Bishop’s Stortford Comes Together for Grove Cottage - Claire Causton & Mina Pandya
Show notes
Fashion & Fizz Tickets available here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/grovecottage/2068656
Mina Pandya and Claire Causton return to the podcast to talk about Fashion and Fizz, a fundraising evening in support of Grove Cottage. The event brings together local businesses, volunteers and supporters for a night centred around fashion, hospitality and community, with funds going towards the charity’s work with children and adults with learning disabilities and complex additional needs.
Grove Cottage is marking 60 years in Bishop’s Stortford and has recently opened its new building, bringing its services together under one roof for the first time. In that context, the event feels like both a celebration and a fundraiser, with local boutiques, suppliers and volunteers all contributing their time and expertise.
Claire explains how the evening has been put together, from venue and styling through to photography, DJ, catering and interactive shopping. Mina reflects on the wider support surrounding Grove Cottage and the way local people and businesses continue to show up when needed. The episode also becomes a wider conversation about the town itself, with both guests highlighting the businesses, projects and local figures they believe deserve more attention.
Fashion and Fizz tickets
https://www.tickettailor.com/events/grovecottage/2068656
Stortford Spotlight
Local Business I’m Rooting For
Cafe Thyme https://www.instagram.com/cafethyme_/
Mina gives a heartfelt mention to Hannah at Cafe Thyme after the business was broken into again. She describes Hannah as part of the heart of Bishop’s Stortford and encourages people to go in, support her, and show some love.
Bailey Hills Estate https://www.instagram.com/baileyhillswine/
Claire says she is rooting for Bailey Hills, praising the atmosphere, the venue, and the wine. She sees it as something different for Bishop’s Stortford and a place that adds to the town’s appeal.
Community Project, Club or Cause More People Should Know About
Save Water Lane Hall https://www.facebook.com/groups/1327583637996526
Mina highlights the campaign to save and restore Water Lane Hall, saying the building now needs practical support, fundraising and local expertise to bring it back into use for the community.
Local Legends We Should Interview
Richard Townsend and Hammond & Smith
Mina suggests Mayor Richard Townsend, saying he has a strong overview of what is happening in the town and is a great supporter of Grove Cottage. She also recommends the team at Hammond & Smith, describing them as community-focused, charity-minded and full of personality.
Katie from ThisIsBS.CM23
Claire suggests Katie, who runs the This Is BS CM23 Instagram page, for the way she consistently supports and spotlights local businesses across the town.
Support the Podcast
You can support The Bishop’s Stortford Community Podcast through The Giving Lottery.
https://www.givinglottery.org.uk/support/bishops-stortford-community-podcast-cic