The Bishop’s Stortford Flyer Magazine May ’26
Welcome to Bishop’s Stortford Flyer Magazine May ’26 | Free Magazine. In your Bishop’s Stortford Flyer magazine May ’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 May ’26 | Free Magazine Welcome
Letter from the Editor
Welcome to your May Flyer. I hope you can enjoy our longer daylight evenings and the wildlife that seems to be everywhere now. We have plenty of inspiration for you, with community updates and ideas of things to do.
There’s a chance to visit the St Michael’s Belltower (17th May) and hear about the significant role that the bells have played in the history of the town, along with seeing views from the tower roof. It sounds fascinating. At Bishop’s Stortford library you’ll discover a huge choice of events for all ages in May, including The Walking Book Group (13th May); Explore our Archives (15th May); a Local History Walk (20th May); Bug Explorers (27th May); Sowing Stories (28th May) and a History Walk for Children (29th May). Why not pop in to find out more? Don’t miss out!
We hear from the Hundred Parishes Society about vineyards in the area. You may also be interested in looking at the Society’s free downloadable walking routes: www.hundredparishes.org.uk My family and I have enjoyed going on some of the Society’s walks, which range from a mile upwards! Refreshments are now served every Sunday afternoon from May to September in the historic St James church in Thorley. Sounds lovely. Additionally, we find out that new owl nesting boxes, designed to appeal to tawny owls, have been installed in Birchanger Wood. Maybe a spring or early summer trip to Birchanger Wood is calling?
The RSPB Stort Valley Group tells us about its monthly birding walks and meetings, with new members always welcome. Plus the Bishop’s Stortford Carnival Parade and Fun Day (Saturday 20th June) is a date for your diary, with entertainment and community celebration: www.bishopsstortfordtc.gov.uk/events/carnival-parade-and-fun-day
In local charity news £1300.00 was raised from the support of the community when Isabel Hospice volunteers served refreshments and ran a raffle at the Spring Concert with the Herts and Soul Choir. They will be doing this again at the Herts and Soul Summer Concert (28th June). Renée from Isabel Hospice also shares further news with us, saying how much Christine and fellow staff will be sorely missed following the difficult decision to close the Isabel Hospice Living Well services. However, the Stortford Compassionate Neighbour café will continue and will be led by Renée alongside her fellow volunteers, and the grief encounters group will continue to be run by volunteer Gillian. We also have news from St Elizabeth’s regarding its brand‑new Adult Community Hub which offers adults aged 18+ a place where they can explore their interests, grow their independence, and share meaningful moments with others. The Community Hub is accepting referrals for adults with complex needs to join and adults and families can also self-refer.
Updates from local sporting clubs this month include news that the Bishop’s Stortford Lawn Tennis and Padel Club has been awarded the LTA’s Hertfordshire Club of the Year and a Highly Commended LTA Excellence Award. We also receive details from the Bishop’s Stortford Running Club about successful performances in racing plus the Bishop’s Stortford Swimming Club shares Hertfordshire Major League results, winning round 1 and 2 at the time of going to press. Congratulations to all involved.
Primary and secondary school news is also inside. Thank you for your support and enjoy your magazine.
With best wishes
Stephanie Adams, Editor