The Bishop’s Stortford Flyer Magazine January ’26
Welcome to Bishop’s Stortford Flyer Magazine Janury ’26 | Free Magazine. In your Bishop’s Stortford Flyer magazine January ’26 edition. Amongst the community news and local events in this issue there’s a good choice of things to do.
Bishop’s Stortford Flyer Magazine January ’26 | Free Magazine Welcome
Letter from the Editor
Welcome to your first Flyer magazine of 2026; we’ve plenty of news and events to take you through January and beyond. I’m looking forward to wrapping up warmly to go on ‘blow the cobwebs away’ winter walks. Why not take a look at the free local area Hertfordshire Health Walks or visit the website of The Hundred Parishes Society for self-guided walking routes? You’ll be glad you did!
There’s a range of activities happening in Bishop’s Stortford library, including dedicated IT support sessions and the final month of the Winter Reads Challenge. If you enjoy listening to music, you’ll find a concert from the Bishop’s Stortford Sinfonia is on at St John’s church (17th January). Or perhaps a charity quiz may be of interest? Bishop’s Stortford Food Bank and Citizens Advice East Herts are raising funds for the Food Bank Adviser Project with a quiz at Birchwood school (23rd January). More details are here: www.bishopsstortfordfoodbank.com
In local charity and club news Isabel Hospice has launched its ‘Gift of Time’ volunteering campaign, celebrating the extraordinary impact volunteers make and calling on more people to get involved in 2026. We also hear from the Pudding Club Carers’ Group, who are here for you, whether the person you care for is newborn or 90. They meet monthly for a chat over a cuppa and pudding! In addition, Emily Holland has written an article for us about the fantastic achievements of members at the Bishop’s Stortford Padel club. Many titles, across a range of ages, have been won. We also hear from the Bishop’s Stortford Bowling Club with news of competition winners and a new Club president. All these organisations would be pleased to welcome new members and volunteers.
Bishop’s Stortford Town Council updates us on its 2026 Calendar Competition, which invited residents to share photographs that reflect the beauty and character of the local area. The response was “overwhelming” and the 13 winning images have been featured in the official 2026 calendar. It’s available to purchase from the Tourist Information Centre and looks like a wonderful keepsake of our town.
Volunteers from the local branch of “Smartphone Free Childhood” recently met shoppers and families in Jackson Square, to encourage them to consider the benefits of delaying smartphone use and social media. They invite you to come to their panel event at the Bishop’s Stortford High School (5th March 2026) to hear honest stories and inspiring reflections from experts. Find out more in your magazine.
Thank you to the Town Council for sending us information about Norma’s bench, a plaque is now on the bench outside B&M, which says: “Norma Symonds 1948 – 2025. Always ready to help others in need, especially the homeless and vulnerable. Norma served this community both as a Town and District Councillor, and Town Mayor”. Red Kite, of which Norma was a founder trustee and served as its ambassador, has now unveiled the Norma Symonds Cup for Red Kite’s volunteer of the year. Norma’s daughter, Fiona presented the trophy to Michele De-Win at the charity’s recent AGM, for Michele’s all-round contribution. It’s wonderful to read these tributes.
Your regular school news is also included inside and thank you to everyone who sends us local community editorial and supports the Flyer. We hope you enjoy reading this New Year issue.
With best wishes
Stephanie Adams, Editor