy is a lifelong Stortfordian and a member of Water Lane Theatre Company, one of Bishop’s Stortford’s longest-running amateur theatre groups, now in its 90th year.

In this episode, Andy talks about their upcoming production of Blackadder II at South Mill Arts. The show features three classic episodes from the Elizabethan series, performed live on stage with a cast of 19 local performers. Directed by Andy, the production brings the sharp wit, physical comedy and larger-than-life characters of Blackadder to a local audience.

Water Lane Theatre Company stages several productions each year, including comedy, drama, murder mysteries and outdoor Shakespeare. Everything is run by volunteers, with performers, stage managers, costume designers, set builders and technical crew all contributing alongside their day jobs. All profits are reinvested into future productions.

Blackadder II runs on 5th, 6th and 7th March at South Mill Arts, including a Saturday matinee. Tickets are available via the South Mill Arts website.

Water Lane Theatre Company website:
https://www.waterlanetheatrecompany.co.uk/

South Mill Arts – Tickets:
https://www.southmillarts.co.uk

Stortford Spotlight

Billboard in Jackson Square

“Park sensibly.”

Secret Spot

Stort Biltong in the Maltings – A popular South African shop offering fresh biltong, Boerewors and other favourites, tucked just behind South Mill Arts. https://stortbiltong.com/

Local Legends

Water Lane Theatre Company – A volunteer-led amateur theatre group that has been entertaining Bishop’s Stortford for over 90 years and continues to bring live performance to the heart of the town.

Support the Podcast

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

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

The Bishop’s Stortford Community Podcast is brought to you by:

True Tone Media – Business video without the cringe.
https://truetonemedia.carrd.co/

Time For You Cleaning – Bishop’s Stortford & Stansted – Reliable, flexible home cleaning services helping local families get their time back.
https://timeforyou.cleaning/uk/home-cleaning/bishops-stortford

Takeley Chiropractic – Helping local families move better, feel better, and live pain-free through expert chiropractic care.
https://www.takeleychiropractic.co.uk/

Yvonne Estop – Town Councillor and East Herts District Councillor, Central Stortford

Yvonne joins the podcast to talk about Bishop’s Stortford’s bid to become Town of Culture 2028.

Town of Culture is a government initiative, building on the success of City of Culture, and is open to towns with populations between 20,000 and 100,000. The aim is to shine a light on what is already great about a town’s culture, creativity, arts and community, while building a lasting cultural legacy for the future.

The bid is being led by Bishop’s Stortford Town Council in partnership with South Mill Arts, the Bishop’s Stortford Independent and the library. An open forum will take place on Friday 20th February at 6pm at South Mill Arts, facilitated by Paul Winspear from the Indie.

The event is open to everyone. Established arts organisations, creative groups, young people, hobbyists, musicians, writers, digital artists, community organisers and residents are all invited to contribute ideas. The goal is to explore themes for the bid, identify what makes Stortford distinctive, and ensure a wide range of voices are heard.

If you cannot attend but would like to contribute an idea, you can email:

events@bishopsstortfordtc.gov.uk

Stortford Spotlight

Billboard in Jackson Square

“Use your imagination.”

A message for everyone going about their daily routine, encouraging people to look beyond the practical and see what more the town could become.

Secret Spot

The art space upstairs at South Mill Arts – A peaceful exhibition area showcasing high-quality work by selected artists. A hidden creative corner that rewards those who take the time to explore.

Local Legends

Northgate End Young People’s Centre – A Hertfordshire County Council-run centre supporting young people with facilities, guidance and creative development. Recognised for the care, nurturing and opportunities it provides for local young people.

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/the-bishops-stortford-community-podcast

The Bishop’s Stortford Community Podcast is brought to you by:

True Tone Media – Business video without the cringe.
https://truetonemedia.carrd.co/

Time For You Cleaning – Bishop’s Stortford & Stansted – Reliable, flexible home cleaning services helping local families get their time back.
https://timeforyou.cleaning/uk/home-cleaning/bishops-stortford

Takeley Chiropractic – Helping local families move better, feel better, and live pain-free through expert chiropractic care.
https://www.takeleychiropractic.co.uk/

Graeme Smith – Friends of Water Lane Hall

Graeme joins the podcast to talk about the campaign to save Water Lane Hall, a hidden but historic building in the centre of Bishop’s Stortford.

Built around 1915 and once home to more than 40 different community groups, Water Lane Hall has hosted performances, pantomimes, band rehearsals, chess clubs, art groups, and countless local events over the last century. It was previously owned by the United Reformed Church and later became part of the wider Old River Lane development discussions.

After being earmarked for demolition, the hall has now been saved from that immediate threat. The next stage is deciding its future. The Friends of Water Lane Hall are proposing that it be transferred as a community asset and developed into a medium-sized arts and cultural hub in the heart of town.

With Bishop’s Stortford growing rapidly and new housing developments increasing population density, Graeme argues that investing in civic and cultural infrastructure is essential for long-term community cohesion. Water Lane Hall could play a central role in a future Town of Culture 2028 bid and act as a cultural legacy space for generations to come.

Friends of Water Lane Hall:
http://www.waterlanehall.org

East Herts District Council – Consultations (Your Voice):
https://yourvoice.eastherts.gov.uk/water-lanehall

Town of Culture 2028 information event – South Mill Arts
Friday 20th February, 6pm

https://www.facebook.com/bishopsstortfordtc/posts/pfbid02DW7BDJ4Q8qtwkXtHwf8j8uWEEeoefxGU8NPQ127JyCrD4NAkustugjdPYRgWiHhxl

Stortford Spotlight

Billboard in Jackson Square

“Vote for Water Lane Hall.”

Secret Spot

The canal and river walks in Bishop’s Stortford – A peaceful place to walk the dog and escape the noise of town.

Local Legends

Bishop’s Stortford councillors – Recognised for the time and energy they invest in the community, often behind the scenes.

Volunteers who manage community centres across town – Praised for giving their time to keep local spaces active and available for residents.

Support the Podcast

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

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