Home   News   Article Members of the town’s history society and the U3A’s family tree and history group helped two American cousins explore their roots in Bishop’s Stortford The visit by Kathleen Osgood and Julie Morse Eckert, from Northfield, Vermont, followed last year’s appeal by fellow Yanks John and Harry Chandler to find out more about their ancestors who left Stortford to find a new life in the New World Bishop’s Stortford History Society chair Tim Howard-Smith writes: “Kathleen and Julie came to Bishop’s Stortford to learn more about their ancestors who left the area in the 1630s for a new life across the ocean in the Massachusetts Bay Colony “These ancestors were people of great religious conviction who were known pejoratively as Puritans in their day but who felt that they had no alternative to worship freely in their own manner than to seek a new life 3,000 miles away “The ancestors that Kathleen and Julie were seeking were from a number of prominent families in the area who gave their name to Dane Street and whose own ancestors included Margaret Dane who had in ancient times provided candles for the shrine in St Michael’s “These families themselves intermarried both here and in the New World.” he is distantly related to both women through their ancestors who emigrated from Bishop’s Stortford in the 1630s as part of the Great Migration He and local history expert Stuart Marshall took the visitors on a guided tour of Bishop’s Stortford Tim said: “Of great interest to the visitors was the possible resting place of their ancestors in St Michael’s Churchyard Graves have been continuously reused since ancient times making finding specific graves from the 16th and 17th centuries impossible but an estimation of the likely spot was possible they were able to see the Norman marble font where countless generations of Stortfordians have been baptised and the interior of the Gothic perpendicular church Bridge Street and Waytemore Castle that would have been familiar to their ancestors.” organised by U3A group leader Denise Kennard also included a presentation by the cousins There was also a visit to north Essex village Castle Hedingham to see the home of their illustrious forebears from the De Vere and Neville families Almost 1,500 people attended Stansted Airport’s latest jobs fair The event at the Radisson Blu hotel brought together 30 employers Recruitment is ramping up across the airport ahead of this summer’s increased schedule and long-term growth plans MAG Stansted was recruiting for more than 40 roles including positions to support the early phases of its £1.1 billion terminal transformation said: “The event was a great success – the atmosphere was fantastic and there really were opportunities for almost every skill set and background “Our transformation project is now under way and that means even more opportunities will be coming in the months and years ahead as we grow and invest in our future making it an exciting time to join the airport community.” client services and procurement manager for aviation services company Flightworx with a fantastic turnout of people genuinely interested in building a career in aviation “It was inspiring to meet so many motivated and capable candidates “The energy in the room was really positive and it’s clear there’s a strong pool of local talent ready to seize new opportunities.” With more than 12,000 people already working across the airport Stansted plays a key role in the regional economy Stansted Airport College showcased the training and career pathways it offers to young people Head of centre Victoria Clayden Smith said: “Events like this are fantastic for our students It’s great to see first-hand the range of career paths available right on their doorstep engage directly with employers and understand what’s possible “With the airport continuing to grow and invest in its future there will be even more exciting opportunities ahead for our students.” Voters in East Herts reflected the national trend of a surge in support for Reform UK in the Hertfordshire County Council (HCC) elections – but their votes translated into just one seat for Nigel Farage’s right-wing populist party Reform candidates standing in the district’s 10 HCC divisions on Thursday polled a combined 10,375 votes which was topped only by the Conservatives with 10,931 (28.7%) who also won an East Herts Council by-election in Braughing and Standon on the same day Reform candidates were second in eight other East Herts seats – including Bishop’s Stortford Rural was the only one to finish outside the top two eight of the 10 seats were won by Conservatives the Tories were left holding just three – Bishop’s Stortford Rural Sawbridgeworth and Hertford Rural – after losing five seats: three to the Greens in Hertford and Ware and one each to the Lib Dems in Bishop’s Stortford and Reform in Buntingford While Conservative and Reform candidates won fewer than half the seats (four) with over half (55.9%) of the votes cast the Green Party and Liberal Democrats won more than half the seats (six) with a 34.4% share of the poll – just over a third The Greens won four seats – all in Hertford and Ware – with 7,735 votes (20.3%) and the Lib Dems two Labour candidates polled 3,639 votes (9.5%) seven of the 10 previous county councillors were seeking re-election: six in their current seats while Graham McAndrew who in 2021 was elected the Conservative member for Bishop’s Stortford Rural stood for Reform in Hertford All Saints after defecting earlier this year Four of the seven were successful: Lib Dem Calvin Horner in Bishop’s Stortford East Ben Crystall (Green) in Hertford All Saints and Conservatives Eric Buckmaster and Ken Crofton in Sawbridgeworth and Hertford Rural respectively The three to lose out were Graham McAndrew David Andrews (Ware North) and Jeff Jones (Buntingford) Bishop’s Stortford East – Calvin Horner (Lib Dem) 1,536 (44.7%) Bishop’s Stortford Rural – Mark Pope (Con) 1,087 (30.7%) Jane Fowler (Alliance for Democracy & Freedom) 24 (0.7%) Bishop’s Stortford West – Miriam Swainston (Lib Dem) 1,072 (27.5%) Buntingford – Terry Smith (Reform) 1,584 (37.3%) Hertford All Saints – Ben Crystall (Green) 1,870 (49.6%) Hertford Rural – Ken Crofton (Con) 1,670 (40.1%) Hertford St Andrew’s – Rachel Carter (Green) 1,194 (29.3%) Sean Figg (Trade Unionist & Socialist Coalition) 25 (0.6%) Sawbridgeworth – Eric Buckmaster (Con) 1,802 (45.1%) Ware North – Kirsty Taylor-Moran (Green) 1,100 (32.4%) Bryan Clare (Trade Unionist & Socialist Coalition) 9 (0.3%) Ware South – Steven Watson (Green) 1,140 (31.4%) The Conservatives have sensationally lost control of Hertfordshire County Council for the first time in 26 years after the Liberal Democrats Reform UK and the Green Party all gained seats at their expense in Thursday’s (May 1) election The Tories lost just over half of the 46 seats they won at the previous poll in 2021 to be left with 22 The Lib Dems are now the biggest party on the council but their tally of 31 seats is nine short of the 40 required to be able to assume control by themselves so they could be looking to form a progressive administration with Labour and the Green Party The Conservatives and Reform cannot form a right-of-centre administration – even if the two parties desired it – as their combined seats amount to 36 The political make-up of the new council is: Liberal Democrats 31 (up 8 on the 2021 result) The turnout of 32% – less than a third – was down on the 37.2% in the last county council election four years ago 40 are newly elected and 38 were re-elected which is illustrated perfectly in Bishop’s Stortford where the Lib Dems – one newcomer and one returner – comfortably won both urban seats Miriam Swainston – who is leader of Bishop’s Stortford Town Council and a member of East Herts Council – gained Bishop’s Stortford West from the Conservatives while Calvin Horner decisively retained the Bishop’s Stortford East seat he won in 2021 Mark Pope dramatically retained Bishop’s Stortford Rural for the Conservatives by just SEVEN votes from Reform’s Jonathan Grose after a recount Reform wanted a second recount but withdrew their request The seat was previously held by Graham McAndrew who defected to Reform and stood unsuccessfully in Hertford on the authority were up for grabs in Thursday’s election Liberal Democrats and Reform fielded candidates in all 78 while the Green Party had 77 including smaller parties and independents the Conservatives won an overall majority – as they had done at every election since 1999 their 42 seats – four fewer than they won on polling day four years ago – gave them a narrow majority of six Independents five and the Green Party and Reform UK one each Miriam Swainston polled 1,072 votes with Harrison Grose pipping Conservative John Wyllie for second by just two votes – 949 to 947 David Jacobs (Labour) polled 632 and Maura Connolly (Green) 294 Calvin Horner polled 1,536 votes with Reform’s Mike Casey second on 774 beating third-placed Conservative David Snowdon (628) Andrew Zsibrita (Green Party) was fifth with 175 and Barry Hensall (Heritage Party) sixth with 11 Cllr Horner told the Indie at the East Herts district count at Wodson Park Sports Centre in Ware: “I’m extremely pleased – I’m delighted to have over 1,500 votes “As well as being delighted with the result I’m honoured to be entrusted with another term by the people of Bishop’s Stortford but I was hopeful that what I have done over the past four years had been enough to earn the trust of the electorate He said the result gave him the chance to complete projects he had already started “I’m grateful to have the opportunity to finish them,” he said Cllr Horner became the first non-Tory to be elected to represent the town on Hertfordshire County Council in 24 years when he beat Conservative John Wyllie In Bishop’s Stortford Rural – which as well as part of the town includes the Hadhams polled 1,087 votes to Reform candidate Jonathan Grose’s 1,080 the Green Party’s George Williams fifth with 316 and Jane Fowler Conservative incumbent Eric Buckmaster polled 1,802 votes beating Reform UK Hertford and Stortford chairman John Burmicz (1,230) by more than 500 votes fourth was Lib Dem Julia Davies with 318 and fifth was Sarah Santos of the Green Party with 267 the East Herts district’s 10 seats on the county council were held by eight Conservatives Lib Dem Calvin Horner and the Green Party’s Ben Crystall his party’s only member at County Hall and the leader of East Herts Council the Conservatives have just three of those seats: newcomer Mark Pope in Stortford Rural while Eric Buckmaster and Ken Crofton retained their Sawbridgeworth and Hertford Rural seats respectively The Greens have four – all in Hertford and Ware – the Lib Dems two (both in Stortford) and Reform UK one, after Terry Smith won the Buntingford division having also won an East Herts Council by-election Nigel Farage’s party were also second in eight of the seats and third in one Ben Crystall comfortably retained Hertford All Saints by 1,121 votes polling 1,870 to Reform runner-up Graham McAndrew’s 749 He will now be joined at County Hall by Rachel Carter who won Hertford St Andrew’s from Reform’s David West by just 59 votes who ousted long-serving Conservative David Andrews in Ware North While counting in the vast majority of the county’s seats began on Friday morning the six divisions in Broxbourne were declared last night The Conservatives held four of the six – Cheshunt Central Hoddesdon South and Waltham Cross – despite significantly reduced votes But Reform’s Tony Hill won in Flamstead End and Turnford – beating serving Tory Mark Mills-Bishop by 28 votes – while Anthony Owen took Goffs Oak and Bury Green from the Conservatives In 2016 Broxbourne voted 66% for Brexit and more recently the party has seen its first two councillors on the borough council said that the Conservatives would now have to realise that support for Reform in the county was “not just a protest vote” Voters were feeling the pain of the past 14 years and wanting change locally and with seats on the county council Reform would have the opportunity to influence budgets and to highlight “erroneous decisions” the previous Conservative leader of the county council said: “There’s a national sentiment that has been driven by Nigel Farage and it has washed over our local elections from the north of the country to the south.” Home   Sport   Article A youthful Stansted Hall & Elsenham got the better of defending Premier Division champions Nazeing Common by 26 runs when the new Tees Herts & Essex Border League season got under way on Saturday (May 3) Matt Reader struck 50 and there were contributions from Andrew Mackinlay (46) and Michael Linegar (39) as the hosts made 220 all out from 45 overs Isaac McGinn then took 3-30 to help remove last season’s table-toppers for 194 in the 41st over Hockerill thrashed visitors Bishop’s Stortford III by 137 runs Home openers Asim Waheed (79) and Shy Waheed (75) set up their innings with a partnership of 181 as they amassed 276-7 was able to get going for Stortford in reply as they were removed for 139 Simon Foster and Adeel Dar took three wickets apiece Stortford IV suffered a seven-wicket home defeat at the hands of Thaxted in Division One The home side started positively before getting into trouble against the visitors’ opening bowlers and were rescued by Simon Sargent (74) as they posted 192-6 Thaxted were always in control in the reply and reached 195-3 thanks to the efforts of Stuart Levey (65) and S Singh (58) with 15-year-old debutant Sam McGinn taking two wickets Sawbridgeworth III registered a 35-run home victory over Ardeley Walkern Andrew Foster got 62 and Nick Dale hit an unbeaten 42 off 33 balls as the hosts totalled 235-8 from 40 overs The visitors appeared to be in a commanding position on 113 without loss after just 13 overs but Romesh Paktsun’s five-wicket haul - including three wickets in 11 deliveries - led to them being dismissed for 200 Will Zobel hit an unbeaten 92 to steer Stansted Hall & Elsenham II to a two-wicket success at Broxbourne V in Division Three got the visitors to 199-8 in 34 overs after Austin Chamberlain had taken 3-30 in their opponents’ 198 all out The HEBL has a new chairman this season in the form of Matching Green’s Martin Figg with Stansted Hall & Elsenham’s David Brown stepping down after five years but becoming the league’s president Carl Ginn and David Wheatley have joined the league management committee with new teams including Bishop’s Stortford 1825s Potter Street & Church Langley II and Little Bardfield Village Free Play Cricket scoring tuition sessions were held over the winter the Bishop’s Stortford first team continued their preparations for the start of the Saracens Hertfordshire League season with a commanding 174-run friendly win at Welwyn Garden City Ben Twohig made an effortless 110 and was ably assisted by Joe Burslem (75) while Max Sanderson added a quick-fire 46 as Stortford racked up 353 all out from their 50 overs Welwyn were subsequently dismissed for 179 in the 41st over as Austin Osborne Stortford’s new overseas star Cameron Fletcher helped them beat Chingford by eight wickets at home in the ECB National Club Championship who toured England with the Black Caps in 2022 and has featured for Glamorgan and Derbyshire in the T20 Blast hit an unbeaten 69 to steer his side to 118-2 in 20.3 overs He put on 56 alongside fellow new recruit Billy Mead (13no) having earlier produced a smart stumping to remove opener Joe Byrnes in Chingford’s 117 all out Stortford visit Chelmsford in the next round on Sunday (May 11) with their opening league game at home to Potters Bar the previous day (May 10) Reform UK has its second East Herts Council member after winning a by-election on Thursday (May 1) Terry Smith polled 541 votes in the poll in the Braughing and Standon ward which was triggered by the resignation of Conservative Frankie Woolf He beat Tory Jane Dodson (484) by 57 votes Third was James Taylor-Moran of the Green Party with 307 fourth was Labour’s Jo Linney with 134 and last of the five candidates was Liberal Democrat Freddie Jewitt with 97 The Braughing and Standon ward has two representatives on EHC. At the last full district council election in May 2023 Ms Woolf and veteran Tory Stan Bull won both seats one vote ahead of the first of two Labour candidates Winner Mr Smith joins Cllr Graham McAndrew, the former Conservative who defected to Reform in March and who defied calls to step down from his Bishop's Stortford Thorley Manor seat and fight a by-election The 50-seat district council now has 17 Greens, 14 Conservatives, 10 Liberal Democrats, 5 Labour, 2 Reform UK and 2 Independents told the Indie at the count at Wodson Park Sports Centre in Ware on Friday: “I’m ecstatic I had a very ordinary approach to this election He is now on a mission to explain his party’s stance He said: “Reform has a stigma about it and we have to change this “I will do my best to put that right – it’s not correct “Lots of people are worried that this is the start of something that started in the 1930s It’s a movement about pride in our country – people are crying out for a bit of pride.” who is also hoping to become the Hertfordshire County Council member for Buntingford said his Christian faith would inform his local authority work incumbent Conservative Jeff Jones and the Green Party’s Georgina Schwan At the last county council election in 2021 he trailed in last of five candidates with 94 votes – 2% of the total – and lost his deposit Mr Smith was seeking a hat trick of wins by also standing in a Braughing Parish Council by-election but he trailed in third of the three candidates with 54 votes It was won by Graham Purse (Independent Long Term Resident) with 248 The by-election followed Paul Currie’s decision to step down Liberal Democrat and Reform UK – are contesting each of the three Bishop’s Stortford divisions in the Hertfordshire County Council (HCC) elections on May 1 the seat was won for a third time by Conservative Graham McAndrew who in January announced he would not be standing again – but is now standing for Reform UK in Hertford All Saints Looking to retain Rural for the Tories will be Mark Pope who had a 16-year spell on East Herts Council until his party lost control in the May 2023 local elections He faces opposition from current district councillors Martin Adams (Liberal Democrat) and George Williams (Green Party) as well as from Jonathan Grose (Reform UK) and Susan Jackson (Labour) The 78-seat county council currently has 42 Tories 1 Green and 1 Reform UK with one seat vacant Turnout in Bishop’s Stortford Rural for the 2021 election was 34% MARTIN ADAMS (Liberal Democrat) – I moved to Bishop’s Stortford in the mid-1990s spending much of the next 25 years commuting into London For the past two years I have been a Liberal Democrat town and district councillor I am currently vice-chair of East Herts Council I also chair the town council’s finance and policy committee and am the chair of audit and governance for district Other roles I perform include being the representative for the councils on Bishop’s Stortford BID and Bishop’s Stortford Chamber of Commerce I currently run a small online business selling goblins JONATHAN GROSE (Reform UK) – I recently retired from train driving for Greater Anglia following a lengthier career as an airline pilot finishing as a Boeing 737 captain with Titan Airways at Stansted Airport Living in and around Bishop’s Stortford since 1992 I currently operate a flight simulator business with my son Harrison [who is standing for Reform in Bishop’s Stortford East] I have the time and energy to commit to serving the local community as well as pottering around the countryside in our little Aircoupe 2-seat aircraft based at Duxford and tending to a garden allotment in Bishop’s Stortford The main parties have let us all down really badly lacking commitment to doing the right thing for ordinary people and it’s time to reset our entire system of governance SUSAN JACKSON (Labour) – I was born and brought up in a small East Herts village and attended local schools I worked for many years in the private sector in publishing and later in the drinks industry before taking up a post as an administrator in the NHS The last 20 years of my working life were spent working for the Labour Party firstly in the House of Commons and then as an adviser to the Labour Government including spells in the Prime Minister’s Office and the Home Office its volunteering ethos and its community spirit MARK POPE (Conservative) – I live with my two daughters in Albury within the Bishop’s Stortford Rural division I am a partner at a London-based financial services company I am currently vice-chairman of Albury Parish Council and between 2007 and 2023 served as an East Herts district councillor I chaired the audit and governance committee which ensured that taxpayers’ money was well spent I am passionate about promoting investment in youth and leisure facilities Both of my daughters were educated in our excellent state schools and I want to ensure all children have the same tremendous start in life that they did I am a charity trustee and an ardent Spurs fan GEORGE WILLIAMS (Green Party) – I have been a Ware town councillor and East Herts district councillor since May 2023 I’m a passionate advocate for preserving and expanding access to nature I believe small changes can make a big difference and that it is the job of a councillor to work as a facilitator and advocate for community groups In a time of declining public services and budget cuts finding creative solutions is the key to success in the role and by providing local people with the tools they need they can do many of the jobs that make our communities so special I also work to advocate on issues like air quality water security and protecting nature in a district surrounded by beautiful green spaces Jane Fowler is standing for the Alliance for Freedom and Democracy She stood for Hertford and Stortford in the July 2024 General Election Bishop’s Stortford Rural’s new Hertfordshire county councillor has vowed to fight for investment in the town and villages in his division after his dramatically narrow win in Thursday’s election who lives in Albury and works as a partner in a London-based financial services company did not attend Friday’s (May 2) count at Wodson Park Sports Centre in Ware but was given the good news by colleagues in the hall He won by just SEVEN votes from Reform’s Jonathan Grose after a recount Cllr Pope polled 1,087 votes to Mr Grose’s 1,080 who is vice chair of East Herts Council and a Bishop’s Stortford town councillor Labour’s Susan Jackson finished fourth with 396 who stood for Hertford and Stortford in last July’s General Election Mr Pope’s victory, retaining the seat for the Tories, was a relief after the Liberal Democrats secured the town’s East and West divisions Bishop’s Stortford Rural was previously held by Cllr Graham McAndrew who defected to Reform UK after Cllr Pope was selected to stand in his stead Cllr Pope told the Indie: “As a Bishop’s Stortford Rural resident it is an honour and a privilege to have been elected by my neighbours to represent them in the county council “I promise to do everything I can to make sure the council delivers the local services that they need “A major focus for me will be on our roads and pavements I will fight for investment into Bishop’s Stortford and our villages.” Cllr Pope was an East Herts Council member for 16 years until the Conservatives lost control of the authority in the May 2023 elections and is currently vice-chair of Albury Parish Council His election victory completes a satisfying 24 hours for the ardent Tottenham Hotspur fan after the north London side’s 3-1 home win in their UEFA Europa League semi-final first leg match against Bodø/Glimt of Norway Liberal Democrat incumbent Calvin Horner is seeking re-election, having caused a shock in the HCC poll four years ago when he became the first non-Conservative in 24 years to be voted to represent the town at County Hall His opponents this time are former Conservative East Herts district councillor Mike Casey of Reform UK Barry Hensall of the Heritage Party (who stood for Hertford and Stortford in last July’s General Election) former district and town councillor David Snowdon of the Conservatives and Andrew Zsibrita of the Green Party Cllr Horner was one of only two non-Tories elected in the 10 East Herts divisions on the county council in 2021 Cllr Crystall is also leader of East Herts Council Turnout in Bishop’s Stortford East for the 2021 election was 38.85% the highest of the three Stortford divisions MIKE CASEY (Reform UK) – I’m a retired chartered accountant oil and IT industries and latterly as a civil servant with the Ministry of Defence I have lived in Bishop’s Stortford for over 40 years but grew increasingly disillusioned with the inexorable drift to the left of the party I finally joined Reform UK in June last year I served as a Conservative East Herts district councillor for Parsonage ward from 2015 to 2019 and was a member of the council’s development management and scrutiny committees I have also been a school governor and member of the police consultative committee my priority will be to audit to stop wasteful control costs and drive for the delivery of efficient services CALVIN HORNER (Lib Dem) – I have been the county councillor for Bishop’s Stortford East since 2021 sitting on the adult social care and health scrutiny committees Having a disabled brother has given me a deep concern for the disabled and carers I am a member of the town and district councils serving as chairman of East Herts in 2023-24 which enabled me to support vital local charities I am on the board of Bishop’s Stortford BID and sit on the Stansted Airport Consultative Committee I have retired from working in housing management and the voluntary sector my priorities will include making the town better for pedestrians and improving safety around our schools tending my allotment and canal boat holidays I want to be a councillor for Bishop’s Stortford so I can serve the community and make a difference I would like to raise standards in education to ensure our young people are supported as they grow up I have an engineering and construction background serve on the committee of my local hall and volunteer at community events I used my construction know-how to build a model spaceship on the village green in High Wych as part of the scarecrow festival I also built a shed for the local toddler group and supported setting up stalls for the event while volunteering at the village hall DAVID SNOWDON (Conservative) – I am 44 years old and live with my wife Naomi on Nightingales in Bishop’s Stortford East division I work for an economic research firm in London I served on Bishop’s Stortford Town Council from 2018 to 2023 and on East Herts Council from 2019-2023 I was deputy leader of the town council and chairman of its finance committee I am particularly proud of working on delivery of the new Grange Paddocks Leisure Centre investments into community centres and the provision of new allotments including Thorley Lane East Woods and the Meads land off Rye Street I was also a board member of the Bishop’s Stortford BID (Business Improvement District) I am passionate about supporting our town centre businesses ANDREW ZSIBRITA (Green Party) – I live in Hertford but have been working in Ware for nearly two decades and split my time evenly between the two towns I am a member of several local canoe clubs and can often be found on or next to the River Lea I’m passionate about our green spaces and keeping them clean and thriving we organise several litter picks along the river each year I’m hoping to get more people engaged with their local community Takeley beat Woodford Town 2-0 in the Essex Senior League Premier Division promotion play-off final to secure step four football for the first time on Saturday (May 3) John Clarke wrapped up the win seven minutes from time by adding to a first-half own goal as they triumphed on home soil in front of a record attendance of 1,003 supporters and club officials poured onto the Full Vision Stadium pitch to celebrate at the final whistle with the side going the whole league season unbeaten at home They also ended the season with 12 straight wins Takeley can now look forward to life at the level above most likely in the Pitching In Isthmian League It was a proud day for joint-managers Alex Martin and Kieran Amos with the pair having been appointed at the start of the campaign after the team finished 15th in 2023-24 who also celebrated his birthday the previous day and his family’s connection with the club goes back four generations It was my birthday yesterday and I just turned up today and knew we were going to win Four generations of my family have been playing for Takeley and it means so much.” two points behind champions Stanway Rovers took the lead 12 minutes before half time when Lewis Wicker’s corner was flicked on by Clarke and the ball ended up in the net via a Woodford defender And they clinched the victory over Woodford who had finished seven points behind them in third in the 83rd minute as Jordan Wescott headed down Charlie Wardle’s free kick and Clarke smashed the ball home Amos and Martin were team-mates during their playing days with Martin being captain when Amos began playing at the age of 16 “It’s what we’ve dreamed of and what we’ve worked for since day one,” said Amos “We knew if we could get together the boys we wanted that this was a real possibility “We’ve been really consistent this year and I’m so proud of the players They’ve earned everything they’ve got this year.” Got a story for the Stortford Indie? Email us at newsdesk@bishopsstortfordindependent.co.uk In 2021, the seat was won by Conservative Alastair Ward-Booth, one of a Tory trio in East Herts – along with Bob Deering (Hertford St Andrew’s), leader of the Conservatives on East Herts Council, and Jonathan Kaye (Ware South) – who are stepping down The five candidates this time include Tory John Wyllie who is looking to return to the county council after losing his Bishop’s Stortford East seat four years ago Liberal Democrat town council leader and East Herts district councillor Miriam Swainston and East Herts Council Labour group leader and town councillor David Jacobs Completing the line-up are Maura Connolly (Green Party) and Harrison Grose (Reform UK) MAURA CONNOLLY (Green Party) – I have lived in East Herts for 35 years and am a town and district councillor in Hertford I was part of the team who developed the Hertford Kingsmead Neighbourhood Plan and as a member of Kingsmead Residents’ Association I regularly do litter picks and support local biodiversity projects which I set up with fellow trustees in 2022 helps local residents in difficult times and prevents food waste going to landfill I am honoured to represent the council at formal events such as Remembrance Sunday as well as visits to charities HARRISON GROSE (Reform UK) – I am a 23-year-old with four years’ experience working for a motor insurance broker quickly gaining valuable practical experience in efficiency I’m standing for election because local government needs practical My priorities are reducing wasteful spending easing the council tax burden and maximising transparency Council decisions must be clearly communicated openly scrutinised and genuinely accountable to residents I’m committed to challenging complacency and advocating for honest My goal is simple: putting our community first DAVID JACOBS (Labour) – I have lived in Bishop’s Stortford since 1993 having worked here previously at the court in Northgate End I care passionately about Bishop’s Stortford I worked for the Ministry of Justice for over 30 years commuting into London from Stortford for most of that time I worked for the Metropolitan Police Service’s IT department I have served as a town and district councillor for Bishop’s Stortford Central leading the Labour group on East Herts Council I was elected chair of the council’s overview and scrutiny committee I have worked tirelessly to represent all my constituents I successfully opposed the county council’s plan to make Cemetery Road one-way and the district council’s plans to sell off the Elizabeth Road shops for development MIRIAM SWAINSTON (Liberal Democrat) – I have lived in Bishop’s Stortford for more than 40 years I moved here while working in a laboratory in Harlow I was attracted here by the character of the town the good transport links and the attractive countryside that surrounds us I left laboratory work to have my children I was privileged to be able to not have to work for their first few years such as a mother and toddler group and PTAs I then retrained as a secondary school teacher I taught in secondary and SEND schools in Essex and Hertfordshire for more than 20 years JOHN WYLLIE (Conservative) – I have been a Bishop’s Stortford resident for 40 years and am proud to live in Bishop’s Stortford West division I have had the honour of representing Stortford as a town I am proud to have served as leader of the town council Securing more investment for Stortford is a major priority I feel I have the track record to deliver this at County Hall My team and I delivered the new Grange Paddocks Leisure Centre the Castle Park improvements and the new allotments I serve as chairman of the Bishop’s Stortford Community Centre Trust I was a trustee of the Rhodes Centre and drove the Stortford Shuttle bus service Burglaries in Bishop’s Stortford Central are down by 68% Chief Constable Andy Prophet told the county’s police and crime commissioner that the residential crime fell by 4% across the county last year – and his officers attended 99% of incidents Mr Ash-Edwards quizzed the top cop during their latest monthly accountability and performance meeting The commissioner said: “Burglary is one of the things the public raises with me the most as an area of concern but it’s a crime that really impacts people’s sense of safety in their own home.” Mr Prophet explained how the force’s Operation Guardian was designed to “reduce burglary and arrest and lock up burglars” He said 1,709 homes in Hertfordshire were broken into between April 1 last year and the end of February this year a 4% reduction on the same period 12 months earlier “I take no comfort in that because it is 1,709 too many if that includes your home,” he said “Burglary is what I want officers to be cracking down on I’ve asked the constabulary to come up with a really clear plan around who are our core offenders our prolific and most high-risk and repeat offenders “We need to be in and under the skin of those people by using overt tactics in hotspots with patrols Mr Prophet gave examples of recent successes against burglars revealing a Cambridge man was charged with five dwelling burglaries in Watford and Kings Langley A person from Stevenage was charged with three domestic break-ins and a third was charged with an aggravated burglary where a Rolex watch was stolen Some areas of the county have seen large reductions in burglary over the last year: Bishop’s Stortford Central by 68%; Northaw and Cuffley in Welwyn Hatfield 67%; Marshalswick South in St Albans 61%; and Moor Park and Eastbury in Three Rivers 54% Mr Ash-Edwards said: “Burglary is a horribly invasive crime undermining people’s absolute right to be safe in their own home Tackling burglary is one of my top priorities as police and crime commissioner burglary has fallen by 4% compared to the previous year but thanks to the vigilance of our communities and the hard work of our police officers “I know that Hertfordshire residents want to see more burglars caught and more crimes solved the police attended 99% of reported residential burglaries in Hertfordshire “I will review the topic with the chief constable again later in the year to ensure continued progress is being made on burglary” The next accountability and performance meeting is scheduled for Thursday May 15 at 10.30am. Watch at https://bit.ly/APMMAY25 the new Hertfordshire county councillor for Bishop’s Stortford West is looking forward to joining forces with fellow Liberal Democrat Calvin Horner Cllr Swainston is already the leader of Lib Dem-run Bishop’s Stortford Town Council and a Bishop’s Stortford North member of East Herts Council which has a Green and Lib Dem administration She polled 1,072 votes to win the seat from the Conservatives and Reform’s Harrison Grose was 123 votes away in second pipping third-placed Conservative John Wyllie a town and district councillor for Bishop’s Stortford Thorley Manor a town and district member for Bishop’s Stortford Central ward She is a member of Hertford Town Council and the chair of East Herts Council who has lived in the town for more than 40 years told the Indie at the East Herts district count at Wodson Park Sports Centre in Ware: “I was not confident [I would win] but I was hopeful “People on the whole quite like what we are doing in Bishop’s Stortford – they can see we’re working hard and doing our best.” She said that sorting out social care – the county council’s biggest expenditure item – would be a priority “We know we’re not going to have vast amounts of money to spend but we think we can do it in a more efficient way.” she moved to Stortford to work in a laboratory in Harlow After leaving work to raise her two children before retraining as a secondary school teacher She taught in secondary and SEND schools in Essex and Hertfordshire for more than 20 years Calvin Horner polled 1,536 votes with Reform’s Mike Casey a former Conservative member of East Herts Council second on 774 and Conservative David Snowdon Andrew Zsibrita (Green Party) fifth with 175 and Barry Hensall a candidate with the Heritage Party for Hertford and Stortford in last year's General Election Cllr Horner said: “I’m extremely pleased – I’m delighted to have over 1,500 votes Home   Lifestyle   Article Richard Barrett visits local eateries to sample the food and tuck into the stories of the people who run them This time he sees what Wood Grill Restaurant in Bishop’s Stortford has to offer He started working in hospitality at the age of 17 and fell in love with the industry That first restaurant was the springboard to today’s Wood Grill Patrick’s journey south was initially via St Albans with a very busy operation which sadly was forced to close following a number of severe rent increases followed by Royston in 2016 and then last year in Stortford Patrick took over the Station Road site from his brother Initially he was unsure if he could make it viable as a restaurant particularly as it is not in a traditional high street location Patrick is a great believer in creating the best setting for guests One of the first impressions when we visited his Stortford diner was the discrete lighting providing pools of light for each table and creating darker areas between them to create a comfortable and intimate ambience We started with a pistachio goat’s cheese salad (£9.95) and crispy English brie with gooseberry ketchup (£8.50) followed by a veggie burger featuring roast field mushrooms with sweet potato fries (£14.95) and a pollo pizza (£14.95) We finished with a strawberry sundae (£7.50) and a crème brûlée (£6.95) The staff were attentive and complemented the feeling of a very friendly and warm environment Consistency of service is a vital ingredient for Patrick The restaurant uses fresh produce and all dishes and sauces are made onsite with not a microwave to be seen Offerings include gluten-free and vegetarian choices who are very happy to tailor dishes to individual requirements Grilled burgers and chicken wings are the most popular choices but the menu also includes a variety of pizzas cooked on the grill steaks and barbecue pork and chicken dishes A busy takeaway service is available at all three restaurants with a grill seated viewing area to watch your food being cooked So close to the railway station in Stortford a takeout could be ordered en route and collected on the way home Chef’s special seasonal dishes are available from time to time built around the successful and popular core dishes in which the restaurant specialises A children’s menu consists of three courses plus a drink for £11.95 adds a further 40 seats to the 60 in the main dining room The restaurant and garden area are available for private parties which can be organised for special occasions Patrick is planning to open more Wood Grills His love and passion for what he does are infectious and his mantra will continue to be an offer of excellent quality food and service at an affordable price He prides himself on delivering pizzas that are a slice above the ordinary The Stortford restaurant is open seven days a week The Stortford restaurant has disabled access and toilet The Stansted restaurant has disabled access from the rear to access the restaurant Dogs are welcome in the Stortford restaurant between midday and 6pm Find out more at www.woodgrillrestaurant.co.uk Essex County Council (ECC) says it is committed to repairing potholes that have been identified as a priority by residents More than 15,000 extra road and pavement repairs have been carried out across the county in the past year through the Members’ Highways Initiative (MHI) whereby councillors call for the most-needed repairs Every Essex county councillor gets a dedicated highways crew They can then prioritise local highways issues that matter most to their constituents 15,104 repairs were completed through the programme This is on top of regular maintenance repairs including Essex Highways’ core maintenance schedule and last year’s extra £25 million Priority One resurfacing programme and councillors and their Essex Highways teams are already working together on new rounds of repairs said: “We launched the Members’ Highways Initiative to give power to the people who know their communities best – our county councillors with over 15,000 extra repairs [last] year alone tackling the issues that residents see and care about the most I’m proud to confirm the initiative will continue into the new financial year Our teams are already out across the county delivering real results for residents.” More than 120 players from Bishop’s Stortford rugby club’s minis section travelled to Kent for an end-of-season tour enjoyed playing matches as well as a host of other fun activities including rock climbing and buggy building The annual tours are designed to foster the club’s values of teamwork The weekend ended with a rugby festival at Westcombe Park where the Stortford teams competed against sides from across Kent as well as fellow touring teams from all over the country “The activities that our young players took part in on the tour gave them the chance to build on their teamwork skills as well as to learn to overcome fears and challenges,” said James Colby “The coaches and parents were extremely proud to see that these skills were directly applied on the rugby pitch during the festival at Westcombe Park.” The tour organising committee would like to thank all of the sponsors who raised funds, in particular lead sponsor Bailey Hills Estates which is opening a winery in Stortford this summer East Herts Greens targeted five of the district’s 10 seats on Hertfordshire County Council in Thursday’s election and won four – three of them gains from the Conservatives Cllr Ben Crystall was the party’s only member at County Hall He comfortably retained Hertford All Saints division by 1,121 votes receiving 1,870 votes compared to the 749 of Reform UK runner-up Graham McAndrew the former Bishop’s Stortford Conservative who defected after being overlooked by the party to defend the Bishop’s Stortford Rural seat he had held for 12 years Cllr Crystall is joined by Rachel Carter – who won Hertford St Andrew’s leader of the Conservative group on East Herts Council where Tory Jonathan Kaye had decided not to stand again The party missed out in Buntingford where Reform UK’s Terry Smith was victorious But it gained a fifth county councillor in St Albans Central where former Royal Navy helicopter pilot Matt Fisher beat Liberal Democrat Jojo Godfrey by just six votes Cllr Fisher was his party’s unsuccessful candidate in last May’s Hertfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner election Cllr Crystall is the leader of East Herts Council run by a Green and Liberal Dem administration and Cllr Watson are also members of the district authority and Cllr Taylor-Moran is a Ware town councillor told the Indie at the East Herts count at Wodson Park Sports Centre in Ware on Friday: “I’m absolutely delighted to have gone from one county councillor to five – it’s a really big step for us “It’s a really exciting time as there’s a lot of change coming at county so we have a strong voice at the county council for that process “We can show the people of Hertford and Stortford that the county council can listen to residents and work for their benefit.” The Lib Dems made eight gains in the Herts County Council election to become the largest party with 31 seats who saw the 46 seats they won in 2021 more than halved to 22 Cllr Crystall said that the success of the Green and Lib Dem coalition in East Herts boded well for collaboration between the two parties at County Hall Hertfordshire’s Lib Dems have ruled out a pact with Reform UK That leaves the party with the prospect of a progressive alliance with the five Greens and/or five Labour members Cllr Crystall said: “I think the experience we’ve got working with the Lib Dems at East Herts stands us in very good stead for working with the Lib Dems at county – we have a very good working relationship.” Plans for a padel court complex and clubhouse next to Bishop’s Stortford Football Club have been submitted to East Herts Council Professional player Francis “Frankie” Langan who is number 1 in the Lawn Tennis Association rankings for his age they want to create a competition-standard padel court There are also plans for seven standard padel courts for public use and training The single-storey clubhouse would include a reception The scheme also includes outdoor seating and landscaping on the site bicycle racks and entry points for wheelchair users and people with impaired mobility LED lighting is planned throughout the facility to minimise electricity use and solar panels have been integrated into the clubhouse design A rainwater harvesting system is also included told East Herts Council: “The proposed padel court complex and clubhouse represent a valuable enhancement to the sports infrastructure of Bishop’s Stortford environmentally responsible and designed to deliver long-term benefits to the local community and the broader sporting landscape “We believe this facility will make a positive contribution to the town’s sports culture and economy providing a modern and inclusive environment for padel enthusiasts of all skill levels.” A small part of the site sits inside the Essex border Uttlesford District Council made no objection to the scheme Padel is an increasingly popular racket sport typically played in doubles on an enclosed court which is slightly smaller than a tennis doubles court with high hopes that it will feature in the 2032 Games to be held in Brisbane The Langans have pledged to set up a youth facility and cater for those with disabilities A supporting statement to East Herts Council says: “The sport is multi-generational and those in their latter years are encouraged to participate “The facility will operate seven days a week most days of the year to cater for those who wish to play before going to work or school and is anticipated to stay open until midnight.” According to his LTA Tennis for Britain profile Frankie Langan was born in Barking and brought up in Spain where he was introduced to padel at the age of seven He has competed at the world championships Keith Langan is the only director of Padel Unites People Ltd listed with Companies House in January this year Bishop’s Stortford Lawn Tennis & Padel Club opened two new canopied padel courts at Cricketfield Lane in response to the sport’s growing popularity A battle-weary Eric Buckmaster retained his Sawbridgeworth seat on Hertfordshire County Council for the Conservatives fourth was Liberal Democrat Julia Davies with 318 and fifth was Sarah Santos of the Green Party with 267 who also serves on East Herts district and Sawbridgeworth town councils was the executive member for the environment at County Hall After he was congratulated at the East Herts district count at Wodson Park Sports Centre in Ware by visiting Conservative Broxbourne MP Lewis Cocking Cllr Buckmaster told the Indie he was “relieved” He said: “Because I work so hard in the community I never imagined it would be such a battle It’s been a lot of hard work over the last few months “I’m really pleased that I can carry on working with the community.” Cllr Buckmaster believed that many of the votes cast on Thursday were “people who are protesting because of what they see in national politics” He said it was unclear if that support would hold up in the future He fought the chair of Reform UK’s Hertford and Stortford constituency party chair a former Conservative district and town councillor in Sawbridgeworth and said: “The old orders have changed in terms of traditional parties but I do not know what they [Reform UK] would do without Nigel Farage.” He said that all 78 newly-elected county councillors had a tough task ahead navigating Labour’s plans for local government devolution and new unitary authorities ready for a fresh vote in around two years The UK’s biggest clothing alterations and repair franchise a tanning salon and a café are getting ready to open at Bishop’s Stortford’s Goodsyard development which promises expert tailoring and sustainable alternatives to throwaway fashion is on course to open as soon as Friday April 25 The new venture will create three new jobs The franchise business was founded in Belfast in 2005 and the Sextons Road store is the 52nd in the growing network Branches in Leicester and London’s Shepherd’s Bush also open this spring who owns the franchise rights to The Zip Yard GB said: “There’s been interest in having a Zip Yard presence in Hertfordshire for some time and we’ve been waiting for the right person and the right location – now we’ve found both.” said: “With the rise of slow fashion and conscious shopping now felt like the perfect time to open a Zip Yard store “This business offers real value to people – from saving money and reducing waste to helping customers feel confident in their clothes.” who has lived in the town for the past year The Zip Yard brand is best known for trouser and jeans shortening it also offers specialist services like bridal tailoring with over 3,000 bridal garments and 7,000 formalwear pieces altered across the group last year Muyideen said: “From brides-to-be and professionals to parents or students looking to upcycle favourite pieces There’s nothing else quite like this locally.” more than 280,000 alterations and repairs were completed in the last year – helping to prevent an estimated 150,000 items from ending up in landfill work continues at The Zip Yard’s new neighbours in Carriage House Its unit will be flanked by a tanning salon where contractors are installing a ventilation system Last August, East of England Co-op was the first retailer to open at Solum’s Goodsyard development which was granted planning permission in May 2018 The 2,500 sq ft (232 sq m) shop opposite the railway station offers everyday essentials as well as hot and cold “food to go” options In September last year, plans for a Travelodge hotel at the site The £200m Goodsyard scheme – a joint venture between Network Rail and Kier Property – also includes office space a 55-bed care home as well as over 700 new homes and two multi-storey car parks delivering almost 1,000 spaces officially opened the town’s new branch of The Range Queues of shoppers were waiting as the dog-friendly store at Fitzroy Park off Stansted Road began trading on Good Friday (April 18) The first 50 people in line received a goodie bag Early arrivals also had the chance to win a Lay-Z-Spa Singapore AirJet Plus Hot Tub worth over £599 and the Charleston 2 Burner BBQ retailing at £99.99 The premises were formerly occupied by Homebase and the new outlet includes a Garden Centre by Homebase said: “We’re thrilled to have welcomed so many people to our new Bishop’s Stortford location “It was amazing to see the community come together to celebrate and we’re proud to offer such a fantastic range of products and prizes to thank them for their support “The introduction of the Garden Centre by Homebase in this new-store format means we can offer customers everything from stylish homeware to outdoor living solutions We’re excited to continue providing great service and value to the Bishop’s Stortford area.” Thursday’s Hertfordshire County Council elections will take place in what a top political expert has described as “an era of five-party politics” takes a look at how the election in Hertfordshire could play out some areas to watch and the parties’ views on the key issues.. Political scientist Sir John Curtice has said elections across the country on Thursday (May 1) will be “the biggest challenge to the political conventions of British politics” in 100 years In Hertfordshire, four of the five main parties – Conservatives, Labour, Liberal Democrats and Reform UK – are fielding candidates in all 78 divisions, including the three in Bishop’s Stortford and one in Sawbridgeworth, while the Green Party is fielding contenders in all but Hatfield South. There are 35 others who make up the 424 candidates in all Seven of the 21 county councils – including Essex – have postponed elections because of the expected changes to local government in the coming years with unitary authorities replacing the current two-tier system of county and district or borough councils Hertfordshire is one of the 14 county councils going to the polls on May 1 There is much at stake and much uncertainty about how the county’s political map will look once all the results are in later on Friday afternoon the Tories’ 42 seats – four fewer than they won on polling day four years ago – give them a majority of six For the Conservative leader of the county council winning 40 of the 78 seats would be “a good result” as it means his party would retain control of the authority it has run since 1999 When these seats were last fought in May 2021 today’s national political picture is very different from that of four years ago Labour on around 37% and no other party getting into double figures and we are in what pollster Sir John Curtice professor of politics at the University of Strathclyde has described as “an era of five-party politics” Electoral Calculus’ national poll-of-polls puts Labour on 25% Reform UK on 24% and the Conservatives on 23& The Lib Dems have gained ground on 13% while the Greens are almost into double figures But what does it all mean for Hertfordshire Speaking to people across all five parties most predict Thursday’s election will be closely fought in many seats four- and even five-way splits in certain areas the county council’s record of running services such as education highways and adults’ and children’s social care over the last four years will be scrutinised the Conservatives have provided “stability He claims that provision for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) “is as good as anywhere in the country” As he looks to protect his party’s majority Mr Roberts says it would be “foolish” not to be worried about the electoral threat from Reform he added: “It’s unclear to me how the rhetoric we’re hearing from their candidates translates into caring about people caring about place or caring about education all of which at the moment is functioning really But his glowing assessment of the county council’s record is not shared by the other parties leader of the Liberal Democrat opposition at County Hall and perhaps the man in pole position to replace Mr Roberts as leader of the council took aim at the administration’s record on road maintenance “People I talk to don’t say the council is doing a magnificent job at mending the roads They say it’s doing badly,” Mr Jarvis says described Mr Roberts’ stance as “a complete denial of the facts” He said “people don’t feel listened to” on issues such as SEND and road maintenance and pledged that Labour would “work with parents and children on SEND… it’s about doing things with people Mr Willoughby said residents “understand that this is a local election… national concerns do come up on the doorstep parties are seeking to position themselves as outsiders suggesting they can provide a fresh alternative to the two parties that between them have formed the national government for decades They believe voters have grown disillusioned with both major parties and canvassers across parties say it’s a phenomenon they see on the doorstep with voters wanting to change things up but unsure of how to do so pondering whether to vote for Reform or Liberal Democrat Mr Jarvis said: “People have not forgotten the way the Conservatives ran the country and many of them have been disappointed by what Labour have done since July.” currently the sole Green Party county councillor in Hertfordshire and leader of East Herts Council who says: “There is an anger and frustration among residents at a previous Government that put us through years and years of austerity and there is a lot of anger that a new Government has come in and not changed things.” Mr Crystall’s view is not too far off that held by Dave Holland Reform UK’s regional director for the East of England He said: “People are realising in greater and greater numbers that the status quo isn’t working for them I can understand people’s reticence at voting for an unknown quantity but once you’ve looked at all the known quantities and seen what they’ve done for you then… an unknown quantity is worth the roll of the dice.” One of the big unknowns ahead of Thursday’s vote is how many people will want to roll the dice by voting for a party seen as ‘outsiders’ – and how many who do decide to take their chances away from the status quo will plump for Reform UK It is anybody’s guess how their polling figures which nationally are in line with Labour and the Conservatives Under the first-past-the-post electoral system it’s possible they could gain a significant share of the vote without it translating into many seats While most parts of Hertfordshire won’t be declaring their results until Friday afternoon results from Broxbourne – an area where Reform hopes to do especially well – will come in during the hours after polls close and will give an early indication of how Reform is doing One of Reform’s central promises is that it will cut down on “wasteful” council spending Dave Holland says his party’s candidates include “an awful lot of very successful businesspeople who understand finances but there are many aspects – such as buying and procurement – where you can stop wasting money if you understand how it works They can see their council is spending more and more money and they are getting less and less for it.” is also chair of a public limited company and has said he would volunteer to serve as the council’s chief executive officer for free if Reform win a majority It’s too much and we’re not getting value for money,” said Mr Selkus when he stood for Hertsmere in last year’s General Election “The amount of waste we’ll be able to find in Hertfordshire will be incredible.” equality and inclusion] costs” and “Net Zero vanity projects” We don’t know about it because we’re not on the inside deputy leader of the council’s Labour group said this election is “about the council’s budget and how it’s best used” He said: “We’ve got problems with our SEND services that need to improve Leader of the Labour group Nigel Bell said his party would “prioritise proper investment and maintenance to make our roads safer and more reliable” rather than “temporary pothole patching that falls apart weeks later” Lib Dem Mr Jarvis also thinks money is being wasted “Hertfordshire is not a deprived place in general and yet the council has done a pretty poor job,” he said “People think the Conservatives are complacent about that and they’re looking for a change Money needs to be concentrated on the things that actually impact people.” He claims the council “spends a lot of money on things that people don’t think are worthwhile” suggesting they should prioritise filling potholes over erecting additional road signs that are “There won’t be enough resources to do everything we’d like to do but we should do a lot better with the resources we do have.” Mr Jarvis “expects to win a lot of extra seats” building on the 22 the Lib Dems currently hold as the official opposition party Most expect his party to gain seats at the expense of Conservative losses where the Conservatives will be hopeful of retaining their existing seat – and gaining up to two more – following a decision by the Liberal Democrat-run district council to introduce high street parking charges The council said the charges would help parking services pay for themselves but Conservative candidate Matt Cowley says they have become the “number one defining issue” on the doorstep He argues that the charges are “a litmus test for who is on your side,” contrasting Conservative opposition to them at district council level with the Lib Dems’ implementation said that Thursday’s election should be about the Conservative county council’s record He said their management had left “our potholed roads a national embarrassment” and pointed the finger at the last Conservative Government for funding cuts that “leave it to local people to foot the bill from fixing burst tyres to parking charges” A number of contests across the county have their own distinct characteristics independent Sara Bedford will hope to retain the seat she won as a Liberal Democrat in 2021 the Lib Dem leader of Three Rivers District Council and Conservative candidate Vicky Edwards are expected to offer tough competition Other independents to watch include Michelle Vince in Borehamwood North – she won the seat in 2021 as a Labour candidate – and Jan Maddern elected as an independent in Hemel Hempstead South East in 2021 and seeking re-election where Lib Dem John Hale is seeking re-election Conservative candidate Frances Leonard will face her daughter the Liberal Democrat elected mayor of Watford perhaps to gain a seat at the table ahead of local government reorganisation Stevenage currently has mostly Conservative representatives despite being a Labour stronghold at borough council level Labour will aim to turn blue into red this time around where Reform could put up a strong showing Another party hoping to build on its presence is the Greens They’re looking to gain seats in East Herts Three Rivers and St Albans to increase their representation at County Hall formerly flew helicopters for the Royal Navy and now hopes to be part of a Green team at County Hall that could bring “creative alternative thinking” and add to the “accountability challenge and debate that can come from having a different voice” rounded [and] wholesome party” and an increased presence on the county council would “reflect… that we’re in a climate emergency” the county council’s overspend in 2024-25 of almost £25m is a worry and he says – perhaps surprisingly for a Green – that the council’s “mindset” should be changed “to make it much more commercially focused to make it look for every opportunity to improve the financial standing of the council and use every asset to generate income” It’s about having a financially viable authority that can provide services for people,” he said “To make sure people get the proper level of provision and support they need we have a duty to be open-minded to considering every opportunity.” He said the council should be “looking at things from advertising opportunities using open spaces to hold events that generate income Whether there is room for the Greens to grow their number of seats will depend on whether they can avoid spreading their vote too thinly across the county and ensure it is concentrated enough in particular divisions to translate into County Hall representatives who works for cross-party campaign organisation Compass says Hertfordshire’s 2021 result was a “progressive tragedy” because the electoral system meant that although the combined Labour Liberal Democrat and Green vote exceeded the Conservative vote the result was a majority for the latter party He suggested that this time around “the split in the progressive vote could pave the way for Reform to win the council – despite the majority of voters not wanting them” Yet it is also likely that the right-of-centre vote will itself be split between the Conservatives and Reform leader of the Conservatives on North Herts Council said his party would be defending a “proud record” on road maintenance and providing education deputy chairman of Hertfordshire Conservatives has framed it as an election where voters can choose to keep a “well-run council” the election is about “trust” and who voters believe will “deliver for them and their families” it will be clear whether voters trust the Conservatives Polls will be open across the county between 7am and 10pm READ ALSOHertfordshire County Council election on May 1: All 424 candidates standing in the 78 divisions Police still seeking to identify a young man who was found dead in the River Stort at Bishop’s Stortford by two teenage canoeists have revealed details in the hope the public can help them of medium build and had facial hair on his chin dark grey Nike Air tracksuit bottoms and black Adidas trainers said on Monday (April 7): “This is a very sad case because we still don’t know who this man is or what his story was There is no suggestion there was any third-party involvement in his death.” The body was found on March 23, shortly after 11.45am. Bishop’s Stortford Canoe Club members Oliver Klumpler, 15, and his K2 partner Jamie Winstanley, 14, were taking part in a regular Sunday morning training session when they made the grim discovery the pair were navigating a familiar stretch of water between the club’s headquarters in Stylemans Lane and Rushy Mead nature reserve when they encountered what they believed was an abandoned mannequin face down in a spot known as “the Winding Hole” south of the canoe club hut at a point where the river bends sharply who attends The Bishop’s Stortford High School could see the top of a head and the hood of a jacket floating in the murky water When they returned to the clubhouse after around an hour on the river they reported their concerns and walked back along the riverbank with Oliver’s sister Emilie mum Flora and her friend to pinpoint the location It was decided they would take a more stable boat back onto the water to retrieve what everyone still believed was a mannequin both boys and the adults on the bank recognised other clothing and realised the body was “horribly lifelike” Oliver said: “I think we all realised at the same time I just thought that doesn’t really look like a mannequin.” The boys abandoned their mission and an adult club member got into the water and confirmed their worst fears She estimated the body had been in the water for four to eight weeks Jamie and Emilie returned to the clubhouse while emergency services retrieved the body The man’s death is being treated as non-suspicious but unexplained officers have not been able to identify him or notify his next of kin Detectives have now released an image of clothing similar to that the man was wearing in the hope it will jog someone’s memory Det Sgt Nash said: “We believe his body may have been in the undergrowth in the river for a considerable period of time “Our main priority is to trace this man’s family so they can lay him to rest we have now taken the step of releasing an image of one of the items of clothing that he was wearing to see if anyone recognises it as the pattern on the front is quite distinctive “If you think you may have any information that could assist us in our investigation The Young Player of the Season in Sky Bet League Two began his footballing journey in Bishop’s Stortford was named the top performer in English football’s fourth tier after enjoying a stellar spell on loan at Walsall from Championship side Stoke City And the England under-19 international developed his talent from a tender age at Bishop’s Stortford Community Football Club The teenage striker bagged 18 goals and claimed seven assists in 30 appearances for the Saddlers during his first loan stint away from the Potteries He then returned to Stoke in January and scored in a 1-1 draw at West Bromwich Albion before making another eight Championship appearances for Mark Robins’ side Lowe first caught the eye of BSCFC head coach Tim Moylette at the age of four going on to further impress him and four- to seven-year-olds lead coach Gary Mardle with his dribbling skills and finishing ability He went on to play for BSCFC’s under-sevens and under-eights before moving up north with dad Andrew Police are investigating the theft of two BMWs from driveways in Bishop’s Stortford on the same night The cars were stolen in the early hours of Tuesday last week (April 22) in Gilbey Avenue and Edwards Street on the Stortford Fields development A spokesperson for Hertfordshire Constabulary said the Gilbey Avenue theft happened between 12.15am and 9am while thieves struck in Edwards Street between 4am and 7.40am A bicycle was stolen from the roof rack of a Skoda parked at Bishop’s Stortford rugby club at Silver Leys on Saturday night (April 26-27) Hertford and Stortford MP Josh Dean has waded into the political row about Irish rap band Kneecap The group from Belfast are being investigated by Metropolitan Police counter-terrorist officers over footage which allegedly shows one of the trio telling the crowd: “The only good Tory is a dead Tory The 2023 concert video is also said to include shouts of “up Hamas up Hezbollah.” Kneecap have said on social media that they have “faced a coordinated smear campaign.” The “incitement to murder” was raised in the House of Commons yesterday (Wednesday April 30) by Shadow Defence Minister Mark Francois the Conservative MP for Rayleigh and Wickford Minister of State for Security of the United Kingdom about the Labour Government’s decision to settle a £14,250 discrimination case brought by Kneecap The band sued after former Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch now Conservative Party leader and the MP for North West Essex Mr Francois also called for Kneecap to be dropped from the Glastonbury Festival line-up He said: “Does the Home Secretary agree that it would be unconscionable for Kneecap to appear at least while the police inquiry is underway do the Government agree with that—yes or no?” Mr Jarvis said: “After approving the grant the previous Government then U-turned on it being given They did not take proper legal advice and ended up in a costly legal battle that they lost This Government have a duty to bring that situation to an end and protect taxpayers’ money.” He said it was for Glastonbury’s organisers to decide who appeared who feature Irish Republican slogans in their work have already been dropped from the Eden Sessions in Cornwall The band was also criticised after they displayed messages about the war in Gaza during their set at the US music festival Coachella earlier this month the trio have lost their American work visas ahead of a sell-out October tour Mr Dean said: “The comments made by this group are chilling and disgusting and they risk dragging our politics and our country to a very dangerous place the message I take to young people is: ‘You have a place in politics “Does my honourable friend [Dan Jarvis] agree that incitement to violence particularly on people from under-represented groups in our country They push those people not to get involved in politics Mr Jarvis responded: “The strength of our democracy and our country depends on people who are prepared to step forward and serve their constituents as members of this house and we need to ensure that people feel that they can do that without being subjected to completely unnecessary harassment and intimidation.” Harlow MP Chris Vince also joined the debate asking for assurances that MPs’ staff should also feel secure He said: “I think about the staff who work in my constituency and do their jobs solely because they want to help people in my constituency They should never feel intimidated or unsafe.” The church and charity’s Employment Plus team which provides tailored employability support already operates throughout Hertfordshire and Essex and will be running weekly sessions from 28 April at the church on Duckett’s Wharf.  The one-to-one sessions take place on Mondays from 10am until 2pm and are available to anyone seeking work Referrals can be made through agencies such as Citizen’s Advice while people can also turn up on the day to book an appointment The Employment Plus team help jobseekers overcome or manage barriers to finding and staying in work finding training opportunities and confidence building.  The expansion has been made possible after a donation from Electro Detectors Ltd who founded the company and recently passed away was keen to support the local community with a donation to The Salvation Army the money will be used to purchase laptops.  explained: “My parents had been avid supporters of the Salvation Army over the years it was fitting that a more substantial donation could be made from the profits of his company in dad’s memory.”  regional manager for The Salvation Army’s Employment Plus explained more about what will be on offer.  Becky said: “Our service aims to help people who want work and can work but for multiple reasons are unable to find and keep a job We see thousands of people who are being held back for reasons that are very often beyond their control To have the support of Electro Detectors in this project makes such a difference and we are so grateful to them.  “Our employment development co-ordinators work to transform lives through specialist support that is all about the individual and their needs helping people to identify what skills they have and what roles would suit them giving them encouragement and confidence to achieve their goals.”  The Salvation Army’s Employment Development Co-ordinator for Bishop’s Stortford can be contacted to book an appointment by emailing employmentplusr4@salvationarmy.org.uk   Help us continue to be there for people in their hour of need Copyright © The Salvation Army 2025 The Salvation Army is a Christian church and registered charity in England (214779) Scotland (SC009359) and the Republic of Ireland (CHY6399) The Salvation Army Territorial Headquarters We are currently moving over to a new waste portal and some reporting tools are currently unavailable We apologise for any inconvenience caused.  The GAP has been designed to contribute positively to the lives of Bishop’s Stortford residents offering them a well-maintained space to engage in activity or recreation the Castle Park GAP details proposals to best manage biodiversity recreation and community involvement and offers a commitment to retaining the space’s Green Flag award These proposals include actions to remove and treat invasive plant life encourage a range of events throughout the year and to identify opportunities to further explore and interpret the park’s history The creation of the GAP follows the park’s multi-million-pound transformation which introduced new footpaths and bridge links and improvements to the motte and wildflower meadows  There was also a major refurbishment of Markwell Pavilion and the old public toilets which were transformed into a community café Changing Spaces toilets and a hireable studio space “This Greenspace Action Plan is a commitment to a cherished part of our local area which will see Castle Park continue to thrive and serve the residents of Bishop’s Stortford for many years to come I look forward to learning what people think of the plan which will guide us as we continue to celebrate this beautiful and historically significant park right on our doorstep.” Residents can have their say on the Castle Park Greenspace Action Plan by visiting the following link: https://www.eastherts.gov.uk/castlepark Designed and built by Webcurl Police in Bishop’s Stortford are working with the Co-op to keep customers and staff safe at the Sextons Road store after a series of thefts This week, Hertfordshire Constabulary appealed for help to identify a masked man after alcohol and tobacco were stolen on Wednesday April 2 Last month, the force released three images of men they wanted to speak to after a “large amount” of cigarettes, tobacco and alcohol was stolen from the shop, opposite the railway station On Thursday October 10, just nine weeks after the outlet opened for business, three men wearing balaclavas stole cigarettes and alcohol worth thousands of pounds concerns about the incidents and the impact on staff were voiced on the Bishop’s Stortford Community Facebook page Jo Tu kicked off the debate: “I just want to express my concern for the welfare of the lady working in our local Co-op next to the train station “This shop has been robbed six times in the last two months.. sometimes even with a knife in case she tries to stop them it’s reported to the police every time – but they’re showing up an hour later.. “The Co-op head office should really be doing more Maybe something like what Tesco Express did after they were targeted – they built a clear wall to protect the tills area wondering if tonight she’ll be robbed again by these young masked criminals.” She urged residents to write to the East of England Co-op The Indie has asked the retailer what action it is taking to stop the store and its staff from being targeted by criminals who heads Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Safer Neighbourhood Team for Bishop’s Stortford and the rest of East Herts told the Indie: “Ongoing investigations continue with both forensic and CCTV enquiries being completed “The local neighbourhood policing team has been working with the loss prevention team at Co-op to give security and theft advice as well as ensuring that staff and customers are being safeguarded Recommendations were made following a previous incident “We continue to work proactively with the Co-op and other retailers to reduce crime and strengthen relationships “Working closely with local businesses has enabled us to capture the very real impact that shoplifting and crimes against retail workers have had on the community we’ve been able to secure punitive measures including a series of criminal behaviour orders (CBOs) restricting offenders from entering a designated area This has been an effective tool to help prevent further crime “Together with the BID and funding from Operation Hotspot we have provided retailers with access to town CCTV using Townlink radios enabling us to quickly identify and prosecute the most prolific theft offenders in the area “We are also keen to bust the myth that thieves can get away with theft if it’s below a certain value This has never been the case in Hertfordshire and there is no policy to say that if you steal low-value goods Hertfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner Jonathan Ash-Edwards has launched a new Retail Crime Forum to work “at pace” to tackle shoplifting The group aims to accelerate collaboration between national and independent retailers business groups and the police and key partners Mr Ash-Edwards said: “I want to see robust action against prolific shoplifters and those who assault retail workers so that businesses have the confidence to report crime and people feel safe in their place of work “The forum will be a place where businesses can have their voice heard I want to have a constructive conversation about what more we can do in partnership and I encourage retailers large and small to join us.” Co-op stores in Hatfield Heath, Stansted and Sawbridgeworth have been repeatedly targeted by thieves and on Wednesday (April 16) police issued an appeal after Tesco in Ware Road was raided on Sunday April 6 and a have-a-go hero was injured The force said: “Suspects entered the supermarket and filled bags with bottles of alcohol before quickly leaving without any attempts to pay “A member of the public attempted to stop them from leaving who pushed him to the ground and punched the victim Home   Business   Article Bishop’s Stortford BID (Business Improvement District) joint-manager Karen Burton writes for the Indie I have a confession to make - and brace yourselves because it’s a big one Sometimes I shop outside of Bishop’s Stortford Occasionally I go elsewhere for a bite to eat a bit of a wander or even (whisper it) because I prefer something they offer I love Bishop’s Stortford and I genuinely believe our town centre punches above its weight But stepping out of town now and then doesn’t mean I’m betraying it those little jaunts make me appreciate our home turf even more it’s just nice to have a change every now and then as a former shopkeeper and now as joint BID manager advocating for the town centre’s economic community I’m a firm believer in the magic of in-person experience You can’t beat the feel of a product in your hands the buzz of a busy café or a friendly chat with a local trader But let’s get one thing straight: there’s no rule that says we have to pick a side You don’t lose your Bishop’s Stortford credentials just because you popped over to Cambridge for the day Let’s take a moment for a show of virtual hands - who else goes elsewhere I’m willing to bet most of you just shouted “absolutely” at your paper or screen a market stall you love or a favourite spot for a weekend mooch Plenty of people don’t live here but do choose to come here I often hear visitors saying how lucky we are to have the high street we do And when they add “compared to what we’ve got” where does Bishop’s Stortford sit on the great scale of places to go if this were Goldilocks and the Three Bears with a market that’s clinging on and (fingers crossed) bouncing back Chelmsford and Cambridge are the big hitters - city-sized with city-style choice but lacks some high street staples and evening buzz Harlow offers fast fashion and big-box brands on industrial estates but its town centre has a different vibe and fewer independent gems the mythical land of John Lewis - much desired but it comes at the cost of variety and cohesion a sprinkle of destination shopping and enough food and drink to suit a Saturday brunch or Friday night out So here’s the bottom line: it’s not an either/or choice That’s the beauty of it - it all balances out in the end Because whether you’re shopping here or there the main thing is that you’re shopping local somewhere is what keeps our town - and every other - alive and thriving Home   What's On   Article DJ Chris Moyles has been added to the bill for Manic Street Preachers’ concert at Audley End House and Gardens this summer The longest-serving breakfast host in BBC Radio 1 history will play a DJ set in support of the Welsh rockers on Saturday August 2 Moyles joins The Charlatans and Ash on the bill for the open-air gig at the English Heritage property near Saffron Walden The broadcaster began his radio career in his hometown of Leeds at the age of just 16 before going on to work for Radio Luxembourg and London’s Capital FM before joining BBC Radio 1 and becoming one of the stations most talked about and popular DJs He presented the breakfast show to an audience of eight million people for a record-breaking eight-and-a-half years Moyles is also a two-time Sunday Times best-selling author and has released two top 20 albums of his popular parody songs He currently hosts his own show on Radio X and its weekly podcast attracts over half a million downloads a month Headliners the Manics released debut album Generation Terrorists in 1992 and have gone on to enjoy a hugely successful career two Ivor Novello Awards and four BRIT Awards and were nominated for the Mercury Prize and the MTV Europe Music Awards early tracks such as You Love Us and Motorcycle Emptiness comfortably sit alongside huge chart hits such as the Number 1 single If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next while other classics like You Stole The Sun From My Heart and Design For Life play alongside newer songs such as International Blue and Orwellian The Jacksons will kick off the Audley End Heritage Live series on Thursday July 31 with support from Sister Sledge The Who frontman Roger Daltrey is the headliner for the Friday August 1 gig Underworld top the bill for the concluding Audley End gig of this summer’s series with support from Simian Mobile Disco and Groove Armada Go to www.heritagelive.net for more information One of Europe’s leading visual communications specialists is looking to boost career and training opportunities at its new state-of-the-art production facility in Bishop’s Stortford Delta Group, whose clients include Disney, Warner Bros, Marks and Spencer, John Lewis and Mattel, moved its HQ and main print/manufacturing operation from Waltham Abbey to a solar-powered site at the new business park on the corner of Thorley Street and St James Way in December which employs 700 people across six sites in the UK and Ireland is made up of manufacturing and printing companies It also has a research and development division called Delta Labs A key part of its growth strategy is to engage with local residents and create career opportunities in all areas of the business which has signed a 15-year lease at the Stortford site welcomed Hertford and Stortford MP Josh Dean for a tour and to discuss how it wants to establish itself in the community “Of our six sites across the UK and Ireland this is by far our biggest operation in terms of people and technology so it was vitally important for us to find a new location that ticked all the boxes important to a business like ours,” said Jason Hammond “The state-of-the-art facility we found here in Bishop’s Stortford enables us to power 60% of our energy needs from solar along with access to great transport links A bonus was the greenery around the new site “We invited Josh to visit Delta Park this month to discuss how we could work together to promote career and training opportunities for the local area The wide variety of roles that the group requires means Delta can offer something for everyone The firm produces everything from the point-of-sale messages seen in supermarkets through to events like Olympic Fan Parks or Southfield Station takeovers during Wimbledon fortnight It launches the biggest Hollywood films and advertises some of the world’s best-loved toys for Mattel It also prints every bus side advert in the UK and creates cheeky social media campaigns that tease people about their Spotify Wrapped top tracks of the year “It was a pleasure to visit Delta Group in Bishop’s Stortford and see the incredible work they’re doing in print creative production and sustainable innovation,” said Mr Dean “As a major local employer and a leader in their industry Delta Group is a great example of how businesses can thrive while investing in sustainable practices and skilled jobs “I’m proud to support their continued success and look forward to seeing them become an established business in our community.” has already been involved in contacting local community organisations to see how the business could get involved “Josh was able to suggest several local sports clubs community associations and charities that Delta will be contacting over the next few weeks,” she said “It’s important for us to make the right impression with the local community and for us to do our part in supporting this area.” Delta Group invested £10 million in new top-of-the-range equipment to boost production capacity streamline automation processes and accelerate time-to-market delivery at the Stortford site Bishop’s Stortford Museum is relaunching the town’s answer to the Bayeux Tapestry and has appealed to stitchers who crafted the textile to come forward The Bishop’s Stortford Mural has new signage giving visitors an insight into the people and process behind its creation The pictorial history is 8.4m (28ft) long and 1.5m (5ft) wide and chronicles the town’s heritage to 1990 It is based on the personal writings and recollections of Leila Riddell founder of Bishop’s Stortford Embroidery Guild The project was sponsored by Sally Howard-Smith the mural was worked on by 142 town residents including members of the embroiderers guild and members of church groups in Bishop’s Stortford and Little Hallingbury school children and many other needleworkers who were personal friends of the designer and sponsor The mural is worked on canvas stitched in fine crewel wool the mural went on tour to Alexandra Palace in London and Harrogate in Yorkshire and was selected by Thomasinia Beck as representative of 20th-century needlework it was the subject of two articles by Sally Howard-Smith in Needle Arts the magazine of the Embroiderers’ Guild of America Images of the mural panels also decorate the side wall of Marks and Spencer in South Street The relaunch takes place from noon to 2pm on Monday About 30 members of Bishop’s Stortford Canoe Club paddled past a corpse floating in the River Stort before two teenage boys realised the “mannequin” was the body of a man Hertfordshire police are treating the death as non-suspicious but unexplained and enquiries to establish the full circumstances are continuing A spokesman for the force said on Tuesday (March 25): “The post-mortem is currently in progress by the coroner and we are working to identify the body and trace the next of kin.” Oliver Klumpler, 15, and his K2 partner Jamie Winstanley, 14, were taking part in a regular Sunday morning training session when they made the grim discovery the pair were navigating a familiar stretch of water between the club’s headquarters in Stylemans Lane and Rushy Mead nature reserve when they encountered what they believed was an abandoned dummy or scarecrow figures in hi-vis jackets have been placed close to a Bishop's Stortford and District Angling Society lake to protect fish The body was face down in a spot known as “the Winding Hole” and the hood of a jacket floating in the murky water Oliver said he and Jamie often remove debris from the river during their sessions; their usual finds are dog toys and balls She estimated the body had been in the water for several weeks The boys spent several hours giving statements to police Emilie told the Indie she was shocked but not shaken by the incident while a composed Oliver said he intended to continue canoeing He described the grisly experience as “character-developing” The siblings have been offered counselling by Birchwood High School and their mum paid tribute to the school’s caring response ambulance and fire and rescue services were called to the canoe club at about 11.45am on Sunday The towpath approaching the scene was cordoned off Bishop’s Stortford’s Royal British Legion is leading the town’s VE Day 80 commemorations next Thursday (May 8) The Second World War anniversary marks the surrender of Germany and an end to nearly six years of conflict that cost millions of lives The memorial will begin at 10.40am with a Peal for Peace rung out from St Michael’s Church in Windhill town residents are invited to assemble at the war memorial in Castle Park assisted by Legion padre the Rev Tim Weeks The service will be supported by Legion members Under the direction of Thorn Grove Primary School teacher Kathy Canavan schools and youth organisations including The Bishop’s Stortford High School and Hockerill Anglo-European College’s Combined Cadet Force will pay their respects Deputy Lieutenant of Hertfordshire Emma Robarts Bishop’s Stortford mayor Cllr Richard Townsend Hertfordshire County Council chair Cllr Terry Douris and East Herts Council vice-chair Cllr Martin Adams are expected to attend Any veterans who need a lift should contact branch secretary Terrie Archer on 07804 778036 VE Day 80 badges will be available in exchange for donations to the Poppy Appeal In the afternoon, the Legion is hosting a quiz in the bar area at South Mill Arts, South Road, from 2pm. The event is free, but donations to the Poppy Appeal are welcome. Booking is essential as there are only a few tickets left. See https://southmillarts.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873669935 A recording of Prime Minister Winston Churchill’s announcement of Peace in Europe will be shown at 3pm In the evening, music of the era will be revived by the 1940s Blitz Show and Dance Band, Five Star Swing, at South Mill Arts. To book, see https://southmillarts.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873668587 VE Day was not the end of the Second World War The fight against Japan did not end until August 15 Jet2.com and Jet2holidays are expanding their winter sun and ski programmes from Stansted Airport The companies are putting an extra 550,000 seats on sale for winter 2025-26 from the Uttlesford hub representing a capacity increase of 13% on last winter There will be more choice to the popular destinations of Alicante Madeira and Paphos for winter sun and Geneva for winter ski • Extra Wednesday and Sunday services to Malaga on November 5 and 9 • Additional Friday flights to Paphos from November 7 to 21 followed by extra Sunday services from December 22 to January 5 • Additional Monday services to Malta from December 1 to January 5 Friday and Sunday flights to Geneva from December 22 to February 6 • Additional Tuesday services to Funchal (Madeira) from December 23 to January 6 • Additional Saturday services to Lanzarote from February 14 to March 21 • Additional Monday and Friday services to Alicante from March 6 to 23 “We’re seeing continued demand for our award-winning flights and holidays we’re in the position to respond with an expanded programme from London Stansted Airport,” said Jet2.com and Jet2holidays chief executive Steve Heapy “As well as adding extra services to popular winter sun hotspots we’ve put additional capacity on sale to Geneva for the popular ski season meaning we’re giving customers even more choice and flexibility when it comes to getting away next winter “We look forward to taking lots of happy holidaymakers on their well-deserved holidays next winter and showcasing our award-winning credentials.” An announcement of the opening date for the TK Maxx store under construction in Bishop’s Stortford is expected in the first half of April Work on a purpose-built unit for the designer discount retailer at Jackson Square started in June 2023 – five years after planning began The Indie reported last November that the shopping centre was on schedule to hand over the unit this July The American business is expected to take eight to 10 weeks to fit out the store before the new flagship of the shopping precinct opens At Bishop’s Stortford’s annual town meeting at South Mill Arts on Monday (March 17) Jackson Square manager Michael Smith said: “Within the next four weeks we will be able to say exactly when TK Maxx will open He said the centre was now turning its attention to the former Wilko store, which shut in May last year after just over six months operating as a Poundland The Indie understands the unit will be split and Michael told the meeting: “We have tenants lined up.” He added that a new occupant for the former Muffin Break premises had also been pencilled in along with chocolate shop Thorntons and boutique Impressions when the square was remodelled to make way for fashion giant H&M A new social group for people who are into conversing and connecting over crafts and a cuppa is being launched in Bishop’s Stortford Crafty Connections will meet at the Methodist Church in South Street on the first Wednesday evening of each month Organiser Guppy Patel said: “This is an evening group for anyone who loves to make needlecrafts or simply fancy chatting about books and sharing skills meet like-minded people and help shape a group that grows with you energy and volunteers who’d love to share their skills reviews best-sellers and debut fiction for the Indie I do hope you had a wonderful Easter break with lots of chocolate - pistachio is my new favourite- and lots of comforting food With my husband recovering from his Princess Alexandra Hospital adventure we just spent a quiet break at home with the television chocolate and more books whilst our granddaughter and daughter-in-law were gallivanting around Europe on a girly escapade London: The Hidden Corners for Curious Wanderers by Jack Chesher (Frances Lincoln Publishing £15.99) although now retired as a London black cab driver finds it almost impossible to switch off from identifying London scenes and so he was thrilled when this dropped through the letterbox This is the most beautifully illustrated (illustrations by Katherine Fraser) and wonderful dip-into read complete with maps to help you discover your favourite hidden corner of the capital It is a follow up to London: A Guide for Curious Wanderers Next time we go up to Highbury to visit the family I’ve just opened the page explaining how to get a perfect view of Tower Bridge by wandering through a black gate known as Horselydown Old Stairs I’ve actually done this – working at London Bridge Hospital my husband and I often used to walk down to the river steps after having breakfast in a lovely little Italian restaurant (sadly demolished in the name of progress!) and I even managed a little walk on the foreshore I can’t wait to explore all these hidden corners Or Whitechapel’s Hidden Anarchist Bookshop The Novel Life of Jane Austen: A Graphic Biography by Janine Barchas and Isabel Greenberg (Quercus £20) I keep banging on about it being the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth and there are events taking place everywhere she ever visited I’ve been sent yet another Jane Austen publication and this one is a graphic novel The illustrations perfectly show Jane and Cassy exploring Bath visiting the circulating library and the circus and then their move downward as their finances deteriorated and Jane’s endeavours to be published It’s such a lovely way to retell the Austen story and ideal for anyone – particularly tweens and teenagers – who’d love a potted Jane Austen history Burn After Reading by Catherine Ryan Howard (Bantam £13.99) I’ve read some of this author’s books previously and she always writes a scary read Emily wrote a best-selling thriller many years ago having received a huge advance in a two-book deal But not only has she not even started the second book she’s convinced she’ll never ever write it She must ghost write an autobiography for world-famous cyclist Jack who has faced accusations of murdering his wife ever since she was found dead in a suspicious fire at their home and forensics show she was dead long before Jack rescued her or return the huge advance – money she obviously doesn’t have And so Emily flies to a secluded beach house somewhere in the US where everything has been laid on But she has that tingling on the back of her neck which she knows means she is being followed happy to chat and oblige Emily’s every wish although there are some strange house rules But there are also anonymous and very scary notes pushed under her bedroom door and so Emily decides she can’t trust anyone although she really wants to believe that not only is Jack innocent so much so I had no idea who or what had done it or why and who Whilst my husband and dog Rollo were lying in bed snoring (yes both of them) I read on into the night just grateful that although the pair of them were fast asleep The Marriage Vendetta by Caroline Madden (Eriu £9.99) but becomes a Stepford wife when husband and aspiring playwright Richard persuades her that his new job offer of running the most prestigious theatre in Dublin is good for them all who is (un)happily sorting out a new house running the household and also dealing with all of Richard’s paperwork The only piano playing she’s doing is when she unconsciously has her fingers tapping out keys on her lap Meeting another mum at the across-the-road-from-the-school café Eliza is given the name of a therapist – a therapist she feels she needs to see since she was sent a photograph of her husband with another woman in a suggestive pose Therapist Ellen Early suggests odd and unusual remedies and convinces Eliza that she must follow them murderous and packed with all kinds of twists and laugh-out-loud moments No Greater Love by Margaret Dickinson (Pan £9.99) Saga lovers always eagerly await a new Margaret Dickinson Here we have aristocratic Lady Elizabeth faced with straitened circumstances following a broken engagement and forced to seek employment what employment could she obtain other than as a nanny so she’s charged with looking after four-year-old Charlie today would be diagnosed with something or other but then he was simply wild and rebellious His exhausted family are only too happy to hand their son over to Elizabeth she begins to feel love could beckon with James Once again a wonderful saga for lovers of the genre the UK’s largest provider of multi-tenure and affordable homes this next phase of St Michael’s Hurst will provide 125 affordable homes: nine flats and 116 two Seventy-three of the affordable homes will be rented at an affordable rate to local people on the council’s housing register The remaining 52 homes will be sold on a shared ownership basis (part-buy part-rent) with prices starting at £95,000 The council and Paradigm are also taking the innovative step of both providing additional subsidy to significantly reduce the rents of the four bedroom affordable rental homes This is all part of the council’s goal of providing more homes that are truly affordable for local people with the development being within easy walking distance of the recently opened Avanti Meadows primary school which includes a 26 place nursery There is also a retirement home on the same site There will be a large area of green space in the centre of the development which will feature a children’s playground Strong emphasis has been placed on sustainability with half of the homes benefitting from solar panels Many of the houses also incorporate switch points for EVs.  one of Paradigm’s new customers at Hazel End Dealing with Paradigm has been smooth and straightforward and they’ve been responsive to any questions I’ve had I have lovely neighbours and the environment is good for the kids as well It’s a genuine pleasure to have such a nice house to live in with safe and friendly surroundings and I’m looking forward to settling down here for years to come.” East Herts Executive Member for Neighbourhoods said: “I have been delighted to visit this new and attractive development Many of the streets have been laid out in a courtyard style where children can play in safety There is a constant need for more high quality affordable housing in East Herts so I am particularly pleased that the council has jointly contributed some additional funding along with Paradigm to reduce the rents of the largest and most expensive properties I hope that we will be able to use this approach again on future developments.” Executive Director of Development for Paradigm said: "We're really pleased to be providing yet more high quality affordable homes for those who need it around East Herts The quality of houses and the undeniable community that is being created here at St Michael’s Hurst is superb With Paradigm set to bring forward a further 400 new homes across the East Herts district over the next three years I think this is a great example of what we can achieve in partnership with developers such Vistry and the local council and I'm looking forward to visiting our future developments together." Vistry Central Home Counties said: “This is an important milestone for our housing programme in partnership with Paradigm in East Herts completing a range of affordable houses and apartments for local residents we remain committed to our partnerships approach ensuring we deliver the mix of housing tenures that communities need to help address the ever-growing demand for high-quality new homes.” George Powell and Olly Miles scored towards the end of each half as Takeley beat Barking 2-0 in their Essex Senior League Premier Division play-off semi-final last night (Wednesday April 30) The second-placed hosts got the better of the fifth-placed visitors at the Full Vision Stadium The victory means Takeley will be at home again for the play-off final on Saturday (May 3 netted twice in added time to come from behind to beat fourth-placed Great Wakering Rovers 2-1 in the other semi-final Whoever wins the final is set to join champions Stanway Rovers in the Pitching In Isthmian League who are unbeaten at home in the league this term took the lead nine minutes before the break against Barking when Powell headed in Lewis Wicker’s corner at the back post And they doubled their advantage nine minutes from time as Miles slotted the ball past the goalkeeper after Lanre Balogun’s shot had rebounded to him Developed with an emphasis on sustainability and accessibility four have air source heat pumps and two are fitted with electric vehicle charging capabilities four of the units have kitchens with variable height worktops and appliances to cater for the needs of disabled people These homes can be further adapted to meet future residents’ specific needs for adaptations St James Park is located to the south of historic market town Bishop’s Stortford Sitting on the River Stort and opposite Thorley Wash Nature Reserve boasting picturesque views whilst also being on London’s doorstep with easy and regular transport into the city as well as into the rest of East Herts – and into bordering Essex East Herts Executive Member for Neighbourhoods said “The new affordable homes provided by CHP at St James Park will help the council provide more housing options for local people struggling to rent or buy in the private market given the council’s strong focus on environmental sustainability I am delighted to see a range of energy saving features provided I am sure everyone moving into these new affordable homes will be pleased and happy living in this new neighbourhood in Bishop’s Stortford.” “We’re proud to deliver high-quality homes that are built to adapt to our customers’ changing needs These homes are designed with sustainability in mind featuring a range of environmental benefits including solar panels and air source heat pumps but they can also be further adapted in the future ensuring they remain fit for purpose for years to come.” Managing Director at Vistry Central Home Counties "It’s great to be able to see the first residents moving into to their affordable new homes at St James Park This milestone is a testament to the successful collaboration between Vistry Group sustainable homes that meet the needs of the community Providing much-needed affordable housing is at the heart of what we do and we look forward to seeing this new neighbourhood thrive.”  Plymouth Albion extended their unbeaten run to four games with a hard-fought victory in their first match of the new year, edging out Bishop’s Stortford 24-21 at Brickfields. Despite trailing at half-time, Albion staged a spirited second-half comeback, with late tries from Rhys Williams and Harry Wilkinson sealing a narrow win. Head coach Ryan Lamb was full of praise for his side after the match: Albion’s dominance in possession and territory, coupled with clinical execution in key moments, proved vital: Bishop’s Stortford started brightly, winning a penalty within the first two minutes, but fly-half Tom Mills was unable to convert. The visitors opened the scoring shortly after when a fortunate bounce from a 50:22 kick allowed Chris Smith to pounce over the try line. Albion responded through Craig Duncan in the 20th minute, finishing off a slick move following a lineout deep in Stortford’s 22. Tom Putt added the extras to give the home side a slender lead. However, Bishop’s Stortford struck back immediately, with Alex Gilham collecting a cross-field kick and stepping through the defence to retake the lead. Albion once again capitalised on their set-piece dominance, with Rhys Williams powering over from close range after a penalty lineout, only for two late first-half penalties from Mills to give Stortford a 15-11 advantage at the break. The second half began with Mills extending the visitors’ lead to seven points, but the game turned when the Stortford full-back was sent to the sin-bin for a deliberate knock-on. Albion took advantage of the extra numbers, as Rhys Williams secured his second try from the back of a driving maul. Mills’ day went from bad to worse with a second yellow card for an identical deliberate knock-on, leaving Stortford down to 14 men. Albion seized the opportunity, and replacement Harry Wilkinson delivered the decisive blow, breaking away from a maul to crash over for the match-winning try in the 75th minute. Albion now face a challenging away trip to Birmingham Moseley next weekend, aiming to extend their unbeaten streak to five matches. Confidence will be high after their latest victory, but they’ll need to be at their best against a side looking to bounce back. Albion fans will be hoping for another strong performance as the team continues its climb up the table.   I agree to the terms and conditions © 2025 Plymouth Albion RFC|Privacy Policy|Terms & Conditions|Safeguarding Policy Website by A man threw a “liquid substance” at a 12-year-old girl, splashing her eye and body, as she was walking with her father in Bishop’s Stortford town centre on Monday evening. The man approached the dad and his two children in Bridge Street, near Jackson Square shopping centre, between 6.30pm and 7pm and, by way of distracting them, asked if it was raining. He then threw a liquid – which smelled like alcohol – at the girl, which hit her jacket and face. The father went to make sure she was OK and that the substance was not dangerous. The attacker then walked around the corner and threw a liquid at a man, which went over his face and clothes. The father spoke to the other victim, expressing his shock at the incident. Details of the incident were posted on Facebook by Loraine Brown, who said the dad’s first thought was concern for his daughter’s wellbeing. He used the customer facilities at Waitrose to wash her face. One woman said she believed the same man had approached her in Waitrose car park at about 6.20pm and poured what she suspected was cider over her car. She said she had seen him around town before, describing him as fairly small with brown hair and glasses. Another resident posted that he had seen a man of the same description walking along Rye Street last Wednesday morning carrying a “big plastic cider bottle”, adding he was shocked to see him drinking at 9am. A man driving through town said he saw the man in handcuffs after apparently after being arrested. A spokesman for Hertfordshire Constabulary said: “Police were called yesterday (Monday March 10) following an incident in Bishop’s Stortford. “At around 6.30pm, a substance had reportedly been thrown at two people near to the Black Lion pub on Bridge Street. “Enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances of the incident.” Date: Saturday, January 18, 2025Kick-Off: 15:00Venue: Brickfields The first home game of 2025 sees Albion welcome Bishop’s Stortford to Brickfields in what promises to be an exciting encounter. Both teams are eager to kick off the new year with a strong performance, and with Bishop’s Stortford sitting just two places below Albion in the table with a 6-8 record, this match is crucial for both sides. Albion comes into the game with momentum, having secured a thrilling 39-20 victory in the reverse fixture back in September. That match highlighted the attacking flair and resilience of both teams, and fans will be hoping for another entertaining battle. Bishop’s Stortford is known for their expansive style of play, characterized by quick ball movement and a sharp attacking edge. While their recent losses to Blackheath and Dings Crusaders might suggest a dip in form, they remain a dangerous side capable of turning a game in their favor. Albion will need to be defensively astute to contain Bishop’s attacking threats, particularly in the wide channels. Set-piece dominance and clinical execution in scoring opportunities will also be key for the hosts. Albion’s faithful crowd has been a driving force all season, and their support will be vital once again. The atmosphere at Brickfields can provide a significant boost to the players, especially in tight moments. Albion has named a strong squad for the clash, with Jack Oulton leading the side as captain. The pack features powerful forwards like Ethan Burger, Jake Clemson, and Ben Moa, while the backline boasts pace and creativity with Shea Cornish, Archie Hill, and Tom Putt pulling the strings. Replacements:16. Harry Wilkinson17. Dan Pullinger18. Torin Clarke19. Morgan Stone20. Frankie Dart With both teams eager to start the year on a high note, this game is shaping up to be a closely contested battle. If Albion can harness the energy of the Brickfields crowd and execute their game plan effectively, they stand a strong chance of securing a home victory. Let’s make it a day to remember—come on, Albion! This will be a celebration of the park’s recent transformation providing an opportunity for East Herts residents to enjoy the new facilities on offer and find out about the heritage and conservation of this beautiful town centre park Activities will include:•    a Norman battle re-enactment •    the chance to visit a living medieval encampment•    archery and axe throwing•    falconry displays •    a skate jam at the new skate park with pro-skater displays and teaching sessions will showcase the work they been doing to improve the natural habitat of the River Stort There will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the newly installed bridge over the River Stort at 1pm East Herts Executive Member for Wellbeing said: “It’s wonderful to see this major redevelopment come to fruition It’s been a story of long-standing co-operation between East Herts Council and our partner organisations Castle Park is a fantastic amenity for the residents of Bishop’s Stortford and the surrounding area to enjoy throughout the year.” drink and ice cream will be available as well as hot and cold food cakes and pastries from Castle Park’s new park cafe: The Terrace Park Cafe & Grill Details of car parks near Castle Park can be found on the council’s website.   There’s a unique theme behind a new coffee shop in Bishop’s Stortford – but with the businessman behind the project having lived in the area for 40 years When Dominic Pegg teamed up with friend Mark Gostello to bring the shop at 1 Havers Lane Parade back to life after being empty for more than five years his inspiration for its theme came from the Swedish word ‘Fika’ and from that came the eventual name of the shop which can mean “just the right amount” or “not too much The name drew some curious glances as the launch date approached but after six months it is growing in popularity it was a new venture for Dominic and Mark and has been a steep learning curve “I lived and grew up at the top of Havers Lane,” said Dominic I felt there were too many shops closed in the local parade.” So determined was he to make his dream reality that he underwent a laborious process to obtain the lease With some help from his 15-year-old daughter Jess with the branding the shop opened in August with a concept of grab and go parents on the school run and builders looking for a stop-off for lunch Dominic said the shop tries to cater for all tastes but felt with the right marketing we could attract people to us.” Lagom is open Tuesdays to Fridays 8.30am-4.30pm and Saturdays 8.30am-1.30pm A Bishop’s Stortford café’s pothole problem has been aired in Parliament by the town’s MP Josh Dean raised the highways issue at The Toaster in South Street run by Charlotte Hoole and Colin Jackson-Reid during a debate on Thursday (February 27) about the forthcoming business of the House of Commons The Labour member for Hertford and Stortford told Lucy Powell leader of the House of Commons: “Colin’s business has been plagued for three-and-a-half years by a pothole on the street outside “Rainwater collects in the pothole and is then splashed onto his business – just this week he has had to clean his shopfront four times “Will the Leader of the House join me in calling on Hertfordshire County Council to take full advantage of the £35 million provided by this Government to fix potholes across Hertfordshire as well as the pothole plaguing Colin’s business My honourable friend describes how awful potholes can be and the impact that they have on businesses such as Colin’s “I join him in imploring Hertfordshire County Council to use the money that the Government have now given it to fix potholes such as that one.”