TUBS: Cleaning Up Bishop’s Stortford For 15 Years - Ian Hudson
Show notes
This episode is brought to you by:
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Bishop's Stortford Community Newsletter:
https://bishops-stortford-community-newsletter.beehiiv.com/
Ian coordinates Tidy Up Bishop’s Stortford, better known as TUBS, a volunteer group that has been clearing litter around the town for around 15 years.
In this episode, Ian explains how TUBS started after a conversation with John Barford, how a small council grant helped buy the first litter pickers, hoops, gloves and high-vis jackets, and how the group now has around 220 volunteers.
He also talks about how TUBS chooses the worst-affected parts of town, supports local events such as Bish Bash and Forces Day, and lends equipment to schools, Scouts, Cubs, Beavers and Guides. Ian also explains how families, businesses and local groups can get involved, including short-term equipment loans for anyone who wants to clear up a specific part of Bishop’s Stortford.
Links
Tidy Up Bishop’s Stortford:
https://tubs12.info/
Volunteer
TUBS runs regular litter picks around Bishop’s Stortford.
Next planned pick:
Second Saturday in September
Bishop’s Park area
Meet at Tesco
Short-term equipment loans are also available for families or local groups who want to clear a specific area.
100th Pick
TUBS expects to reach its 100th litter pick in 2027.
Ian would like to hear from any local sponsor interested in supporting that milestone.
Stortford Spotlight
Billboard in Jackson Square
“You drop the litter, we pick it up.”
Ian chose this as a direct message to anyone currently dropping litter around Bishop’s Stortford.
Secret Spot
Bailey Hills at Wickham Hall https://baileyhills.co.uk/
Ian chose the vineyard at Wickham Hall for its lovely setting, food and wine tasting.
Local Legends
Jim Tatchell and Helping Herts https://www.helpingherts.com/
Ian gave a shout out to Jim Tatchell from Helping Herts for raising money to support young people across Hertfordshire.
VolMatch https://volmatch.org/
Ian also mentioned VolMatch, the volunteering website helping connect people with local opportunities.
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Support here:
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